08 October 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Israel ‘at war’ as Hamas attack leaves 200 dead C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT 1. How plastics affect our daily life D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. ITBP on alert, conducting patrols along China border: Home Ministry 2. Territorial Army inducts five Chinese language interpreters for border talks 3. Ganga-Ghagra basin canals pose a threat to dolphins: study 4. Now a more efficacious, inexpensive malaria vaccine 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: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Israel ‘at war’ as Hamas attack leaves 200 dead
Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.
Mains: Israel with war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Context: Israel has declared a state of war against the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Operation Iron Sword. According to Hamas, attacks are driven by Israel’s escalated attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and against Palestinians in Israeli prisons.
The History of the Conflict:
- After the defeat of the Ottoman Empire in World War 1, the British got the custody of Palestine (Arab majority, Jewish minority).
- 1920s and 1940s, Jews fled from Europe to Palestine; and later demanded a motherland in the region.
- 1947: UN voting to divide Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states (Jerusalem to be under international administration). Not Implemented.
- 1948: British authorities withdrew; Jewish leaders declared the founding of Israel (USA recognition the same day)
- Multiple wars:
- 1956: Raid of Suez canal as Egypt nationalized it and didn’t allow movement of Israeli Ships
- 1967: Six-day War.
- 1973: Yom Kippur war
Source: Research Gate
Why has Hamas attacked now?
Source: New York Times
- Deepening Occupation:
- Palestine-Israel relations have deteriorated, marked by frequent military raids in the occupied West Bank.
- High casualties on both sides in 2023, escalating tensions.
- The raid on Jerusalem’s Al Aqsa Mosque compound triggered rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes.
- Lack of a peace process, pervasive violence, and growing anger among Palestinians against Israeli occupiers and the Palestinian Authority.
- Hamas leveraged public anger against occupation to emerge as the leading pole of the Palestinian cause.
- Divisions in Israel:
- Israel’s right-wing government seeks to overhaul power structures to concentrate power in the elected government.
- Controversial legislative agenda to curtail judicial powers sparked massive protests and military reservists’ involvement.
- Perception of internal weakness in Israel could have emboldened Hamas to launch a major attack.
- Geopolitical Angle:
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- The attack coincided with advanced normalisation talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman indicated progress in these talks.
- A potential Saudi-Israel normalisation deal could shift West Asian geopolitics, disadvantage Hamas.
- Iran and Hezbollah, Hamas supporters, welcomed the attack, complicating the prospects for Saudi-Israel normalisation.
- As Gaza faces Israeli retaliation, immediate normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel becomes more complex.
Read more on Israel Palestine Conflict History Explained.
Significance:
- Understanding the motives behind Hamas’ attack is crucial for assessing the evolving situation in the Middle East.
- The attack underscores the complex interplay of regional dynamics, internal politics, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Solutions:
- Promoting diplomatic efforts to resume peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
- Encouraging international mediation to address the root causes of the conflict.
- Monitoring and addressing regional geopolitical developments that impact the stability of the region.
India’s stance
- India stands in solidarity with Israel, in this difficult time.
- Explicitly stating that these are terrorist attacks.
- De-hyphenation: Support the cause of Palestine and the oppressed Palestinians, but we do support a peaceful process to resolve the differences.
Nut Graf: Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel was driven by a combination of factors, including the deteriorating Palestinian-Israeli relations, internal divisions in Israel, and the geopolitical context of ongoing normalisation talks between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Understanding these factors is essential for navigating the complex dynamics of the Middle East and working towards a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
C. GS 3 Related
1. How plastics affect our daily life
Syllabus: Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Impact of plastic pollution on our daily life.
Context: The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) points out that every day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes.
- Plastics have become an integral part of modern life, transforming the way we consume and interact with products.
Where it all started and how is it going?
- The Age of Plastics:
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- Plastics revolutionized daily life, with their origins dating back to 1907 when Bakelite was synthesized.
- Early plastic products, such as cameras, telephones, and radios, became icons of the 20th century.
- Today, plastics are ubiquitous, found in water bottles, cutlery, bags, electronics, and even space missions like Chandrayaan.
The Downside of Plastics:
- Environmental Impact:
- Massive plastic pollution in oceans, rivers, and lakes, equivalent to 2,000 garbage trucks daily.
- 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leak into aquatic ecosystems yearly, harming ecosystems and livelihoods.
- Plastics hinder ecosystem adaptation to climate change.
- Economic Costs:
- Limited recycling and improper disposal lead to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Plastics’ impact on global temperatures costs over 300 billion dollars annually.
- Microplastics:
- Majority marine plastic converts into them over time.
- Difficult to track and study.
- Can easily enter the food chain.
- Have high affinity towards other intoxicants.
- IUCN Reports:
- 14 million plastic waste enters oceans annually, mainly from land-based sources.
- Plastic waste forms 80% of marine debris
Source: Nat Geo
Citizen Responsibilities:
- Reuse Plastics:
- Avoid discarding plastic bottles and bags after single use, promoting reuse.
- Follow the example of our grandparents in reducing waste.
- Embrace Alternatives:
- Shift towards glass and steel products for daily use.
- Reduce reliance on single-use plastics like straws and cutlery.
- Promote Recycling:
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- Support recycling efforts and facilities.
- Explore alternative methods like thermal and catalytic degradation to recycle plastic waste into fuels.
Source: Nat Geo
Significance:
- Understanding the implications of plastic use is crucial in addressing the environmental, economic, and health challenges posed by plastics.
- Promoting responsible consumption and sustainable alternatives can mitigate the negative effects of plastics on our lives.
Solutions:
- Develop and implement stricter legislation on plastic production, use, and disposal.
- Promote awareness campaigns to educate citizens about responsible plastic usage.
- Invest in research and innovation for sustainable packaging materials and recycling technologies.
Nut Graf: Plastics have revolutionized our daily lives but come with significant environmental and economic costs. To mitigate these challenges, individuals and societies must adopt responsible consumption habits, embrace alternatives to single-use plastics, and support recycling initiatives. Balancing the convenience of plastics with sustainability is essential for a healthier planet and future generations.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Nothing here for today!!!
F. Prelims Facts
1. ITBP on alert, conducting patrols along China border: Home Ministry
Context: The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has been maintaining heightened vigilance and conducting regular patrols along the China border, as revealed in the 2022-23 annual report of the Union Home Ministry.
ITBP’s activities:
- Increased Patrolling by ITBP:
- The ITBP conducted 2,899 patrols along the China border from April to December in 2022.
- The patrols were aimed at ensuring the security of the border and maintaining strict vigilance.
- Heightened Security Scenario:
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- The number of patrols, averaging around 300 per month, has increased since the border tensions with China began in 2020.
- In June 2020, a violent clash between Indian soldiers and the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers.
Issues:
- Unpatrolled Patrolling Points:
- There are 65 patrolling points in eastern Ladakh, with 26 of them remaining unpatrolled by Indian troops since April-May 2020.
- Several rounds of talks have been held between India and China to resolve the border issue, but challenges persist.
- Some previously patrolled areas have been designated as “buffer zones,” with neither side sending troops.
- Patrolling points are crucial for asserting territorial claims along the undefined Line of Actual Control (LAC).
- Lack of Mutually Agreed Border:
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- The absence of a mutually agreed border on certain stretches of the LAC complicates the situation.
- Face-offs with the Chinese PLA have occurred due to interruptions in patrols and an undefined LAC.
- Indo-Tibetan Border Police force
- Raised in 1962 after the Indo-China War.
- A Central Armed Police Force under the ITBPF(Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force) Act, 1992 (Earlier under the CRPF Act)
- Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
- Specialized Mountain force (most of the members are trained mountaineers.)
- Deployed along the Indo-China border.
ITBP’s Role:
- ITBP mans 180 border outposts along the 3,488-km border with China in the western, middle, and eastern Himalayas.
- It conducts short- and long-range patrols, special missions, and joint patrols to secure unmanned gaps along the China border.
- Long-range patrols can last up to 30 days, depending on operational requirements and weather conditions.
2. Territorial Army inducts five Chinese language interpreters for border talks
Context: The Territorial Army (TA) has inducted five Chinese language interpreters in August to assist the Army at the Border Personnel Meetings (BPM) with China, defence sources said. Also, there are plans for the recruitment of cyber experts.
About Territorial Army:
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- Part-time, voluntary, and citizen’s military reserve force.
- Under the Territorial Army Act 1948.
- Integral part of the Indian Army and provides an opportunity for civilians to serve the nation and support the regular army in times of need.
- Currently has 60 units, of which 14 are deployed in counter-insurgency duties in support of the Army and two units are on the Andaman and Nicobar islands.
- It has departmental TA battalions funded by the Ministries of Environment and Forests, Jal Shakti, Railways and Petroleum.
- Two new ecological battalions are set to be raised in Maharashtra later this month on the request of the State government.
- Recent Contributions:
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- Deployed to support the Army in eastern Ladakh as part of Operation Snow Leopard at the peak of the stand-off with China in 2020
- In May, as the crisis unfolded in Manipur, the TA oil units stepped in and took control of oil installations that were not operational and augmented manpower in order to ensure supplies of essential petroleum and oil products and refuelling of aircraft.
3. Ganga-Ghagra basin canals pose a threat to dolphins: study
Context: A recent publication by scientists and researchers has revealed that 19 Gangetic river dolphins had been rescued from the irrigation canals of the Ganga-Ghagra basin in Uttar Pradesh between 2013 and 2020.
About Gangetic Dolphins:
Source: The hindu
- Gangetic dolphins getting stuck in the Ganga-Ghaghra Canal system.
- 24 rescue operations between 2013-2020 (19 saved; 5 casualties)
- Dams, barrages, and canals affecting their habitats:
- Habitat fragmentation.
- Larger animals and pregnant females look for an easier prey base in the canal system.
- Risk of injury or death in canals (receding water, heat stroke, human interventions).
- Enter canal systems mostly post-monsoons when water is released in them.
- National Aquatic Animal; State aquatic animal for UP.
- Belong to Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Also covered under Appendix 1 of both CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) and CMS (Convention on Migratory Species)
- IUCN Status: Endangered
4. Now a more efficacious, inexpensive malaria vaccine
Context: A malaria vaccine R21/MatrixM developed by the University of Oxford, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India and tested in a phase-3 trial at five sites in four countries Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Tanzania in Africa was recommended (but yet to be prequalified) by the WHO on October 2.
Source: the hindu
About R21/MatrixM:
- Tested at 5 sites in 4 countries: Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, and Tanzania
- Three countries Nigeria, Ghana, and Burkina Faso have already approved the use of the vaccine to immunise children aged less than 36 months.
- The efficacy of R21/MatrixM is much higher than the first malaria vaccine RTS,S/AS01 (Mosquirix; developed by GSK and Walter Reed Army Institute of Research of USA) that has been recommended by the WHO in 2021
- Besides substantially reducing the number of clinical malaria cases, at 12 and 18 months, there was “significantly reduced” parasite load in children who received the vaccine (R21/Matrix-M).
- Cost: $2-$4 per dose (Production: by SII; 100 mn/year)
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements, with reference to malaria:
- It is an acute febrile illness caused by Plasmodium parasites.
- Malaria is contagious and can spread from one person to another.
- It is transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Malaria is not contagious and cannot spread from one person to another.
Q2. With reference to the Indian Territorial Army, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- It is an auxiliary military organization of the Indian Army.
- Territorial Army units give protection to border infrastructure projects in sensitive areas.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: Both statements are correct
Q3. With reference to the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- It is a Central Armed Police Force deployed along the Indo-China border.
- It functions under the Ministry of Defence.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect. ITBP functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Q4. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Ganges river dolphin:
- Ganges river dolphins can live in both freshwater and saltwater.
- Ganges river dolphins use ultrasonic sounds for hunting.
- The conservation status of Ganges river dolphins is “Vulnerable” according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Ganges river dolphins can only live in freshwater, and their conservation status is “Endangered” according to the IUCN.
Q5. With reference to Hamas, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- It is primarily a political party with no involvement in armed resistance.
- Hamas governs the West Bank region.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Both statements are incorrect; Hamas is known for its armed resistance to Israel. Its rival Fatah, which dominates the PLO, rules in the West Bank.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- The Hamas attack on Israel and the resultant retaliation comes at a time when both Israel and West Asia are undergoing some substantial changes. Elaborate. (10 marks 150 words) (GS-2; International relations )
- Research has shown that plastic has now been found even in the bodies of healthy human beings. In this background, discuss the menace of Plastic Pollution, and its impact on the environment and human health. (15 marks 250 words) (GS-3; Environment )
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