2023 09 20
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- Rift in relations between India and Canada
GS Paper 3:
- Advanced Manufacturing
GS Paper 4:
- Examples of Ethics (Biohacking, Mahsa Amini)
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Women Parliamentarians in Rwanda
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards
- London’s India Club
- SHREYAS scheme
- Kisan Rin Portal
- UNCITRAL South Asia Conference
- Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS)
- Operation Sajag
Mapping
- Narmada River
Rift in relations between India and Canada
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: Bilateral Relations
Source: IE
Context: Current tensions between India and Canada escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused India of involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, designated as a terrorist by India. India rejected the allegations and accused Canada of sheltering Khalistani extremists.
Who are Khalistani Extremist?
The Khalistan extremist movement is a separatist movement that seeks to establish an independent Sikh state called Khalistan. It emerged primarily among the Sikh diaspora, particularly in countries like Canada, during the 1980s and has been associated with violence and acts of terrorism.
Khalistan Movement History:
The Khalistan movement has roots in Canada, with the establishment of a ‘Khalistan government in exile’ office in Vancouver in 1982. The movement gained momentum after Operation Bluestar in 1984.
To know further about Khalistan Movement: Click here
Rift in relations between India and Canada:
| Aspect | Explanation |
| Historical Background | The strained relationship dates back to 1948 when Canada supported a plebiscite in Kashmir. In 1998, Canada recalled its high commissioner to India after India conducted nuclear tests. |
| 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 | |
| Changing Reports | Canada’s annual report on the terrorist threat initially mentioned Sikh extremism and Khalistan in 2018 but later removed these references. This action was criticized by Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. |
| Canada’s interference | Canadian comments over India’s farmer protests and India’s cancellation of diplomatic talks in response. |
| Recent Tensions | Tensions have escalated over the last few years, especially since Justin Trudeau became Canada’s Prime Minister in 2015. |
| Allegations of Inaction | India has accused the Canadian government of inaction against pro-Khalistan supporters, which it views as an attempt to gain favour with the Canadian-Sikh community. Canada has denied these allegations. |
| In February-March 2023, India protested against attacks on its diplomatic missions in Canada. | |
| Impact on Immigration | The ongoing tensions have led to a significant increase in asylum claims by Indian nationals, primarily Punjabis, in Canada. |
| Impediments for Trade | India’s Complex labour laws; Market protectionism; Bureaucratic regulations |
| 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 Perspective: Canadian officials argue that the Khalistan separatist movement is relatively insignificant and that the referendums organized by Sikh for Justice are within the bounds of the law.
Other Aspects of India- Canada Bilateral 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 billion in 2020. Negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). |
| Nuclear Cooperation | Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (NCA) signed in 2010. 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. |
| 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. |
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
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, India-Canada Relations, Today's Article
Advanced Manufacturing
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Indian Economy
Source: WEF
Context: The paper, created by the World Economic Forum’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry community, highlights the role of advanced manufacturing in addressing global disruptions and promoting innovative, inclusive, and sustainable industry transformation.
What is Advanced Manufacturing?
Advanced manufacturing involves the use of innovative technologies to create both existing and new products. It encompasses production activities reliant on information, automation, computation, software, sensing, and networking.
Issues and Trends are shaping the manufacturing industry:
| Trends | Key Issues |
| Geopolitical tensions and economic instability |
Shifting political landscapes and regulatory changes |
| Rising protectionism | |
| Challenges due to the war in Ukraine | |
| Social distrust and erosion of social cohesion | |
| Climate change | The need for carbon reduction and net-zero emissions |
| Transitioning to sustainable practices | |
| Technology integration | Intense technological competition |
| Escalating cybercrime | |
| The digital divide between frontrunners and laggards | |
| Changing people dynamics | Green transition and technological advancements |
| Supply chain transformations | |
| Demographic changes and societal values | |
| Need for workforce adaptation and upskilling |
How Advanced Manufacturing Can Resolve these Issues:
| Issue | Solutions |
| Geopolitical tensions and economic instability | Improve supply chain resilience through IoT technologies |
| Reduce operational and production costs through process automation | |
| Enhance predictions and responsiveness to dynamic customer demands | |
| Climate change | Accelerate energy efficiencies and promote renewable energy sources |
| Focus on value-added energy and sustainable production practices | |
| Technology integration | Stay competitive by adopting advanced manufacturing technologies |
| Foster innovation to maintain business competitiveness | |
| Changing people dynamics | Upskill and reskill workers to adapt to new manufacturing technologies |
| Make manufacturing an attractive career choice for new generations | |
| Address the talent gap in manufacturing |
Initiatives by the World Economic Forum (WEF) to support industry transformation:
| Initiative | Description |
| Global Lighthouse Network | Encourages the adoption of advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies in manufacturing. |
| People as the Future of Manufacturing | This initiative, in collaboration with the University of Cambridge, aims to scale the use of technologies to augment, empower, and upskill the factory workforce. |
| Industry Net Zero Accelerator | Addresses the urgent need for companies to act on their commitments to achieving net-zero emissions due to climate change. |
| Circular Transformation of Industries | Focuses on driving systemic change in industries towards a circular economy. |
| Industrial Strategies for the Future of Supply Chains | Recognizes the need for a reassessment of global supply chain configurations driven by sustainability, resilience, talent, technology readiness, and changing customer demand. |
Mains Links
Q.1 “Industrial growth rate has lagged behind in the overall growth of Gross-Domestic-Product (GDP) in the post-reform period” Give reasons. How far are the recent changes in Industrial Policy capable of increasing the industrial growth rate? (UPSC 2017)
Q.2 Normally countries shift from agriculture to industry and then later to services, but India shifted directly from agriculture to services. What are the reasons for the huge growth of services vis-à-vis the industry in the country? Can India become a developed country without a strong industrial base? (UPSC 2014)
Prelims Links:
In the ‘Index of Eight Core Industries’, which one of the following is given the highest weight? (UPSC 2015)
(a) Coal production
(b) Electricity generation
(c) Fertilizer production
(d) Steel production
Ans: B
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Advanced Manufacturing, Manufacturing sector in India, Today's Article
Examples of Ethics (Biohacking, Mahsa Amini)
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: ORF
Example 1: Biohacking: Elon Musk’s brain-chip startup, Neuralink, has received approval to begin the first human trial of its brain implant designed for paralysis patients.
About the Trial:
The trial will focus on individuals with paralysis due to cervical spinal cord injury or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuralink aims to implant a brain-computer interface (BCI) to allow participants to control a computer cursor or keyboard using their thoughts.
What is Biohacking?
Biohacking is the practice of modifying and enhancing human biology and physiology, often using technological and genetic interventions, to improve various aspects of health, cognition, and physical capabilities.
While it offers opportunities for improved health and cognitive enhancement, it raises significant ethical, social, and regulatory concerns.
Ethical Issues concerned:
| Ethical Issue | Description |
| Genetic Modification | Altering one’s DNA or genes raises concerns about unintended consequences, long-term effects, and ethical boundaries. |
| Informed Consent | Ensuring individuals fully understand and consent to biohacking procedures, especially when they involve risks. |
| Access Inequality | Biohacking may be more accessible to individuals with financial resources, creating disparities in enhancement opportunities. |
| Safety and Health Risks | The potential for unsafe procedures, misuse of substances, or long-term health risks associated with biohacking. |
| Privacy and Data | The collection and sharing of biological and genetic data may raise privacy concerns and data security issues. |
| DIY Approaches | The DIY nature of biohacking can lead to unregulated and risky experiments, posing dangers to participants and society. |
| Ethical Boundaries | Defining ethical limits in biohacking, such as what enhancements are permissible and where to draw the line. |
| Public Health | The introduction of unproven treatments into the market and inadequate safety measures may harm public health. |
| Environmental Impact | Poorly handled genetic materials and reagents can lead to environmental contamination, raising ecological concerns. |
Example 2: Iran Protests: One year after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody sparked protests in Iran, the country has witnessed a clampdown on dissent by its rulers. The protests initially began after Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman, died following her arrest for alleged dress code violations.
Ethical issues concerned here are:
| Ethical Issues | Description |
| Gender-based Oppression | The enforcement of strict dress codes for women limited their freedom and caused defiance and protests. |
| Injustice and Human Rights | Violation of human rights, including the right to protest and freedom of expression, through the crackdown on protests. |
| Excessive Use of Force | The use of excessive force by security forces, led to the deaths and injuries of protesters. |
| Censorship and Surveillance | Restricting access to messaging apps, surveillance through cameras, and censorship of dissenting voices. |
| Ethnic Discrimination | Discrimination against ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds and Baluchis, who faced intense protests and repression. |
| Intimidation and Fear | Intimidation, threats, and arrests targeting activists, journalists, and those connected to protests. |
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Biohacking, Mahsa Amini, Today's Article
Women Parliamentarians in Rwanda
Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: IE
Context: Rwanda has a high representation of women in its Parliament, with around 61 per cent of Lower House seats occupied by women.
Why does Rwanda have so many women parliamentarians?
This is due to historical factors, including the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in 1994, which left a majority of the population composed of women. To address this, Rwanda implemented gender equality initiatives, including a 30 per cent quota for women in decision-making organs, such as Parliament.
While this has led to progress in political representation and laws on issues like education and gender-based violence, challenges remain, including access to education and traditional gender roles.
Additional Information:
Percentage of women in the Lower house of major democracies:
| Country | Percentage |
| India | 78 elected women MPs out of a total of 543 seats, representing 14.36% of the total number of MPs. |
| USA | About 28% |
| United Kingdom | About 34% |
| South Africa | About 46% |
| South Korea | About 19% |
| Japan | About 10% |
| Germany | About 35% |
| France | About 37% |
| Canada | About 30% |
| Brazil | About 17% |
| Australia | About 38% |
Usage: The example can be used in Questions related to women/Sociology/ Polity
About Rwanda:
Rwanda is a landlocked country in the Great Rift Valley of Central Africa, where the African Great Lakes region and Southeast Africa converge. Located a few degrees south of the Equator, Rwanda is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Rwanda, Today's Article
Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards ceremony honoured individuals above 75 years of age for their exceptional contributions to music, dance, and theatre.
- The Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards are a national honour recognizing performing artists, teachers, and scholars in the field of performing arts.
- The honour includes a cash prize of 1,00,000/- (Rupees one lakh), a Tamrapatra, and an Angavastram.
About Sangeet Natak Akademi:
The Sangeet Natak Akademi, also known as the National Academy of Music, Dance, and Drama, is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. It was established in 1953 with the aim of promoting and preserving India’s traditional performing arts, including music, dance, and theatre.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Arts and Culture, GS1, Sangeet Natak Akademi Amrit Awards, Today's Article
London’s India Club
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: London’s India Club, a historic establishment that served as a meeting place for Indians in the United Kingdom during the independence movement got permanently closed.
- The club, located in the Strand Continental Hotel, offered Indian cuisine and served as a hub for individuals associated with India in the UK. It had a rich history, with interiors that remained largely unchanged over the years.
About London’s India Club:
- Founded in 1951 by the India League, an organization initially advocating for Indian independence and later promoting Indo-British friendship post-independence, the India Club played a crucial role in the lives of the Asian diaspora communities in Britain.
- It hosted various groups and activities, including the Indian Journalist Association, Indian Workers Association, and Indian Socialist Group of Britain.
- Throughout its existence, the India Club attracted prominent visitors, including Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the first President of independent India, Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dadabhai Naoroji, Bertrand Russell, and MF Hussain, among others. VK Krishna Menon, a diplomat and former Indian Defence Minister, was one of the secretaries of the India Club.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, GS1, London’s India Club, Modern India, Today's Article
SHREYAS scheme
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The “SHREYAS” scheme, consisting of four central sector sub-schemes, has played a significant role in empowering students from Scheduled Castes (SC) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) in India since 2014-15.
The sub-schemes are as follows:
- Free Coaching Scheme for SCs and OBCs
- Top Class Education for SCs
- National Overseas Scheme for SCs
- National Fellowship for SC Students
These sub-schemes under the SHREYAS umbrella have significantly contributed to the education and empowerment of SC and OBC students, enabling them to pursue higher education and excel in their chosen fields.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, governance, GS2, schemes, SHREYAS Scheme, Today's Article
Kisan Rin Portal
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Business Standard
Context: The Indian government has launched the “Kisan Rin Portal” as part of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme to revolutionize the agriculture sector.
- Additionally, the government launched the Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) portal and initiated a door-to-door KCC campaign.
About Kisan Rin Portal:
- The Kisan Rin digital platform will offer a comprehensive view of farmer data, scheme utilization progress, loan disbursement specifics, and interest subvention claims, enhancing integration with banks for more efficient agriculture credit.
About Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) portal:
- WINDS leverages advanced weather data analytics to provide stakeholders with actionable insights for informed weather-related decisions in agriculture. The portal includes a comprehensive manual for stakeholders to understand its functionalities, data interpretations, and effective utilization.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, governance, GS2, Kisan Rin Portal, schemes, Today's Article, Weather Information Network Data Systems (WINDS) portal
UNCITRAL South Asia Conference
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: LM
Context: India hosted the inaugural United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) South Asia Conference recently.
- The conference aimed to strengthen India’s engagement with UNCITRAL and encourage interaction between UNCITRAL, the judiciary, bureaucracy, academia, and the legal fraternity.
- It was organized jointly by the Ministry of External Affairs, UNCITRAL, and the organization’s national coordination committee for India.
The conference covered various topics, including the digital economy, MSMEs and access to credit, insolvency, investor-state dispute settlement reform, international commercial arbitration, and mediation. The event also highlighted India’s potential as a hub for international arbitration.
About UNCITRAL:
UNCITRAL stands for the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law. It is the principal legal entity within the United Nations system dedicated to international trade law.
UNCITRAL is a legal body with universal membership that specializes in commercial law reform worldwide. It has been working for over 50 years to modernize and harmonize rules on international business. UNCITRAL’s primary goal is to facilitate international trade by creating legal frameworks and instruments that promote fairness, transparency, and efficiency in cross-border commercial transactions.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, GS2, International Relations, Today's Article, UNCITRAL South Asia Conference
Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: India’s first solar mission, Aditya-L1, has begun collecting data using the Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS) sub-system, one of the seven instruments on board.
What is STEPS?
STEPS stands for Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer. It is a sub-system onboard India’s Aditya-L1 spacecraft and part of the Aditya Solar Wind Particle Experiment (ASPEX) payload. It is designed to measure fast-moving charged particles generated by processes within the Sun. STEPS helps scientists analyze the behaviour of particles surrounding Earth and provides valuable data for solar science and space weather research.
About Aditya-L1:
It was launched on September 2, and is currently in Earth’s orbit, but it is scheduled to leave this orbit and move towards the Earth-Sun system’s Lagrange 1 (L1) point.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Aditya-L1, Supra Thermal and Energetic Particle Spectrometer (STEPS), Today's Article
Operation Sajag
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Indian Coast Guard conducted a coastal security drill named ‘Operation Sajag’ along the west coast.
- This drill aimed to involve all stakeholders in the coastal security system, reaffirm the effectiveness of coastal security measures, and raise awareness among fishermen at sea.
- To enhance coastal security, several measures have been implemented, including the issuance of biometric cards for fishermen, color-coding of fishing boats according to each state, manned fish landing centres, access control at entry/exit points, coastal mapping, allocation of specific marine band frequencies for security agencies, and training of marine police personnel by the Indian Coast Guard.
- Biometric card readers have also been provided to security agencies, and efforts are made to monitor dhows, enhance island security, and establish community interaction programs as part of the coastal security framework.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Defense, GS3, INTERNAL SECURITY, Operation Sajag, Today's Article
Narmada River
Mapping
Source: DTE
Context: Severe rains in Gujarat caused the Narmada River to flood, displacing thousands. Some blame the Sardar Sarovar Dam operators for their delayed actions.
The Sardar Sarovar Dam (opened 2017) is a concrete gravity dam built on the Narmada River in Navagam near the town of Kevadiya, Narmada District, in the state of Gujarat. The dam was constructed to provide water and electricity to four Indian states: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan
The Narmada is the largest west-flowing river, the fifth-largest in India, flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat before reaching the Gulf of Cambay. It is situated between the Vindhya and Satpura Ranges. Notable dams in the Narmada Basin include the Sardar Sarovar Dam, Rani Avanti Bai Sagar (Bargi) Dam, and Maheshwar Dam.
September 20, 2023 /20 September 2023, Today's Article