[Mission 2024] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 25 October 2023

GS Paper 2

 Syllabus: International Relations

Source: IE

 Context: The article highlights the implications of the Gaza crisis for India’s foreign policy and security

What is the Israeli-Palestine conflict?

The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing, complex dispute over land, territory, and political sovereignty. It involves competing claims to historical regions and has resulted in decades of tension, violence, and international involvement. Key issues include borders, settlements, the status of Jerusalem, and the rights of Palestinians. It remains a significant challenge to peace and stability in the Middle East.

To know about Hamas, Fatah, the Timeline of the conflict, Yom Kippur War: Click on this article: Current Conflict in Israel and the Yom Kippur War

Status of Palestinian Refugees:

According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), there are approximately 6 million registered Palestinian refugees. Many of them continue to live in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Views of the International Community:

The international community supports a two-state solution, where Israel and a future independent Palestine exist side by side. Various peace talks and initiatives, such as the Camp David Summit in 2000 and the Annapolis Conference in 2007, have aimed to resolve the conflict but have not yet resulted in a final agreement. In 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed normalization agreements with Israel.

India’s Policy on the Israel-Palestine Conflict:

Implications of the Gaza Crisis for India:

India should address these challenges by focusing on three key areas in its foreign policy:

• Firstly, it should encourage moderation in Israel and caution against a vengeful approach. Military means are unlikely to defeat Hamas’s ideology, and an invasion could strengthen the group’s legitimacy.
• Secondly, India should support the moderate Palestinian Authority to counterbalance Hamas.
• Finally, India should acknowledge the regional ambitions of Iran and Turkey, as these may have implications, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion:

Strengthening moderate voices in both Israel and Palestine, promoting reconciliation, and building a coalition of moderate states are crucial steps for India to secure its long-term interests in the Middle East.

Insta Links:

• Israel-Palestinian issue: 75 years since the displacement of 700,000 Palestinians

Mains Links:

“India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC 2018)

Prelims Links: (UPSC 2015)

GS Paper 4

 Syllabus: Applications of Ethics

Source: TH

 Example 1: V K Pandian Quits IAS and joins Politics

V K Pandian, the former private secretary to Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, has taken on key roles in Odisha’s ruling political party (Biju Janata Dal) after taking voluntary retirement from the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

He has been appointed as the Chairman of the 5T (Transparency, Technology, Teamwork, Time, and Transformation) Initiative and Nabin Odisha.

Ethical Issues concerned in the case:

Various Committees (including the Hota Committee (2004)) have recommended a cooling-off period of two years for bureaucrats before they could take up jobs in the private sector. It also suggested that the government could restrict the type of jobs they take up to prevent conflicts of interest.

Example 2: Ethics in International Conflicts

Source: IE

 The article discusses two key terms: “human shields” and “forced displacement” in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict and how International Humanitarian Law (IHL) views them.

Human Shields: In IHL, “human shields” refer to civilians or other protected persons whose presence or movement is used to make military targets immune from military operations. This can include forcing them to stay near military targets or placing military targets in or near buildings with civilians.

• Using human shields is considered a war crime and is banned under International Humanitarian Law. It is also prohibited to target or attack human shields.

Forced Displacement: Forced displacement involves the ordering of civilians to evacuate from a certain area due to reasons related to the conflict. The order to forcibly transfer civilians, especially without guarantees of safety or return, is considered unlawful under IHL.

 Ethical Issues: Using human shields in war raises ethical concerns by endangering innocent civilians for military gain. Forced displacements can be morally problematic when civilians are uprooted without guarantees of safety or return, impacting their well-being and rights.

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IE

Iceland, known for its gender equality, witnessed a one-day strike by women, including Prime Minister Katrin Jakobsdóttir, to protest gender discrimination. Despite topping global gender gap rankings for 14 consecutive years, two major issues persist:

• Gender pay gap, where women earn 21% less than men in some professions
• Gender-based violence affects over 40% of women.

The goal is to challenge societal mindsets that perpetuate these inequalities. In 1975, Iceland’s women staged their first strike, leading to a law granting equal rights regardless of gender a year later.

Usage: The example can be used to show how pervasive is Gender inequality, even in countries with consistently high gender rankings. Similarly, you can also show that Gender inequality remains pervasive in low as well as very high-income countries.

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IE

Ramleela, a famous folk theatre tradition from India, has found its way to Trinidad, where it holds cultural significance among the Indian diaspora. This theatrical re-enactment of the Ramcharitmanas, portraying the story of Lord Ram, has been performed in Trinidad, which has a significant Indian population due to indentured labour in the 19th century.

• In the early 19th century, Britain abolished slavery in its colonies, creating an economic crisis for places like Trinidad, which heavily relied on slave labour in the sugar industry.
• To address this labour shortage, plantation owners in Trinidad turned to indentured labour from India, with the first group arriving in 1845. These indentured labourers brought their culture, including the Ramleela tradition, with them to Trinidad.

Trinidad and Tobago is a dual-island Caribbean nation near Venezuela, with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines. About 37% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population are of  Indian descent (mostly from Bhojpur and Awadh Region).

Usage: The example can be used to show Indian Culture in foreign countries/ Indian Diaspora cultural heritage in International Relations/Arts & Culture Questions

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: The Maharaj Gunj market in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, which had lost its historical glory due to encroachments and deviations, is undergoing a revival project.

• Srinagar Smart City Ltd. and the Kashmir chapter of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) are collaborating to conserve vernacular elements of Kashmiri architecture, particularly those introduced by Dogra Hindu kings between 1846 and 1947.

About Dogra Architecture:

• Dogra architecture is a term used to describe the buildings and structures constructed by the Dogra Hindu kings who ruled over Jammu. The Dogra kings ruled from 1846 to 1947. 
• The Dogras are believed to be of Indo-Aryan descent and migrated to the Jammu region from the Punjab region during ancient times.

Dogra architecture in Jammu and Kashmir is characterized by:

• Use of local materials: Utilizes stone, wood, and bricks from the region.
• Symmetrical designs: Often feature symmetrical layouts and ornate detailing.
• Wooden balconies: Prominent use of intricately carved wooden balconies.
• Sloping roofs: Sloped roofs to withstand snowfall, with overhanging eaves.
• Courtyards: Central courtyards for light and ventilation in homes.
• Influence of Hindu and Tibetan styles: Combines elements of both architectural traditions.

Some examples of Dogra architecture include: 

• The Mubarak mandi, which was a hub of Dogra culture until 1947
• The jharokha style of balcony.
• The Amar Mahal Palace.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: Archaeologists uncovered a rare inscription related to the Alupa dynasty, marking the first record of an Alupa king’s death and containing references to the Siri cult, including Siri, Dalya, and Chattara.

• This Someshwara inscription holds great significance in the study of Tuluva history and culture (in modern-day Karnataka).
• The inscription is connected to the establishment of the Soma cult, founded by Soma Sharma of Gujarat in the 11th century AD, which later spread across India.
• The Someshwara temple in Someshwara was constructed during the reign of Kulashekara Alupendra in honour of Soma and adorned with Nava Durgas sculptures.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: Dhordo village in Gujarat has earned recognition from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) for being one of the Best Tourism Villages in 2023.

• Dhordo, located in the Great Rann of Kutch, is known for its annual Rann Utsav, which celebrates the region’s rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, music, and crafts.

About UNWTO Recognition of villages:

• The UNWTO recognizes villages that contribute to rural development, and preserve landscapes, cultural diversity, and culinary traditions.
• These villages excel in various areas, including cultural and natural resources, sustainability, and tourism development.
• The Best Tourism Villages initiative, launched in 2021, is part of the UNWTO’s efforts to promote rural development, combat depopulation, and encourage sustainable practices through tourism.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

 Context: A new study of the Little Ice Age (LIA), a global climatic event from 1671-1942, challenges the traditional perception of it being uniformly cold and dry.

• The study, reconstructed the climate history of the Western Ghats in India between 1219 and 1942 using pollen-based vegetation data.

Key Findings:

• The findings suggest that the LIA was not uniformly cold and dry but instead had significant variations in rainfall patterns.
• The study points to the influence of the northeast winter monsoon (NEM) in creating a “moist” or “wet” LIA in the region.
• The research also highlights the impact of factors like the northward movement of the Inter Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), positive temperature anomalies, increased sunspot numbers, and high solar activity on climate changes during the LIA.

This information can aid in developing paleoclimatic models for future climate predictions and policy planning, helping to understand the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) and its variability during the Holocene

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Business Line

 Context: Shanti Raghavan, the recipient of the Business Line Changemakers Award in 2020, leads the organization EnAble India. They are working on creating a ‘purple economy,’ which promotes disability inclusion and job opportunities on a large scale.

What is the Care Economy?

It refers to the economic activities related to providing care and support services, often in healthcare, childcare, elderly care, and other areas aimed at improving people’s well-being. It encompasses both paid and unpaid care work and is a critical aspect of social and economic development.

What is Purple Economy?

 The purple economy is an economic order that focuses on the sustainability of caring labour. It’s an alternative vision that complements the green economy. The purple economy aims to:

1. Organize the system around the sustainability of caring labour
2. Address the inequalities created by the disproportionate reliance on women’s unpaid and underpaid labour
3. Contribute to sustainable development by promoting the cultural potential of goods and services
4. Contribute to a richer and more diverse cultural environment

Examples of the purple economy include Digital, Tourism, Luxury goods, and Housing.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Business Line

 Context: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) cannot be enforced unless it is notified under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act.

• This decision may have significant implications for multinational corporations (MNCs) from Switzerland, the Netherlands, France, and other countries.

Implications:

• The decision may lead to additional tax revenue for the Indian government but could potentially strain relations with tax treaty partners.
• The ruling revolves around the interpretation of the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) clause contained in various Indian treaties with countries that are members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
• This clause allows for concessions in tax rates on dividends, interest, royalties, or fees for technical services, similar to concessions given to other OECD countries.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Prime Minister inaugurated the first leg of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), India’s first dedicated mass rapid transit system for regional connectivity called as Namo Bharat Train.

• The RRTS is designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 km/hour and is expected to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour.

 About RRTS:

• RRTS is a new rail-based, semi-high-speed, high-frequency commuter transit system with a design speed of 180 Kmph for better connectivity.

Key Features:

• The RRTS is an integrated, mass transit network aimed at promoting balanced and sustainable urban development in the National Capital Region (NCR).
• Implementing Authority: The National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC), a joint venture between the central government and the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, is responsible for implementing the RRTS project across the NCR.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Union Minister of Textile, Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs and Food & Public Distribution, launched the website for “Kasturi Cotton Bharat.”

• This initiative, supported by the Ministry of Textiles, the Cotton Corporation of India, trade bodies, and the industry, aims to enhance the competitiveness of Indian cotton in the global market.
• It focuses on self-regulation for branding, traceability, and certification of Indian cotton.

The website, https://kasturicotton.texprocil.org, serves as a digital platform for information and updates, explaining the registration process for ginners to produce the Kasturi Cotton Bharat Brand.

This brand represents whiteness, softness, purity, lustre, and Indianness. To ensure traceability, QR-based certification technology and a blockchain-based software platform will be used across the supply chain.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: ‘Project Udbhav’ has been launched by the Indian Defence Minister, aiming to integrate ancient Indian strategic wisdom into modern military pedagogy.

• The project, in collaboration with the United Service Institution of India (USI), seeks to create an indigenous strategic vocabulary based on India’s philosophy and culture.

About the project:

• The project will explore under-explored strategic thinking, statecraft, and warfare from classical texts and enrich military training curricula like Chanakya’s Arthashastra (strategic partnerships, diplomacy, soft power projections, etc.) and Thirukkural (Ethical conduct in warfare).
• It will focus on educating military leaders, informing senior commanders, and creating a knowledge pool for scholars and defence personnel.
• Ancient Indian texts and historical military campaigns and leaders will be studied to connect traditional knowledge with contemporary military practices.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Hindustan Times

Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) carried out a widespread crackdown on cyber criminals in India in an operation known as ‘Operation Chakra-2.’

• This operation involved searches at 76 locations across the country and was prompted by the registration of five separate cases of cyber-enabled financial fraud, including a ₹100-crore cryptocurrency scam.
• The fraud scheme posed as a fake crypto mining operation and targeted unsuspecting Indian citizens. The cases were registered based on information provided by the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
• The agency is collaborating with various international law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, INTERPOL, and others, to follow up on leads.
• ‘Operation Chakra-1’ was conducted nearly a year ago in collaboration with Interpol, the FBI, and police forces from various countries, involving searches at 115 locations.

Mapping

Source: PIB

 Context: The Ministry of Coal have excluded certain coal mines from development to protect forest areas, including the Lemru Elephant Corridor. This is being done as the ministry strives to strike a balance between increasing coal production and preserving the environment.

About Lemru Elephant Reserve:

• The Lemru Elephant Reserve (Hasdeo Aranya forests) in the Korba district of Chhattisgarh, aims to reduce human-elephant conflicts as elephants migrate from Odisha and Jharkhand. This biodiverse area, often called the lungs of Chhattisgarh, also contains significant coal deposits.
• The state government notified the reserve (Conservation Reserve) in October 2020 under Section 36A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972(WLPA).
• In India, elephant reserves and corridors have no legal sanctity under any law, including the Wildlife Protection Act (WLPA), 1972. The act mentions only national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, conservation and community reserves (collectively called Protected Areas)

About Hasdeo Forest:

• The Hasdeo forest (spanning over 170 sq km) and is often called the “lungs of Chhattisgarh“, is said to be the largest contiguous stretch of dense forestland in central India.

Mapping

Context: In recent developments in the South China Sea, tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines.

The Philippines has accused Chinese coastguard vessels of intentionally colliding with its vessels while on a resupply mission in the disputed region near the Second Thomas Shoal within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, where both nations claim sovereignty.

About the South China Sea:

 The South China Sea is an arm of the western Pacific Ocean in Southeast Asia. It is located to the south of China, east and south of Vietnam, west of the Philippines, and north of the island of Borneo. It’s a major global shipping route, with about one-third of the world’s shipping passing through it, contributing significantly to its geopolitical significance. There are multiple contested islands in this region, including the

• Paracel Islands (claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam)
• Spratly Islands (claimed by China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei, and the Philippines)
• Scarborough Shoal (claimed by the Philippines, China, and Taiwan)

Additionally, China has been constructing artificial islets in the region since 2010. The 2016 UNCLOS ruling dismissed China’s claims within the nine-dashed line and clarified that the disputed Islands are not its maritime entitlement.