CNA 12 Sep 2022:- Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Ukraine- Russia Conflict C. GS 3 Related INTERNAL SECURITY 1. Greyhounds D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNAL SECURITY 1. We need civil society engagement in Kashmir INDIAN ECONOMY 1. The crisis of apple farmers INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India-Bangladesh ties, a model for bilateral cooperation F. Prelims Facts 1. Project 17A G. Tidbits 1. Asia Cup H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus: Effect of Policies & Politics of Developed & Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Global implication of Russia-Ukraine conflict
Context: Recently, Russian forces abandoned one of the war’s principal front lines in northeastern Ukraine after Ukrainian forces made a rapid advance.
Introduction:
- As the Russia-Ukraine war marks 200 days, the Ukraine military has reclaimed its territory in southern and the eastern part after a counterattack that dealt a heavy blow to Russian forces.
- Ukrainian forces have advanced north from Kharkiv to within 50km of the border with Russia and are also pressing to the south and east in the same region.
- Both sides have sustained punishing losses of lives and material, but neither appears willing to consider a ceasefire.
Image Source: BBC
Status of War after 200 Days:
- In his independence day address on 24 August 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy vowed that they will fight Russia’s invasion “until the end” and will not be making “any concession or compromise”.
- European Union finance ministers recently backed a $5 billion loan for Ukraine to help keep its schools, hospitals and other operations running during the war. It is a part of an overall $9 billion package announced in May 2022.
- Ukraine’s armed forces have regained control of more than 3,000 square km in the last few days.
- Ukraine shut down the last operating reactor at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, the largest nuclear plant of Europe to guard against a catastrophe as fighting rages nearby.
- Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of shelling around the Russian-held Zaporizhzhia plant, risking a release of radiation.
Change in Russia’s Strategy:
- Fierce Ukrainian resistance, backed by Western-supplied weapons systems, made Russia pull back its troops from areas near Kyiv, Kharkiv, Chernihiv and other major cities.
- The retreat from the city of Izium marked Russian forces’ worst defeat since they were pushed back from the capital Kyiv in March, as thousands of Russian soldiers left behind ammunition and equipment as they fled.
- Retreating Russian forces allegedly launched retaliatory attacks on civilian infrastructure, including a thermal power station in Kharkiv, that caused widespread blackouts.
Significance of this advancement:
- The gains are politically crucial for Ukraine to keep Europe united behind Ukraine for regular supply of weapons and money.
- It is also a demonstration of skills and combined arms warfare of Ukraine armed forces which demonstrates that they can also impose losses on the Russians.
- These gains could bring a further push into the Luhansk region, whose capture Russia claimed at the beginning of July, 2022.
- Russia’s occupation of eastern and southern Ukraine gave it control of land that produces 28 percent of the country’s winter crops, mainly wheat, canola, barley, and rye, and 18 percent of summer crops, mostly maize and sunflower.
- However, fighting continued around Izium and the city of Kupiansk, the sole rail hub supplying Russia’s frontline across northeastern Ukraine, which has been recaptured by Ukrainian forces.
Image Source: BBC
Read more on Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Nut Graf: Ukrainian forces are showing signs of battlefield successes in two counter offensives and have recaptured several settlements in the Kharkiv region from Russian forces. This advance in the northeast Kharkiv province is seen as a potential breakthrough as the forthcoming winter season can be a turning point which can lead to the rapid de-occupation of Ukraine.
C. GS 3 Related
1. Greyhounds
Syllabus: Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate
Mains: Significance of Greyhounds in Left wing extremist states
Context: Andhra Pradesh does not have a training centre for the Greyhounds, 08years after its bifurcation.
About Greyhounds:
- Greyhounds is a police special forces unit of the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana formed in 1989 by Indian Police service officer K.S. Vyas to combat the growing Maoist threat in the region.
- They specialises in counter-insurgency operations against Naxalite and Maoist terrorists and trained specifically for deep forest pursuit and combat.
- Greyhounds with the help of paid informants at the village level have managed to arrest or kill several top Maoist terrorists.
- Greyhounds from Andhra Police and Telangana Police continue to operate jointly even after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh.
- They generally operate as small units of 15-30 commandos each that conduct combing operations in jungles.
- All Greyhounds commandos are under the age of 35 years in order to ensure agility, strength and stamina. When a member of the force turns 35, they are automatically transferred to civil police.
Role model for all Left Wing Extremism-affected States:
- Greyhounds inspired the creation of other similar forces in Left Wing Extremism-affected States.
- Odisha developed the Special Operations Group;
- Maharashtra has C-60; and
- West Bengal created the Counter Insurgency Force.
- Experts say that the CoBRA battalion of the Central Reserve Police Force, which is engaged in anti-Maoist operations in Chhattisgarh, is also fashioned on the lines of the Greyhounds.
Status of Greyhounds after Bifurcation:
- Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act has provisions on sharing the men and material of Greyhounds by Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- The Act also specified that Andhra Pradesh would have to set up its own base and training centre as both the training centres of the Greyhounds were located in Hyderabad, Telangana.
- In 2014, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs sanctioned ₹209 crore for setting up the centre in Andhra pradesh.
- The Andhra Pradesh Cabinet has approved a full fledged training centre-cum-residential facility at Jagannadhapuram village in Visakhapatnam which remains untouched due to rehabilitation and resettlement issues.
- At present, 18 companies of Greyhounds contingent are in operational base at Thimmapuram in Visakhapatnam which was a makeshift arrangement after bifurcation. About 10 remaining ones of Andhra Pradesh are still based in Hyderabad.
Way Forward:
- The Union Government is exerting pressure on the State for a quick solution. It is time for the State to resolve the issue as soon as possible.
- Some part of 385 acres of approved land can also be used as the training centre for Octopus (Organisation for Counter Terrorist Operations), another elite counter terrorism unit of the Andhra Pradesh police.
Read more on Left Wing Extremism
Nut Graf: Greyhounds force was envisioned to think alike in terms of combat and assault and be well trained in guerilla and jungle warfare. Over the years, with its many successes, this special police force became the root cause for the downfall of Left Wing Extremism in Andhra Pradesh.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
1. We need civil society engagement in Kashmir
Syllabus: Challenges to internal security.
Mains: Kashmiri pandits rehabilitation.
Context: Situation of Kashmiri pandit in the valley during last six months.
Details:
- The targeting of the minorities (Kashmiri pandits) by the militants has once again brought to the limelight the right of return and safety of the minority community of the region.
- Classification of Kashmiri pandits:
- The “migrant” Kashmiri pandit that returned back to the valley owing to government efforts live in high-protected areas. However, they are usually government employees and teachers and are required to mingle with the local population.
- The “non-migrant” group of Pandits did not leave the Valley during the exodus of the 1990s and lived in their own homes, without any state-provided facilities.
- Due to incidents of violence against the community, since last October, both groups of the community have become vulnerable. There is an increased threat of a second exodus.
Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation (CDR) initiative:
- The CDR launched an initiative for a dialogue between a Muslim and a Kashmiri Pandit. The discussion and conversations between the two consequently resulted in the persuasion of their respective communities. This came out as a CDR’s ‘Shared Witness’ program which was a Pandit-Muslim dialogue series (December 2010).
- The participants in the dialogue included intellectuals/highly credible people from both communities.
- The outcome of the dialogues was the creation of a conducive environment that encouraged the minorities to take up government postings in the Valley.
- The concerns that were raised during the dialogue are:
- The Muslim section was of the view that the Kashmiri Pandits did not support their cause when they were facing the flak of the system. It was reiterated multiple times that the protest in Kashmir was not against any religion but against structures of power and oppression.
- The Muslims of the valley have always been portrayed as aided, misguided, and abetted by the hostile neighbour, which apprehended the community.
- On the other hand, Kashmiri Pandits were aggrieved by the mass killings during the 1990s.
- The failure of civil society and social organizations in controlling the situation was also brought to the fore during the dialogue.
- There was also a lack of good leadership, both religious and political that could have been helpful in controlling the situation.
Measure Ahead:
- There is no particular top-down solution to the problem. Government can play the role of enabler, but it is majorly the residents and the civil society that should restore trust and give up the hatred against each other.
- There should be strong and conducive cultural, political, and economic safeguards for the return of pandits to the valley.
- The possibility of setting up a ‘Truth Commission’ can also be considered to make the matter fair, impartial, and transparent.
Related Links: Former Special Status of Jammu and Kashmir | UPSC | BYJU’s
Roshni Act Explained – UPSC & Govt exams notes for Polity & Governance.
Nut Graf: An immediate and efficient civil society engagement between the communities of Kashmir is the need of the hour. This has the potential to restore trust, build confidence, and strengthen inter-community bonds. It could also help the minorities(Kashmiri Pandits) to return peacefully to their homes.
1. The crisis of apple farmers
Syllabus: Issues relating to direct and indirect farm subsidies/ Minimum support price.
Mains: Apple production and marketing issue.
Context: Agitations by apple growers in Himachal Pradesh.
Developments in Himachal Pradesh regarding the production of Apples:
- During the period of 1970s and 1980s, Himachal Pradesh undertook a slew of measures to boost apple production. These measures are listed below:
- Nurseries were set up and plants were distributed to farmers on a large scale.
- Transport subsidy was provided along with concession on tools.
- Special monetary help was offered to the poor and Dalit sections.
- Land reforms were implemented on a wide scale and no one was left landless. The land was distributed through a procedure of Nau Taur (which means breaking new land).
- The land was transferred to those who tilled it.
- Moreover, the statute restricts the transfer of land to any individual who is not an agriculturist of Himachal Pradesh.
The reasons for the apple crisis:
- During the 1990s things started changing with:
- Increasing land fragmentation
- The state withdrew the support and productivity declined
- The unsustainability of agriculture
- The cost of production of agricultural items experienced an upswing and the remunerative prices were denied to the marginal and poor producers.
- The major reasons for the current crisis are:
- The rising cost of production:
- The input cost of insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers has risen by approximately 300% during the last decade.
- Similarly, prices of apple cartons/trays/packaging have also increased considerably.
- The second and immediate trigger for the agitation is the increase of GST on cartons from 12% to 18%. The reason cited for the increase was to force the farmers to sell their produce to big buyers rather than selling in the open market. This will result in leaving the apple farmers at the mercy of large buyers during the procurement procedure.
- Though the price of the cartons is reduced as the big buyer procures apples in plastic trays, the procurement is only of high-quality apples. These apples constitute only 20%-30% of the total production.
- The declaration of procurement rates by the big players results in a market crash and brings a substantial fall in procurement prices. This is despite the fact that procurement is only about 5%-7% of the total produce.
- Moreover, unlike in Jammu and Kashmir, there is no law in Himachal Pradesh to fix a minimum rate of procurement.
- The government is lacking the capability to subside the pressure of big players and regulate the market by fixing a minimum procurement price.
- The rising cost of production:
Measure Ahead:
An independent body can be established which garners the support and trust of the apple growers. The body should include all the stakeholders like the government, apple growers, commission agents, and the market players. This body should be provided a statutory backing.
Related Links: Market Intervention Scheme UPSC Notes – About MIS, Implementation, Market Intervention Price, Funds Transfer, Latest News, and FAQs
Nut Graf: The small and marginal apple farmers will be impacted severely by the current crisis and might be thrown out of this ecosystem if the concerns are not addressed in time. Moreover, the economy of approximately ₹5,500 crores will also be hampered if the actions are not taken.
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India-Bangladesh ties, a model for bilateral cooperation
Syllabus: India and its neighborhood relations.
Mains: India- Bangladesh relations.
Context: The visit of the Bangladesh Prime Minister to India.
Outcomes of the India- Bangladesh Bilateral meeting:
For detailed information on the meeting read here: 07 Sep 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis
For more on India- Bangladesh relations, read here: India-Bangladesh Relations | 50 Years of Indo-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations [UPSC Notes]
The causes of concern with Bangladesh:
- Rohingya Issue: It creates pressure on the economy and social harmony of Bangladesh as there are nearly one million Rohingya migrants since 2017. Bangladesh is expecting India’s support in accommodating as well as facilitating their return to Myanmar.
- Agreement on Teesta: The agreement on sharing the Teesta river waters is pending since 2011 because of West Bengal’s reluctance.
- Chinese Presence: India’s sensitivity to growing cooperation between Bangladesh and China is apprehending Bangladesh’s authorities. Bangladesh’s view is not to interfere in India-China relations.
- Minority Safety: Both countries have faced the issue vis-a-vis the safety of the minority population. There are incidents of attacks on the Hindus in Bangladesh. Similar incidents have also been reported in India.
For more on India- Bangladesh relations, read here: India-Bangladesh Relations | 50 Years of Indo-Bangladesh Diplomatic Relations [UPSC Notes]
Related Links: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis. Sep 8th, 2022 CNA. Download PDF
05 Sep 2022: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis
Indo-Bangladesh Connectivity & Economic Partnership: RSTV – Big Picture Analysis for UPSC IAS exam.
AIR Spotlight: India – Bangladesh Relations [UPSC Notes] Download PDF
Nut Graf: India and Bangladesh have constantly strengthened their relationship in the past fifty years by efficiently cooperating and addressing the challenges. However, there still remain some issues that need consideration. Once these challenges are countered, the relationship can be projected as a major success in foreign policy.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Project 17A
Syllabus:Indigenization of Technology & Developing New Technology
Prelims: Stealth Frigate
Context: Taragiri, the third stealth frigate of Project 17A, was launched recently.
Taragiri:
- It is the third stealth frigate of the Project 17A, launched by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL) in Mumbai.
- ‘Taragiri’ was named after a hill range in the Himalayas located at Garhwal.
- The ship has been built using integrated construction methodology which involves hull blocks construction in different geographical locations and integration/erection on slipway at MDL.
- The ship is expected to be delivered by August 2025.
- The vessel is designed by ‘Bureau of Naval Design’ of the Indian Navy and the MDL had undertaken the detailed design and construction of the ship.
Key Features of Taragiri:
- Indigenously designed Taragiri will have state-of-the-art weapons, sensors, an advanced action information system, an integrated platform management system, world class modular living spaces and a sophisticated power distribution system.
- The ships are propelled by two gas turbines and 2 main diesel engines which are designed to achieve a speed of over 28 knots.
- It will be fitted with a supersonic surface-to-surface missile system.
- Ship’s air defence capability is designed to counter the threat of the enemy aircraft.
- Indigenously developed triple tube light weight torpedo launchers and rocket launchers will add more power to the ship’s anti-submarine capability.
Project 17A:
- Project 17A was designed to launch a series of guided-missile frigates, which will further strengthen the marine defence system of the country.
- The first ship of Project 17A, Nilgiri, was launched on September 28, 2019, and is expected to begin sea trials in 2024.
- The estimated cost of Project 17A is around ₹25,700 crore.
- The second ship of P17A class Udaygiri was launched on May 17 2022.
G. Tidbits
1. Asia Cup
- Sri Lanka beat Pakistan to win their sixth Asia Cup title.
- The Asian Cricket Council Asia Cup is a men’s One Day International and Twenty20 International cricket tournament in 1983 when the Asian Cricket Council was founded as a measure to promote goodwill between Asian countries.
- It was originally scheduled to be held every two years.
- The Asia Cup is the only continental championship in cricket and the winning team becomes the champions of Asia.
- It alternates every 2-years between ODI and T20I formats.
- The tournament was moved out of Sri Lanka to UAE because of the ongoing political and economical crisis.
- India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Hongkong and Afghanistan participated in the 2022 edition.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Which amongst the following statements is the best description of Project 17A? (Level-Difficult)
- The Project intends to build six diesel-electric attack submarines of the Kalvari class.
- The Project involves the development of seven advanced guided-missile frigates.
- It is a Project to procure a fleet of light tanks for deployment in high-altitude areas in eastern Ladakh
- Under the Project a series of eleven offshore patrol vessels are being built by Goa Shipyard Limited for the Indian Coast Guard.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Project 17A was designed to launch a series of guided-missile frigates to strengthen the marine defence system of the country.
- Taragiri, the third stealth frigate of Project 17A, was launched recently.
- The first ship of Project 17A, Nilgiri, was launched on September 28, 2019, and is expected to begin sea trials in 2024.
Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to eligibility criteria for prospectiveadoptive parents: (Level-Difficult)
- A single female/male can adopt a child of any gender
- The age criteria for prospective adoptive parents shall not be applicable in case of relative adoptions and adoption by step-parent.
- Couples with three or more children shall not be considered for adoption under all circumstances
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is incorrect, Any prospective adoptive parents, irrespective of his marital status and whether or not he has biological son or daughter, can adopt a child subject to following, namely,
- the consent of both the spouses for the adoption shall be required, in case of a married couple;
- a single female can adopt a child of any gender;
- a single male shall not be eligible to adopt a girl child;
- Statement 02 is correct, The age of prospective adoptive parents, as on the date of registration, shall be counted for deciding the eligibility.
-
- In case of a couple, the composite age of the prospective adoptive parents shall be counted.
- The minimum age difference between the child and either of the prospective adoptive parents shall not be less than twenty-five years.
- The age criteria for prospective adoptive parents shall not be applicable in case of relative adoptions and adoption by step-parent.
- Statement 03 is incorrect, Couples with three or more children shall not be considered for adoption except in case of special need children , hard to place children and in case of relative adoption and adoption by step-parent.
Q3. Which of the following statements with respect to Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is/are correct? (Level-Medium)
- If any case has been assigned by the Central Government to the SFIO for investigation under Companies Act, 2013 no other investigating agency of the Central Government or any State Government can proceed with investigation in such cases.
- SFIO does not have the powers to arrest people for violations of companies law
Options:
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, SFIO starts an investigation only after receiving an order from the Union government in this respect and it cannot take up cases on their own initiative.
- Once a case has been assigned by the Central Government to the SFIO for investigation under the Indian Companies Act, 2013 no other investigating agency of the Central Government or any State Government can commence the investigation in such cases.
- In case any such investigation has already been initiated, it cannot be proceeded further with, and the concerned agency has to transfer the relevant documents and records in respect of such offences to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office.
- Statement 02 is incorrect, SFIO have the powers to arrest people for violations of companies law
Read more on Serious Fraud Investigation Office
Q4. MAARG Portal recently seen in news (Level-Medium)
- Facilitates numerous services for the companies and LLPs, starting from incorporation of a company/LLP to closure of a company/LLP.
- Helps students seeking Education Loan.
- Provides a one-stop mentorship platform to facilitate mentorship for start-ups across diverse sectors, functions, stages, geographies, and backgrounds.
- Facilitates a single window solution to the farmers and stakeholders to disseminate the information about the Seed
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- The MAARG Portal by Startup India is a one-stop mentorship platform to facilitate mentorship for startups across diverse sectors, functions, stages, geographies, and backgrounds.
- Startups can connect with academicians, industry experts, successful founders, seasoned investors, and others to get personalised advice on growth strategy, seek clarity, and get practical advice.
- All Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade recognized startups, from all sectors and stages of the startup lifecycle, are eligible to apply for mentorship on the platform all year-round.
Q5. With reference to the writs issued by the Courts in India, consider the following Statements: (Level-Medium) (UPSC CSE-2022)
- Mandamus will not lie against a private organisation unless it is entrusted with a public duty.
- Mandamus will not lie against a Company even though it may be a Government Company.
- Any public minded person can be a petitioner to move the Court to obtain the writ of Quo Warranto.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Statement 01 is correct, Writ of Mandamus is a command issued by the court to a public official asking him to perform his official duties that he has failed or refused to perform. It won’t be granted against private individuals and companies that have no public duty to perform.
- Statement 02 is incorrect, it can also be issued against any public body, a corporation, an inferior court, a tribunal, or a government.
- Statement 03 is correct, Quo Warranto is issued by the court to enquire into the legality of the claim of a person to a public office. Hence, it prevents illegal usurpation of public office by a person.
- Unlike the other writs, this can be sought by any interested person and not necessarily by the aggrieved person.
Read more on Types of Writs in India
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Explain with relevant examples how elite forces in States have been able to crack down on naxal activities. (10 Marks, 150 Words) (GS-3; Internal Security)
- Farmer’s organizations and apple growers are holding protests in the State of Himachal Pradesh. Discuss the possible reasons and suggest corrective measures. (10 Marks, 150 Words) (GS-3; Economy)
Read the previous CNA here.
CNA 12 Sep 2022:- Download PDF Here
Comments