Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (09-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Centre dissolves Pronab Sen-headed Standing Committee on statistics, surveys |
| International Relations: India and U.S. agree to swap turns, US to host Quad Summit |
| India’s Military Diplomacy in Top Gear |
| Science and Technology: Planetary protection in news |
| Ecology and Environment: Arctic Sea Ice Levels and Their Impact on Indian Monsoon Patterns |
Centre dissolves Pronab Sen-headed Standing Committee on statistics, surveys
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Exam Relevance: GS 2– Polity and Governance
Context: SCoS was tasked with advising on survey methodologies, sampling designs, and data tabulation plans for statistical surveys conducted by the government.
Why in news
- The recent dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS), led by Pronab Sen, has sparked concerns and criticisms, particularly over its timing and the reasoning provided.
Key Highlights
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation cited various reasons for dismantling the SCoS.
- Overlapping Roles: According to the Director-General of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), the SCoS’s functions overlapped with those of the new Steering Committee, formed upon recommendations by the National Statistical Commission (NSC). The new panel, headed by NSC chairman Rajeeva Laxman Karandikar, has already included some SCoS members, reflecting a shift in how the government intends to handle survey-related tasks.
- Delay in the Census: The disbandment comes amid concerns raised by SCoS members about the significant delay in conducting the decennial census, last held in 2011.
- The census scheduled for 2021 was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and no new date has been set.
- This delay has implications for the accuracy and quality of various data sets used for policy-making, as they continue to rely on outdated information from the 2011 census.
- Political and Public Reaction: Opposition parties have criticized the government’s decision, suggesting that the dissolution was a response to the committee’s persistent questioning of the delayed census.
- Opposition highlighted the broader implications of this delay, such as the impact on ration benefits under the National Food Security Act and other welfare schemes.
- Concerns Over Governance and Data Accuracy: Economists and statisticians have voiced concerns that the decision undermines the advisory role of experts in government data collection and survey methodologies.
- The lack of a recent census hampers evidence-based policy-making, which relies on up-to-date and accurate statistical data.
About NSSO
- The National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) is an organization under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) in India.
- It is responsible for conducting large-scale sample surveys across the country on various socio-economic topics.
- The data collected by NSSO is crucial for policymaking, economic planning, and assessing the socio-economic conditions of the population.
About Census
- The census is a crucial exercise that plays a fundamental role in the governance, planning, and development of a country.
- In India, the census is conducted every ten years and provides comprehensive data about the population, including its size, distribution, demographic characteristics, and socio-economic conditions.
- Historical Background: The first systematic and modern census in India was conducted in 1872 during the British rule. However, the first complete census was conducted in 1881, and since then, it has been conducted every ten years without interruption.
- Conducting Authority: The Census of India is conducted by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. It is one of the largest administrative exercises in the world.
- The latest census was scheduled for 2021, but it has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The previous census was held in 2011.
Conclusion
- The situation underscores ongoing tensions between the government’s approach to managing statistical bodies and the need for independent advisory committees to ensure the credibility and reliability of national data. The delay in conducting the census remains a critical issue, affecting a wide range of socio-economic policies and planning in India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the recent dissolution of the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) in India:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2009)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 1: C
Explanation:
|
India and U.S. agree to swap turns, US to host Quad Summit
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Exam Relevance: GS 2– International Relations
Context: The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, commonly known as the Quad, is a strategic forum comprising four nations: the United States, India, Japan, and Australia
Why in news
- The United States and India have swapped hosting duties for the Quad Summit.
Key Highlights
- Quad Summit Hosting Swap: The U.S. will host the Quad summit this year on September 21, 2024, in Delaware, the hometown of U.S. President Joseph Biden. India is set to host the next Quad Summit in 2025.
- Summit Details: The decision to swap hosting years was made to accommodate President Biden’s schedule, allowing him to host the summit in his final year as President. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will attend the summit.
- Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. Schedule: Following the Quad Summit, PM Modi will address a diaspora meet titled “Modi & U.S. Progress Together” at Nassau Coliseum in New York’s Long Island on September 22. He will also attend the “Summit of the Future” at the United Nations on September 22-23. However, Modi will not deliver an address to the UN General Assembly on September 26 as initially planned; instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent India on September 28.
- Logistical Adjustments: The decision for the hosting swap was finalized after discussions among Quad officials, also known as the ‘sous sherpas’, and through direct conversations between PM Modi and U.S. and Australian leaders. Initially, India had intended to host the Quad Summit in New York alongside the UN meetings, but it will now take place in the U.S.
- Significance and Future of Quad: This summit is seen as significant, particularly as a “farewell” for President Biden and Japanese PM Kishida, both of whom are not contesting the next term. The importance of Quad and BRICS remains a focal point in geopolitical discussions, especially as the member countries navigate complex domestic and international commitments.
This Quad Summit underscores the strategic collaboration among the member nations and the adaptability of their diplomatic engagements amidst shifting political landscapes in their respective countries.
Origin of the Quad
- It was originally conceived in 2007 by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, with support from then U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, Australian Prime Minister John Howard, and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
- The Quad was envisioned as a response to the increasing strategic challenges posed by China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
- However, the Quad did not initially gain much traction and was dissolved soon after its inception due to various geopolitical reasons, including changes in the governments of member countries and Australia’s decision to withdraw from the dialogue under Chinese pressure.
- The concept of the Quad was revived in 2017 as concerns about China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region grew, particularly regarding its activities in the South China Sea and Belt and Road Initiative.
- Since then, the Quad has held regular meetings, with the dialogue advancing from an informal consultative process to a more structured and strategic partnership.
Importance of the Quad
- Strategic Counterbalance to China: One of the primary purposes of the Quad is to serve as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region. The member countries share concerns about China’s assertiveness, including territorial disputes in the South China Sea and East China Sea, as well as its Belt and Road Initiative, which is seen as a tool to extend China’s influence.
- Promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: The Quad emphasizes the importance of a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. It promotes the rule of law, freedom of navigation, respect for international norms, and the sovereignty of nations. This vision aligns with the strategic interests of all four members, as it seeks to ensure stability and security in a region that is crucial for global trade and economic activity.
-
- Enhanced Security Cooperation: The Quad facilitates enhanced security and defense cooperation among its members. This includes joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and collaboration on maritime security. Initiatives like the Malabar naval exercises demonstrate the commitment of the Quad nations to maintaining a robust security presence in the Indo-Pacific.
- Collaboration on Global Issues: Beyond security, the Quad has expanded its agenda to address broader global challenges such as climate change, health security, cyber security, and emerging technologies. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Quad members announced a partnership to enhance vaccine production and distribution, demonstrating their ability to collaborate on critical global issues.
-
- Economic and Technological Partnerships: The Quad also serves as a platform for promoting economic and technological cooperation among its members. This includes initiatives to strengthen supply chains, develop infrastructure, and promote innovation in areas like critical and emerging technologies, digital connectivity, and clean energy.
- Support for Smaller Nations: The Quad provides a strategic umbrella for smaller nations in the Indo-Pacific that are navigating pressures from larger powers, particularly China. By promoting a rules-based order and providing alternative avenues for economic and security cooperation, the Quad helps to uphold the sovereignty and autonomy of these nations.
- Strengthening Diplomatic Ties: The Quad enhances diplomatic ties and alignment among its members, fostering a closer partnership based on shared democratic values and common strategic interests. This cooperation reinforces the collective bargaining power of the Quad countries on the global stage.
Overall, the Quad represents a significant strategic alignment among four major democracies in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at promoting a stable, secure, and prosperous region while addressing shared challenges in an increasingly complex global landscape
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Assertion (A): The United States and India have swapped hosting duties for the Quad Summit, with the U.S. hosting in 2024 and India set to host in 2025.
Reason (R): The hosting swap was decided to accommodate U.S. President Joseph Biden’s schedule, allowing him to host the summit in his final year as President, providing an opportunity for PM Modi to host Quad Leaders in India in the following year. Select the correct option: A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A). |
Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)
1. Australia 2. Canada 3. China 4. India 5. Japan 6. USA Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN ? a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 Answer: (c) |
| Ans 2 A.
Explanation:
|
India’s Military Diplomacy in Top Gear
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Exam Relevance: GS 2– International Relations
Context: India is intensifying its military diplomacy through a series of strategic exercises.
Why in news
- India is engaging in a series of high-profile military exercises involving all three services (Army, Navy, and Air Force) to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance interoperability with global powers.
Major Exercises:
- Yudh Abhyas 2024: A bilateral Army exercise with the U.S., set to begin on September 9, 2024, in Rajasthan.
- It features advanced U.S. military assets, including Stryker infantry vehicles and HIMARS rocket systems, which help India counter potential threats from adversaries by showcasing operational readiness and interoperability.
- Tarang Shakti: India’s largest multilateral air exercise, currently underway in Jodhpur, includes participation from nations like the U.S., Australia, and Japan.
- The exercise, featuring advanced air assets such as the A-10 Thunderbolt, serves to strengthen India’s air defense capabilities and enhance coordination among allied air forces.
- Malabar Naval Exercise: Scheduled for October 2024 off the Visakhapatnam coast, involving the Quad nations (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia), focuses on maritime security and is a direct countermeasure to assert naval dominance in the Indo-Pacific region.
Expanding Military Ties:
- Exercise Indra with Russia: Set to enhance land combat strategies and counter-insurgency capabilities, showcasing India’s balanced approach in maintaining ties with both Western and Eastern powers.
- Mitra Shakti with Sri Lanka and Khaan Quest in Mongolia: These exercises demonstrate India’s commitment to regional stability and its proactive stance against potential threats, including terrorism and insurgency.
Naval Outreach and Strategic Presence:
- The Indian Navy’s participation in global exercises like RIMPAC and bilateral engagements such as Exercise Varuna with France highlight India’s efforts to secure sea lanes and deter hostile actions in critical maritime regions.
Objective:
- Through these proactive military engagements, India aims to deter adversaries, project power, and safeguard its strategic interests by building strong defense ties and demonstrating its operational readiness across various domains.
- India’s proactive military diplomacy is a calculated move to counter potential adversaries, secure its borders, and maintain a strategic balance in the region, ensuring its role as a key player in global security dynamics.
China vs. India’s Proactive Military Diplomacy- Comparative Analysis:
Focus Areas:
- India’s diplomacy is regionally focused, prioritizing the Indo-Pacific and enhancing security ties with democracies and like-minded nations to counter Chinese influence.
- China’s approach is more global, seeking to project power and secure strategic routes, often aligning with countries that provide economic and strategic leverage.
Defense Alliances:
- India’s military diplomacy aligns with democratic partners and multilateral groups like Quad, emphasizing rule-based order and collective security.
- China pursues bilateral defense relationships, often with nations under authoritarian regimes or those seeking economic aid, enhancing its influence through economic and military integration.
Strategic Goals:
- India aims to balance power in the Indo-Pacific, safeguard its borders, and strengthen defense capabilities against regional threats, particularly from China.
- China seeks to challenge U.S. dominance, secure its interests along strategic maritime routes, and project power to support its broader geopolitical ambitions.
Conclusion:
- India’s proactive military diplomacy is designed to counter China’s expanding influence by forging strong defense partnerships and participating in joint exercises that bolster regional security.
- Conversely, China’s military diplomacy is geared towards establishing a global presence and securing its strategic interests, often through assertive and expansive initiatives.
- Both nations are leveraging military diplomacy to enhance their respective strategic positions in the evolving global order.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to India’s proactive military diplomacy, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only |
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue which Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (2022)
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea. (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea (c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. (d) Through International Courts of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. Answer: (b) |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation:
|
Planetary protection in news
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-planetary-protection/article68618189.ece
UPSC Exam Relevance: GS 3– Space Technology
Context: Planetary protection is a crucial aspect of interplanetary missions aimed at preserving the biospheres of Earth and other celestial bodies from microbial contamination.
Why in news
- Planetary protection rooted in the Outer Space Treaty of 1967, is becoming increasingly significant as nations like China and the U.S. race to explore Mars.
The Concept of Planetary Protection:
- Planetary protection involves safeguarding both Earth’s and other planetary bodies’ biospheres from potential contamination.
- This involves preventing the introduction of Earth’s microbes to other planets (forward contamination) and avoiding the return of extraterrestrial organisms that could disrupt Earth’s environment (backward contamination).
- The principle underpins the ethical and scientific responsibility of space-faring nations to maintain the integrity of space environments.
Legal Framework:
- Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty (1967) legally binds signatories to avoid harmful contamination and adverse environmental changes due to space exploration activities.
- Countries must take precautions to prevent the introduction of extraterrestrial matter, reflecting the broader international commitment to preserving the space environment for future generations.
China’s Tianwen-3 Mission and Its Implications:
- China’s announcement to expedite its Mars sample-return mission, Tianwen-3, to 2028, potentially ahead of the U.S., underscores the intensifying space race.
- The mission designer’s commitment to adhering to planetary protection principles highlights China’s growing recognition of international norms in space exploration.
- This move could set a precedent for future missions, stressing the importance of international cooperation and compliance with space treaties.
Technical Challenges and Implications:
- Adhering to planetary protection involves complex and costly measures.
- For instance, spacecraft intended for interplanetary missions are often fully assembled and subjected to rigorous cleaning processes, such as baking in a dry room at 120 degrees Celsius for three days.
- This not only ensures microbial decontamination but also enhances the spacecraft’s technical resilience.
- However, these processes significantly increase the costs and technical demands of missions, posing challenges for countries with limited resources or emerging space programs.
Strategic and Geopolitical Considerations:
- The adherence to planetary protection principles has broader strategic implications.
- As more nations venture into space, maintaining compliance with international standards will be critical in preventing potential conflicts and fostering collaboration.
- For India, a nation with ambitious space aspirations, understanding and adhering to these principles will be crucial for its standing in the global space community.
Conclusion:
- Planetary protection is not just a scientific or technical issue but also a legal and geopolitical one, reflecting the broader responsibilities of space exploration.
- As China and the U.S. push forward with their Mars missions, the emphasis on preserving celestial environments will become more pronounced.
- Understanding these dynamics will equip future policymakers with the necessary perspective to navigate the complexities of space governance and ensure India’s responsible participation in the global space arena.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||
Q4. Consider the following pairs:
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (2010)
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India Ans: (c) |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
|
Arctic Sea Ice Levels and Their Impact on Indian Monsoon Patterns
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Exam Relevance: GS 3– Climate Change
Context: Recent research has highlighted how changes in Arctic Sea ice levels can significantly impact Indian monsoon patterns, leading to unpredictable and extreme weather conditions.
Why in news
- The study, conducted by India’s National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) and South Korea’s Korea Polar Research Institute, provides critical insights into the complex relationship between Arctic Sea ice and the Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall (ISMR).
Key Findings:
Influence of Arctic Sea Ice on Monsoon:
- The study reveals that a decrease in sea ice in the central Arctic leads to less rainfall in western and peninsular India but increases rainfall in central and northern India.
- Lower sea ice levels in the Barents-Kara Sea region can delay the monsoon’s onset and make it more erratic.
Mechanisms Behind the Influence:
- Lower sea ice in the central Arctic triggers cyclonic circulation patterns, enhancing Rossby waves and influencing atmospheric conditions over India.
- High pressure regions form over northwest India and the Mediterranean, strengthening the Asian jet stream and shifting the subtropical easterly jet northward, altering rainfall distribution.
- Reduced sea ice in the Barents-Kara Sea results in anticyclonic circulation, influencing weather patterns over Europe and subtropical Asia, which affects the Indian monsoon.
Role of Climate Change:
- The study underscores that climate change, by accelerating the reduction of Arctic sea ice, exacerbates the variability of the ISMR.
- This leads to an increased frequency of droughts in some regions and excessive rainfall and flooding in others, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced climate research and more accurate monsoon forecasts.
Implications for India:
- Disaster Management: Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving India’s preparedness for extreme weather events, which have already caused significant loss of life and property, as seen in recent floods in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
- Policy Formulation: This research can inform policymakers on the importance of international cooperation in climate action and the need for adaptive strategies in agriculture, water management, and urban planning.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the impact of changes in Arctic Sea ice levels on Indian monsoon patterns:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. “Climate Action Tracker” which monitors the emission reduction pledges of different countries is a : (2022)
a. Database created by coalition of research organisations b. Wing of “International Panel of Climate Change” c. Committee under “United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. d. Agency promoted and financed by United Nations Environment Programme and World Bank Answer: a. |
| Answer 5 B
Explanation
|