23 September 2023 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Sports Minister will skip Asiad inaugural as China bars entry of Arunachal players C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India and the Great Power Contest in West Asia F. Prelims Facts 1. A clear message to the industry on dispute resolution 2. Quad Ministers hold talks on rules-based order, UN reform 3. Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments 4. Fast bikes, wild rides, brave guys: here’s the MotoGP cheatsheet G. Tidbits 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
1. Sports Minister will skip Asiad inaugural as China bars entry of Arunachal players
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Prelims: Stapled Visa
Mains: India-China Stapled Visa Controversy
Context: Union Sports Minister recently cancelled his visit to the Asian Games, due to China’s denial of entry to Indian wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh, even as the government registered an official protest at the decision.
Reason for this:
- Asian Games Protocol: Accreditation cards serve as visas.
- According to officials, the accreditation cards were provided to the three due to an oversight by the Chinese sporting officials.
- India’s stance: “India firmly rejects differential treatment of Indian citizens on the basis of domicile or ethnicity.”
- China’s reaction to the development: The Chinese government has “never recognised so-called Arunachal”. China had issued visas to these athletes, but the latter did not accept them.
- The Olympic Council of Asia said they are trying to find a solution.
Read more on the Asian Games.
The Stapled Visa Controversy
- Detachable visas, which are not stamped.
- Considered legal by China, rejected by India.
- China began issuing stapled visas to Indians from Arunachal Pradesh in 2009.
- Chinese stance: It does so as it doesn’t recognise India’s claim over the state (called “Zangan” or “South Tibet” in Chinese Maps).
- In the past, many athletes from Arunachal Pradesh have been denied entry to China due to stapled visa issues (the latest one being the Wushu team during the World University Games in July 2023).
About Asian Games
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Nut Graf: In line with our long-standing and consistent position, India firmly rejects differential treatment of Indian citizens on the basis of domicile or ethnicity.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India and the Great Power Contest in West Asia
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Mains: India’s role in countering Chinese ambitions in West Asia
Context: At the G-20 summit in New Delhi (Sep ’23), the US President and others unveiled a U.S.-backed infrastructure project to connect India, West Asia and Europe with pipelines, rail networks, shipping lanes and data cables. The U.S.-China competition in the region gives New Delhi new opportunities for multi-engagement.
Source: World Atlas
Current US Policy in West Asia
Two-fold Policy
- Bring Gulf Arab and Israel close to counter Iran (this was seen in the Abraham Accords reached under Donald Trump).
- Assure its friends and allies that the USA is not exiting the region.
USA and West Asia
- Historically, the USA has been a pivot around which West Asian countries developed their bilateral relations.
- As the US focus is shifting to East Asia and East Europe, the West Asian countries are also becoming autonomous with their foreign policies with friends and foes in the region.
- This has also created a power vacuum in the region, which China is trying to fill (the US wants India to take this role instead of China).
Avenues for India
- A part of the Middle East Corridor and I2U2.
- Also, a part of the International North-South Corridor, and BRICS.
- Multi-engagement is the key to avoiding any diplomatic mistakes as done in Afghanistan.
- India’s presence in a grouping of the Abraham Accords countries was seen as a legitimate recognition of India’s presence in the region.
- The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor, announced at the G-20 summit enhances India’s standing.
Nut Graf: India’s overall policy towards the West Asian region should stay anchored in the idea of multi-engagement and not in appeasing or containing any great power. With or without the U.S., or irrespective of China’s presence in the region, India should strive to play a major geopolitical role in West Asia, its extended neighbourhood, without upsetting its traditional balance.
F. Prelims Facts
1. A clear message to the industry on dispute resolution
Context: The Mediation Act, 2023, was passed by the Parliament in the monsoon session, and got Presidential assent in September.
Key features:
- Every mediation agreement should be in writing.
- Parties can voluntarily or mutually decide to opt for mediation before filing a suit. (The 2021 draft called for 2 mandatory mediation sessions).
- Exceptions: Criminal proceedings, proceedings initiated in relation to the misconduct of any registered professional, and disputes relating to the levy and collection of any direct or indirect tax or refunds.
- A person of any nationality can be appointed as the mediator. Can be appointed either by the parties or by the mediation service provider.
- Mediation should be held within the jurisdiction of the court or tribunal competent to adjudicate on the dispute.
- Defined time: Should be finished within 120 days of the first appearance before the mediator. Can be extended by 60 days.
- Once approved, a settlement agreement is to be signed by the parties and adjudicated by the mediator.
Read more on Alternative Dispute Resolution.
- Arbitration: Appointment of an impartial third party (arbitrator) who hears both sides of the dispute and makes a binding decision.
- Conciliation: A neutral third party assists the disputing parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The conciliator helps facilitate communication and negotiation between the parties.
- Mediation: Mediator who helps parties in conflict communicate and collaborate to reach a voluntary settlement.
- Judicial Settlements: Dispute resolution mechanisms within the judiciary, including Lok Adalats (People’s Courts), where disputes are settled through negotiation and conciliation, often with the involvement of judges.
- Negotiation: Parties involved in a dispute try to resolve it directly through discussion and compromise.
2. Quad Ministers hold talks on rules-based order, UN reform
Context: Foreign Minister of the Quad met at the fringe of the 78th session of UNGA.
Major takeaways:
- Commitment to a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region, where disputes are settled in accordance with international law.
- Committed itself to the principles of the UN charter and reform of the institution.
- A new initiative to help countries respond to terror attacks was also discussed.
- With respect to Ukraine was the same stance as G20 (no mention of Russia as an aggressor).
- Backed UN efforts to restart the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
- Condemned Pyongyang’s “destabilizing” missile launches and pursuit of nuclear weapons.
- On Myanmar, the Quad supported a transition to an “inclusive federal democracy” and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus.
- Quadrilateral Security Group.
- Emerged as an informal group after the 2004 tsunami.
- Idea first proposed in 2007, but Australia didn’t join.
- Came into being in 2017.
- First formal summit in 2021 in Washington DC.
- Quad-Plus: Quad+ S. Korea, New Zealand, and Vietnam.
- Know more about Quad in the link.
3. Panel calls for revising rules of construction around protected ASI monuments
Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport Tourism and Culture has asked the government to revise the rules to make them realistic.
Details:
- A parliamentary panel has observed that the provision of a 100-metre prohibited area and a 300-metre regulated area around all monuments protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has pitted the local community against these heritage structures in many places as they find it difficult to carry out necessary repair work of their residential spaces.
- It has recommended rationalising the application of such rules based on the historical significance of the monuments.
- The rule was introduced under the 2010 amendment of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958.
Reasons:
- Hampers repair of villagers’ residential properties; creates resentment.
- Same rules apply to both major and minor monuments.
- Also recommended that the list of all 3,691 ASI-protected monuments be rationalised and categorised based on their national significance, unique architectural value and specific heritage content.
About the AMASR Act
- First introduced in 1957.
- To protect and preserve ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance in India.
- ASI (est. 1861) works under this act.
- The act establishes advisory bodies like the National Monuments Authority (NMA) to provide guidance on conservation and preservation.
- Amended in 2010: to redefine certain terms and to empower the central government to make rules for the conservation and management of protected monuments.
- Amended in 2017: to allow the government to take up infrastructure projects within prohibited areas around protected monuments.
4. Fast bikes, wild rides, brave guys: here’s the MotoGP cheatsheet
Context: Inaugural MotoGP Grand Prix of India at the Buddh International Circuit.
Details:
- Term MotoGP coined in 2002; but such a championship has been held since 1949 (a year before F1 started).
- Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM), the governing body for two-wheeler racing, sanctions the championship. Dorna Sports is the commercial rights holder.
- Bikes used for MotoGP are not road-legal.
- 11 teams (5 factory and 6 satellite), each fielding 2 riders.
- Practice session – Qualifier (2 segments: Q1 & Q2) – Final
- Buddha Circuit had earlier hosted F1 in 2013 and the Asian Road Racing Championship in 2016.
- To make the track safe for bikes, there is a need to increase gravel content on the track and install safety installations at high-impact zones.
Source: Cycle News
Flags of MotoGP
- Green: means that the track is free.
- Yellow: indicates a danger on the track, usually an accident. If the marshal shows the flag, overtaking is forbidden.
- A yellow flag with red stripes and a white flag with a red cross. This combination warns competitors of reduced track grip (due to water, oil, clay, gravel, etc.).
- If the flag marshal waves a WHITE FLAG it is raining, MotoGP riders may enter the pit box to change their bike for one adapted to the rain.
- A blue flag is waved to a slower rider who is close to being overtaken by a faster rider. The first of these must then allow for faster overtaking at the earliest opportunity.
- Red flag means the immediate stopping of a race, qualification, or training. When the red flag appears, all riders must slow down immediately and enter the pits.
- Check flag signals at the end of a race, qualification, or training.
- A black flag together with the rider’s number means that he must leave the track and go to the pits immediately.
- A black flag with an orange circle and rider number is used to inform the rider that his motorcycle has mechanical problems and must leave the track immediately and go to the pits.
G. Tidbits
Nothing here for today!!!
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958:
- The AMASR Act defines an “ancient monument” broadly, including structures and sculptures.
- It applies only to publicly owned monuments.
- The act prohibits any construction within a 100-metre radius around ancient monuments.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect; the AMASR Act applies to both publicly and privately owned monuments that are over 100 years old.
Q2. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Quad:
- The first “Quad Leaders Summit” was held virtually in 2021.
- The Quad comprises India, Australia, the U.S., and China.
- It is committed to a “free and open” Indo-Pacific region.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 2 is incorrect, as the Quad comprises India, Australia, Japan, and the U.S.
Q3. With reference to the MotoGP, which of the following statements is/are incorrect?
- “MotoGP” is a term used specifically for the Grand Prix motorcycling championship.
- Dorna Sports is the governing body of the championship.
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. Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM) is the governing body for MotoGP racing. Dorna Sports is the commercial rights holder.
Q4. Consider the following statements, with reference to dispute resolution methods:
- Arbitration entails a neutral third party assisting in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.
- Conciliation involves the appointment of an impartial third party to make a binding decision.
- Mediation involves a mediator facilitating communication and collaboration for a voluntary settlement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: Arbitration results in a binding decision, conciliation seeks a mutually acceptable agreement, and mediation promotes voluntary settlement through communication and collaboration.
Q5. Consider the following statements, with reference to the Asian Games:
- The Asian Games are held every fourth year and organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
- The Games were first held in New Delhi in 1951.
- Cyprus, Armenia, and Israel, though in Asia, participate in European games.
How many of the statements given above are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation: All three statements are correct.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- China has been using stapled Visas to make a statement against India. Comment. (10 marks 150 words) (GS-2; International Relations )
- The shift of the USA toward Chinese “monopoly” in the Pacific region, has benefitted China’s stance in West Asia. Do you agree? Also analyze how India can be a key player in countering Chinese ambitions in West Asia. (15 marks, 250 words) (GS-2; International Relations )
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