22 Oct 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. History of Gaza
2. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty
C. GS 3 Related
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. Sikkim Flood & Dam Safety Act
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. Gaganyaan test flight successful
2. Rafah crossing
3. Indian Army’s Project Udbhav
4. OTT services, govt. reach uneasy compromise on smoking warnings
5. Paintbrush swift Butterfly
6. Dogra Architecture
7. US sanctions Chinese firms for giving missile components to Pakistan
8. EU, US urge Kosovo & Serbia to resume dialogue
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

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2. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests

Prelims: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Mains: Significance of Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty

Context​: The revocation of Russia’s ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) has raised concerns about the potential for renewed nuclear arms race and its implications for global nuclear non-proliferation efforts. 

• This move by Russia comes at a time of heightened tension between Moscow and Washington, making it a significant development in the realm of nuclear disarmament.

CTBT Background: 

• It is a multilateral treaty to ban nuclear weapons test explosions and any other nuclear explosions, for both civilian and military purposes, in all environments.
• It was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1996, but has not entered into force, as eight specific nations have not ratified the treaty.
• The CTBT aims to ban all nuclear explosions, whether for military or peaceful purposes. While it has been signed by 187 countries, only 178 have ratified it. 
• To come into legal force, it requires ratification by all 44 Annex 2 countries, including those with nuclear capabilities like the U.S. and Russia. 
• China, Egypt, Iran, Israel and the United States have signed but not ratified the Treaty.
• Notably, North Korea, India, and Pakistan have not signed the CTBT.

Historical Context: 

• The history of nuclear testing and arms race, starting with the first nuclear test in 1945 and the subsequent Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963, led to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968. 
• The Limited Test Ban Treaty of 1963 (also called the Partial Test Ban Treaty) was the first international step in that directionand prohibited nuclear testing in the atmosphere, underwater, and in outer space.
• The treaty was signed by the U.S., the erstwhile Soviet Union,and the U.K.
• It, however, did not extend to underground testing.
• Subsequently, the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) of 1968 followed as concerns about nuclear stockpiling continued, fueled by the Cold War between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R.
• The CTBT emerged in 1996, driven by international efforts to curb nuclear testing and arms proliferation.

Verification Regime: 

• The CTBT establishes a comprehensive verification regime to monitor and detect nuclear test explosions. 
• This regime involves the International Monitoring System (IMS), the International Data Centre, and On-Site Inspections. 
• The IMS includes seismic, hydroacoustic, infrasound, and radionuclide detection to monitor nuclear tests worldwide.

CTBT has helped check testing & proliferation:

• Although the CTBT is stuck in an ongoing ratification impasse, it has had positive implications for global nuclear nonproliferation.
• Ever since the treaty was opened for signatures in 1996, ten nuclear tests have been conducted — two each by India and Pakistan, and six by North Korea.
• This is drastically less than the more than 2,000 nuclear tests conducted globally between 1945 and 1996.

Implications of Revocation: 

• Russia’s decision to revoke its ratification has the potential to set a dangerous precedent. 
• Other nations might consider following suit, leading to renewed nuclear arms competition. 
• The timing of this move, amid the Ukraine conflict, has raised concerns about the potential nuclear dimension of the crisis.

Solution:

• Diplomacy and Dialogue: Engaging in diplomatic efforts and open dialogue between nations is crucial to addressing concerns related to the CTBT and nuclear disarmament. Negotiating a path forward and rebuilding trust is essential.
• Pressure for Ratification: International pressure on countries that have not ratified the CTBT, particularly those with significant nuclear capabilities, can promote its universal acceptance and enforcement.
• Strengthening Verification: Efforts to strengthen and improve the verification regime of the CTBT can enhance its effectiveness in deterring nuclear testing.
• Conflict Resolution: Addressing the root causes of regional conflicts, such as the situation in Ukraine, is essential for preventing the potential escalation to a nuclear dimension.

Nut Graf: The revocation of Russia’s ratification of the CTBT is a significant development in the realm of nuclear non-proliferation, with implications for global security.

2. Rafah crossing

Context: Trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt, providing much-needed relief to the conflict-ridden region. This aid delivery, facilitated by the Egyptian Red Crescent and various UN agencies, arrived via the Rafah border crossing.

Issues:

• Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: The Gaza Strip has been severely affected by the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas. Thousands of Palestinians have been displaced, and essential supplies are urgently needed to address the humanitarian crisis.
• Challenges in Aid Delivery: Aid delivery to Gaza has been hindered by the ongoing conflict and border restrictions. The Rafah border crossing, controlled by Egypt, is one of the few entry points into Gaza not controlled by Israel.
• International Concern: The international community has expressed deep concern over the situation in Gaza and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. UN officials have emphasized the importance of continuous aid deliveries.

Significance:

• Lifesaving Aid: The arrival of the aid trucks is a crucial lifeline for the people of Gaza, providing essential supplies such as food, medicine, and other humanitarian assistance.
• International Cooperation: The collaboration between Egypt, the UN, and various humanitarian agencies highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.
• Continued Efforts: While this aid delivery is significant, it is essential for sustained efforts to provide ongoing support to Gaza’s population, especially those who have been displaced.

Wayforward:

• Sustained Aid Deliveries: The international community should continue to work together to ensure the continuous and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
• Ceasefire and Diplomacy: Efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire and engage in diplomatic negotiations are essential to address the root causes of the conflict and prevent future crises.

3. Tracing the roots of Islam in Kerala

Context: The Kerala government has initiated the creation of a microsite, ‘Islam in Kerala,’ to promote tourism by exploring the historical and cultural aspects of Islam in the state. This digital platform aims to showcase the rich history, traditions, and cultural evolution of Islam in Kerala dating back to the 7th century.

Details:

• Promotion of Religious Tourism: The microsite is part of Kerala’s efforts to promote religious tourism, focusing on the historical significance of Islam in the state. This aims to attract both international and domestic tourists.
• Cultural Heritage: Kerala has a diverse cultural heritage, and this initiative aims to highlight the contributions of Islam to the state’s culture, art forms, architecture, and cuisine.
• Untapped Potential: Spiritual tourism remains an underexplored sector in Kerala’s tourism industry, and efforts to promote this sector are essential to tap into its potential.

Significance:

• Cultural Preservation: The microsite will contribute to the preservation and promotion of the cultural heritage associated with Islam in Kerala. It will provide valuable information for tourists interested in exploring the state’s rich history.
• Tourist Attraction: By showcasing the historical mosques, pilgrimage centers, cuisine, and cultural aspects of Islam in Kerala, this initiative aims to attract tourists and promote religious tourism.

Diversity of Kerala: Kerala’s cultural diversity is one of its unique selling points for tourism, and exploring the roots of different religions adds to the state’s appeal as a tourist destination.

4. Indian Army’s Project Udbhav

Context: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), has initiated Project Udbhav to integrate India’s ancient strategic knowledge into contemporary military practices. The project aims to develop an indigenous strategic vocabulary rooted in India’s philosophy and culture.

Details:

• Ancient Wisdom Integration: The project seeks to combine ancient wisdom, philosophy, and cultural insights with modern military pedagogy, fostering a holistic approach to address current security challenges.
• Cultural Heritage: The project recognizes the deep cultural and philosophical roots of India and aims to derive valuable strategic insights from this heritage.
• Educational Initiatives: Through interdisciplinary research, workshops, leadership seminars, and the compilation of knowledge, Project Udbhav aims to educate military leaders and enrich military training curricula.
• Heritage Preservation: Project Udbhav contributes to the preservation and promotion of India’s rich heritage by integrating ancient wisdom and knowledge into modern military thought.
• Strategic Insights: By exploring ancient texts like the Arthashastra and Mahabharata, the project aims to uncover previously underexplored strategic theories, contributing to a deeper understanding of warfare and statecraft.
• Military Education: The project enriches the education of junior and senior military leaders and academia by introducing them to classical texts and teachings from India’s rich history.

Publication and Dissemination: Reports and papers prepared during the project should be documented and widely disseminated to share the insights gained and serve as valuable references for further studies.

5. Paintbrush swift Butterfly

Context: The Paintbrush Swift, a rare butterfly species, has been sighted and documented for the first time in Himachal Pradesh’s Chamba district. This significant discovery has been made under the Wild Bhattiyat Project initiated by the Bhattiyat Forest Range, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Himachal Pradesh.

Details:

• Rare Butterfly Discovery: The Paintbrush Swift, a butterfly species of the Hesperiidae family, was spotted for the first time in Himachal Pradesh. It was initially described by lepidopterist Frederic Moore more than 145 years ago in the eastern Himalayas.
• Biodiversity Documentation: The project has documented 120 butterfly species so far, including uncommon species like the anomalous nawab, blank swift, tailed jay, and siren.
• Unique Characteristics: The Paintbrush Swift can be identified based on specific characteristics, particularly the two separated spots in the upper forewing cell. This distinguishes it from closely related species like the blank swift and figure-of-eight swift.

Significance:

• Biodiversity Richness: The discovery of the Paintbrush Swift adds to the richness of Himachal Pradesh’s biodiversity, which is home to approximately 25% of all butterfly species found in India.
• Conservation: This documentation provides valuable insights for butterfly conservation in the region and contributes to our understanding of rare and lesser-known species.
• Research Opportunities: The ongoing Wild Bhattiyat Project offers research opportunities for studying the diverse butterfly species and their habitats in the area.

6. Dogra Architecture

Context: In Srinagar’s Maharaj Gunj market, a project is underway to restore the historical architectural elements introduced by Dogra Hindu kings between 1846 and 1947. 

• The project is a collaboration between Srinagar Smart City Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), aiming to revive the market’s past glory by conserving vernacular elements of Kashmiri architecture.

Significance:

• Historical and Cultural Preservation: The restoration project seeks to conserve the architectural heritage of Maharaj Gunj, bringing back architectural elements introduced by the Dogra kings. It highlights the historical and cultural significance of the region.
• Unique Architectural Features: The market features distinct architectural elements, including colonnaded walkways, decorative pilasters, and exposed moulded brickwork, showcasing the blend of vernacular and colonial architectural styles.
• Economic and Cultural Revival: The revival of Maharaj Gunj has the potential to rejuvenate the area economically and culturally, attracting residents and visitors alike. Restoring its historic character can breathe new life into the market.

7. US sanctions Chinese firms for giving missile components to Pakistan

Details:

• The U.S. has imposed sanctions on three China-based companies for supplying missile-applicable items for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, the State Department said. 
• In the designation, the U.S. State Department said  that the sanctions were being imposed as part of the global nonproliferation regime. 

8. EU, US urge Kosovo & Serbia to resume dialogue

Context: EU and U.S. envoys have called on Kosovo and Serbia to resume dialogue as tensions between the two nations have escalated. This appeal comes after a recent violent incident on the border between the two countries.

Details:

• Escalation of Tensions: The visit by EU envoy Miroslav Lajcak and U.S. envoy Gabriel Escobar follows a violent incident on September 24 when Serb gunmen crossed into northern Kosovo, leading to a deadly confrontation with Kosovo police.
• Call for Dialogue: The envoys emphasized the need for Kosovo and Serbia to engage in dialogue as the primary means to de-escalate the situation. They warned that without dialogue, the risk of further escalation remains.
• Strong Condemnation: The envoys strongly condemned the recent attack on Kosovo police by armed individuals and described it as an unprecedented escalation. This incident underscored the urgency of de-escalation and normalization.
• EU Accession: Both Kosovo and Serbia aspire to join the European Union, but the EU has made it clear that they must first resolve their differences and implement a 10-point plan to end ongoing political crises.

Significance:

• Preventing Conflict: Resuming dialogue is crucial to preventing further conflict and instability in the region. The violent incident on the border highlighted the urgency of addressing the underlying issues.
• EU Integration: EU accession is a shared goal for both Kosovo and Serbia, and resolving their differences is a prerequisite for moving closer to EU membership.

International Diplomatic Efforts: The involvement of EU and U.S. envoys, along with diplomats from key European countries, demonstrates the international community’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and conflict resolution.

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Q1. Which of the following is the correct arrangement of 
these places often seen in news, from North to South on a map?

Q2. ‘Paintbrush swift’ recently in news is:

Q3. Consider the following statements with respect to 
Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to Project Udbhav:

Q5. With which of these countries does Kosovo not share its border?