Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (22-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: Ukraine ratifies Rome Statute, paving way for ICC membership |
| PM Modi’s Ukraine visit signals shift to ‘multi-alignment’ in multipolar world |
| Polity and Governance: VIT ranked second best institution in the country |
| Environment and Ecology: Nepal reports yet another glacial lake outburst |
| Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan diplomacy’? |
Ukraine ratifies Rome Statute, paving way for ICC membership
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: Rome Statute and International Criminal Court (ICC)
Why in News
- Ukraine’s parliament voted to ratify the Rome Statute, officials said, allowing the country to join the International Criminal Court (ICC) in a step Ukrainian leader have cast as central to Kyiv’s European aspirations.
What is the Rome Statute?
- The Rome Statute is the treaty that established the International Criminal Court (ICC), a permanent international tribunal that prosecutes individuals for the most serious offenses, such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Ukraine’s Previous Relationship with the ICC
- Although Ukraine had already recognized the ICC’s jurisdiction in the past, it had not fully ratified the Rome Statute, which would make it a formal member of the ICC.
- Recognizing jurisdiction allowed Ukraine to collaborate with the ICC on specific cases, but full membership would deepen this cooperation and commitment.
Significance of Ratification
- Strengthening Accountability: By ratifying the Rome Statute, Ukraine can more effectively pursue justice against individuals suspected of committing war crimes, particularly in the context of Russia’s invasion.
- This step aligns with Ukraine’s efforts to hold Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin and former Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, accountable for alleged crimes against Ukrainian civilians.
- European Integration: Full membership in the ICC is also viewed as a crucial part of Ukraine’s broader aspirations to join the European Union.
- The EU has strict requirements regarding human rights and the rule of law, and membership in international bodies like the ICC is seen as an indicator of a country’s commitment to these principles.
Challenges and Misconceptions
- The ratification process faced delays due to a “disinformation campaign” that falsely suggested Ukrainian soldiers would be more vulnerable to prosecution by the ICC.
- However, Ukrainian leaders, including Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, have emphasized that these fears are unfounded and that ICC membership would instead bolster Ukraine’s ability to hold Russian perpetrators accountable.
Support from Ukrainian Authorities
- The decision to ratify the Rome Statute was supported by Ukraine’s General Staff and military intelligence, highlighting the broad consensus among Ukrainian leaders on the importance of this move for both justice and the country’s future integration with Europe.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Recently, Ukraine’s parliament voted to ratify the Rome Statute, which is central to its European aspirations. What is the significance of this ratification for Ukraine?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Q. Consider the following: (2022)
India is a member of which of the above?
Ans d |
| Answer 1- B
Explanation
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PM Modi’s Ukraine visit signals shift to ‘multi-alignment’ in multipolar world.
Source: Livemint
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: Significance of Indian Prime Minister’s Ukraine Visit
Why in news
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Visit
- Scheduled Visit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Ukraine at the invitation of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This will be the first visit by an Indian head of state to Ukraine since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1991.
- Purpose of Visit: The visit aims to discuss and strengthen collaboration in defense, economic and business relations, and science and technology. It will also involve signing multiple cooperation agreements.
Background and Context:
- Previous Criticism: The visit comes after criticism from Zelenskyy regarding Modi’s trip to Moscow in July 2024, during which Russia launched missiles targeting Ukraine.
- India’s Stance: India has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict, focusing on dialogue and diplomacy rather than public condemnation of Russia. India’s strategy, termed “multi-alignment,” involves balancing relationships with various global powers and not taking sides publicly in the conflict.
Strategic Interests and Diplomacy
- Trade Relations: India’s trade with Ukraine was approximately $3.4 billion in the fiscal year 2021-22, making Ukraine one of India’s top 50 trade partners.
- European Relations: India is also working to improve relations with Europe, reviving trade negotiations with the EU and concluding agreements with the EFTA group. This aligns with Modi’s broader foreign policy goals.
Current Conflict Status
- Ongoing War: The war between Russia and Ukraine remains unresolved, with significant disagreements on cease-fire terms.
- Ukraine demands the withdrawal of Russian troops from occupied territories, while Russia insists on retaining these areas.
Significance
- Visit Significance: Modi’s visit represents a significant diplomatic engagement and is expected to expand cooperation between India and Ukraine, particularly in areas impacted by the ongoing war. This visit also underscores India’s effort to balance its geopolitical relationships while maintaining neutrality in international conflicts.
- Neutral Stance: India’s approach of not publicly condemning Russia while advocating for dialogue reflects its broader foreign policy of multi-alignment, which aims to build and maintain relationships across different geopolitical spheres without taking definitive sides in conflicts.
- Trade and Diplomacy: The emphasis on enhancing trade relations with Ukraine and Europe is part of India’s strategy to diversify its economic partnerships and strengthen its position in global trade networks.
- Conflict Resolution: The ongoing conflict and the differing positions of Ukraine and Russia on cease-fire negotiations highlight the complexity of international diplomacy in the current geopolitical landscape.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Q. What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)
a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase. b) India’s relations with oil producing Arab countries will be strengthened. c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia. d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India Ans: (c) |
| Answer 2 A
Explanation
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VIT ranked second best institution in the country
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: Academic Ranking of World Universities
Why in News
- The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has been ranked the second best institution and the first among private institutions in the country, according to the Shanghai Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024.
VIT’s Ranking
- Nationally: VIT has been ranked as the second-best institution in India overall and is the top-ranked private institution in the country.
- Significance: This ranking highlights VIT’s strong academic and research performance, making it a leader among private universities in India.
Ranking Criteria
The ARWU ranks universities based on several academic and research performance indicators, including:
- Awards: The number of alumni and staff who have won prestigious awards like the Nobel Prize and Fields Medal.
- Research Impact: The presence of highly cited researchers and the number of research papers published in leading journals such as Nature and Science.
- Citation Indices: Papers indexed in major citation indices, which reflect the influence and reach of the institution’s research.
- Per Capita Performance: The academic performance of the institution on a per capita basis, indicating the efficiency and productivity of research output relative to the size of the institution.
Global Context:
- The ARWU has published a list of the top 1,000 universities in the world for 2024. This ranking is a prestigious indicator of global academic standing.
- Indian Representation: Fifteen Indian universities made it to this list, showing the growing recognition of Indian institutions on the global stage.
IISc Bangalore’s Ranking
- The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has been ranked in the 401-500 range globally. It is the highest-ranked Indian institution in this global list.
- National Leader: IISc is the top-ranked university in India according to the ARWU, reflecting its outstanding research output and academic reputation.
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024
- The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024, often referred to as the Shanghai Ranking, is a prestigious global ranking system that evaluates universities based on their academic and research performance.
- The ARWU ranks universities based on several key indicators, focusing on both the quality and quantity of research output.
- The ARWU publishes a list of the top 1,000 universities in the world.
- The ranking is dominated by institutions from the United States, Europe, and increasingly, Asia.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. The Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2024, also known as the Shanghai Ranking, evaluates universities based on several criteria. Which of the following indicators are used by ARWU to rank universities?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
1. As per the right to Education (RTE) Act, to be eligible for appointment as a teacher in a state, a person would be required to possess the minimum qualification laid down by the concerned State Council of Teacher education. 2. As per the RTE Act, for teaching primary classes, a candidate is required to pass a Teacher Eligibility Test conducted in accordance with the National Council of Teacher Education guidelines. 3. In India, more than 90% of teacher education institutions are directly under the State Government. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 3 only Ans: b |
| Answer 3– C
Explanation –
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Nepal reports yet another glacial lake outburst
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) and Recent Events in Nepal
Why in News
- Recently, the Thyanbo glacial lake in Nepal’s Khumbu region burst, causing a significant glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)
- GLOFs occur when a glacial lake, often formed by melting ice, bursts its natural dam (typically ice or moraine). The sudden release of stored water can lead to catastrophic flooding downstream.
Causes:
- Glacial Lake Expansion: Lakes can grow due to increased glacial melt from rising temperatures.
- Ice or Moraine Dam Failure: Weakening or collapse of natural dams holding the lake water.
Impact:
- Property Damage: GLOFs can flood and destroy infrastructure, homes, and facilities.
- Environmental Damage: Erosion, landslides, and habitat destruction can result from the sudden release of water.
Recent GLOF Event in Nepal
- Location: Thyanbo Glacial Lake, Thame village, Khumbu region, Nepal.
- Initial Conditions: The lake was approximately 0.05 square kilometers in size before the burst.
- Timing: The outburst occurred around 1:25 PM Nepal Standard Time.
Damage Assessment:
- Affected Properties: The flood damaged 14 properties including a school, health center, five hotels, and seven houses.
- Notable Individuals: Thame village is home to renowned Everest climber Kami Rita Sherpa.
Threats:
- Future Risk: The village is situated below several glacial lakes at risk of outburst, heightening the potential for further disasters.
ICIMOD’s Findings:
- Lake Size Variability: Satellite imagery shows that glacial lakes in the region frequently expand and contract, which can lead to the formation of cracks and increase the risk of outbursts.
- Monitoring: ICIMOD uses satellite images to track changes in glacial lakes and assess the risks of GLOFs.
Impact of Climate Change:
- Glacier and Snow Changes: The Hindu Kush Himalayas are experiencing rapid changes in glaciers, snow, and permafrost due to global warming.
- Increased Risks: An anticipated threefold increase in GLOF incidents by the end of the 21st century, with a peak in risk expected by 2050.
Regional and Global Implications:
Vulnerability:
- Local Impact: About 260 million people live in the Hindu Kush Himalayas, facing increased risks from glacial melting and cryosphere-related hazards.
- Population at Risk: Nearly a million people live within 10 kilometers of a glacial lake.
Historical Context:
- Recorded GLOFs in Nepal: There have been 24 recorded GLOFs in Nepal over the last 450 years, highlighting the historical and ongoing risk.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following is a common method used to monitor and assess the risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)?
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Q. Which one of the following lakes of West Africa has become dry and turned into a desert? (2022)
Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4 B
Explanation
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Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan diplomacy’?
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/malaysia-orangutan-diplomacy-9526229/
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Ecology and Environment
Context: Critically endangered orangutans, Orangutan diplomacy
Why in News
- Malaysia’s Plantation and Commodities Minister Johari Ghani tweaked his earlier proposal of sending critically endangered orangutans as gifts to palm oil-purchasing countries.
Orangutan Diplomacy
- Inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy,” where pandas are sent to other countries as diplomatic gifts and for conservation purposes, Minister Ghani proposed a similar strategy for Malaysia.
- He initially suggested gifting orangutans to countries that purchase Malaysian palm oil.
Objective:
- The goal was to alleviate international concerns about the environmental impact of Malaysia’s palm oil industry, which has been linked to deforestation and habitat loss for orangutans.
- By gifting orangutans, Ghani intended to showcase Malaysia’s commitment to environmental sustainability and counter the negative perception of its palm oil production.
Reasons for the Proposal:
- Pressure on Malaysia’s Palm Oil Industry: Malaysia is the world’s second-largest producer of palm oil, an industry under immense scrutiny due to its environmental impact, particularly deforestation that threatens the orangutan population. The proposal was an attempt to counteract these negative perceptions and demonstrate that Malaysia produces sustainable palm oil.
- EU Ban on Deforestation-Linked Goods: The announcement followed the European Union’s ban on importing goods linked to deforestation, which directly impacts Malaysia’s palm oil exports. The “orangutan diplomacy” was part of an effort to address the international community’s concerns and maintain palm oil sales.
Criticism of the Proposal
- Wildlife Conservationists’ Outrage: The proposal was met with severe criticism from wildlife conservationists and animal welfare groups. Critics found the idea of gifting endangered orangutans to palm oil-importing countries hypocritical and offensive, as the palm oil industry itself is a major contributor to the deforestation that endangers orangutans.
- Comparison with China’s Panda Diplomacy: Critics pointed out that China’s panda diplomacy is backed by strong conservation efforts, including state-of-the-art facilities and protected areas for wild pandas. Malaysia’s proposal, however, did not include comparable conservation measures for orangutans, making it seem more like a public relations stunt than a genuine conservation effort.
- Ethical Concerns: There was also an ethical backlash, with many arguing that using endangered animals as diplomatic tools was inappropriate, particularly when those animals are threatened by the very industry being promoted.
Revised Proposal
- Sponsorship Instead of Gifting: After facing widespread criticism, Ghani revised his proposal. Instead of sending orangutans abroad, he suggested offering palm oil importers the opportunity to “sponsor” one or more orangutans. The funds from these sponsorships would be used for conservation efforts within Malaysia, ensuring that the orangutans remain in their natural habitats.
- Focus on Conservation: The revised plan includes using sponsorship funds for conservation programs, such as monitoring and protecting orangutans in their natural environments. This shift from a gifting strategy to a conservation-focused approach was an attempt to address the ethical and environmental concerns raised by critics.
Orangutans
- Orangutans are highly intelligent great apes native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia, particularly on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra.
Species and Habitat:
- Species: There are three species of orangutans:
- Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus): Found on the island of Borneo, this species is divided into three subspecies based on their geographical distribution.
- Sumatran Orangutan (Pongo abelii): Native to the island of Sumatra, this species is critically endangered.
- Tapanuli Orangutan (Pongo tapanuliensis): Discovered in 2017, this is the most recently identified species, also found on Sumatra. It is the most endangered of all the great apes, with fewer than 800 individuals remaining.
- Habitat: Orangutans primarily inhabit tropical rainforests, where they spend most of their time in the forest canopy. They are arboreal creatures, meaning they live in trees, and are highly adapted to this lifestyle with strong arms and grasping hands and feet.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements is/are correct about orangutans?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
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Q. Which of the following is not a bird? (2022)
Ans: a |
| Answer 5 C
Explanation
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