06 Nov 2021: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

Nov 6th, 2021, CNA:- Download PDF Here

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
HEALTH
1. T.N. focuses on second dose coverage
POLITY AND GOVERNANCE
1. Case delay: Madras HC apologises to SC
2. U.S. jabs still out of reach in India due to indemnity issue
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Ethiopia rebels ‘join forces’ against govt.
C. GS 3 Related
ECONOMY
1. Duty cuts, stock limits helped curtail edible oil prices: Govt.
SECURITY ISSUES
1. Goa Maritime Conclave to discuss security challenges
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
GOVERNANCE
1. The cost of prohibition
ENVIRONMENT
1. The right time for India to have its own climate law
ECONOMY
1. Charting a trade route after the MC12
F. Prelims Facts
1. CM gives away welfare aid to members of Irula, Narikurava communities
G. Tidbits
1. Getting community certificate to be made easy
2. City’s air quality worsens
3. Act now on climate, youth tell leaders
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

Category: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Case delay: Madras HC apologises to SC

Context:

The Madras High Court has apologised to the Supreme Court for taking six years to dispose of a writ petition filed by an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer.

Details:

  • An Indian Police Service (IPS) officer was accused of extorting ₹3 crore from a woman involved in an economic offence.
  • The Supreme Court had placed a high level of trust in the High Court in 2015, expecting it to resolve the case as soon as possible.
  • The matter was heard in full after more than six years since the Supreme Court had directed the High Court to take a relook into the matter.
  • While the trial in the economic offence case had begun, the extortion case was put on hold due to Supreme Court directives.
Also read: Judicial Delays

2. U.S. jabs still out of reach in India due to indemnity issue

Context:

The indemnity issues are still holding up the import of all American vaccines to India, including Pfizer, Johnson and Johnson (J&J) and Moderna.

Details:

  • The Central Government announced six months ago that it would fast-track clearances for foreign COVID-19 vaccines to India.
  • The government aims to facilitate quicker access and encourage imports.
  • However, officials noted that the indemnity clause could imply that India will only make the vaccines for export and not for domestic use.
  • Companies in the United States are required to include an indemnity clause in their vaccine contracts in order to avoid legal liability.

Read more on this issue covered in  June 5th, 2021 CNA.

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Ethiopia rebels ‘join forces’ against govt.

Context:

Nine rebel groups battling Ethiopia’s government joined forces as fears grew of Tigrayan fighters advancing on the capital.

Details:

  • The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) said that its fighters had reached the town of Kemissie in the Amhara region.
  • It was predicted Addis Ababa could fall in a matter of weeks.
  • The nine rebel groups decided to form a united front to reverse the harmful effects of the Abiy Ahmed rule on the people of Ethiopia.

Read more on the conflict between the Ethiopian government and Tigray rebels, covered in 17th November 2020 Comprehensive News Analysis.

State of emergency in ethiopia

Source: The Hindu

Category: SECURITY ISSUES

1. Goa Maritime Conclave to discuss security challenges

Context:

The biennial Goa Maritime Conclave under the aegis of the Naval War College, Goa is scheduled to be held on November 7 and 9.

Details:

  • The Indian Navy’s outreach initiative is the Goa Maritime Conclave.
  • It focuses on providing a multinational platform for maritime security practitioners and academics in order to generate outcome-oriented maritime.
  • Theme: 
    • The theme of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) is “Maritime security and emerging non-traditional threats: a case for a proactive role for IOR Navies”.
  • Aims and Objectives: 
    • The GMC aims to deliberate on the collaborative implementation strategies in dealing with contemporary maritime security challenges.
  • Significance of the Conclave: 
    • At the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC), the security chiefs will deliberate on the significance of interoperability to effectively deal with emerging and future maritime security challenges in the region.
    • There would also be extensive deliberations in the domains of hydrography and maritime information sharing.

Category: ENVIRONMENT

1. The right time for India to have its own climate law

Context

The Indian proposals

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented his five-point agenda to counter global warming and climate change. He termed it as ‘Panchamrit’.

  • India will reach its non-fossil energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030;
  • It will meet 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable energy by 2030;
  • It will reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes from now onwards till 2030;
  • It will reduce the carbon intensity of its economy by less than 45 per cent; and
  • Finally, it will achieve the target of net-zero by 2070.

He further said, “There is a need for all of us to come together, together with collective participation, to take Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) forward as a campaign.”

Current laws and gaps in environment protection

Existing laws

Issue Area

  • Climate change is not just about Air and Water.
  • Absence of laws that cover the impacts of a cyclone.
  • How do we tackle environmental violations?
    • The Environment (Protection) Act is grossly inadequate to deal with violations on climate.
      • Clause 24 of the Act, “Effect of Other Laws”, states that if an offence is committed under the EPA or any other law, the person will be punished under the other law (for example, Code of Criminal Procedure). This makes the EPA subordinate to every other law.
Examples
  1. Coal Wagons

Coal Wagons

  • It is important for thermal power plants to transport coal by covering them with tarpaulin to curb pollution.

Coal wagons covered with tarpaulins

  • However, there was a recent case in the National Green Tribunal, where it was revealed that the National Thermal Power Corporation did not even cover coal wagons with tarpaulin on railways, despite notifications from the Environment Ministry and Supreme Court orders.
  1. Ban on plastic bags in Delhi
  • The ban on plastic bags in Delhi is a failure because plastic bag substitutes were never really pushed.
  • A plastic bag ban to succeed in one State requires a similar commitment from neighbouring States.
  • Recommendation
    • We need a nation-wide intervention
    • We should encourage innovation and better implementation

Way forward

Emphasis on nature-based climate action.

  • There is a need to integrate climate action — adaptation and mitigation — and monitor progress.
  • Comprehensive climate action is not just technological (such as changing energy sources or carbon intensity), but also nature-based (such as emphasising restoration of ecosystems, reducing natural hazards and increasing carbon sinks.)

Climate action should not be detrimental to other species.

  • The 500 Gigawatt by 2030 goal for renewable, solar or wind power for example (of installed power capacity from non-fossil sources), can put critically endangered grassland and desert birds such as the Great Indian Bustard at risk, as they die on collision with wires in the desert.

Create a commission

  • An institution that monitors action plans for climate change should be created.
  • A ‘Commission on Climate Change’ could be set up, with the power and the authority to issue directions, and oversee implementation of plans and programmes on climate.
    • To ensure its directions are followed in spirit, it should be given quasi-judicial powers.
    • Further assistance can be given provided by the technical committee which can advise the commission in the discharge of its functions as well as guide various private and public agencies in meeting their climate-related obligations.

Need for accountability

  • We need a legally enforceable National Climate Change Plan that goes beyond just policy guidelines.
  • A system has to be put in place which monitors short-, medium- and long-term targets.

Conclusion

  • Therefore, there is an urgent moral imperative to tackle climate change and reduce its worst impacts.

Category: ECONOMY

1. Charting a trade route after the MC12

Reference:

UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis of 7th Oct 2021

F. Prelims Facts

1. CM gives away welfare aid to members of Irula, Narikurava communities

Context:

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin distributed house pattas and other welfare aid to members of the Irular and Narikurava communities.

Details:

Irular

  • Irula is found in the southwest states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • The Irula are a Dravidian ethnic group who live in the Nilgiri Mountains in the Indian states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
  • Individuals of the Irula ethnicity are known as Irular and speak Irula, a Dravidian language.

Narikurava

  • The Narikuravar are a semi-nomadic tribe from Northern India who moved south to Tamil Nadu.
  • Many Roma groups in Europe share religious, cultural, and political features with them.

G. Tidbits

1. Getting community certificate to be made easy

  • The Tribal Welfare Department will expedite the issuance of community credentials to tribal community applicants.
  • The delay is often caused due to various verifications. If either of the parents of the applicant has the community certificate, the processing is easy.
  • It takes time to process the certificate when both parents do not have the document. The Department will still expedite the processing and issuing of certificates.

2. City’s air quality worsens

  • As India celebrated Deepavali, the air quality deteriorated dramatically, with most monitoring stations reporting AQI readings of 300 or higher.
  • A study of the geographic distribution of air pollutants, as well as climatic circumstances, is crucial when bursting crackers in tonnes and during restricted hours.
  • Every year, during Deepavali and Bhogi, the various boards appear to become aware of the pollution problem.
  • We should preserve the festival’s enjoyment while also ensuring that future generations can enjoy it in the same manner.

3. Act now on climate, youth tell leaders

  • Thousands of young people marched through the streets of Glasgow to protest against a lack of climate action at the COP26 summit.
  • Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg branded the UN summit a “failure”.

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q.1 Consider the following statements with regards to the tea garden community of Assam:
  1. They are found mainly in those districts of Upper Assam and Northern Brahmaputra belt where there is high concentration of tea gardens.
  2. The Government of Assam has a full-fledged “Tea-tribes welfare department” for looking after the socio-economic welfare of the community.
  3. Tribals among the community have been fighting for decades to receive Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which is being denied to them in Assam although in other states of India their counterparts fully enjoy that status.

Choose the correct ones from the given codes:

  1. 1 & 2 only
  2. 2 & 3 only
  3. 1 & 3 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: d

Explanation: 

  • In Assam, the tea-garden community is a group of multi-ethnic communities of tea garden workers. This community is officially referred to as “Tea-tribes”.
  • They are mostly found in Upper Assam and the Northern Brahmaputra belt districts with a large concentration of tea gardens, such as Kokrajhar, Udalguri, Sonitpur, Nagaon, Golaghat, Jorhat, Sivasagar, Charaideo, Dibrugarh, and Tinsukia. Hence Statement 1 is correct. 
  • The Assam government addresses the socio-economic well-being of the Tea-Tribes through a full-fledged “Tea-tribes welfare department”, “Adivasi Development Councils” and “Tea & ex-Tea garden tribes Development Councils.” Hence Statement 2 is correct. 
  • Tea-tribes have been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, which is being denied to them in Assam. However, in many other states of India Tea-tribes and their counterparts fully enjoy the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. Hence Statement 3 is correct.
Q.2 As per the 2015 JCPOA deal between Iran and P5+1 nations, Iran was not meant to enrich 
Uranium above ______, while enriched Uranium above _____  can be used for nuclear weapons. 
  1. 5.83%, 90%
  2. 3.67%, 80%
  3. 3.67%, 90%
  4. 5.83%, 80%
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

  • Recently, Iran’s atomic agency disclosed that its stockpile of 20% enriched uranium has reached over 210 kilograms.
  • The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA is a nuclear deal between Iran and the World Powers.
  • According to the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran was not meant to enrich uranium above 3.67%. Enriched uranium above 90% can be used for nuclear weapons.
  • This deal promises Iran economic incentives in exchange for limits on its nuclear programme, and is meant to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.
Q.3 Consider the following statements with regards to the Air Quality Index:
  1. It measures a total of 10 major air pollutants.
  2. AQI reading from 401-500 is considered as ‘severe’.
  3. PM 2.5 refers to the concentration of microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in radius.

Which of these statements are incorrect?

  1. 1 & 2 only
  2. 2 & 3 only
  3. 1 & 3 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: 

  • Air Quality is measured using a metric called Air Quality Index (AQI). AQI keeps a tab on 8 major air pollutants in the atmosphere. Hence Statement 1 is incorrect. 
  • The 8 major air pollutants measured by AQI are:
    1. Particulate Matter (PM10)
    2. Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
    3. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2)
    4. Sulphur Dioxide (SO2)
    5. Carbon Monoxide (CO)
    6. Ozone (O3)
    7. Ammonia (NH3)
    8. Lead (Pb)
  • An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered “good”, 51 and 100 “satisfactory”, 101 and 200 “moderate”, 201 and 300 “poor”, 301 and 400 “very poor”, and 401 and 500 “severe”. Hence Statement 2 is correct.
  • PM 2.5 refers to the concentration of microscopic particles less than 2.5 microns in diameter (NOT Radius). Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.
Q.4 Which of the following is the theme for Goa Maritime Conclave 2021?
  1. Maritime Security and Emerging non-traditional threats: A case for proactive role for IOR Navies
  2. Common Maritime Priorities in IOR and need for Regional Maritime Strategy
  3. Addressing Regional Maritime Challenges
  4. None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

  • The Indian Navy’s outreach initiative is the Goa Maritime Conclave. It focuses on providing a multinational platform for maritime security practitioners and academics in order to generate outcome-oriented maritime.
  • The theme of the Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC) is “Maritime security and emerging non-traditional threats: a case for a proactive role for IOR Navies”.
Q.5 Consider the following statements with regards to the practice of Stubble Burning: 
  1. It is notified as an offence under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981.
  2. In Punjab and Haryana, farmers burn the stubble (rice chaff) left after the rice harvest so that the field may be readied for the next Kharif (winter) crop like wheat.
  3. Madhya Pradesh government has set up an innovative experiment, called gauthans, to solve this problem.

Choose the correct code:

  1. 1 only 
  2. 1 & 3 only
  3. 2 only
  4. All of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

  • Stubble burning is the intentional burning or setting on fire of crop residue to remove them from the field in order to sow the next crop. It is notified as an offence under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. Hence Statement 1 is correct.
  • The farmers in Punjab and Haryana burn the stubble left after the rice harvest so that the field may be readied for the next Rabi (NOT Kharif) crop like wheat. Hence Statement 2 is incorrect.
  • The “gauthans” have been initiated by the Chhattisgarh government in many villages to solve the problem of Stubble burning. In gauthans, farmers bring their stubble to a ‘gauthan’ where it is mixed with cow dung and enzymes to obtain organic fertilizer. Hence Statement 3 is incorrect.
Q.6 Consider the following statements: 
  1. Asiatic lion is naturally found in India only. 
  2. Double-humped camel is naturally found in India only. 
  3. One-horned rhinoceros is naturally found in India only. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

  1. 1 only 
  2. 2 only 
  3. 1 and 3 only 
  4. 1, 2 and 3 
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: 

  • Nearly all wild lions live in sub-Saharan Africa, but one small population of Asiatic lions exists in India’s Gir Forest. Asiatic lions and African lions are subspecies of the same species. Hence, Statement 1 is correct. 
  • The Bactrian camel is a large, even-toed ungulate native to the steppes of Central Asia. The Bactrian camel has two humps on its back, in contrast to the single-humped dromedary camel. Its population of two million exists mainly in the domesticated form. A small number of feral Bactrian camels still roam in Kazakhstan and the Nubra Valley in India. Hence, Statement 2 is not correct.
  • The greater one-horned rhino lives in northern India and southern Nepal, in riverine (floodplain) grasslands and adjacent woodland. Hence, Statement 3 is not correct.

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

  1. Examine the opportunities available at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) for charting the future course of global trade. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-3, Economy]
  2. India’s existing laws are inadequate in dealing with climate change. Critically evaluate. (250 words; 15 marks)[GS-3, Environment & Ecology]

Read the previous CNA here.

Nov 6th, 2021, CNA:- Download PDF Here

IAS General Studies Notes Links
Home Rule Movement White Revolution
Eia Full Form Harijan Sevak Sangh
Central Information Commission Nsqf
Tiger Reserves In India Comptroller & Auditor General (Cag)
Kathak Dance Supreme Court Of India

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