21 Oct 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
GOVERNANCE
1. Not just a case about improving investigation
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Frosty ties
F. Prelims Facts
1. PM flags off country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System ‘Namo Bharat’
2. Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is set for first test flight today
3. Mehrauli park structures get facelift as Delhi digs deeper into its history
4. OTT services, govt. reach uneasy compromise on smoking warnings
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. Frosty ties

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Mains: Diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have more grassroots-level impacts 

Context:​ India and Canada have witnessed a deterioration in their diplomatic relations, leading to a reduction in visa services and the withdrawal of Canadian diplomats. These tensions have escalated due to allegations made by the Canadian government regarding the involvement of Indian officials in a controversial case, despite India’s demand for equalizing diplomatic missions and efforts for reconciliation.

Diplomatic Standoff:

• India sought to balance the number of diplomats in each other’s missions, but tensions flared following allegations by the Canadian government that India was involved in the killing of a Canadian national and Khalistani activist, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
• Despite initial hopes of resolving the situation through quiet diplomacy, the standoff persisted as Canada insisted that India cooperate in its investigations without providing further proof.

Reciprocal Actions:

• In response to the tit-for-tat expulsions of diplomats by both countries’ security agencies, the Indian government suspended visas for all Canadians and demanded a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats.
• India issued an ultimatum, requiring Canada to reduce two-thirds of its diplomats by October 31, threatening to unilaterally withdraw diplomatic immunity.

Legal Disputes:

• Canada contended that India’s demand was a violation of international law, including the Vienna Convention, which grants diplomatic immunity.
• India justified its stance under Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention, which permits a host country to set limits on the size of a foreign mission.

Impact on Visa Services:

• As a result of the diplomatic standoff, Canada announced the discontinuation of “in-person” visa services at its consulate due to staffing shortages.
• The Canadian Immigration Minister asserted that India’s actions would not deter Canada’s prosecution in the Hardeep Singh Nijjar case.

Diplomatic Efforts Ineffective:

• Previous diplomatic meetings, including those between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Trudeau, discussions involving the National Security Advisers, and interactions between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, have failed to alleviate the situation.
• Mediation attempts by Canada’s “Five Eyes” allies, while supportive of Canada’s claims, have not yielded positive results.

Issues:

• The allegations and counter-allegations have resulted in a stalemate, with diplomatic efforts thus far proving ineffective.
• The reduction in visa services affects students, tourists, and businesspersons, potentially straining people-to-people and economic ties.

Way Forward:

• Diplomatic channels should remain open to seek resolution through dialogue and negotiation.
• Mediation efforts, including those by “Five Eyes” allies, can continue to promote peaceful resolution.
• Both countries should prioritize their long-standing friendly relations and explore opportunities for mutual cooperation.

Read more on India – Canada Relations in the linked article.

Nut Graf: The ongoing diplomatic standoff between India and Canada has implications for people-to-people interactions and business ties. It underscores the need for diplomatic solutions and reconciliation to maintain positive bilateral relations.

1. PM flags off country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System ‘Namo Bharat’

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the country’s first Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), known as ‘Namo Bharat.’ This monumental event marked a significant milestone in India’s transportation infrastructure, with the Prime Minister personally taking a ride on a 17-km stretch from Sahibabad to Duhai Depot in Uttar Pradesh. The full 82-km Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is set to be operational by 2025.

Details:

The Namo Bharat Train:

• Prime Minister Modi called the Namo Bharat train a symbol of India’s promising future.
• He emphasized that this train marks the beginning of a new journey for India, connecting various regions and states.
• Highlighted the significance of the Delhi-Meerut stretch as just the initial phase, with plans to expand to other regions of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.
• The system aims to enhance connectivity and generate new employment opportunities.

Completion of the Project:

• Mr. Modi pointed out that he had laid the foundation stone of the project four years ago, and now he was back to inaugurate it.
• The rest of the project is expected to be completed in about one and a half years.

Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS):

• RRTS is a rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system.
• Designed with a speed of 180 kmph, it is a regional development initiative, providing high-speed intercity commuting with trains running at intervals as short as 15 minutes, which can be increased to as frequent as every five minutes when needed.
• Developed at a cost of over ₹30,000 crore, this system will enable commuters to travel between Delhi and Meerut in less than an hour.

Expansion Plans:

• A total of eight RRTS corridors have been identified for development in the National Capital Region.
• In the first phase, three RRTS corridors are prioritized for implementation: Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut, Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar, and Delhi-Panipat.

State-of-the-Art Infrastructure:

• Officials from the Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry highlighted that the RRTS is a state-of-the-art regional mobility solution, comparable to the best in the world.

Significance:

• The Namo Bharat RRTS represents a leap forward in India’s public transportation infrastructure, offering speed, connectivity, and convenience.
• It will substantially reduce travel time between Delhi and Meerut, enhancing the overall efficiency of transportation in the region.
• The project is a testament to the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises and improving connectivity across states and regions.

2. Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is set for first test flight today

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to conduct a significant test flight as part of its Gaganyaan program, which aims to send humans into space. This mission marks a crucial step towards India’s space exploration endeavours, with the potential to carry astronauts into the low-Earth orbit.

Details:

Gaganyaan’s First Flight Test – TV-D1:

• ISRO will conduct Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1) on October 21.
• The mission’s primary goal is to demonstrate the performance of the Crew Escape System (CES).
• The test vehicle is a single-stage liquid rocket equipped with the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES).
• The CM is an unpressurized version used for this flight, representing an abort scenario during ascent at Mach 1.2.
• The CES, along with the CM, will separate from the test vehicle at an altitude of about 17 km.
• The abort sequence includes the deployment of parachutes, ultimately leading to the safe landing of the CM in the sea, approximately 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota.
• The entire mission, from liftoff to CM recovery, is expected to take about eight and a half minutes.

Recovery by the Indian Navy:

• The Indian Navy will lead the recovery efforts of the TV-D1 Crew Module (CM) after touchdown.
• Recovery ships will be positioned in sea waters to approach the CM.
• A team of divers will attach a buoy, hoist the CM using a ship crane, and bring it to the shore for further examination.

Mission Objectives:

• The mission’s primary objectives include the flight demonstration and evaluation of test vehicle subsystems.
• It also evaluates the CES and its various separation systems, along with the characteristics and deceleration systems of the CM at higher altitudes.
• The mission’s fundamental purpose is to assess the safety and capabilities of the Crew Escape System (CES) in case of an emergency requiring an abort.

Gaganyaan Program Overview:

• The Gaganyaan mission seeks to demonstrate India’s ability to launch three crew members into low Earth orbit and safely return them to Earth by landing either in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
• Prior to the first crewed flight, three test vehicle (TV) flights have been planned: TV-1, TV-2, and TV-3.
• Following the TV-D1 mission, the program will proceed with further testing and eventually carry a humanoid named VyomMitra in early 2023.

Significance:

• The Gaganyaan program is a significant milestone for India, demonstrating the country’s capability to send humans into space.
• The success of this mission is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of the Crew Escape System (CES) in case of emergencies.
• The program aligns with India’s aspirations to become a major player in space exploration and research.

3. Mehrauli park structures get facelift as Delhi digs deeper into its history

Context: A significant project, with an allocated budget of ₹2.6 crore, was initiated in March ’23 to restore and conserve 55 historical monuments at the Mehrauli Archaeological Park in Delhi. 

• The project aimed at reviving these historic structures, providing Delhi residents with an opportunity to delve into the city’s rich history and heritage. 
• This monumental undertaking, adjacent to the iconic Qutub Minar, was unveiled by Delhi’s Lieutenant-Governor.

Historical Significance of Mehrauli Archaeological Park:

• The park, spread over 200 acres, is situated next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar.
• It houses 55 historic structures constructed by various empires, including the Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Lodhis, Mughals, and the British.
• Several monuments have undergone extensive restoration and conservation work, breathing new life into their historical charm.

Diverse Historical Structures:

• The restored monuments include the Jamali Kamali Mosque, Metcalfe House, Rajon ki Baoli, and the tombs of Mamluk king Ghiyas-ud-din Balban and Mughal governor Shah Quli Khan.
• The project aims to bring to life Delhi’s historical legacy that predates the medieval-era monuments, providing a broader perspective of the city’s history.

Multi-Agency Collaboration:

• The restoration project was a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies, spearheaded by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
• The total expenditure for this endeavour was approximately ₹2.6 crore.

Comprehensive Restoration:

• Alongside monument restoration, the project also involved desilting water bodies within the park and creating pathways to connect the various historical sites.
• Traditional materials and techniques were employed during the restoration and repair work, preserving the historical integrity of the structures.
• The redevelopment work adhered to the principles of the Master Plan for Delhi-2021 and the Unified Building Bye Laws, 2016, which promote the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

4. OTT services, govt. reach uneasy compromise on smoking warnings

Context: Over-the-top (OTT) streaming services, including popular platforms like Netflix, Disney+ Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video, have reached a compromise with the government regarding the inclusion of smoking warnings in their content. 

• This compromise comes in response to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s notification on May 31, 2023, which required streaming services to display tobacco consumption warnings at the beginning of content containing smoking scenes, a move that deviates from international norms.

Differing Approaches by OTT Services:

• Some OTT platforms, like Hotstar, have incorporated video and on-screen warnings, even for older films.
• Others, such as Netflix, have opted for less intrusive messages, providing caution against tobacco consumption at the top left of the screen at the start of content featuring smoking scenes.

Government’s Notification and Unique Requirement:

• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products (Prohibition of Advertisement and Regulation of Trade and Commerce, Production, Supply and Distribution) Amendment Rules, 2023, on May 31.
• These rules mandated that streaming services, when depicting tobacco consumption, must display a warning at the beginning and include text scrolls during scenes featuring smoking.
• It’s noteworthy that no other country has imposed such requirements on filmmakers and TV series creators.

Discussion and Disagreement:

• At a meeting, the Deputy Director of Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital advocated for stringent measures to reduce tobacco consumption.
• OTT services appealed for relaxed rules and extended compliance timelines, citing difficulties in implementing the requirements.
• Additional Secretary, resisted these appeals, emphasizing the necessity of implementing the rules despite any challenges.

Issues:

• OTT services, while acknowledging the importance of conveying anti-smoking messages, have concerns about the intrusive nature of the mandated warnings.
• The government’s requirement to interrupt content with smoking warnings is unique and poses operational and artistic challenges for content creators.
• Balancing public health concerns with artistic freedom and the practicalities of content delivery has been a point of contention.

Nothing here for today!!!

Q1. Which of the following is not an objective of the Gaganyaan mission?

Q2. With reference to the "Namo Bharat" train, which of the following 
statements is/are correct?

Q3. With reference to World Heritage Sites, consider the following statements:

Q4. With reference to the term "OTT," which of the following statements 
is/are incorrect?

Q5. The Malimath Committee was formed to recommend reforms to the: