Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (28-06-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Art and Culture: Arundhati Roy awarded Pen Pinter Prize for her ‘unflinching’ writing |
| International Relations: NATO names Dutch PM Rutte as next chief |
| Environment: List of threatened species grows by 1,000, but conservation efforts bring hope for some animals |
| Economy: Why the GST Council recommended biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for new registrations: Explained |
| Defence: India, U.S. in talks for Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin missiles |
Arundhati Roy awarded Pen Pinter Prize for her ‘unflinching’ writing
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: Awards and Honours
Context: Arundhati Roy awarded Pen Pinter Prize
Why in News
- Arundhati Roy is the 2024 winner of the PEN Pinter Prize which was set up in 2009 by English PEN in memory of Nobel laureate playwright Harold Pinter.
Arundhati Roy
- Suzanna Arundhati Roy (born 24 November 1961) is an Indian author best known for her novel The God of Small Things (1997), which won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997 and became the best-selling book by a non-expatriate Indian author.
- She is also a political activist involved in human rights and environmental causes.
- She was awarded the 2024 PEN Pinter Prize.
- Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, currently facing the threat of prosecution over historic comments on Kashmir 14 years ago, was on June 27 honoured with the prestigious Pen Pinter Prize 2024 for her “unflinching and unswerving” writings.
- The renowned author, who won the Booker Prize for her debut novel ‘The God of Small Things’, was chosen by this year’s judges — Chair of English PEN Ruth Borthwick; actor and activist Khalid Abdalla; and writer and musician Roger Robinson.
- She will receive the award at a ceremony co-hosted by the British Library on October 10, where she will also deliver an address.
About PEN Pinter Prize
- The PEN Pinter Prize is awarded annually to a writer resident in the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Commonwealth.
- The prize, established in 2009 by the charity English PEN, defends freedom of expression and celebrates literature in memory of Nobel-Laureate playwright Harold Pinter.
- The winner must the author of a significant body of plays, poetry, essays, or fiction of outstanding literary merit, written in English.
- The prize is shared with a writer of courage selected by English PEN’s Writers at Risk Committee in association with the winner.
- This half of the prize is awarded to someone who has been persecuted for speaking out about their beliefs.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to PEN Pinter Prize:
Which of the above statements are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following pairs with regard to sports awards:
1. Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award: For the most spectacular and outstanding per- formance by a sportsperson over period of last four years. 2. Arjuna Award: For the lifetime achievement by a sportsperson 3. Dronacharya Award: To honour eminent coaches who have successfully trained sportspersons or teams. 4. Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar: To recognize the contribution made by sportspersons even after their retirement How many of the above pairs are correctly matched? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Answer: (b) |
| Answer 1– A
Explanation –
|
NATO names Dutch PM Rutte as next chief
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS2- International Relations
Context: Mark Rutte enters NATO leadership amid heightened tensions with Russia
Why in News
- NATO’s 32 nations appointed outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte as the alliance’s next head, handing him the job at a crucial moment with Russia on the march in Ukraine and U.S. elections looming.
Background
- The alliance is and will remain the cornerstone of our collective security.
- The seasoned Dutch leader, whose 14-year tenure in charge of the Netherlands is set to end within weeks, is seen as a safe pair of hands capable of stewarding NATO through perilous times.
- His appointment was welcomed by leaders across the 75-year-old alliance, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who called it “a good choice for freedom and security”.
- While the 57-year-old faces the spectre of a possible return by former U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House, Mr. Rutte will also have to grapple with the threat posed by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
- After staking a claim for the NATO post following the collapse of his coalition last year, Mr. Rutte had to use all his diplomatic skills to win over reluctant allies Turkey and Hungary.
Challenges Ahead for Mark Rutte as NATO Chief
- Mark Rutte, the incoming NATO Secretary-General, assumes leadership during a critical period marked by global instability and shifting alliances. Here’s an in-depth look at the challenges he faces:
Geopolitical Tensions with Russia
- Mark Rutte enters NATO leadership amid heightened tensions with Russia, particularly in the context of its invasion of Ukraine.
- As a staunch supporter of Ukraine, Rutte has advocated for NATO’s support, including the provision of military aid such as F-16 fighter jets.
- His role will involve rallying NATO allies to maintain solidarity in countering Russian aggression while carefully managing Ukraine’s aspirations to join the alliance.
Managing Alliance Unity
- One of Rutte’s primary challenges will be to maintain cohesion within NATO, especially considering potential political shifts in member countries.
- With the prospect of a return to office by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has expressed controversial views on NATO’s role and defense spending, Rutte must navigate differing perspectives among allies to uphold NATO’s collective defense commitments.
Strategic Focus on China
- Beyond Russia, Rutte must also address NATO’s strategy concerning China’s rising influence and military capabilities.
- This includes assessing NATO’s role in the Indo-Pacific region and coordinating responses to China’s geopolitical maneuvers, which increasingly impact global security dynamics.
Strengthening Defense Capabilities
- Rutte inherits the task of ensuring NATO remains well-equipped to address evolving security threats.
- This includes pushing member states to fulfill their defense spending commitments, a critical aspect given NATO’s mandate to adapt to modern security challenges post-Cold War.
Learning from Predecessors
- Drawing from the legacy of his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, Rutte aims to uphold NATO’s unity and effectiveness amid complex global scenarios.
- Stoltenberg’s tenure was marked by efforts to strengthen NATO’s defense posture and navigate diplomatic challenges, offering valuable lessons for Rutte as he steps into this pivotal role.
What is NATO?
- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a military alliance established by the North Atlantic Treaty (also called the Washington Treaty) of April, 1949, by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union.
- There are currently 30 member states.
- Its original members were Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Joining the original signatories were Greece and Turkey (1952), West Germany (1955, from 1990 as Germany), Spain (1982), the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland (1999), Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia (2004), Albania and Croatia (2009), Montenegro (2017), and North Macedonia (2020).
- France withdrew from the integrated military command of NATO in 1966 but remained a member of the organization, it resumed its position in NATO’s military command in 2009.
Conclusion
- As NATO’s new Secretary-General, Mark Rutte faces a diverse array of challenges ranging from managing geopolitical tensions with Russia and China to maintaining alliance unity amidst potential political shifts within member states. His leadership will be crucial in steering NATO through uncertain times while upholding its core principles of collective defense and international security cooperation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Which of the following statements about NATO and its recent developments is correct?
A. NATO was founded primarily to counter China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. B. Mark Rutte, the incoming NATO Secretary-General, is known for his diplomatic skills in managing alliance unity. C. NATO currently consists of 32 member states, including recent additions like Ukraine and Georgia. D. France withdrew completely from NATO in 2009 but rejoined its integrated military command in 2017. |
Q. With reference to ‘Organization for the prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)’ consider the following statements: (2016)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3 Answer: (b) |
| Answer 2– B
Explanation –
|
List of threatened species grows by 1,000, but conservation efforts bring hope for some animals
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Environment
Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature released its latest Red List of Threatened Species.
Why in News
- Over 45,000 species are now threatened with extinction according to an international conservation organization that blames pressures from climate change, invasive species and human activity such as illicit trade and infrastructural expansion.
Key Highlights
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature released its latest Red List of Threatened Species.
- Now in its 60th year, the list sounds the alarm about animals and plants at risk of extinction, but it also highlights conservation success stories such as the Iberian lynx.
- The list now includes 163,040 species, an increase of about 6,000 from last year.
- Copiapoa cacti, native to Chile’s Atacama coastal desert, the Bornean elephant and the Gran Canaria giant lizard are among the threatened species, IUCN revealed.
Social media Trend among extinction drivers
- Copiapoa cacti have long been coveted as decorative plants, driving an illegal trade that has been amplified by social media where enthusiasts and traders showcase and sell the cacti.
- A staggering 82% of the species is now at risk of extinction, a significant jump from 55% in 2013, the report said.
- IUCN said that the decline is due to the surge in demand for the Chilean cacti in Europe and Asia as ornamental species.
- The smugglers and poachers facilitating the trade, the organization said, have gained increased accessibility to the plants’ habitat due to roads and housing expansion in the Atacama area.
Endangered Asian Elephant in Borneo
- The Asian elephant population in Borneo has dwindled to approximately 1,000 individuals, marking it as critically endangered according to recent IUCN analysis.
- This decline is primarily attributed to habitat loss from logging, agricultural expansion, and infrastructure development.
- Additional threats include human-wildlife conflicts, poaching, exposure to agrochemicals, and vehicle collisions.
Decline of Endemic Reptiles in the Canary Islands and Ibiza
- The Canary Islands and Ibiza have witnessed a significant decline in endemic reptiles such as the giant lizard and skink. This decline is largely due to predation by invasive snakes, highlighting the impact of introduced species on native biodiversity.
Conservation Success: Iberian Lynx Recovery
- The Iberian lynx, once on the brink of extinction, has made a remarkable recovery thanks to targeted conservation efforts. Starting with only 62 mature individuals in 2001, the population has surged to 648 individuals by 2022 and now exceeds 2,000.
- Conservation strategies focused on restoring the lynx’s natural Mediterranean habitat, increasing the abundance of its primary prey (the European rabbit), and enhancing genetic diversity through relocation and controlled breeding programs.
- Since 2010, more than 400 Iberian lynx have been successfully reintroduced to parts of Portugal and Spain, underscoring a significant conservation success story.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Which of the following statements about the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is true?
A. The list primarily focuses on highlighting conservation success stories. B. It includes approximately 163,040 species, showing an increase from previous years. C. The Copiapoa cacti are the only species highlighted as threatened due to illegal trade. D. The Iberian lynx is facing extinction primarily due to habitat loss. |
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) |
| Answer 3 B
Explanation
|
GST Council recommended biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for new registrations
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Goods and Services Tax, Economy
Context: Biometric-based Aadhaar authentication
Why in News
- The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman in the 53rd GST Council Meeting proposed to roll out biometric based aadhaar authentication on an all-India basis.
Importance of Biometric Authentication
- Biometric authentication in Aadhaar plays a critical role in mitigating identity theft, ensuring that social welfare benefits reach the intended recipients, and simplifying numerous bureaucratic processes.
- By using biometrics, which are nearly impossible to replicate or forge, the system provides a secure and efficient method of verifying identities across countless applications.
GST Council to Implement Phased Roll-Out of Biometric-Based Aadhaar Authentication for GST Registration
- The GST Council of India, in a bid to curb the persistent issue of fake invoicing, has decided to implement a phased roll-out of biometric-based Aadhaar authentication for GST registration across the country.
- This strategic move aims to enhance the accuracy and security of the GST registration process by leveraging advanced biometric technology to verify the identities of applicants.
- This announcement came at the 53rd GST Council meeting held on June 22, 2024, in New Delhi.
Key Aspects of the Roll-Out
- Implementation and Technology: The phased roll-out will initially target high-risk applicants and will gradually extend to include all new GST registrations.
- The authentication process will involve capturing biometric data such as fingerprints and iris scans, which will be cross-verified with Aadhaar records to ensure the authenticity of the applicants.
- This integration with the Aadhaar system adds a robust layer of verification, making it significantly harder for fraudulent entities to manipulate the registration process.
- Addressing Fake Invoicing: Fake invoicing has been a significant issue, leading to substantial revenue losses for the government.
- Fraudulent entities generate false invoices to claim undue input tax credits, thereby evading taxes.
- By introducing biometric-based authentication, the GST Council aims to close these loopholes, ensuring that only genuine businesses can register and operate under GST. This initiative is expected to bolster the integrity of the GST system and reduce tax evasion.
- Pilot Projects and Nationwide Expansion: The decision to roll out biometric authentication follows successful pilot projects conducted in Gujarat and Puducherry, in addition to a study in Andhra Pradesh, where the technology demonstrated a notable reduction in instances of fake invoicing.
- These pilots provided valuable insights into the implementation process, helping to refine the system for a nationwide roll-out.
- The phased approach allows for adjustments and improvements based on initial feedback, ensuring a smoother transition.
Types of Biometric Data Used in Aadhaar
- Fingerprint Scanning
-
- Fingerprint scanning is one of the primary biometric methods used in Aadhaar. Each individual’s fingerprint pattern is unique, making it an ideal choice for secure identification.
- This data is captured at enrollment centres equipped with high-resolution scanners and is then encrypted and stored in a centralised database.
- Iris Recognition
- Iris recognition technology analyses the random patterns that are visible in the coloured ring of an individual’s eye.
- These patterns are extremely complex and unique to each individual, including among twins.
- This method adds a layer of security and accuracy to the Aadhaar authentication process.
- Facial Recognition
- As an added measure, facial recognition technology is employed, which analyses several facial features.
- This not only helps in improving inclusivity for those who might have worn fingerprints or difficulties with iris scans due to various reasons but also enhances the robustness of the authentication process.
GST Council
- The GST Council is a constitutional body responsible for making recommendations on issues related to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.
- It was set up to simplify the existing tax structure in India, where both the Centre and states levied multiple taxes making it more uniform across the country.
-
- The 101st Amendment Act, of 2016 paved the way for the introduction of GST.
- The Amendment Act inserted a new Article 279-A in the Constitution, which empowers the President to constitute a GST Council or by an order.
- Accordingly, the President issued the order in 2016 and constituted the Goods and Services Tax Council.
- The members of the Council include the Union Finance Minister (Chairperson), the Union Minister of State (Finance) from the Centre.
- Each state can nominate a minister in-charge of finance or taxation or any other minister as a member.
Benefits of Biometric Authentication
- Enhanced Security
- Biometric authentication through Aadhaar has significantly heightened the security of personal and national data.
- The uniqueness of biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints and iris patterns, makes it extremely difficult for impersonators to access or misuse someone else’s identity.
- Ease of Access
- The use of biometrics has streamlined the process of identity verification, making it faster and more user-friendly.
- Citizens no longer need to carry multiple forms of ID; instead, a quick biometric scan suffices.
- This is particularly beneficial in remote and rural areas where Aadhaar-linked biometric authentication allows residents to access banking services without the need for traditional bank accounts.
- Reduction in Fraud
- The direct linkage of biometric data with Aadhaar numbers has curbed multiple forms of fraud, particularly in the public sector.
- There have been numerous cases where biometric authentication prevented the misappropriation of funds.
Challenges and Concerns
- Privacy Issues
- Despite its benefits, the collection and storage of biometric data raise significant privacy concerns.
- The risk of data breaches and unauthorised surveillance is a critical issue.
- The 2018 Supreme Court judgment on Aadhaar acknowledged these risks, emphasizing the need for robust data protection laws to safeguard personal information.
- Technological Failures
- Biometric systems are not infallible and can suffer from failures, such as incorrect rejections or acceptances, which can deny legitimate users access to services.
- Environmental factors, poor-quality scanners, or damaged biometrics (like scarred fingerprints) can also affect the reliability of biometric authentication.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations
- The legal framework surrounding biometric data in India is still evolving.
- There are ongoing debates regarding the ethical implications of mandatory biometric data collection, particularly concerning consent and the potential for misuse of data.
Impact on Society
- Impact on Government Services
-
-
- Aadhaar has revolutionized the delivery of government services in India. By ensuring that every citizen has a unique identity, it has streamlined processes and reduced bureaucratic overhead.
-
- Impact on Financial Inclusion
-
- Aadhaar has been a boon for financial inclusion, particularly for the underbanked population.
- With the biometric-enabled Aadhaar Payment System (APS), individuals can now conduct financial transactions with just their Aadhaar number and biometric data, bypassing the need for extensive banking documentation.
- This has been particularly transformative in rural areas.
- Impact on Everyday Life
- The everyday lives of Indian citizens have been simplified through the use of Aadhaar.
- From buying a new mobile phone connection to receiving COVID-19 vaccine registrations, Aadhaar has become a cornerstone of identity verification across services.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements about the GST Council of India is correct?
Select correct Options: A) 1 and 2 only B) 1, 2, and 3 only C) 1, 2 , 3, and 4 D) 2, 3, and 4 only
|
Q. Consider the following items: (2018)
Which of the above items is/are exempted under GST (Good and Services Tax)? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) |
| Answer 4 B
Explanation
|
India, U.S. in talks for Stryker infantry vehicles and Javelin missiles
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Defence, GS 2- International Relations
Context: Stryker and the javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).
Why in news
- India has expressed interest in co-production of the Stryker infantry vehicles and it is in “relatively” early stages of talks with the U.S. on the Stryker and the javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).
Co-production of Stryker Infantry Vehicles and Javelin Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM)
- India has shown interest in co-producing Stryker infantry vehicles with the U.S. Talks are in early stages, with discussions ongoing for several months.
- The potential deal involves local manufacture of customized Stryker variants, including some equipped with Javelin ATGMs.
- However, some Indian defence officials have expressed reservations, citing recent developments in similar vehicles by Indian companies.
MQ-9B Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Progress has been made on the sale of MQ-9B UAVs to India.
- A letter of offer and acceptance was delivered in early March, awaiting final signature.
- General Atomics is in negotiations with the Ministry of Defence, and the deal is expected to undergo approval by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) soon.
GE-414 Jet Engines
- India is advancing in the license manufacture of GE-414 engines by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), intended for the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Mk1A.
- Discussions include the separation of manufacturing facilities handling Russian hardware, a critical aspect under consideration.
Strategic Semiconductor Partnership
- A strategic partnership is being launched between General Atomics and 3rd ITECH to co-develop semiconductor designs.
- This initiative aims to enhance precision-guided ammunition and other national security-focused electronics platforms.
Artificial Intelligence and Defence Industrial Partnerships
- India and the U.S. are collaborating on an Artificial Intelligence multi-domain situational awareness product.
- Jointly developed by General Atomics and 114AI, this product supports joint all-domain command and control systems.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the recent defense talks between India and the United States:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 1 and 3 only C) 1 only D) 2 and 3 only |
Q. What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?(2018)
(a) An Israeli radar system (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme (c) An American anti-missile system (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea. Ans: (c) |
| Answer 5 C
Explanation
|