2023 06 17
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 1:
- Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI)
GS Paper 2:
- India-Canada Relationship
- Three years after Galwan: Where India-China ties stand
GS Paper 4:
- Dark Patterns in Digital Advertisements
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
- Daniel Ellsberg
- Arundhati Roy
- Leela Row Dayal
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme
- National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report
- Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms
- Global Fund for Recycling Lithium-ion Batteries
- Lab-grown human embryo models
- 31 MQ-9B armed drones
Mapping
- Belarus
- “Fish Kill” (Texas, USA)
Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI)
GS Paper 1
Syllabus: Role of Women
Source: UNDP
Context: The UNDP’s Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI) 2023 has revealed no improvement in biases against women in a decade, with almost 9 out of 10 men and women worldwide still holding such biases.
What is the GSNI?
- First introduced in the 2019 Human Development Report, GSNI provides an in-depth account of the root causes of gender inequality that hinder progress for women and girls.
- It covers 4 key dimensions – political, educational, economic and physical integrity – to highlight areas where women and girls face systematic disadvantages and discrimination.
Highlights of the GSNI 2023:
- Half of people worldwide still believe men make better political leaders than women.
- Over 40% believe men make better business executives than women.
- A staggering 25% of people believe it is justified for a man to beat his wife.
- The share of women as heads of state or heads of government has remained around 10% since 1995.
- In the labour market, women occupy less than a third of managerial positions.
- A broken link between women’s progress in education and economic empowerment.
- For example, women are more skilled and educated than ever before, yet the average gender income gap remains a staggering 39% in favour of men.
Impact of these biases:
- Drive hurdles faced by women manifested in a dismantling of women’s rights, and a surge of human rights violations.
- As a result, movements against gender equality are gaining traction in many parts of the world.
- Severe underrepresentation of women in leadership.
Way ahead:
- Governments have a crucial role in shifting gender social norms. For instance,
- Parental leave policies have changed perceptions around care work responsibilities, and
- Labour market reforms led to a change in beliefs around the employment of women.
- Directly addressing social norms through education to change people’s views and more representation of women in decision-making and political processes.
- An important place to start is recognising the economic value of unpaid care work, as women spend over six times as much time as men on unpaid care work.
- The focus needs to be on expanding human development through –
- Investment in laws and policy measures that promote women’s equality in political participation.
- Insurance such as strengthening social protection and care systems.
- Innovation, for example, combating online hate speech and gender disinformation can help to shift pervasive gender norms towards greater acceptance and equality.
Conclusion:
Gender bias is a pervasive problem worldwide. Therefore, without tackling biased gender social norms, gender equality as reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) can’t be achieved.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
What are the continued challenges for women in India against time and space? (UPSC 2019)
June 17, 2023 /16 June CA, 17 June 2023, Gender Social Norms Index (GSNI), GS 1, Today's Article, Today’s article
India-Canada Relationship
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: India’s bilateral relations
Source: TH
Context: The article discusses the frictions in India-Canada ties, particularly regarding Canadian politicians supporting separatism in India.
About Canada
Canada is the second largest country in the world, occupying a significant portion of North America. It is a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. The border between Canada and the United States is primarily marked by the 49th parallel north. Canada is known for its abundant lakes, including Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake, Winnipeg Lake, and the five Great Lakes that it shares with the United States: Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario
Challenges in India-Canada Relations:
| Challenges | Examples |
| Sikh extremism | Presence of Sikh separatist groups in Canada E.g., In 2022, India objected to Canada permitting a Khalistani secessionist “referendum” |
| Concerns about the revival of the Khalistan movement E.g., a recent incident where a pro-Khalistani parade in Canada featured a tableau depicting India’s former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and her assassins. |
|
| Sikh Diaspora’s Influence on Canadian Politics e.g., Canadian PM Justin Trudeau relied on the New Democratic Party (NDP) for his government’s survival, and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is a vocal supporter of Khalistan. |
|
| Impediments for Trade | India’s Complex labour laws; Market protectionism; Bureaucratic regulations |
| Trade Issues | No progress has been made in bilateral agreements such as the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements (BIPPA) |
| Canada’s interference | Canadian comments over India’s farmer protests and India’s cancellation of diplomatic talks in response. |
Areas of Cooperation in India-Canada Relations:
| Relations | Examples and Initiatives |
| Diplomatic | India established diplomatic relations with Canada in 1947. Prime Minister of India’s visit to Canada in April 2015 elevated the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership. |
| Political | India and Canada share commonalities in Parliamentary structure and procedures. |
| Commercial | Bilateral trade between India and Canada stands at over USD 6.4 billion in 2020. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). |
| Nuclear Cooperation | Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010 by, Joint Committee on Civil Nuclear Cooperation, restoration of nuclear cooperation. |
| Science and Technology | IC-IMPACTS (the India-Canada Centre for Innovative Multidisciplinary Partnerships to Accelerate Community Transformation and Sustainability) is the first, and only, Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence. |
| Department of Earth Science and Polar Canada have started a programme for the exchange of knowledge and scientific research on Cold Climate (Arctic) Studies. | |
| Space Cooperation | Cooperative and commercial relations in space science, satellite launch services, ground support, and the launch of Canadian nanosatellites. |
| Security and Defence | Collaboration in international fora, mutual ship visits, Framework for Cooperation between India and Canada on Countering Terrorism in 2018 |
| Indo-Pacific: Both countries share a suspicion of China and support free and open navigation in international waters. | |
| People-to-People Ties | Large Indian diaspora in Canada, diaspora’s contribution in various sectors, political representation, cultural exchanges. |
| Cultural Exchanges | Country of Focus at the International Film Festival of India, India-Canada Coproduction Agreement, Diwali celebrations on Parliament Hill. |
| Cooperation in COVID-19 Pandemic | Repatriation flights for stranded Canadians, export of medicines and medical supplies to Canada. |
Conclusion:
While India-Canada relations have faced challenges, there is a growing recognition of the potential benefits and opportunities in various areas of cooperation. Efforts are being made to deepen understanding and strengthen the bilateral relationship between the two nations.
Mains Links
Prelims Links:
Which among the following has the world’s largest reserves of Uranium? ( UPSC 2009)
(a) Australia
(b) Canada
(c) Russian Federation
(d) USA
Ans: A
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, India-Canada Relations, Today's Article
Three years after Galwan: Where India-China ties stand
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations – India-China Relations
Source: IE
Context: The Galwan clash was a significant event in India-China relations.
- The clash resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers, marking the first time Indian Army personnel were killed on the Line of Actual Control since 1975.
- Both sides have engaged in multiple rounds of negotiations and have managed to disengage at five “friction points” along the Line of Actual Control, establishing demilitarized buffer zones in those areas.
| Areas of Cooperation | Description |
| Political and Diplomatic relations | Exchange of views and establishment of friendship groups between China and India. |
| Economy and Trade | Growth in trade volume and bilateral economic cooperation between China and India. |
| Investment & Banking | Opening of branches of Indian and Chinese banks in each other’s countries. |
| E-business visa | Introduction of a visa category to facilitate business travel between China and India. |
| Science & Technology | Joint research workshops and promotion of cooperation in science and technology innovation. |
| Defence | Joint anti-terrorist exercises and defence consultations to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation. |
| People-to-People Exchanges | High-level meetings and cultural exchanges to strengthen people-to-people ties. |
| Education relations | Educational cooperation, scholarship programs, and exchange agreements between India and China. |
Challenges:
| Areas of Contention | Description |
| Chinese Initiatives | India’s concerns and suspicions regarding Chinese initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean. |
| Increasing presence in the Indian Ocean | China’s policy of building ports and naval bases in countries surrounding India’s maritime reaches, which India sees as encirclement. |
| Border Dispute | Disputed border areas between India and China, including the Western, Middle, and Eastern sectors. |
| River Water Dispute | China’s construction of dams in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River leads to concerns over water sharing. |
| Dalai Lama and Tibet issue | India’s support for the Tibetan government in exile led by the Dalai Lama, is not acceptable to China. |
| Presence in South Asia | China’s increasing investments and trade with countries in South Asia challenged India’s traditional influence in the region. |
| Trade imbalance | India’s trade deficit with China indicates difficulties in competing with Chinese manufactured goods. |
| China’s protectionist policies | Obstacles faced by Indian companies in entering the Chinese market due to protectionist measures. |
| China’s Support to Pakistan | China’s support for Pakistan through investments and backing on various issues affect India’s relationship with Pakistan. |
| Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) | China’s opposition to India’s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group, hindering India’s nuclear ambitions. |
| Digital Security | Concerns over Chinese investments in India’s knowledge economy, raising privacy and data security issues. |
Persisting issues:
- The creation of buffer zones has raised concerns among Indian experts, who view them as a loss of territory for India.
- These zones have allowed the Chinese to monitor Indian forces’ movements and establish infrastructure in the region. India has also been rapidly developing its infrastructure in response.
Conclusion:
Despite ongoing engagement between the two sides, there is a fundamental difference in their perspectives on the border issue. India insists that the border situation must be resolved before normalization of bilateral relations can occur, while China believes that the issues have been resolved and suggests moving forward.
Insta links:
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, GS2, india china relations, International Relations, Today's Article
Dark Patterns in Digital Advertisements
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Code of Conduct/Code of Ethics
Source: BS
Context: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released guidelines on dark patterns in digital advertisements, urging companies not to mislead customers through omission, exaggeration, implication, or ambiguity.
What are Dark patterns?
Dark patterns refer to deceptive design patterns that prompt users to purchase without giving explicit consent.
Types of dark patterns in advertisements:
| Dark Pattern | Description | Example | Ethical Issues |
| Drip Pricing | Increasing the price of a product after customers commit to buying | Showing a low initial price but adding extra charges at checkout | Deceptive pricing practices, lack of transparency |
| Disguised Ads | Designing ads to resemble other content | Placing an ad that looks like a news article or social media post | Misleading users, blurring the line between content and advertising |
| Bait and Switch | Replacing a selected product with a similar, less desirable one | Adding a popular item to the cart and replacing it with an inferior product before checkout | Misrepresentation, misleading customers |
| False Urgency | Creating a sense of limited availability or time-sensitive offer | Displaying a countdown timer or “limited stock” message to pressure immediate purchase | Manipulating consumer behaviour, creating artificial urgency |
| Hidden Costs | Concealing additional charges or fees | Not disclosing shipping or handling fees until the final checkout | Lack of transparency, misleading pricing |
| Sneaking | Adding extra items or services to a customer’s purchase without clear consent | Automatically including a subscription or add-on during the checkout process | Lack of informed consent, exploiting user behaviour |
About the guidelines ( it is self-regulatory and will be effective from September 1)
- Aim: To improve transparency and protect user autonomy.
- Incomplete price representations and offering alternative products or services would be considered misleading.
- Advertisers are also required to clearly differentiate between organic and paid ads on their platforms.
- ASCI plans to develop guidelines on advertisements making green claims and crowdsourcing platforms in the future.
- Department of Consumer Affairs will also soon release its own guidelines on dark patterns.
Significance of the guidelines: These guidelines will require businesses to create communication and systems that respect user autonomy, improve transparency, and encourage well-informed choices
About ASCI:
The Advertising Standards Council of India (est. 1985; HQ: Mumbai) is a voluntary self-regulatory organization of the advertising industry in India. ASCI is registered as a non-profit company under section 25 of the Company Act.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Do you think commercial advertisements need to be ethical? Comment.(250 words)
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Dark patterns in Digital Advertisements, Today's Article
Daniel Ellsberg
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: TH
Daniel Ellsberg, who leaked Pentagon Papers exposing Vietnam War secrets, dies at 92. Ellsberg, a former government analyst and consultant, leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971, which exposed government doubts and deceit regarding the Vietnam War. His actions inspired acts of retaliation by President Richard Nixon and contributed to Nixon’s resignation.
Ethical values are shown:
- Conscience: Daniel Ellsberg embodied the individual of conscience — who answered only to his sense of right and wrong, even if the price was his own freedom.
- Moral Compass: He demonstrated a strong sense of moral absolutes and demanded consequences for abuses of power.
Throughout his life, Ellsberg remained an activist, advocating for free speech, opposing wars, and defending other whistleblowers.
Usage: Daniel Ellsberg’s life and actions serve as a powerful example of the values of integrity, courage, commitment to justice, moral compass, and sacrifice. His unwavering dedication to truth and accountability continues to inspire individuals to stand up for what they believe in, even when faced with formidable challenges.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, CME, Daniel Ellsberg, Today's Article, Whistleblower
Arundhati Roy
Source: TH
Writer Arundhati Roy has been awarded the 45th European Essay Prize for lifetime achievement by the Charles Veillon Foundation. She received the prize for the French translation of her compilation of essays titled “Azadi” (2021).
The jury praised her use of the essay as a form of combat, analyzing fascism and its structure, which is an increasingly relevant issue. In “Azadi,” Roy explores the meaning of freedom in a world facing growing authoritarianism and includes reflections on language, fiction, and alternative imaginations.
Usage: Her writings show the value of Political engagement, critical thinking, fearlessness, advocacy for freedom, and a strong social and global consciousness.
About the prize:
The European Essay Prize has been awarded since 1975 to authors whose writings contribute to the evolution of thought and provide commentary on current societies, practices, and ideologies.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Arundhati Roy, CME, Today's Article
Leela Row Dayal
Source: BBC
Leela Row, a multi-talented individual, was the first Indian woman to win a match at Wimbledon in 1934. Later in her life, she transitioned to writing and documenting art, focusing on Indian classical dances.
Despite her extraordinary achievements, Leela Row remains relatively unknown in India, lacking extensive research and recognition.
Usage: The story can be used in Essay/Ethics to values of Pursuit of Excellence, Resilience and Determination, and Exploration and Adventure
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, CME, Leela Row Dayal, Today's Article
VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, is launching the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships program.
- This program aims to recognize outstanding scientists and technologists of Indian origin residing in other countries (NRI/OCI/PIO) who are engaged in research.
- The program will award fellowships to 75 selected individuals who will be invited to work in various knowledge verticals such as quantum technology, health, electronics, agriculture, and more.
- The VAIBHAV program was initiated after the VAIBHAV Summit, which connected the Indian STEMM diaspora with Indian institutions. The fellowship program will foster collaboration between scientists from the Indian diaspora and Indian educational institutions, universities, and scientific institutions.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, GS2, schemes, Today's Article, VAIBHAV Fellowship Programme
National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report
Source: PIB
Context: Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) released the National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report.
About National Time Release Study:
- The Time Release Study (TRS) is a performance measurement tool that quantifies the time taken for cargo release at customs stations. It measures the duration from cargo arrival to its out-of-charge for domestic clearance in imports and from cargo arrival to carrier departure in exports.
- The study covers seaports, air cargo complexes (ACCs), inland container depots (ICDs), and integrated check posts (ICPs), which handle a significant proportion of entry and shipping bills in the country.
Key findings:
- The findings highlight the importance of the “Path to Promptness” strategy, which includes advance filing of import documents, risk-based facilitation, and benefits for trusted clients. Cargoes that incorporate all three features achieve the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan release time target across all port categories.
- In line with the government’s focus on export promotion, NTRS 2023 places greater emphasis on measuring export release time.
- The report differentiates between regulatory clearance (customs release) and physical clearance (completion of logistics processes). The study indicates that the National Trade Facilitation Action Plan release time target has been achieved for most port categories when considering regulatory clearance.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Cargo, economy, GS3, National Time Release Study (NTRS) 2023 report, Today's Article
Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms
Source: HBL
Context: The Indian government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) are exploring the integration of the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) with the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms using an account aggregator.
What is the Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN)?
The Goods and Services Tax Network (GSTN) is a technology platform established by the Indian government to manage the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system. It serves as a backbone for the GST regime, facilitating taxpayer registration, invoice filing, tax payment, and return filing processes.
What are Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms?
Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms are digital platforms that provide a mechanism for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to raise funds by selling their trade receivables or invoices to financiers at a discounted rate. These platforms facilitate the early realization of funds, helping SMEs improve their cash flow and working capital.
What is an account aggregator?
An account aggregator is a financial intermediary that collects and consolidates a user’s financial data from various sources such as banks, mutual funds, insurance companies, and other financial institutions.
Account Aggregator Network (AAN) is an RBI-regulated entity (with an NBFC-AA license) Currently, 23 banks from both public and private are under the AAN. AA framework was created in 2021 through an inter-regulatory decision by RBI and other regulators including SEBI, IRDA, and PFRDA through an initiative of the Financial Stability and Development Council (FSDC)
How does the integration of GSTN with TReDS help?
- It facilitates direct sanctions of invoices raised by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on the GSTN platform.
- By integrating the two systems, e-invoices generated on the GSTN can be seamlessly transmitted to the TReDS portal, eliminating the need for additional activities or documentation.
- This will lead to faster loan underwriting and sanctions as financiers will have greater confidence in the authenticity of the invoices sourced directly from the GST platform.
- Development of an alternative credit database, particularly benefiting MSMEs with limited credit history.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Today's Article, Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms
Global Fund for Recycling Lithium-ion Batteries
Source: HBL
Context: A policy brief for the G20 suggests establishing a global fund to invest in increasing recycling capacities for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs).
Need:
- There is a rising demand for minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel, and Graphite.
- Existing battery waste materials have significant potential and can generate a value of around $4,800-5,200 per tonne.
- Safe and environmentally beneficial recycling
- Battery recycling is at a nascent stage with gaps concerning technology in reducing recycling costs and improving material recovery capacity.
Lithium-ion battery recycling technologies:
| Technologies | Description |
| Mechanical Separation | This technology involves the physical separation of lithium-ion battery components through mechanical processes such as shredding and sieving. |
| Pyrometallurgical Process | It is a high-temperature process that uses heat to melt and separate battery components, recovering valuable metals like lithium, cobalt, etc. |
| Hydrometallurgical Process | In this process, lithium-ion batteries are dissolved in a liquid solution, and chemical reactions are used to separate and recover valuable metals. |
| Lithium Recovery from Electrolyte | This specific process targets the recovery of lithium from the electrolyte of lithium-ion batteries, which can then be reused or processed further. |
| Biological Process | This emerging technology involves the use of biological agents or microorganisms to extract and recover valuable materials from lithium-ion batteries. |
India’s steps:
- Battery waste management Act 2022 confers the Producers (including importers) the obligation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for the battery that they introduce in the market to ensure its collection and recycling.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, G20, Global Fund for Recycling Lithium-ion batteries, Today's Article
Lab-grown human embryo models
Source: Nature
Context: Recently, scientists have successfully created advanced embryo-like structures using human stem cells. These synthetic embryos develop similarly to natural embryos at around 14 days after fertilization.
- This breakthrough allows researchers unprecedented opportunities to study human embryonic development at later stages. However, it also raises ethical and legal questions regarding the regulation and status of these “embryo models.”
- The ability to study embryo models beyond 14 days is significant because it allows researchers to explore developmental defects and pregnancy loss, which are challenging to study using animal models.
Controversy:
- The scientific controversy surrounding this research arises from the highly competitive race to develop embryo models at later stages.
- Ethical concerns have also emerged regarding the status and regulation of human embryo models. While these models are not subject to the 14-day rule applied to natural embryos, guidelines and regulations related to the use of human embryonic stem cells must be followed.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, GS3, Lab-grown human embryo models, SCIENCE, Today's Article
31 MQ-9B armed drones
Source: Hindustan Times
Context: India’s defence ministry has approved the purchase of 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US.
- The drones, with an endurance of over 27 hours and an operating capability of up to 50,000 feet, will strengthen India’s defence capabilities.
- The acquisition comes after increased tensions with China and will enhance India’s surveillance capabilities.
About MQ-9 drones:
- The hunter-killer MQ-9 drones are capable of a variety of roles, including maritime surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, over-the-horizon targeting, airborne early warning, and electronic warfare.
- The Sky Guardian variant has a wingspan of 79 feet and can carry a payload of 2,155kg on nine hardpoints.
- The Sea Guardian variant can fly over the horizon via satellite for more than 30 hours and has advanced intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, 31 MQ-9B armed drones, Defense, GS3, INTERNAL SECURITY, Today's Article
Belarus
Mapping
Source: TOI
Belarus is set to receive Russian tactical nuclear warheads, which raises concerns about the impact on global stability and the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The deal between Russia and Belarus was made in response to perceived Western threats and the potential deployment of US nuclear weapons in Europe.
Belarus is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe. It is bordered by Russia to the east and northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west, and Lithuania and Latvia to the northwest. Belarus is an authoritarian state.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Belarus, Mapping, Today's Article
“Fish Kill” (Texas, USA)
Source: IE
Thousands of dead fish washed up on the beaches of southeast Texas due to a phenomenon called “fish kill,” which occurs when low levels of dissolved oxygen in the water cause suffocation of the fish.
Warmer oceans, potentially influenced by climate change, can lead to decreased dissolved oxygen levels, making such incidents more prevalent.
Texas is a state in the South Central region of the United States. It is the second-largest U.S. state by both area and population.
June 17, 2023 /17 June 2023, Fish Kill, Mapping, Texas, Today's Article, USA