19 Nov 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

19 Nov 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Quad, CECA on top of agenda for India-Australia 2+2 dialogue
2. Why are people fleeing Myanmar for Mizoram?
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Shrinking mudflat ecosystem of Kerala’s Kadalundi keeps shorebirds away
2. Perumal Murugan wins JCB Prize for Literature, to get ₹25 lakh cash prize
3. U.S. data underscore benefits of chickenpox vaccination
4. Why has the China-Pakistan corridor stalled?
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
FIP Magazine

F. Prelims Facts

1. Shrinking mudflat ecosystem of Kerala’s Kadalundi keeps shorebirds away

Context: Kadalundi, a village on the southwest coast of Kerala, is facing a critical ecological challenge as its mudflat ecosystem, once spanning 8 hectares, has drastically shrunk to 1 hectare, with ongoing sand coverage.

Issues

  • Shrinking Mudflat Ecosystem:
      • In the early 2000s, Kadalundi had 8 hectares of nutrient-rich mudflats, crucial for hosting migratory shorebirds.
      • Current status: Only 1 hectare remains, and it is gradually being covered with sand.
  • Impact on Shorebirds:
      • Migrant shorebirds from colder climates, including Siberia, Ladakh, Mongolia, and Scotland, depend on the mudflats for prey like polychaetes and crustaceans.
      • The reduction in mudflats threatens the availability of prey, impacting the birds’ migratory patterns.
  • Government Response:
    • Researchers, including T.R. Athira, C.T. Shifa, and K. Jishnu, have sought government intervention through memorandums to protect and restore the mudflat ecosystem.
    • The response from the government has been passive, posing a significant challenge to the conservation efforts.

Solutions

  • Need for Protection and Restoration:
      • Urgent measures are required to protect and restore the mudflat ecosystem in Kadalundi to maintain its ecological balance and global significance.
      • Government initiatives should focus on creating awareness and actively implementing conservation strategies.
  • Balancing Ecotourism and Conservation:
    • While efforts to promote ecotourism in the Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve (KVCR) are commendable, they should be balanced with the conservation of the mudflat ecosystem.
    • Sustainable practices in ecotourism can coexist with the preservation of critical habitats.
About Kadalundi:

  • References in documents of the Sangam era – known as Thondi (headquarters of the Chera dynasty).
  • Major port that had trade relationships with the Arabs and Romans. By the 12th century, came under the authority of the local rulers of Parappanad Kovilakam. The Parappanad ruler allowed the Dutch to build the Chaliyath Fort here, which was later demolished by the Zamorin. At a later period, the area came under British rule.
  • Kadalundi bird sanctuary – River Kadalundi flows into the Arabian Sea – Home to hundreds of birds which include about 60 species of migratory birds. The mangrove forests are a natural habitat for otters and jackals.

About Mudflats:

  • Flat expanses of muddy or sandy sediment that are exposed during low tide and covered during high tide.
  • Characterized by soft, muddy substrates, and they support a unique ecosystem adapted to the fluctuating conditions of tidal activity.
  • The Wadden Sea, located along the coasts of the Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, is one of the largest and most wellknown mudflat areas in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is characterized by extensive mudflats and tidal marshes.

2. Perumal Murugan wins JCB Prize for Literature, to get ₹25 lakh cash prize

Context: Tamil writer Perumal Murugan has been awarded the prestigious JCB Prize for Literature for his novel “Fire Bird,” an English translation of his Tamil work, “Aalanda Patchi.” Translated by Janani Kannan and published by Penguin, the novel explores the theme of forced migration experienced by an agrarian family six decades ago.

Details:

  • Forced Migration and Family Tragedy:
      • “Aalanda Patchi” delves into the poignant narrative of an agrarian family’s forced migration, highlighting the tragedy of alienation from one’s homeland, family, and ancestral land.
      • The protagonist, Muthu, faces upheaval as his father divides the family land, causing irreparable damage to familial bonds.
  • Emotional Connection to Displacement:
    • Perumal Murugan emphasizes that the novel is not solely a reflection of his family’s history but aims to emotionally connect with every displaced individual, regardless of scale.
    • The narrative offers insights into agrarian life, historical challenges, and the intricacies of feudal family relationships.
JCB Prize

  • Annual award to a book-length work of fiction in English or translation.
  • Established in 2018.
  • Carries Rs 25 lakh to the author and an additional Rs 10 lakh to the translator.
  • India’s most valuable literature prize
  • Aims to celebrate Indian writing, and to help readers across the world discover the very best of contemporary Indian literature.

3. U.S. data underscore benefits of chickenpox vaccination

Context: The recent recommendation by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in the U.K. to include chickenpox (varicella) vaccination in the routine childhood immunisation program underscores the potential benefits of this preventive measure. 

Issues

  • Chickenpox Complications:
      • While chickenpox in children is often mild, it can lead to complications, including bacterial infections and, in rare cases, encephalitis, lung inflammation, and death.
      • Chickenpox virus stays dormant and can cause shingles in adults, posing additional health risks.
  • Historical Concerns about Shingles Increase:
      • The assumption that vaccination of children against chickenpox would increase shingles cases in adults delayed routine administration of the vaccine in the U.K.
      • The fear was based on the theory that exposure to the virus through infected children boosts immunity in adults, preventing shingles.
  • Contradictory Evidence:
    • Contrary to assumptions, studies show that varicella vaccination did not increase shingles incidence in adults.
    • A 2022 paper based on 25 years of U.S. data demonstrates a sharp drop in chickenpox and shingles in children, with no significant increase in adult shingles cases.

Significance

  • U.S. Success Story:
      • Since its introduction in 1996, the chickenpox vaccine in the U.S. has prevented over 91 million cases, 2,38,000 hospitalisations, and almost 2,000 deaths.
      • The success challenges previous concerns and supports the benefits of widespread vaccination.
  • JCVI Recommendation for U.K.:
    • JCVI’s recent recommendation in the U.K. acknowledges the extensive evidence supporting the chickenpox vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.
    • The decision is a critical step toward preventing severe cases, hospitalisations, and associated healthcare costs.
About Chickenpox (Known as varicella)

  • Generally mild in children, some may experience complications, including bacterial infections. In rare cases, it can lead to encephalitis, lung inflammation, stroke, and even, albeit rarely, fatalities.
  • Communicable, Highly contagious infectious disease, viral disease characterized by itchy red blisters that appear all over the body.
  • Dreadful disease was introduced in the mid-1990 and more often affects children.
  • Caused by the varicella-zoster virus – spreads in a similar way to cold and other flu. The incubation period is 10 to 21 days.
  • Virus remains dormant in the body, often in nerve cells 

Shingles (herpes zoster)

  • Viral infection that causes an outbreak of a painful rash or blisters on the skin.
  • Caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which is the same virus that causes chickenpox.
  • Shingles is a reactivation of virus that remains dormant in the body after a previous chickenpox infection.
  • The virus reactivates later in life, often when the immune system is weakened due to factors such as aging, stress, or illness.
  • Virus can be transmitted to individuals who have not had chickenpox or been vaccinated, leading to chickenpox, not shingles.

4. Why has the China-Pakistan corridor stalled?

Context: The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the One Belt, One Road initiative, has encountered significant challenges, leading to an impasse in its development. The recent visit of Pakistan’s caretaker Prime Minister to Beijing aimed at securing funds and resolving disagreements highlights the complex issues hindering the progress of CPEC.

Background

  • CPEC Launch and Funding
      • Launched in 2015 during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Pakistan.
      • Over 50 projects worth $45 billion signed, with the Silk Road Fund managing investments till 2030.
    • Main project: Establishing a corridor from Gwadar port in Balochistan, Pakistan, to China’s Kashgar in Xinjiang.
  • Initial Troubles (2016)
    • Teething troubles included funding confusion, contractor selection, bidding delays, tax exemption disputes, and obtaining no-objection certificates.
    • Gwadar port faced issues with water supply and uncertainty about project funding.

Issues

  • Financing and Economic Burden
      • Projects financed by commercial Chinese loans and insured by Sinosure, placing a significant economic burden on Pakistan.
      • Sinosure imposes a 7% debt servicing fee and varying yearly interest and financing fees.
  • Local Opposition in Balochistan
      • Locals in Balochistan protest against the Gwadar port city project, fearing loss of livelihoods and opposing the use of unskilled Chinese labor.
    • Resistance to selling land to Chinese, leading to anti-China sentiments.
      • Gwadar port leased to China Overseas Ports Holding Company, with Beijing gaining 91% of profits.
  • Insurgency and Security Concerns
      • Forced land grabbing by the Pakistani government has fueled insurgency in Balochistan.
      • Militant groups carry out attacks on Pakistani Army officials protecting Chinese workers.
  • China’s Suspicions and Actions
    • China halts funding for three road projects over corruption suspicions.
    • Complications arise over the use of Yuan as legal tender in the region.
    • China refuses to expand cooperation in energy, water management, and climate change under CPEC in 2022.
CPEC

  • 3,000 kilometers.
  • Establishes a network of infrastructure projects connecting China’s northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to the Gwadar Port in Balochistan, Pakistan’s western province.
  • Aim – Enhance connectivity within Pakistan through the development of highways, railways, pipelines, as well as energy, industrial, and other infrastructure projects.
  • The project facilitates China’s access to the Middle East and Africa via the Gwadar Port, thereby providing a route to the Indian Ocean.
  • In reciprocation, China supports Pakistan’s development initiatives, addressing its energy crises and stabilizing the economy.
  • Operates within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) BRI project has 3 major undertakings- China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (CMEC), Nepal-China Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network (including Nepal-China cross-border railway) and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

Impact Upon India

  • India’s Assertion of Sovereignty: Trajectory through the Pakistan Occupied Kashmir territory of Gilgit-Baltistan. Success of CPEC could lead to the development and foreign investment in the well-connected Gilgit-Baltistan, further solidifying the region’s international recognition as Pakistani territory. This development poses a challenge to India’s claim over the 73,000 square kilometers of land.
  • Enhances China’s influence in the region and strengthens its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean.
  • The increased Chinese presence in the region, including the development of infrastructure and the potential establishment of military facilities, raises security concerns for India. It alters the strategic balance and poses challenges to India’s national security interests.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions

Q1. The Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu community reserve recently seen in news is located in:
  1. Kerala
  2. Tamil Nadu
  3. Telangana
  4. Andhra Pradesh
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Kadalundi is a coastal village in Kozhikode district, Kerala. is famous for its bird sanctuary. The Kadalundi-Vallikkunnu community reserve is the first community reserve in Kerala.

Q2.  Which of the following statements is/are incorrect with respect to JCB Prize for 
Literature?
  1.  It is an Indian literary award
  2. It is awarded to a distinguished work of fiction by an Indian writer, written in the languages mentioned in the 8th schedule of the constitution.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: JCB Prize for Literature is awarded annually with ₹2,500,000 prize to a distinguished work of fiction by an Indian writer working in English or translated fiction by an Indian writer. 

Q3. Consider the following countries:
  1. Shingles
  2. Chickenpox
  3. Ebola
  4. Measles

Varicella-zoster virus is responsible for causing how many of the above mentioned infections?

  1. Only one  
  2. Only two  
  3. Only three  
  4. all four
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: b

Explanation: Shingle is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Shingles are caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Q4. Exercise Pitch Black’ is hosted by:
  1. India
  2. China
  3. Australia
  4. United States of America
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: c

Explanation: Exercise Pitch Black is a biennial warfare exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Q5. Which of these countries are a part of the ‘Golden Triangle’ - 
the name given to one of Asia's principal areas of illicit opium production?
  1. Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos
  2. Myanmar, Bangladesh and Bhutan
  3. Thailand, Laos and Cambodia
  4. Brunei, Malaysia and Singapore
CHECK ANSWERS:-

Answer: a

Explanation: Its geographical limits are the area in which the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos meet at the confluence of the Ruak and the Mekong Rivers.

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