DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 17th October 2024

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – INTERNATIONAL

Context: Five Eyes supports Canada in spat with India.

Background: –

• Citing alleged involvement in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, Canada has expelled six Indian diplomats. In a tit-for-tat move, India too expelled six Canadian diplomats.

About Fiver Eyes

• The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing alliance consisting of five countries: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• The alliance was initially formed during World War II for sharing signals intelligence (SIGINT) and has since evolved into a broader intelligence cooperation framework.
• It is based on the UKUSA Agreement, a multilateral agreement for cooperation in intelligence activities, particularly concerning signals intelligence.

Key Features:

• Intelligence Sharing: The Five Eyes share a wide range of intelligence, including military, political, security, and cyber intelligence.
• Scope: Initially focused on the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the Five Eyes now addresses global security threats such as terrorism, cybercrime, and state-sponsored espionage.
• Technology and Surveillance: The alliance members operate extensive signals intelligence infrastructure and conduct joint surveillance operations on potential security threats worldwide.

Historical Background:

• The UKUSA Agreement was formalized in 1946, primarily between the United States and the United Kingdom. Over time, the agreement was expanded to include Canada (1948), Australia, and New Zealand (both in 1956).
• The Five Eyes network became central during the Cold War in monitoring and intercepting Soviet communications.
• In the post-Cold War period, it expanded its scope to cover threats like terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and cybersecurity.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: The idea of Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF) has quickly emerged as a game-changer, potentially opening courtroom doors for many who felt they had been shut out.

Background: –

• The need for TPLF in India is painfully clear, given the massive pendency and skyrocketing litigation expenses. Justice is increasingly becoming a luxury only a few can afford.

Key takeaways

• Third-Party Litigation Funding (TPLF), also known as litigation finance, is a financial arrangement where a third party (usually a private firm or investor) provides the  funds necessary to pursue a legal case in exchange for a share of the proceeds if  the case is successful.
• The Supreme Court in a landmark judgment Bar Council of India v. A.K. Balaji cautiously gave green signal to TPLF, viewing it as ‘a potential equaliser in the courtroom’ and categorically holding that TPLF was not off-limits as long as lawyers were not the ones bankrolling such cases.
• The ripple effects of TPLF could reach every corner of India. In fact, we may witness situations with consumer groups taking on food adulterators, tech startups withstanding pressure against industry giants, tribes supported by NGOs taking on mining mafias without fear of financial ruin.
• TPLF might breathe new air into Public Interest Litigation, a powerful tool for social change since the 1980s.

Key Concerns regarding TPLF

• Cherry-Picking Profitable Cases: Funders may prioritize profitable cases, potentially neglecting socially important but less lucrative claims.
• Funder’s Influence on Case Strategy: Questions arise over how much control funders should have in case decisions, emphasizing the need for regulation.
• Lack of National Framework in India: Although states like Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, and Gujarat have amended civil procedure codes to recognize TPLF, there is no comprehensive national regulatory framework.

Need for Regulation:

• A regulatory structure should ensure:
  • Financial soundness and ethical conduct of funders.
  • Transparency in funding agreements.
  • Protection of clients’ decision-making rights.
  • Reasonable caps on funders’ profits.
• Oversight Body: Establishing a dedicated authority to monitor and regulate TPLF is essential for effective governance.
• Like Hong Kong’s Code of Practice for Third Party Funding in Arbitration 2019, India must ensure funders disclose financing details, manage adverse costs, and clarify the extent of funder control.
• TPLF presents both a challenge and an opportunity. By developing targeted and comprehensive regulations tailored to India’s unique legal landscape, the country can foster a thriving ecosystem. In doing so, India might set a new global standard, balancing financial innovation with the fundamental right to justice.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: The Supreme Court ruled that only the existence of the benchmark permanent disability of 40 per cent does not bar a candidate from being considered for admission to an educational institution unless a medical assessment board is of the opinion that the disability will come in the way of pursuing the course.

Background: –

• Confirming the admission of a candidate with 45 per cent permanent disability for the MBBS course, SC held that quantified disability per se will not disentitle a candidate with benchmark disability from being considered for admission. The candidate will be eligible if the Disability Assessment Board opines that notwithstanding the disability the candidate can pursue the course in question.

Key take aways from the judgement

• The Disability Assessment Boards assessing the candidates should positively record whether the disability of the candidate will or will not come in the way of pursuing the course. The Disability Assessment Board should state reasons in the event of concluding that the candidate is not eligible for pursuing the course.
• Referring to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, the bench underlined the need to follow the principle of reasonable accommodation as laid down in Section 2(y) of the Act.
• The section defines “reasonable accommodation” as necessary and appropriate modification and adjustments, without imposing a disproportionate or undue burden in a particular case, to ensure to persons with disabilities the enjoyment or exercise of rights equally with others.
• The court went on to say that the mandate of the law is to ensure full and effective participation of persons with disabilities in society. To achieve this, conditions that hinder their equal participation should be excluded. A broad interpretation of “reasonable accommodation” is necessary to fulfill the objectives of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act and Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy.

Additional Information

• December 3 is marked by the UN as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in a bid to promote a more inclusive and accessible world for the differently-abled and to raise awareness for their rights.
• About 2.2% of India’s population lives with some kind of physical or mental disability, as per the National Statistics Office report on disability in 2020.
• Rural men had the highest prevalence of disability in India, according to the NSO report. A higher proportion of men were disabled in India compared with women, and disability was more prevalent in rural areas than in urban areas. Inability to move without assistance was the most common disability.
• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 gave effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The convention was adopted by the UN General Assembly in December 2006, and entered into force in 2008. India ratified the convention in 2007.
• The 2016 Act, which repealed and replaced The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunity, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, commenced in April 2017.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims – GEOGRAPHY

Context: North Korea detonated explosives on key road and railway links connecting its territory to South Korea.

Background:

• Although these roads had not been in use for years, their destruction is symbolically important. The two Koreas remain divided by one of the world’s most heavily fortified borders.

Key takeaways.

• During the period of inter-Korean détente in the 2000s, the two Koreas reopened two roadways and two railway lines across their heavily fortified border. However, their use was gradually halted as tensions over North Korea’s nuclear program and other issues escalated.
• The explosions followed recent accusations from North Korea that South Korea had been flying propaganda-laden drones over Pyongyang (North Korean Capital).
• Earlier this month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un scrapped his policy of seeking peaceful reunification with the South, describing the relationship as one between “two hostile nations.”

About North Korea – South Korea Border

• The border between North Korea and South Korea is known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
• It runs roughly along the 38th parallel, dividing the Korean Peninsula into two separate nations.
• The DMZ is approximately 250 kilometers long and about 4 kilometers wide, making it one of the most heavily militarized borders in the world.

Historical Background:

• The DMZ was established following the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, which ended the Korean War in a ceasefire (not a peace treaty), leaving North and South Korea technically still at war.

Military Demarcation Line (MDL):

• Within the DMZ lies the Military Demarcation Line (MDL), which is the actual border between the two countries.
• The border is symbolic of the Cold War divide, with North Korea (DPRK) being a communist regime and South Korea (ROK) a democratic state allied with the United States.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) announced that 11 countries have recognized Indian pharmacopoeia as their standard.

Background: –

• India is supplying drugs, vaccines, and medical devices to over 200 countries. The regulatory system is advanced, approving around 100 global clinical trials annually, and India’s vaccine regulatory framework meets WHO global standards, bolstering its position as a significant international vaccine supplier.

About Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP)

• The Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) is an official document published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in fulfillment of the requirements of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules 1945 thereunder.
• It contains standards for the quality, purity, and strength of drugs manufactured and marketed in India.

Purpose:

• The IP serves as the legal and scientific benchmark for drug manufacturing in India. It ensures that drugs are safe, effective, and of high quality.
• Compliance with the IP is mandatory under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

History and Evolution:

• The first edition of the IP was published in 1955.
• It has undergone multiple revisions, with the latest edition being the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2022.
• The IPC was established in 2009 to take over the publication and updating of the IP.

Key Features:

• Monographs: IP contains monographs of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), dosage forms, and other drug products, specifying their quality parameters.
• Test Methods: It provides methods for quality testing, including chemical analysis, biological assays, and standardization techniques.
• Reference Standards: The IP prescribes reference standards for drug testing, ensuring uniformity in drug quality across the country.

Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC):

• The IPC is responsible for updating the IP, conducting research, and promoting the quality of medicines.
• It functions as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Significance:

• Drug Safety: IP ensures drugs in India meet prescribed quality standards, protecting public health.
• Harmonization: The IP aligns with international standards like the WHO and ICH guidelines to facilitate global acceptance of Indian pharmaceuticals.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: It plays a crucial role in India’s pharmaceutical sector, helping it to maintain quality standards in global exports.

Source: Economic Times

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: In a sharp escalation of the row between the two countries, India ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats, while also announcing its decision to withdraw the Indian High Commissioner to Canada and “other targeted diplomats”, citing security concerns after Ottawa identified them as “persons of interest” in its investigation into the killing of Khalistan separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Background: –

• While a Reuters report, citing a Canadian government source, said Canada had “expelled six Indian diplomats”, India said the diplomats were being withdrawn due to security concerns. In a seemingly tit-for-tat response India announced its decision to expel six Canadian diplomats.

Significance of India-Canada Relations:

• Bilateral trade in goods was approximately $ 9.9 billion and in services, it was 6.5 billion in 2022.
• Canada hosts one of the largest Indian Diasporas in the world, accounting for more than 3% of the total Canadian population.
• The science and technology collaboration mainly promotes industrial R&D with a focus on creating new IPs, processes, prototypes, and products. Since the 1990s, India and Canada have cooperated in space science. ANTRIX, the Commercial arm of ISRO, has launched several nanosatellites from Canada.
• The Civil Nuclear Agreement of 2010 facilitated Canada to provide uranium for Indian nuclear reactors as part of the agreement.
• Canada’s Indo-Pacific Policy acknowledges China as a “disruptive global power” and underscores India as a “critical partner” for collaboration in shared interests.

Issues/Challenges in India-Canada Relations:

• During the Cold War, Canada was a founding member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), while India pursued a policy of non-alignment.
• Canada endorsed a plebiscite in Kashmir, which ran counter to India’s interests.
• After India’s nuclear tests in 1998, Canada temporarily halted potential nuclear cooperation with India.
• Canada’s immigration system enables individuals with a contentious past to acquire citizenship and utilize that position to engage in activities against other nations. This presents a substantial obstacle to upholding robust bilateral relations in today’s interconnected global landscape.
• The current coalition government in Canada is with the alliance of parties Pro-Khalistan parties enabling the particular stand.
• A Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between these countries is pending since 2010. CEPA between them could boost bilateral trade by as much as $6.5 billion, yielding a GDP gain of $3.8 billion to $5.9 billion for Canada by 2035.
• Canada is meddling in India’s domestic affairs. For example, during the farmers’ protests in India, the Canadian PM expressed his support for the farmers, stating that the situation was a cause for concern.

Way Forward:

• The first step towards improving relations involves pausing the current escalation. Each side should express their concerns without disrupting the status quo. Diplomacy, not expulsions or service suspensions, should be the way forward.
• Canada should carefully balance the empowerment of immigrant communities. It should assess their activities and influence, avoiding undue political or economic sway.
• People endorsing violence, separatism, or terrorism should be held accountable for the abuse of freedom of expression.
• Both countries should collaborate under the Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism, established in 2018.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.) Consider the following statements regarding the Five Eyes Alliance:

1. The Five Eyes is an intelligence-sharing alliance comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
2. The Five Eyes alliance was initially formed during World War I to share intelligence about the Axis powers.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q2.) Consider the following statements regarding the border between North Korea and South Korea:

1. The border between North and South Korea is known as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), which was established following the Korean War armistice.
2. The Demilitarized Zone is located exactly along the 38th parallel.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Q3.) Consider the following statements regarding the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP):

1. The Indian Pharmacopoeia is published by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
2. Compliance with the standards of the Indian Pharmacopoeia is voluntary for drug manufacturers in India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  17th October 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c