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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on October 28, 2024
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India withdraws its Canada envoy, expels 6 Canadian diplomats as row over Nijjar murder escalates
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
A sharp escalation of the row between the two countries, India on Monday ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Read about:
What is Five Eyes Alliance?
India and Canada relationship
Key takeawyas:
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Canada is home to one of the largest Indian communities worldwide, with approximately 1.6 million people of Indian origin, which makes up over 3% of the country's total population, along with 700,000 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). In 2022, India became the leading source of foreign students in Canada, with 230,000 Indian students. India’s total trade with Canada (both goods and services) amounted to $11.68 billion in 2021-22, falling short of potential. Notably, around 30% of India's total pulse imports come from Canada.
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Canadian pension funds have invested about $55 billion in India. Since 2000, cumulative Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from Canada into India stands at $4.07 billion. Despite challenges, such as the suspension of trade negotiations and the ongoing Khalistan issue, these economic ties have persisted.
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According to the 2021 Canadian census, Sikhs comprise 2.1% of Canada’s population and represent the fastest-growing religious group in the country. After India, Canada has the second-largest Sikh population globally. Sikh representation in Canadian politics is significant, with Sikh lawmakers and officials serving at all levels of government. Jagmeet Singh made history in 2017 by becoming the first Sikh leader of a major political party, heading the New Democratic Party (NDP).
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The principle of reciprocity in international law means granting foreigners equal treatment to citizens as regulated by specific intergovernmental agreements. It allows for the mutual application of legal measures when these are equally accepted by the involved nations, promoting equality and mutual respect in international relations.
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India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) recently received a diplomatic note from Canada suggesting that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats are "persons of interest" in an investigation. India rejected these claims, attributing them to the Trudeau government’s domestic political agenda.
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Although the MEA statement didn’t mention Nijjar by name, it alluded to allegations made by Trudeau in September 2023, accusing India of potential involvement in the death of the Khalistani separatist in June 2023. India dismissed these accusations as unfounded, and diplomatic relations between the two countries have deteriorated since then.
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India further accused the Trudeau government of fostering an environment in which violent extremists and terrorists intimidate Indian diplomats and leaders in Canada. It also noted that some individuals who entered Canada illegally have been expedited for citizenship, and multiple Indian extradition requests for terrorists and organized crime leaders have been ignored.
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The MEA pointed to past instances of Trudeau’s "hostility" towards India, citing his 2018 visit that was criticized for pandering to a particular vote bank, and the inclusion of individuals with extremist views in his cabinet. Trudeau’s 2020 support for farmers protesting in India also strained relations.
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India claims that Trudeau’s latest actions against Indian diplomats are a deflection from criticism over foreign interference in Canadian politics, particularly as Trudeau was about to testify before a Commission on the issue. This situation, according to India, serves to further the separatist agenda that the Trudeau government has catered to for political gain
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Answer (D)
Now, let's evaluate the statements: Statement 1: "European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas the European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union."
Statement 2: "European Commission comprises of the Heads of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament."
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International Big Cat Alliance and India
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Environment & Ecology
Context:
India recently joined the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). In this Wildlife Week, let's learn about Big Cats, their habitats, the significant steps taken by the government for their conservation, and more
Read about:
What is International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)?
What is Project Cheetah?
Key takeaways:
As India observes Wildlife Week 2024, it’s essential to highlight a significant development regarding the country’s wildlife. In September of this year, India officially became a member of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA). The IBCA was established last year to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger, and its mission is to promote awareness about the conservation of seven big cat species.
India is home to five of these seven big cats: the tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, and cheetah, with the puma and jaguar being the exceptions. This raises several questions: What defines these big cats, how do they differ from one another, and what are their habitats? What are their population figures, and what significant actions has the government taken for their conservation? Here’s a comprehensive overview of the seven big cats.
Tiger (Panthera Tigris)
The tiger has two recognized subspecies: Panthera tigris tigris (the continental tiger) and Panthera tigris sondaica (the Sunda tiger). Tigers primarily rely on their sight and hearing for hunting rather than smell, usually stalking their prey alone. According to the World Wildlife Fund, a tiger can consume more than 80 pounds of meat in a single meal.
As reported in the fifth cycle of the All India Tiger Estimation 2022, India has approximately 3,167 tigers, representing over 70% of the world’s wild tiger population.
Conservation Efforts
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Indian Board for Wildlife (IBWL): The International Union for Conservation of Nature has endorsed the board’s recommendation to prohibit the export of wild cat skins, including those of tigers.
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Project Tiger: Launched in 1973, this centrally sponsored initiative was established in nine reserves across states like Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and West Bengal.
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National Tiger Conservation Authority: Following amendments to the Wildlife (Protection) Act in 2006, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau and the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) were set up as statutory bodies based on the Tiger Task Force report.
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Bilateral Cooperation: India has been working with neighboring nations to strengthen transboundary conservation efforts, such as with Bangladesh to support tiger conservation in the Sundarbans. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between India and Cambodia focusing on “Cooperation in biodiversity conservation and sustainable wildlife management recovery strategies for tigers and their habitats,” as stated on the Ministry of External Affairs website.
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Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CA|TS) Accreditation: This international accreditation framework evaluates management practices in tiger reserves to ensure compliance with strict conservation standards.
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International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA): Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023, the IBCA aims to enhance the protection of seven big cats: the tiger, leopard, snow leopard, lion, cheetah, puma, and jaguar. The initiative was announced during a program celebrating 50 years of Project Tiger and seeks to foster connections with various countries that share habitats with these big cats, enhancing international cooperation and conservation efforts for these magnificent animals
1.Consider the following: (2012)
- Black-necked crane
- Cheetah
- Flying squirrel
- Snow leopard
Which of the above are naturally found in India?
(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
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Answer (b)
Thus, the species that are currently naturally found in India are the Black-necked crane, Flying squirrel, and Snow leopard |
For Preliminary Examination: Sickle Cell Disease
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
Sickle cell disease shortens life by at least twenty years.Slow-progressing organ failure is common in older patients, and acute chest syndrome, a form of lung injury, is a significant cause of death among the young. The symptoms vary among patients, leading to a wide range of complications
Read about:
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
What are the Government initiatives to Curb Sickle Cell Disease?
Key takeaways:
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders characterized by the presence of an abnormal form of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S (HbS). This causes red blood cells to take on a rigid, sickle, or crescent shape rather than the usual round, flexible shape. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow in small blood vessels, leading to various complications
SCD is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, meaning a person needs to inherit two copies of the sickle cell gene (one from each parent) to have the disease. If they inherit one sickle cell gene and one normal gene, they become carriers (sickle cell trait), but usually don't show symptoms.
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) has significance in UPSC preparation, especially for topics related to public health, social issues, government policies, and healthcare initiatives. Understanding SCD is crucial for addressing questions in the General Studies papers, particularly in GS Paper II (Governance, Social Justice, and Health) and GS Paper III (Science and Technology, Environment, and Biodiversity).
Here’s why SCD is important for UPSC:
- SCD is a major public health concern, particularly in regions with high prevalence among certain communities, such as tribal populations in India. Understanding its impact on public health systems, economic burdens, and healthcare access is essential for questions related to health infrastructure.
- It aligns with topics like disease burden, inequality in healthcare access, and the role of preventive healthcare in improving public health.
- The Government of India has launched several initiatives and schemes to address the challenges posed by SCD, especially in rural and tribal areas. For instance, the National Health Mission (NHM), the Sickle Cell Anaemia Control Program, and various state-level programs aim to reduce the disease’s prevalence and improve care.
- This is relevant for answering questions on government programs, policies for vulnerable sections, and the effectiveness of healthcare delivery systems
- SCD is more prevalent in certain tribal communities. UPSC often asks about the challenges faced by these communities, including health issues. Understanding SCD’s impact on these groups connects to broader topics like tribal welfare, social justice, and inclusive development.
- Aspirants can relate SCD to the government’s role in improving health outcomes and promoting the socio-economic development of Scheduled Tribes (STs)
- SCD showcases disparities in access to healthcare, particularly in marginalized and rural populations. Questions on health inequality, the role of primary healthcare, and targeted interventions for vulnerable groups can be linked to SCD.
- Understanding how health inequalities affect tribal and marginalized populations and what measures are being taken to bridge the gap is crucial for answering social justice-related questions
- Knowledge of medical advancements like gene therapy, bone marrow transplants, and research in treating SCD is relevant for science and technology questions in the exam. Understanding the genetic basis of SCD can help in addressing questions on genetic disorders and biotechnology.
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements in the context interventions being undertaken under Anemia Mukt Bharat Strategy : (2023)
- It provides prophylactic calcium supplementation for pre-school children, adolescents and pregnant women.
- It runs a campaign for delayed cord clamping at the time of child-birth.
- It provides for periodic deworming to children and adolescents.
- It addresses non-nutritional causes of anaemia in endemic pockets with special focus on malaria, hemoglobinopathies and fluorosis.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
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Answer (c)
The Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB) strategy is a flagship program launched by the Government of India to combat anemia, particularly among children, adolescents, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. Let’s analyze the statements based on AMB’s key interventions:
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Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of ahimsa, or non-violence, is a cornerstone of his ethical and political beliefs. Ahimsa, derived from Sanskrit meaning "non-violence" or "non-harming," is not merely the absence of physical violence but a profound respect for all living beings. It encompasses love, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Gandhi believed that practicing ahimsa was essential for individual and societal well-being.
Key Aspects of Gandhi's Ahimsa Philosophy:
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Moral Foundation: Gandhi viewed ahimsa as the highest moral principle. He believed that true strength lies in non-violence, which requires immense inner courage and self-discipline. For him, the practice of ahimsa is closely linked with the concept of satya (truth), where one must adhere to truth without causing harm to others .
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Political Strategy: Gandhi employed ahimsa as a fundamental strategy in the struggle for India's independence from British colonial rule. He organized various non-violent protests and movements, such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement, asserting that true change could be achieved through peaceful means rather than violence . His approach sought to empower the oppressed without perpetuating cycles of violence.
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Spiritual Dimension: Ahimsa is also deeply spiritual for Gandhi. He believed that practicing non-violence was essential for spiritual growth and realization. He argued that harming others harms oneself and that to realize one's unity with the divine, one must cultivate love and compassion for all beings .
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Critique of Violence: Gandhi's philosophy critiques the use of violence as a means to an end. He argued that violence leads to more violence and suffering, thus perpetuating a cycle of hatred and retaliation. In his view, engaging in violence undermines the moral high ground necessary for a just cause .
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Ahimsa in Daily Life: Beyond political activism, Gandhi emphasized that ahimsa should be practiced in everyday life. This includes not only refraining from physical harm but also avoiding verbal abuse, hatred, and discrimination against others. He believed that cultivating an attitude of compassion and empathy in our daily interactions is vital
Mahatma Gandhi's concept of non-violence (ahimsa) is not only central to his political philosophy but also serves as a guiding principle in his writings and speeches, significantly contributing to the discourse on peace and justice. Here's an overview of how Gandhi articulated and promoted non-violence through his literacy and thought:
Key Aspects of Gandhi's Non-Violence Philosophy
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Philosophical Foundations: Gandhi's approach to non-violence is deeply rooted in various philosophical traditions, including Hinduism, Jainism, and Christianity. He believed that true non-violence goes beyond merely refraining from physical harm; it encompasses thoughts and words as well. For Gandhi, ahimsa was a way of life that required a commitment to compassion and love for all beings.
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Political Activism: Gandhi effectively utilized non-violent methods in India's struggle for independence from British rule. He organized numerous campaigns, including the Salt March and the Quit India Movement, promoting civil disobedience without resorting to violence. His writings during this period, such as in his journal "Young India," laid out his philosophy and provided a moral framework for resistance against oppression.
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Literary Contributions: Gandhi wrote extensively on the topic of non-violence in various forms, including essays, letters, and speeches. His works often emphasized the importance of truth (satya) and non-violence as interconnected principles. In his autobiography, "The Story of My Experiments with Truth," he shares personal experiences that shaped his understanding of ahimsa.
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Global Influence: Gandhi's non-violence philosophy transcended national boundaries, influencing civil rights movements worldwide. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela drew inspiration from Gandhi's methods, adapting them to their contexts to combat injustice. Gandhi's principles continue to inspire contemporary movements for peace and justice.
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Critique of Violence: In his writings, Gandhi argued against the effectiveness of violence, asserting that it leads to more violence and perpetuates cycles of hatred. He believed that non-violent resistance would garner greater moral authority and ultimately lead to more meaningful social change.
B) Quit India Movement
C) Champaran Satyagraha
D) Khilafat Movement
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Answer (A)
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How are tanks armouring Ladakh sector?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II, GS III- International relations, Border Security Issues
Context:
The Ukraine war front has showcased the adaptability of battle tanks, proving that armour is even more essential in the new-age battlefield in addition to long-range firepower. In another arena, after the May 2020 stand-off in the Eastern Ladakh sector between India and China, armies and tanks of both have been deployed at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet, in some cases barrels facing each other 100 metres apart.
Read about:
What is Line of Actual Control (LAC)?
What is Galwan Clash 2020?
Key takeaways:
The Ukraine war has highlighted the continued relevance of battle tanks, demonstrating that armored vehicles remain critical on modern battlefields alongside long-range firepower. Similarly, following the May 2020 standoff between India and China in Eastern Ladakh, both nations have stationed troops and tanks at altitudes between 13,000 and 15,000 feet, sometimes with tanks positioned as close as 100 meters from each other.
Current Situation
In September 2024, the Indian Army displayed the capabilities of its armored units stationed near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. T-90 tanks and BMP-2 armored carriers were shown crossing the Indus River at Nyoma, situated at an elevation of 13,700 feet and approximately 30 kilometers from the LAC. During this demonstration, soldiers explained the technical challenges of maintaining these machines in extreme weather conditions. One soldier, Manoj Kumar, emphasized that the T-90, referred to as the Bhishma in India, is among the world's best tanks and is capable of overcoming obstacles and deep-fording water bodies at high altitudes.
Challenges of Cold Weather
Tanks face performance issues in thin, oxygen-poor air at these altitudes. As temperatures drop at night, crews must restart the engines multiple times to ensure they remain functional. The T-90, operated by a three-person crew, features a 125-mm main gun, machine guns, and can fire anti-tank guided missiles. Plans are in place to upgrade the T-72 tanks with more powerful engines. BMPs, faster and more versatile than tanks, can float and operate underwater, making them suitable for this rugged terrain.
Deployment in Ladakh
Since 2012, India has been enhancing its infrastructure and military presence in Ladakh. The Army has deployed troops for longer durations along the LAC and expanded patrols in disputed areas. By 2018, three regiments of T-72 tanks had been deployed, forming a full brigade. Following the 2020 standoff, more tanks, BMPs, and artillery were moved into the region. The landscape in Eastern Ladakh, which includes plains between mountain ranges, is suitable for the deployment of mechanized units.
Post-Galwan Incident Response
Following the Galwan clash in May 2020, India rapidly increased troop numbers and repositioned forces from the western to northern borders. The Indian Air Force played a significant role, transporting tens of thousands of troops, tanks, artillery, and other equipment. During a period of heightened tension in August 2020, tanks from both India and China came within 100 meters of each other near Pangong Tso but were later pulled back as part of a disengagement agreement.
High-Altitude Challenges
Historically, tanks have struggled in these altitudes, as seen during the 1962 India-China war when AMX-13 tanks faced difficulties. At high altitudes, oxygen levels drop, temperatures plummet to -40°C, and equipment degrades quickly. Transporting and maintaining tanks in these conditions is a monumental task, with Indian tanks now stationed permanently while troops rotate. Maintenance facilities have been established, and special lubricants and fuel are used to keep the tanks operational in freezing conditions.
China’s Capabilities
The Chinese military has also increased its presence along the LAC, deploying modern light and second-generation tanks, along with new armored personnel carriers and assault vehicles.
Global Tank Modernization
Several European countries are enhancing their tank fleets, while the U.S., U.K., and Germany are upgrading protective systems for their tanks. France and Germany have announced a joint project to develop a new tank.
Future Challenges
From conflicts in Ukraine, Armenia-Azerbaijan, and the Middle East, it’s clear that long-range missiles, drones, and loitering munitions pose significant threats to tanks. To counter this, the Indian Army is looking for new ammunition and technologies to protect armored units. Upgrades to existing vehicles, including the introduction of third-generation anti-tank guided missiles for BMPs, are also underway. Additionally, the Army is evaluating new infantry combat vehicles and looking to replace older tanks with future-ready combat vehicles. The development of a next-generation battle tank under the Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) project is expected to be completed by 2030
Follow Up Question
1.LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2020)
A.Pakistan
B.Bhutan
C.Sri Lanka
D.China
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Answer (D)
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory
The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto border that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory. It is not a formally agreed upon international boundary, but rather a military demarcation line that both India and China recognize. The LAC spans over 3,488 kilometers across three sectors:
The LAC has been a point of contention, and there have been several standoffs between the two countries, including major incidents like the 1962 Sino-Indian War and more recently, the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Both sides continue to negotiate to resolve disputes along this line, but it remains one of the most militarized borders in the world |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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