LINE OF ACTUAL CONTROL (LAC)
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The eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,
The middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, and the western sector in Ladakh
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- The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line, and there are minor disputes about the positions on the ground as per the principle of the high Himalayan watershed
- This pertains to India’s international boundary as well, but for certain areas such as Longju and Asaphila
- The line in the middle sector is the least controversial but for the precise alignment to be followed in the Barahoti plains.
- The major disagreements are in the western sector where the LAC emerged from two letters written by Chinese Prime Minister Zhou Enlai to PM Jawaharlal Nehru in 1959, after he had first mentioned such a ‘line’ in 1956.
- In his letter, Zhou said the LAC consisted of “the so-called McMahon Line in the east and the line up to which each side exercises actual control in the west”
- After the 1962 War, the Chinese claimed they had withdrawn to 20 km behind the LAC of November 1959
- During the Doklam crisis in 2017, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged India to abide by the “1959 LAC”
- India rejected the concept of LAC in both 1959 and 1962. Even during the war, Nehru was unequivocal: “There is no sense or meaning in the Chinese offer to withdraw twenty kilometres from what they call ‘line of actual control’
- LAC was discussed during Chinese Premier Li Peng’s 1991 visit to India, where PM P V Narasimha Rao and Li reached an understanding to maintain peace and tranquillity at the LAC.
- India formally accepted the concept of the LAC when Rao paid a return visit to Beijing in 1993 and the two sides signed the Agreement to Maintain Peace and Tranquillity at the LAC
- The reference to the LAC was unqualified to make it clear that it was not referring to the LAC of 1959 or 1962 but to the LAC at the time when the agreement was signed
- To reconcile the differences about some areas, the two countries agreed that the Joint Working Group on the border issue would take up the task of clarifying the alignment of the LAC
The LoC emerged from the 1948 ceasefire line negotiated by the UN after the Kashmir War. It was designated as the LoC in 1972, following the Shimla Agreement between the two countries. It is delineated on a map signed by DGMOs of both armies and has the international sanctity of a legal agreement.
The LAC, in contrast, is only a concept – it is not agreed upon by the two countries, neither delineated on a map or demarcated on the ground.
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For Prelims: LAC, LOC For Mains: 1.What is this ‘line of control’? Is this the line China have created by aggression. Comment 2.What we know about the clash between Indian and Chinese soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh |
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Previous Year Questions 1.The Line of Actual Control (LAC) separates (Karnataka Civil Police Constable 2020) A.India and Pakistan B.India and Afghanistan C.India and Nepal D.India and China Answer (D) 2.LAC (Line of Actual Control) is an effective border between India and ______. (SSC CHSL 2020) A.Pakistan B.Bhutan C.Sri Lanka D.China Answer (D) |
IPCC'S SYNTHESIS REPORT
- The Synthesis Report, of its sixth assessment cycle, IPCC added that there is still a chance to avert this mass-scale destruction, but it would require an enormous global effort to slash greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030 and completely phase them out by 2050
- Earth has already warmed an average of 1.1 degrees Celsius since the industrial age while humans have been responsible for virtually all global heating over the last 200 years
- According to the UN " Humanity is on thin ice and that ice is melting fast, Our world needs climate action on all fronts everything, everywhere, all at once"
- The Synthesis Report has come after a week-long negotiation with the approval of 195 countries
- It is essentially a non-technical summary of the previous reports, which were released between 2018 and 2022, and sets out possible policies and measures that might help stave off the worst consequences of climate change
- The new report lays out the present impact of soaring global temperature and imminent ramifications in case the planet continues to get warmer
- Due to the current global warming levels, almost every region across the planet is already experiencing climate extremes, an uptick in deaths due to heatwaves, reduced food and water security and damage to ecosystems, causing mass extinction of species on land and in the ocea
- According to report "vulnerable communities who have historically contributed the least to climate change are being disproportionately affected"
- It added that more than three billion people live in areas that are “highly vulnerable” to climate change people living in these regions were “15 times more likely to die from floods, droughts and storms between 2010-2020 than those living in regions with very low vulnerability”
- Things can get worse if the world crosses the 1.5 degree Celsius temperature limit, a target agreed to in the Paris Agreement
- This would result in an unpredictable global water cycle, drought and fires, devastating floods, extreme sea level events and more intense tropical cyclones
- According to the scientists involved in writing the report, India would also face these dire consequences of global warming and needs to take immediate action to curb the temperature
- Given the present scale, scope and pace of global action, it’s most likely that Earth would overshoot this critical warming threshold somewhere in the following decade
- The report categorically states that despite some advancements towards curtailing the greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere, “adaptation gaps exist, and will continue to grow at current rates of implementation.”
- Some of the barriers to adaptation have been limited resources, lack of private sector and citizen engagement, low climate literacy, lack of political commitment and low sense of urgency
- This report is a clarion call to massively fast-track climate efforts by every country and every sector and on every timeframe
- The Synthesis Report underlines the requirement of climate-resilient development, which is finding ways to adapt to climate change or reduce greenhouse gas emissions that provide wider benefits
- It further mentions that to be effective, these measures must be rooted in our diverse values, world views and knowledge around the globe including Indigenous knowledge
- Apart from highlighting the urgent need of limiting the use of fossil fuel, the report urges governments and policymakers to increase finance to climate investments, expand the clean energy infrastructure, reduce nitrogen pollution from agriculture, curtail food waste, adopt measures to make it easier for people to lead low-carbon lifestyles and much more
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change.
- IPCC was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the objective of the IPCC is to provide governments at all levels with scientific information that they can use to develop climate policies.
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Previous year Questions:
1. With reference to the 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017)
1. It is an initiative of the European Union.
2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.
3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1 and 2 only B. 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
2. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC stands for: (RRB NTPC CBT 2 2022)
A. Intergovernmental Provision on Climate Change
B. International Panel on Climate Change
C. International Provision on Climate Change
D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Answer: D
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MARITIME RED SEA ROUTE
1. Context
2. About the ancient Red Sea trade route
- For years, it was thought that Roman merchants were the only ones trading with India.
- However, recent evidence shows that Indian merchants and shipowners were also involved in this trade.
- The scale of this trade was massive. According to the latest estimates, custom taxes on the Red Sea trade with India, Persia, and Ethiopia may have generated as much as one-third of the income of the Roman exchequer.
- The principal source for this figure is the Muziris Papyrus, a document that details the purchase of goods from an Indian merchant by an Egyptian financier.
- The Papyrus gives precise details of one particular cargo sent to the Egyptian port of Berenike from Muziris on the coast of Kerala.
- The total value of the goods was 131 talents, which is equivalent to the price of 2,400 acres of farmland in Egypt or a premium estate in central Italy.
Image Source: Wikipedia3. Roman Empire earnings from this trade
- According to the Muziris Papyrus, the import tax paid on the cargo of almost nine million sesterces was over two million sesterces.
- Working up from these figures, it is estimated that Indian imports into Egypt were worth probably over a billion sesterces per annum, from which the tax authorities of the Roman Empire were creaming off no less than 270 million.
- These vast revenues surpassed those of entire subject countries Julius Caesar imposed a tribute of 40 million sesterces after his conquests in Gaul while the vital Rhineland frontier was defended by eight legions at an annual cost of 88 million sesterces.
4. Goods Traded on the Ancient Red Sea Route
4.1. Roman Imports from India
Luxuries: The Roman Empire had a significant appetite for luxury items from India. This included products like malabathrum, a plant whose leaves were used to create perfume, as well as ivory, pearls, and precious gemstones. Notably, Pompeii contained a shop dedicated solely to ivory products, showcasing the demand for such exotic materials.
Wild Animals: There was a demand for "exotic" goods, including live animals like elephants and tigers from India.
Spices: Pepper was India's major export to Rome. Large quantities of pepper have been discovered in excavations at Berenike, often stored in torpedo-shaped pottery jars, each weighing more than 10 kg. By the end of the first century CE, Indian pepper had become readily available, although it remained an expensive treat. Pepper was a common ingredient in Roman cuisine, with approximately 80 per cent of the recipes in the Roman cookbook of Apicius including it.
4.2. Roman Exports to India
- The flow of goods from Rome to India was more limited. Pliny the Elder noted that gold was a significant export to India, creating a trade imbalance that posed challenges for the Roman economy.
- However, there are records indicating that Indians developed a taste for Roman wine.
- Some limited trade also involved items like olive oil and Garum, an ancient Roman fermented fish paste, which could be likened to contemporary condiments like Tabasco or garam masala.
5. Trade on the Route Before the Common Era
- Evidence of trade along this route dates back to ancient times, including during the time of Meluha, the Indus Valley Civilization (approximately 3300-1300 BCE).
- However, this early trade appears to have been more localized and coastal, involving smaller quantities of goods.
- In Roman times, this trade expanded significantly, with large cargo ships directly connecting the Indian subcontinent to the Roman Empire.
- The Romans played a crucial role in "industrializing" this trade, driven by their economic capacity to purchase the luxury items that India offered.
- The trade flourished, particularly in the 1st and 2nd centuries CE, after the Romans conquered Egypt, which opened up the route to adventurous Roman merchants.
6. Organization of the Trade and Voyage Duration
- The trade along the ancient Red Sea route was highly organized. Merchants in Kerala and shippers in Alexandria engaged in formal contracts.
- Goods were transported in containers, similar to modern shipping practices, where a container would be booked and filled with specific products.
- There are even references to insurance, highlighting the sophistication of this trade network.
- Indian traders recognized the monsoon winds, which blew in different directions in winter and summer due to the heating of the Tibetan Plateau.
- By timing their voyages correctly, they could take advantage of these winds. The journey from India to Egypt, or vice versa, could be completed in about six to eight weeks with the winds behind them.
- However, travellers had to wait for a few months for the winds to change direction.
7. Roles of Indians in the Red Sea Trade
Interest in Seafaring: Indian dynasties displayed a keen interest in seafaring, evident in ancient artwork like the depictions of large double-masted ships in Ajanta caves. Additionally, ships were common symbols of early Indian coins, such as those from the Satavahanas dynasty.
Prominent Role of Indian Sailors: Indian sailors played a prominent role in the Red Sea trade. Graffiti left by Indian sailors, often Gujaratis from Barigaza (modern-day Bharuch), was discovered in the Hoq caves on Socotra Island, a vital stopover at the Gulf of Aden's mouth. These inscriptions, dating from the second to the fifth century CE, were primarily in the Indian Brahmi script, with names like "Vishnu, son of the merchant Ganja" and "Skandabhuti, the Sea Captain." They also featured images of ships, religious symbols, and prayers to deities like Krishna and Radha.
Ownership of Shipping: While historical records suggest that much of the shipping departing from Egyptian Red Sea ports may have been owned by Alexandrian businessmen, it's plausible that Indian merchants and ship owners also had a significant stake in this trade due to the substantial Indian presence in the maritime activities of the period.
8. Comparison with the Silk Road
Silk Road vs. Red Sea Route: The Red Sea trade route, connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Roman Empire through the Red Sea, differs significantly from the concept of the Silk Road. While the Silk Road has gained popularity in modern times, it was entirely unknown in ancient or medieval times. The term "Silk Road" was coined in the late 19th century by Baron von Richthofen, primarily for a proposed railway route.
Historical Accuracy of Silk Road: There is no ancient record, whether from Chinese or Western sources, that mentions the existence of the Silk Road. Even Marco Polo, often associated with this route, never mentions it. The idea of the Silk Road gained prominence only in the 1980s-90s, largely due to its romantic appeal.
Inaccuracy of Silk Road Focus: The Silk Road concept is mostly inaccurate for the Roman period. Instead, during this time, there is no evidence of direct contact or trade between China and Europe. Chinese silk, for example, likely reached Rome through ports in India, travelling overland through Kushana territory in northern India to reach Gujarat and the mouth of the Indus.
9. Emerging Understanding of Indo-Roman Trade
New Evidence and Underplayed History: The recent emergence of a deeper understanding of Indo-Roman trade is attributed in part to the discovery of new archaeological evidence in places like Muziris in Kerala and Berenike in Egypt. Additionally, India has sometimes underplayed its significance as a centre of trade and ideas in the early classical period.
The Significance of the 1st and 2nd Centuries CE: The 1st and 2nd centuries CE represent an intriguing period when India played a vital role in exporting its ideas and luxury goods to the Roman world. This era witnessed the spread of Buddhism to China and the provision of luxury items to Rome. While scholars like Himanshu Prabha Ray have made valuable contributions to this field, there is a need to make their findings more accessible to a wider audience.
10. The Way Forward
- The recent revelations about India's central role in this ancient trade route have opened up numerous questions for exploration.
- For instance, the influence of Buddhist monasticism in India on the development of Christian monasticism in the late Roman period remains a topic of investigation.
- As more information comes to light, researchers can delve further into the connections and impacts of this extensive East-West trade network, shedding new light on the history of these two interconnected worlds.
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For Prelims: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, G20, Roman Empire, Silk Road, ancient Red Sea trade route, Muziris Papyrus, Indus Valley Civilization, Red Sea, Egypt, Tibetan Plateau, Ajanta caves, Satavahanas dynasty, Gulf of Aden, Buddhism,
For Mains:
1. Discuss the significance of the Maritime Red Sea Route in connecting the Indian subcontinent with the Roman Empire. How has recent evidence reshaped our understanding of this trade route compared to the Silk Road? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to the “G20 Common Framework”, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
1. It is an initiative endorsed by the G20 together with the Paris Club. 2. It is an initiative to support Low Income Countries with unsustainable debt. 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 Answer: C
2. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20?
(UPSC 2020)
A. Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
B. Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
C. Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
D. Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Answer: A
3. Read the statements (A) and (R) and choose the correct option. (CTET 2022)
Assertion (A): The Roman empire carried out trades with South India.
Reason (R): Roman gold coins have been found in South India.
A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and R is the correct explanation of A.
B. Both (A) and (R) are correct and R is not the correct explanation of A.
C. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
D. (A) is false but (R) is true.
Answer: A
4. Who was the first emperor of the Roman Empire? (ACC 122 CGAT 2020)
A. Tiberius B. Mark Antony C. William Shakespeare D. Augustus
Answer: D
5. Comprehension (SSC CGL Tier 2 2020)
Directions:
Read the passage and answer the questions that follow.
The Roman Empire covered a vast stretch of territory that included most of Europe as we know it today and a large part of the Fertile Crescent and North Africa. The Roman Empire embraced a wealth of local cultures and languages; that women had a stronger legal position then than they do in many countries today; but also that much of the economy was run on slave labour, denying freedom to substantial numbers of persons. From the fifth century onwards, the empire fell apart in the west but remained intact and exceptionally prosperous in its eastern half. Roman historians have a rich collection of sources to go on, which we can broadly divide into three groups: (a) texts, (b) documents and (c) material remains. Textual sources include letters, speeches, sermons, laws, and histories of the period written by contemporaries. These were usually called ‘Annals’ because the narrative was constructed on a year-by-year basis. Documentary sources include mainly inscriptions and papyri. Inscriptions were usually cut on stone, so a large number survive, in both Greek and Latin. The ‘papyrus’ was a reed-like plant that grew along the banks of the Nile in Egypt and was processed to produce sheets of writing material that was very widely used in everyday life. Thousands of contracts, accounts, letters and official documents survive ‘on papyrus’ and have been published by scholars who are called ‘papyrologists’. Material remains include a very wide assortment of items that mainly archaeologists discover (for example, through excavation and field survey), for example, buildings, monuments and other kinds of structures, pottery, coins, mosaics, even entire landscapes. Each of these sources can only tell us just so much about the past, and combining them can be a fruitful exercise, but how well this is done depends on the historian’s skill! Which of these statements is NOT true?
A. Archaeologists make discoveries through excavations.
B. Inscriptions were carved in Greek and Latin
C. The Roman empire flourished longer in the west.
D. Texts, documents and material remains were the main sources for the historians
Answer: C
6. In the first century AD, which among the following was not a major item of Indian exports to Rome? (CDS GK 2018)
A. Pepper B. Spikenard C. Tortoiseshell D. Nutmeg
Answer: D
7. Pepper was as valued in Roman Empire that as it was called (CTET 2013)
A. Black magic B. Black charm C. Black stone D. Black gold
Answer: D
8. In the middle of the first century BC, under ________, a high-born military commander, the ‘Roman Empire’ was extended to present-day Britain and Germany. (SSC JE CE 2017)
A. Alexander B. Julius Caesar C. Xerxes D. Caligula
Answer: B
9. Comprehension
Direction: Read the passage carefully and select the best answer to each question out of the given four alternatives.
The Silk Road was a network of trade routes which connected the East and West, and was central to the economic, cultural, political, and religious interactions between these regions from the 2nd century BCE to the 18th century. The Silk Road primarily refers to the land routes connecting East Asia and Southeast Asia with South Asia, Persia, the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa and Southern Europe. The Silk Road derives its name from the lucrative trade in silk carried out along its length, beginning in the Han dynasty in China. The Silk Road trade played a significant role in the development of the civilizations of China, Korea, Japan, the Indian subcontinent, Iran, Europe, the Horn of Africa and Arabia, opening long-distance political and economic relations between the civilizations. Though silk was the major trade item exported from China, many other goods and ideas were exchanged, including religions (especially Buddhism), syncretic philosophies, sciences, and technologies like paper and gunpowder. So, in addition to economic trade, the Silk Road was a route for cultural trade among the civilizations along its network. Diseases, most notably plague, also spread along the Silk Road. Some remnants of what was probably Chinese silk dating from 1070 BCE have been found in Ancient Egypt. The Great Oasis cities of Central Asia played a crucial role in the effective functioning of the Silk Road trade. The originating source seems sufficiently reliable, but silk degrades very rapidly, so it cannot be verified whether it was cultivated silk (which almost certainly came from China) or a type of wild silk, which might have come from the Mediterranean or Middle East. Archeological sites such as the Berel burial ground in Kazakhstan, confirmed that the nomadic Arimaspians were not only breeding horses for trade but also great craftsmen able to propagate exquisite art pieces along the Silk Road.
According to the passage, The Silk Road primarily refers to the land routes connecting to one another. Which routes were not linked by it? (DSSSB Junior Stenographer 2021)
A. East Asia with Southern Europe
B. East Asia with South Asia
C. South America and South Africa
D. East Asia with Persia
Answer: C
10. The term “Silk Route” in the ancient period refers to (CTET 2022)
A. the travelling route of traders from China to other countries carrying silk.
B. Sea routes connecting countries in which silk traders sold their products.
C. roads connecting all the countries in which mulberry plants were cultivated.
D. road and sea routes in which silk products were traded.
Answer: A
11. Who started the ‘Silk-route’ (Marg) for Indians? (UKPSC RO/ARO 2016)
A. Kanishka B. Harshwardhan C. Ashok D. Fahien
Answer: A
12. With reference to ancient South India, Korkai, Poompuhar, and Muchiri were well-known as (UPSC 2023)
A. capital cities B. ports C. centres of iron-and-steel D. making shrines of Jain Tirthankaras
Answer: B
13. Two thousand years ago, a trader narrates that he has been to Gaza, Petra and Apologos. Which of the following trade routes has he travelled through? (CTET 2022)
A. Route controlled by Roman emperors
B. Route under the rulers of Persia
C. Route controlled by Kushanas
D. Route under the rulers of China
Answer: A
14. Red sea is an example of: (UPPSC Civil Service 2017)
A. Volcanic valley B. Eroded valley C. Axial trough D. U-shaped valley
Answer: C
15. In which Indian state was the ancient sea port 'Muziris' located? (UP Police SI 2017)
A. Kerala B. Gujarat C. Karnataka D. Tamil Nadu
Answer: A
16. Regarding the Indus Valley Civilization, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2011)
1. It was predominantly a secular civilization and the religious element, though present, did not dominate the scene.
2. During this period, cotton was used for manufacturing textiles in India.
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
Answer: C
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AFRICAN UNION (AU)
- The African Union (AU) is a continental organization consisting of 55 member states in Africa. It was officially launched on July 26, 2001, in Durban, South Africa, and it replaced the Organization of African Unity (OAU), which had been established in 1963.
- The AU was formed with the aim of promoting unity, cooperation, and development among African nations and addressing various socio-economic and political challenges on the continent
- The AU's mission is to "achieve greater unity and solidarity between African countries and their people, defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States, accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent, promote and protect human and peoples' rights, eradicate poverty, promote sustainable development, and encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes."
Here are some key aspects and functions of the African Union:
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Promotion of Peace and Security: One of the primary objectives of the AU is to promote peace and security on the African continent. It establishes peacekeeping missions and conflict resolution mechanisms to address conflicts and crises in member states.
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Political Integration: The AU works toward greater political integration among African countries. It encourages cooperation on issues of mutual interest, such as diplomacy, governance, and human rights.
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Economic Integration: The AU promotes economic integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single African market for goods and services, facilitate trade, and boost economic growth.
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Development and Infrastructure: The AU is involved in efforts to improve infrastructure, economic development, and social progress in African countries. It supports initiatives related to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation.
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Human Rights and Governance: The AU monitors and promotes human rights and good governance across the continent. It works to strengthen democratic institutions and promote the rule of law.
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Healthcare and Disease Control: The AU plays a role in addressing health challenges in Africa, including efforts to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola. It also supports healthcare infrastructure development.
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Cultural Exchange: The AU encourages cultural exchange and the preservation of African heritage. It promotes cultural diversity and the development of African languages and arts.
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Gender Equality: The AU promotes gender equality and women's empowerment, advocating for the inclusion of women in political, economic, and social spheres.
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Youth Engagement: The AU recognizes the importance of engaging African youth and works to create opportunities for their participation in decision-making processes.
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Partnerships: The AU collaborates with various international organizations, including the United Nations and regional bodies, to address global and regional challenges collectively
The AU's Agenda 2063 is a blueprint for the future of Africa. It sets out a vision for a prosperous, peaceful, and integrated continent by 2063. The Agenda 2063 is ambitious, but it is achievable if the AU can work together to address the challenges facing the continent.
Here are some of the key goals of Agenda 2063:
- Eradicate poverty
- Promote economic growth and development
- Improve education and healthcare
- Protect the environment
- Promote peace and security
- Strengthen regional integration
- Make Africa a global player
SUPREME COURT(SC) INVALIDATE ELECTORAL BONDS
- The government justified the scheme by emphasizing its ability to facilitate the transfer of funds to political parties through lawful banking channels, allowing individuals to support their chosen parties while discouraging unregulated cash contributions.
- The confidentiality granted to donors was presented as advantageous, fostering contributions of clean money to political parties.
- The utilization of established banking channels was asserted to diminish the influence of black money in election funding, and donor anonymity was highlighted to alleviate concerns about potential retaliation or pressure from parties to which donors had not contributed.
- In a notable argument, the government contended that citizens did not possess a general right to be informed about the financial backing of political parties.
- It asserted that the right to information was not of a broad nature but rather an evolution by courts specifically aimed at enabling voters to make informed choices in favor of the ethically sound candidate
- In prior rulings, the highest court has affirmed that voters possess the right to information crucial for the effective exercise of their voting freedom.
- Consequently, the court maintained that details regarding funding to a political party are vital for a voter to express their right to vote effectively.
- The Electoral Bond Scheme, insofar as it compromises this right by anonymizing contributions through bonds, infringes upon Article 19(1)(a), which safeguards the freedom of expression.
- Regarding the objective of curbing black money, the court applied a proportionality test to assess whether the limitation on voters' right to information through donor anonymity was achieved through the least restrictive means.
- It suggested that alternatives, such as electronic transfer for small contributions and donations to an Electoral Trust for larger amounts, were available.
- Since the government failed to demonstrate that the scheme represents the least restrictive means to balance contributors' "informational privacy" and the right to information on political contributions, the amendments to the IT Act and RPA were deemed unconstitutional.
- Concerning changes to the Companies Act, the court determined that the removal of the disclosure requirement on contribution details violated the voter's right to information. Additionally, the scheme permitted both profit-making and loss-making companies to make political contributions, whereas previously, companies could only donate a percentage of their net profit.
- Given the higher risk of quid pro quo in the case of loss-making companies, the amendment was deemed arbitrarily manifest
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For Prelims: Electoral Bonds, SBI, Election Commission of India, Right to Know, Finance Act 2017, Prime Minister's Relief Fund
For Mains:
1. Examine the challenges and controversies surrounding the Electoral Bonds Scheme, particularly regarding donor anonymity and transparency in political funding. How have these issues raised concerns about the integrity of the political process in India? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
Prelims
1. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 3 only Answer: D 2. With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following? (UPSC CSE 2019) Answer: B 3. Consider the following statements : (UPSC 2021) 1. In India, there is no law restricting the candidates from contesting in one Lok Sabha election from three constituencies.
2. In the 1991 Lok Sabha Election, Shri Devi Lal contested from three Lok Sabha constituencies.
3. As per the- existing rules, if a candidate contests in one Lok Sabha election from many constituencies, his/her party should bear the cost of bye-elections to the constituencies vacated by him/her in the event of him/her winning in all the constituencies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 3 D. 2 and 3
4. Consider the following statements about Electoral Bond Scheme 2018: (RPSC RAS Prelims 2018)
(A) The aim of this scheme is to bring about transparency in the funding process of political parties.
(B) Only the political parties recognized by the Election Commission which secured not less than one per cent of the votes polled in the last general election to the House of People or the Legislative Assembly of the State shall be eligible to receive the Electoral Bonds.
(C) Electoral Bonds shall be valid for fifteen calendar days from the date of issue.
(D) The Electoral Bond deposited by an eligible political party in its account shall be credited on the same day.
Which of the above statements are correct?
1. Only (A) and (B)
2. (A), (B), (C) and (D)
3. Only (B), (C) and (D)
4. Only (A), (C) and (D)
Answer: 2
5. With reference to the PM CARES Fund, consider the following statements: (AFCAT 27 2022)
I. The amount collected by it directly goes to the Consolidated Fund of India.
II. It can avail donations from the foreign contribution and donations to fund can also avail 100% tax exemption.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. I only B. II only C. Both I and II D. Neither I nor II
Answer: B
6. The Prime Minister's National Relief Fund is operated by which one of the following bodies? (CDS 2019)
A. The Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
B. The National Disaster Management Authority
C. The Ministry of Finance
D. The National Development Council (NDC)
Answer: A
Mains 1. In the light of recent controversy regarding the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVM), what are the challenges before the Election Commission of India to ensure the trustworthiness of elections in India? (UPSC 2018) 2. Discuss the role of the Election Commission of India in the light of the evolution of the Model Code of Conduct. ( UPSC 2022) |
ANTI-SATELLITE WEAPON
- Weapons known as anti-satellite (ASAT) are crafted to incapacitate or obliterate satellites that are presently circling the Earth and functioning.
- The violation of the Outer Space Treaty (OST) occurs through Article VII, which holds signatories responsible for harming the satellites of other parties, and Article IX, which urges parties to abstain from causing "harmful contamination" in space.
- The Soviet Union, now represented by Russia, has possessed ASAT capabilities since at least 1968. Despite the initial impetus of the Cold War leading to ASAT weapon tests on both sides of the Atlantic, these programs persisted even after diplomatic relations improved.
- The majority of these weapons are kinetic, indicating that they destroy orbiting satellites either by colliding with them or by detonating explosives in close proximity, resulting in fragmentation.
- Due to the negligible gravity and absence of atmosphere in space, the resulting debris can linger in orbit for an extended period, a circumstance that contravenes Article IX of the OS
- In a high-altitude experiment known as Starfish Prime in 1962, the United States deployed a thermonuclear bomb at an altitude of 400 km above the Earth's surface. This event stands as the most extensive nuclear test ever conducted in space.
- Using a Thor rocket, the warhead was launched to a location west of Hawaii, where its detonation produced a yield of 1.4 megatonnes. Notably, the explosion generated a much larger electromagnetic pulse (EMP) than anticipated by physicists, causing damage to several hundred streetlights in Hawaii, which was located 1,500 km away.
- The charged particles and radiation released during the blast became entangled and accelerated by the Earth's magnetic field, leading to distortions in the ionosphere and the occurrence of vivid aurorae.
- Starfish Prime constituted one of the high-altitude nuclear tests conducted by the United States in 1962. During a similar timeframe, the Soviet Union also conducted comparable tests with analogous consequences.
- For instance, in Test 184 on October 22, 1962, a 300-kilotonne warhead detonated 290 km above the Earth's surface. The resulting EMP induced a significantly high current in over 500 km of electrical cables, eventually sparking a fire that resulted in the destruction of a power plant
- The primary risks posed to satellites by a space-based nuclear weapon include the electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and the release of charged particles.
- Starfish Prime, for instance, temporarily disabled approximately one-third of all satellites in orbit during its detonation, highlighting a concern applicable to the present situation.
- An EMP originating from a nuclear weapon in space has the potential to impact satellites within its vicinity, affecting not only Russian satellites but also those of strategic allies like China and nations not involved in a specific conflict. Such an event would also constitute a significant violation of the Outer Space Treaty (OST).
- Depending on the strength, location, and direction of the explosion, it could result in the destruction of a substantial number of satellites, surpassing the impact of a conventional kinetic Anti-Satellite (ASAT) weapon.
- Scott Tilley, known for tracking down 'lost' satellites, noted that the damage to most satellites is not immediate but is caused by the formation of new and intensified radiation belts.
- Researchers have been exploring methods to mitigate disturbances caused by space-based nuclear explosions in radiation belts through a process known as radiation-belt remediation.
- However, this could lead to an accumulation of inactive satellites and debris, raising concerns about the Kessler effect.
- When a certain threshold of debris is reached in low-earth orbit, collisions among debris and other satellites may generate more debris, resulting in a "collisional cascade" that rapidly increases orbital debris.
- Additionally, there is the historical example of the Soviet Union's attempt in 1987 to launch a rocket carrying a high-power laser capable of targeting and destroying other satellites, powered by nuclear energy.
- Although the launch failed, the possibility of similar endeavors, as suggested by Marco Langbroek, a lecturer at Delft Technical University in the Netherlands, remains a concern
BUBONIC PLAGUE
- Bubonic plague, also known as "Black Death" in historical references, is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. While historically devastating, with outbreaks like the Black Death causing immense loss of life, modern medicine has made bubonic plague highly treatable and curable
- According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), humans can be infected in one of three ways — “the bite of infected vector fleas”, “unprotected contact with infectious bodily fluids or contaminated materials” (like bitten by an infected rat), and “the inhalation of respiratory droplets/small particles from a patient with pneumonic plague”
- Bubonic plague epidemics became a thing of the past by the 1930s. Today, according to the CDC, a couple of thousand plague cases are reported worldwide each year, mostly in Madagascar, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Peru. Fatality is roughly 11 per cent
- This is because of modern antibiotics, which are fairly capable of dealing with the danger posed by Y pestis, as well as better hygiene and understanding of the disease. According to the CDC, all forms of plague are treatable with common antibiotics, with early treatment drastically improving chances of survival
- Even though Y pestis can still occur almost anywhere, and can be fatal to individuals, a larger pandemic echoing the Black Death is thus pretty much impossible
- Symptoms of the plague can manifest in various ways. Specifically, bubonic plague occurs when bacteria infiltrates the lymph nodes, resulting in fever, headache, weakness, and painful swollen lymph nodes. This typically occurs due to the bite of an infected flea, as noted by the United States' Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- If the bacteria enters the bloodstream, it leads to septicemic plague, often following untreated bubonic plague and causing more severe symptoms such as abdominal pain, shock, skin bleeding, and blackening of appendages, primarily fingers, toes, or the nose. The CDC states that septicemic plague can arise from flea bites or handling an infected animal.
- Pneumonic plague is the most perilous form and is deemed "almost always fatal" by the World Health Organization (WHO) if left untreated.
- This variant occurs when the bacteria enters the lungs, resulting in rapidly developing pneumonia in addition to other symptoms.
- The CDC highlights that pneumonic plague is the sole form of the disease that can be transmitted from person to person through inhaling infectious droplets, making it the most contagious
The Black Death stands as the most lethal disease outbreak in history until the occurrence of the Great Influenza pandemic of 1918-20. Considering the considerably lower population levels during the 14th century, the Black Death remains, by some calculations, the most devastating outbreak ever, potentially eradicating up to half of Europe's population.
Its aftermath had a profound and enduring impact on the survivors. A study reported in the journal Nature in 2022 revealed that specific genetic mutations enhanced the likelihood of survival by approximately 40 percent
Unfortunately, this mutation, which has since been passed, has been directly linked to the incidence of certain autoimmune diseases — meaning what happened 700 years ago might be impacting your health today
5. Way forward
The disease was quickly detected and the person received antibiotics for treatment. The contacts of the person and the cat were tracked down and also given the treatment. The cat was also treated but did not survive.
Between 1346 and 1353, the bubonic plague killed as many as 50 million in Europe in what is known as the Black Death. So, is the latest discovered case a cause for concern?
Source: Indianexpress
