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  • In news: Nagari Pracharini Sabha

    Why in the News?

    As language debates rise in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, the historic Nagari Pracharini Sabha, key to promoting Hindi and Devanagari, quietly resumed its work after decades.

    Hindi Under the British: A Language in Waiting

    • Until the late 19th century, Persian remained the court language in much of India. Even by 1861, courts in North-Western Provinces and Oudh still used English, Persian, and Urdu.
    • Hindi struggled to assert itself due to a lack of standardised vocabulary and administrative acceptance.
    • British official Antony MacDonnell began promoting Devanagari over Persian script in the 1890s.
    • On July 14, 1888, Maharaja Lakshmeshwar Singh of Darbhanga adopted Hindi as the official language in his region, influenced by the slogan “Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan.”

    About Nagari Pracharini Sabha:

    • Establishment: The Nagari Pracharini Sabha was founded on 16 July 1893 at Queen’s College, Varanasi by Shyamsundar Das, Pandit Ramnarayan Mishra, and Shivkumar Singh.
    • Early Patronage: The Sabha received initial support from Babu Radhakrishna Das, a cousin of Bharatendu Harishchandra, a leading figure in modern Hindi literature.
    • Organizational Presence: Its headquarters are located in Varanasi, with additional branches in New Delhi and Haridwar.
    • Primary Mission: The Sabha aimed to promote the Hindi language and Devanagari script in education, administration, and literature during a period dominated by Persian, Urdu, and English.
    • Library Establishment: In 1896, it established the Arya Bhasha Pustakalaya, which became the largest Hindi library in India.
    • Research Journal Launch: Also in 1896, it began publishing the Nagari Pracharini Patrika, now recognized as India’s oldest and most authoritative Hindi research journal.
    • Cultural Contributions: It managed the Bharat Kala Bhavan museum, until it was eventually transferred to Banaras Hindu University.
    • Modern Revival: After years of inactivity and disputes, it was revived in 2023 under Vyomesh Shukla’s leadership, following a court order from the Allahabad High Court.

    Its Role in Hindi Promotion:

    • Linguistic Standardization: It conducted surveys in rural and urban areas to collect regional vocabulary, laying the groundwork for a standardized Hindi language.
    • Lexicographic Landmark: This effort led to the publication of Shabd Sagar in 1929, a monumental 11-volume Hindi dictionary and a major lexicographical achievement.
    • Literary Influence: It published Saraswati magazine from 1900, edited by Mahavir Prasad Dwivedi, which played a transformative role in shaping modern Hindi literature.
    • Preservation of Classics: It produced critical editions of works by poets like Surdas, Tulsidas, Kabirdas, Bihari, and Bhushan, ensuring the preservation of Hindi literary heritage.
    • Official Language Recognition: The Sabha’s advocacy led to the recognition of Hindi in Devanagari script for official use in the North-Western Provinces and Oudh by the early 20th century.
    • Civil Service Policy Impact: It was instrumental in making Hindi and Urdu proficiency a requirement for government jobs in the United Provinces.
    • National Literary Conferences: In 1910, it helped organise the first Akhil Bharatiya Hindi Sahitya Sammelan, giving Hindi a pan-Indian literary platform.
    • Support from National Leaders: The Sabha’s mission was endorsed by Mahatma Gandhi, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Madan Mohan Malaviya, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Motilal Nehru, indicating its central role in the Hindi movement.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following statements:

    1. 21st February is declared to be the International Mother Language Day by UNICEF.

    2. The demand that Bangla be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

    Which of the above statements is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • [7th July 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: The new battle challenge of China-Pakistan collusion

    PYQ Relevance:

    [UPSC 2018] The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same.

    Linkage: The Article state that China’s traditional strategy involves “building up Pakistan’s strategic and conventional capabilities through overt and covert help to counter India and keep it off-balance”. This question directly relates to the “China-Pakistan nexus” by focusing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

     

    Mentor’s Comment:  The Indian Army has officially confirmed what experts had long suspected, China directly helped Pakistan during Operation Sindoor (May 7–10), marking a major change in their military relationship. For the first time, China supported Pakistan in battle by sharing real-time surveillance data, using advanced weapons together, and spreading information online — all without openly escalating the conflict. This has turned the idea of a “two-front war” into a “one-front reinforced” war, where China backs Pakistan more closely in a real conflict. China’s support included high-tech weapons, cyber tools, and diplomatic moves at the UN, while avoiding any clear criticism of the Pahalgam terror attack. The use of Chinese-made fighter jets, drones, and air defence systems by Pakistan during the fighting is a game-changer and means India needs to rethink its defence strategy.

    Today’s editorial analyses the China-Pakistan military collusion and its impact. This topic is important for GS Paper II (International Relations) in the UPSC mains exam.

    _

    Let’s learn!

    Why in the News?

    The new “one-front reinforced” threat is now real, not just an idea. India must now rethink how it defends itself, update its military equipment, and clearly show its strength to others.

    What are the strategic implications of China-Pakistan military collusion for India’s security?

    • Increased Security Threat from a “One-Front Reinforced War”: A conflict with Pakistan now includes covert Chinese support, transforming it into a hybrid front rather than a standalone battle. India must prepare for simultaneous pressure on both borders, diluting its strategic flexibility. Eg: During Operation Sindoor (May 2025), China provided real-time ISR support and surveillance data to Pakistan.
    • Enhanced Pakistani Military Capabilities via Chinese Technology: Pakistan’s use of advanced Chinese weapons systems improves its operational effectiveness and battlefield confidence. This deepens strategic asymmetry and reduces India’s military advantage. Eg: Pakistan deployed Chinese J-10C fighters and HQ-9 air defence systems, guided by China’s BeiDou satellites, during active operations.
    • Erosion of India’s Strategic Autonomy and Deterrence: Collusion undermines India’s ability to execute punitive strikes without risking escalation or Chinese interference. India must now calibrate its response to avoid wider regional destabilisation. Eg: China blocked India’s diplomatic push at the UNSC post-Pahalgam attack and echoed Pakistan’s narrative, limiting India’s international manoeuvring space.

    How has China’s role in India-Pakistan conflicts evolved over time?

    • From Passive Diplomatic Support to Active Collusion: In earlier conflicts (1965, 1971, Kargil 1999), China offered only diplomatic or symbolic support to Pakistan without direct involvement. Now, China is actively enhancing Pakistan’s battlefield capabilities through technology and real-time support. Eg: In Operation Sindoor (2025).
    • Use of Advanced Defence and ISR Systems: China has moved from supplying basic military hardware to enabling operational interoperability and network-centric warfare. Chinese platforms are now tactically integrated into Pakistan’s military exercises and combat. Eg: Deployment of Chinese J-10C fighters, PL-15 missiles, and BeiDou navigation for missile guidance shows deeper integration.
    • Strategic Messaging and Digital Warfare Support: China now also supports Pakistan via propaganda, perception warfare, and digital influence operations. It helps shape global narratives and reduces diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. Eg: Chinese media amplified Pakistan’s ISPR propaganda during Operation Sindoor and resisted India’s push at the UNSC, aligning with Pakistan’s narrative.

    What is a “One-Front Reinforced War”?

    A “one-front reinforced war” refers to a conflict scenario where India fights on one primary front (e.g., against Pakistan), but this front is reinforced by active support from another adversary (e.g., China) without that second adversary being officially at war.

    Why is the “one-front reinforced war” concept critical for India’s defence strategy?

    • Unified Threat Vector: The China-Pakistan collusion has created a combined strategic front, making it harder for India to manage threats separately.  
    • Reduced Response Window: India faces a compressed decision-making timeline and resource overstretch, requiring faster and more coordinated defence responses. Eg: Despite the 2024 Ladakh disengagement, large Indian deployments are still needed on both the LAC and LoC.
    • Need for Capability Boost: The “one-front” scenario highlights the urgency to upgrade conventional deterrence, invest in modern warfare tech, and adapt military doctrine. Eg: Pakistan acquiring Chinese J-35 stealth jets, KJ-500 AEW&C, and HQ-19 missile defence systems intensifies pressure on India to respond.

    How should India respond to rising two-front challenges amid declining defence spending?

    • Increase Defence Allocation and Modernise Capabilities: India must reverse the decline in defence expenditure (from 17.1% of central spending in 2014-15 to 13% in 2025-26) and invest in next-generation warfare capabilities. This includes drones, AI-enabled surveillance, cyber defence, and network-centric warfare systems.
    • Adopt Asymmetric and Unpredictable Response Strategies: India should avoid predictable retaliation and adopt multi-domain deterrence, including economic, cyber, and covert measures. Eg: Strategic reconsideration of agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty, economic sanctions on critical Chinese firms, or calibrated cyber operations.
    • Institutional and Diplomatic Realignment:  India needs to bolster its international alliances and ensure seamless coordination between the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and foreign policy apparatus. Eg: Deepening defence ties with the Quad members, France, and Israel for intelligence sharing, joint exercises, and technology transfer.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Integrated Defence Capabilities: India must invest in network-centric warfare, ISR systems, drone technologies, and joint-force interoperability to counter a reinforced adversary. Enhancing real-time battlefield awareness and communication across services is key.
    • Recalibrate Strategic and Diplomatic Posture: India should link China’s strategic collusion with Pakistan to its bilateral ties, signalling consequences for such behaviour. Simultaneously, boost alliances like QUAD, and explore unpublicised retaliatory options (e.g., Indus Waters Treaty leverage) to deter future collusion.

  • Common goals: On India and a five-nation tour

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s multi-country diplomatic tour Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and onward to Brazil and Namibia signals a strategic shift in India’s foreign policy toward deepening its engagement with the Global South.

    What were the key outcomes of recent bilateral visits to Global South nations?

    • Upgraded Strategic Partnerships: India and Ghana elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, focusing on making Ghana a “vaccine hub”for West Africa.
    • Pharmaceutical Cooperation: In Trinidad and Tobago, India signed an MoU on Indian Pharmacopeia to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines.
    • Energy and Mineral Collaboration: In Argentina, India expanded cooperation on critical minerals and tapped into Argentina’s vast reserves of shale gas and oil.

    Why is there a renewed focus on ties with the Global South?

    • To Build an Alternative to the Global North-Dominated Order: India aims to create a more balanced and representative global system by deepening ties with developing countries. Engagements with Argentina, Ghana, and Trinidad & Tobago highlight efforts to diversify partnerships beyond traditional Western powers.
    • Shared Historical and Political Bonds: Many Global South nations, like India, experienced colonial rule and have supported platforms like the Non-Aligned Movement. Eg: India and Brazil co-founded the IBSA and BRICS groupings to promote Global South interests.

    What role do India-led initiatives play in global development efforts?

    • Providing Affordable Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals: India supports access to low-cost generic medicines and vaccine equity. Eg: India’s pharma diplomacy during COVID-19 (under Vaccine Maitri) supplied vaccines to over 70 countries, strengthening health security.
    • Promoting Clean and Renewable Energy Access: India provides leadership in expanding clean energy adoption among developing countries. Eg: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) supports solar projects in sunshine-rich yet energy-poor nations across Africa and Asia.
    • Driving Digital Transformation in Governance: India shares its experience in digital identity, payment systems, and public service delivery to empower other nations. Eg: India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), including Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker, is being adopted in countries like Sri Lanka and Kenya.
    • Solutions to Global Challenges: India offers digital public infrastructure, affordable pharmaceuticals, and disaster resilience frameworks tailored for developing nations. Eg: The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is being promoted as an India-led solution.

    How is the diaspora being used to strengthen international relations?

    • Acting as Cultural and Political Bridges: The diaspora helps promote India’s soft power by strengthening cultural, linguistic, and historical ties with host countries. Eg: In Trinidad & Tobago, India acknowledged the Indian-origin ancestry of its leaders to deepen people-to-people diplomacy.
    • Boosting Economic and Technological Collaboration: Diaspora members often hold key positions in business, academia, and innovation, facilitating trade, investment, and knowledge exchange. Eg: Indian tech professionals in the U.S. and UK have helped foster technology partnerships and startup ecosystems.
    • Mobilising Political Support for India’s Strategic Interests: A well-integrated diaspora can influence foreign policy and legislative advocacy in favour of India. Eg: Indian-American lawmakers have supported stronger India-U.S. defense and trade ties in the U.S. Congress.

    Way forward: 

    • Institutionalise Diaspora Engagement through Dedicated Platforms: Strengthen initiatives like Pravasi Bharatiya Divas, Overseas Indian Facilitation Centre (OIFC), and Global Pravasi Rishta Portal to maintain structured dialogue and collaboration with the diaspora.
    • Leverage Diaspora for Strategic Economic and Diplomatic Outreach: Encourage diaspora-led investments in priority sectors (like healthcare, education, digital tech) and empower diaspora communities to act as cultural ambassadors and policy influencers in multilateral forums.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised Nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order”. Elaborate.

    Linkage: This question directly related to India’s historical and contemporary role as a leader among “oppressed and marginalised Nations,” which is synonymous with the “Global South” or “developing world” that the five-nation tour focuses.

  • International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for FAO

    Why in the News?

    India has expressed serious concerns over proposed changes to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA)—popularly known as the Plant Treaty.

    About the Plant Treaty, 2001:

    • Adoption: It was adopted by the FAO on 3rd November 2001 and came into force in 2004.
    • Purpose: It governs the Multilateral System (MLS) for the access and benefit-sharing of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (PGRFA).
    • Key Features:
      • Coverage of Crops: The MLS currently includes 64 essential food crops and forages listed in Annex I, which together meet around 80% of the world’s plant-based food needs.
      • Access Mechanism: Access to these genetic materials is provided for research, breeding, and training purposes through a Standard Material Transfer Agreement (SMTA).
      • Benefit-Sharing Approach: The Treaty incorporates monetary and non-monetary benefit-sharing mechanisms, with a focus on supporting biodiversity in developing countries.
      • IP Restrictions: It prohibits any intellectual property claims over the raw genetic materials accessed under the system.
      • Recognition of Farmers’ Rights: It affirms farmers’ rights, such as the protection of traditional knowledge, equitable benefit-sharing, and participation in national decisions about PGRFA use and conservation.
    • India’s Participation: India is a signatory and active participant and implements the Treaty alongside domestic legislation like the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights (PPV&FR) Act, 2001.

    Proposed Amendments:

    • Objective: The upcoming proposal aims to expand the scope of the MLS to include all PGRFA, not just those in Annex I.
    • New Inclusions: The expansion would bring in indigenous varieties, non-commercial crops, and community-protected heirloom seeds under the MLS framework.
    • Impact on India’s Obligations: If passed, the amendment would mandate countries like India to share all plant germplasm through the existing SMTA process.
    • No Change in Benefit Terms: The amendment retains current benefit-sharing mechanisms, which critics argue are often non-monetary or merely symbolic.
    • Concerns over IP Rights: The broadened scope may lead to intellectual property loopholes if traditional seeds are repackaged or genetically altered.
    • Allegations of Biopiracy: Critics argue the proposal enables “backdoor biopiracy”, especially of the Global South’s rich seed diversity.

    India’s Concerns:

    • Loss of Seed Sovereignty: India fears it will lose discretion over which seeds to share, weakening its ability to protect unique plant biodiversity.
    • Undermining of Farmers’ Rights: The proposal might override the rights granted to farmers under the Plant Treaty and India’s PPV&FR Act, which view them as custodians of seed heritage.
    • Erosion of National Authority: The expansion could violate Articles 10 and 11 of the Treaty, which grant countries sovereign control over their genetic resources.
    • Violation of Federal Principles: The lack of consultation with States is seen as a breach of India’s federal structure, as agriculture is a State subject under Schedule VII of the Constitution.
    • Marginalization of Biodiversity Boards: The role of State Biodiversity Boards may be diminished, despite their importance in regulating local germplasm and community rights.
    • Lack of Equitable Returns: India argues that the global system offers little real benefit, raising doubts about fairness and justice in benefit-sharing.
    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:

    1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

    2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.

    3. The World Heritage Convention. Which of the above has/have a bearing on the biodiversity?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • How Heat led to Protocells formation on Earth?

    Why in the News?

    A new Nature Physics study suggests that warm volcanic rock surfaces may have concentrated organic molecules in watery cracks, triggering life-like chemistry—offering a clue to how protocells formed without membranes before life began.

    What are Protocells?

    • Overview: Protocells are primitive, cell-like bubbles believed to be early precursors of real biological cells. They were not fully alive but provided a space for early chemical interactions.
    • Lack of Complexity: These structures lacked complex parts like organelles or DNA systems but could hold important molecules like RNA and amino acids together.
    • Membrane Role: Protocells often formed simple membranes or boundaries, which allowed molecules to stay enclosed and interact more easily—helping early reactions like protein synthesis happen.
    • Importance: Although not living, they offered a model of how basic chemistry could evolve into biology, bridging the gap between non-living and living systems.

    History of Formation of Protocells:

    • Early Earth Conditions: Over 3.5 billion years ago, Earth’s surface had warm water pools and volcanic cracks filled with organic molecules made by natural processes like lightning.
    • Compartmentalization: The first step toward life was concentrating useful molecules in one place, so they could start reacting—this led to the idea of bubble-like protocells.
    • Old Theories: In the 1920s, Oparin and Haldane proposed that life began in a “primordial soup” with spontaneous chemical reactions in early Earth’s oceans.
    • Modern Insights: Newer research suggests cracks in volcanic rock or hydrothermal vents created temperature gradients and water flows that helped form protocells—no complex membranes were needed.

    Key Findings in the 2025 Study:

    • Lab Setup: Scientists created a 170-micrometre chamber with a warm top (40°C) and cool bottom (27°C), simulating early Earth rock cracks.
    • DNA Test: They added DNA and a protein-making kit (PURExpress). Only in the warm-cool chamber did the DNA make green fluorescent protein (GFP), showing real protein synthesis.
    • Molecule Gathering: Essential items like DNA, magnesium, and phosphate ions gathered more at the bottom—up to 70 times more concentrated than at the top.
    • Cell-Like Behavior: Even without a membrane, the system kept useful molecules inside while letting waste escape, mimicking real cell selectivity.
    • Big Implication: This experiment supports the idea that life could start in simple natural environments using just heat, flow, and basic chemicals—long before full cells appeared.
    [UPSC 2018] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years.

    2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide.

    3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only * (d) 1, 2 and 3

     

  • India is 4th most Equal Society: World Bank

    Why in the News?

    As of 2025, India ranks as the world’s fourth most equal country in terms of income distribution, according to the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief.

    India is 4th most Equal Society: World Bank

    About the World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief:

    • What It Is: The Poverty and Equity Brief is a biannual publication by the World Bank’s Poverty and Equity Global Practice Group.
    • Data Coverage: It includes country-level statistics on poverty, inequality, and shared prosperity using household surveys, national datasets, and income tracking.
    • Comparative Perspective: The brief allows comparison across income groups and regions, helping track Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
    • Spring 2025 Focus: This edition emphasizes post-pandemic recovery, distributional equity, and the effectiveness of welfare policies in developing nations.

    Key Parameters Involved:

    • Gini Index: It measures how equally income is distributed.
      • Score Range: 1 = complete equality; 100 = complete inequality.
      • India’s Score: 25.5 in 2022–23, showing strong income equality.
    • International Poverty Lines:
      • $2.15/day (2017 PPP): Global standard for extreme poverty.
      • $3.00/day: Threshold for lower-middle-income countries like India.
    • Poverty Headcount Ratio: Reflects how many people live below the poverty line.
      • India’s Status: 2.3% below $2.15/day and 5.3% below $3/day in 2022–23.
    • Shared Prosperity Premium:
      • Measures if the bottom 40% of the population are doing better or worse than average.
      • High premium means inclusive growth.

    Key Highlights from the Spring 2025 Report:

    • India’s Gini Score: Among Most Equal
      • With a score of 25.5, India is the 4th most equal country, after Slovak Republic (24.1), Slovenia (24.3), and Belarus (24.4).
      • India outperforms China (35.7) and all G7 and G20 nations.
      • Improved from 28.8 in 2011, showing a steady decline in inequality.
    • Major Poverty Reduction Milestone
      • Between 2011 and 2023, 171 million people moved out of extreme poverty.
      • Share of population under $2.15/day fell from 16.2% to 2.3%.
      • Share under $3/day fell to 5.3%, marking a significant decline.
    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The repo rate is the rate at which other banks borrow from the Reserve Bank of India. 2. A value of 1 for Gini Coefficient in a country implies that there is perfectly equal income for everyone in its population.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only* (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

     

  • In news: Seine River

    Why in the News?

    French authorities have opened up the Seine River to public swimming for the very first time since 1923.

    In news: Seine River

    About the Seine River:

    • Overview: it is a major waterway in northern France, flowing through some of the country’s most important cultural and economic regions.
    • Length and Rank: It is approximately 777 km(483 miles) long, making it the second-longest river in France after the Loire.
    • Source and Elevation: It originates from the Langres Plateau in the Burgundy region, near the town of Source-Seine, at an elevation of about 444–471 meters above sea level.
    • Course Through France: It flows northwest, passing through regions such as Burgundy, Champagne, and Île-de-France, and cities like Troyes, Melun, Corbeil, and Paris.
    • Path Through Paris: In Paris, the Seine winds through the city center for about 13 kilometers, forming the famous islands Île de la Cité and Île Saint-Louis.
    • Tributaries: It is joined by several important tributaries, including the Marne, Yonne, Aube, and Oise rivers.
    • Drainage Basin and Rainfall: Its drainage basin spans 76,000–79,000 square kilometers, receiving moderate rainfall of 650–750 mm annually, and covering much of northern France.
    • Mouth and Termination: The river empties into the English Channel between Le Havre and Honfleur, on the Normandy coast.
    • Economic Role: The Seine supports commercial navigation and shipping, especially through the ports of Rouen and Le Havre, and provides about 50% of Paris’s drinking water.
    [UPSC 2020] Consider the following pairs: River Flows into

    1. Mekong Andaman Sea 2. Thames Irish Sea 3. Volga Caspian Sea 4. Zambezi Indian Ocean Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    Options: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 3 and 4 only* (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

     

  • ‘3 by 35’ Initiative by WHO

    Why in the News?

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched the “3 by 35” initiative, urging countries to raise taxes on tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 to fight rising chronic diseases.

    About the ‘3 by 35’ Initiative:

    • Launch and Objective: The ‘3 by 35’ initiative was launched by WHO in 2024 urging countries to raise real prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary drinks by at least 50% by 2035 through health taxes.
    • Public Health Goal: The primary aim is to reduce non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, which currently cause over 75% of global deaths.
    • Impact Projection: According to WHO estimates, a 50% price increase in harmful products could prevent 50 million premature deaths over the next 50 years.
    • Revenue Mobilization Target: The initiative aims to help countries generate $1 trillion in public revenue over the next decade to strengthen national health systems and fund universal health coverage (UHC).
    • Global Technical Support: A global alliance of experts and institutions backs the initiative by offering policy advice, real-world case studies, and implementation support.

    Key Features:

    • Focus on Health Taxes: Promotes the use of excise taxes to increase the prices of tobacco, alcohol, and sugary beverages, discouraging harmful consumption and improving population-level health.
    • Evidence-Based Tools: Provides technical guidance, economic models, and case studies to support country-specific reforms in taxation policy.
    • Alignment with UHC: Positions health taxes as sustainable revenue sources for public health financing, especially targeting low- and middle-income countries.
    • Equity-Oriented Design: Targets products disproportionately consumed by vulnerable groups, making the initiative also a tool for social equity and justice.
    [UPSC 2013] Consider the following statements:

    1. India ranks first in the world in fruit production. 2. India ranks second in the world in the export of tobacco. Which of these statements is/are correct?”

    Options: (a) Only 1 (b) Only 2 (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*

     

  • Conflict in Middle East: As world watches oil, why India must watch its fertiliser supply 

    Why in the News?

    The Iran-Israel conflict has drawn global attention for its impact on oil prices, but a less visible and equally serious issue is emerging in fertiliser supply, which poses a significant risk to farming and food security in India.

    What are the fertiliser security risks for India amid geopolitical conflicts?

    • Disruption of Import Routes: India relies heavily on fertiliser imports from Gulf countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. These imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route vulnerable to blockades during conflicts like the Iran-Israel standoff. Eg: A naval blockade in the Strait could delay shipments of urea and DAP, affecting timely supply during sowing seasons.
    • Volatile Global Prices: Geopolitical tensions raise the prices of natural gas (used to produce urea) and finished fertilisers. Eg: A conflict-induced surge in natural gas prices increases the cost of domestic urea production, straining India’s fertiliser subsidy bill.
    • Dependence on Conflict Zones: India imports 100% of MOP (Muriate of Potash), including from Belarus and Israel, both affected by global instability. Eg: Escalation in the Iran-Israel conflict can disrupt MOP imports, impacting crops like sugarcane and cotton that need potash-based fertilisers.

    What lessons from the Russia-Ukraine crisis remain unaddressed?

    • Lack of Strategic Buffer Stocks: Despite 2022 supply disruptions, India still lacks a fertiliser buffer stock policy or minimum stocking norms for critical imports like DAP and MOP. Eg: During peak sowing seasons (like Kharif), 30–45 days of operational stock is inadequate to absorb external shocks.
    • Failure to Diversify Import Sources Meaningfully: While India talks of diversification, it continues to rely heavily on Gulf countries and politically unstable regions. Eg: After disruptions in nitrogen and potash from Russia and Belarus, the current dependence on Israel and Jordan for DAP remains high, risking repetition.
    • Reactive Rather than Proactive Policymaking: The policy response has focused more on short-term procurement than long-term resilience building through joint ventures, domestic innovation, or alternative fertilisers. Eg: No significant scaling of nano, bio or organic fertilisers occurred post-2022, leaving India stuck with high subsidy bills for synthetic inputs.

    Why should fertilisers be part of India’s national security planning?

    • Critical for Food Security: Fertilisers are essential for sustaining agricultural output in an input-intensive farming system. Eg: Disruptions in urea or DAP supply during sowing seasons can directly impact crop yields and food availability.
    • Vulnerability to Geopolitical Shocks: Heavy reliance on imports from unstable regions exposes India to external risks.  
    • Impact on Economic and Rural Stability: Fertiliser shortages or price hikes raise subsidy burdens and can lead to rural distress.  

    What are the steps taken by the Indian government?

    • Boosting Domestic Production: Reviving closed urea plants (e.g., Gorakhpur, Sindri, Talcher) to achieve 90% urea self-sufficiency by 2025. Focus on reducing import dependency for nitrogen-based fertilisers.
    • Diversifying Import Sources: Forming long-term agreements and joint ventures with countries like Morocco (for phosphates) and Canada (for potash) to ensure a stable supply. Exploring partnerships beyond the Middle East to reduce geopolitical risk.
    • Subsidy and Distribution Reforms: Implementing the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system for fertiliser subsidies to ensure transparency. Promoting alternative fertilisers like Nano Urea and encouraging balanced nutrient usage.

    How can India build resilience in fertiliser supply chains? (Way forward)

    • Develop Strategic Fertiliser Reserves: Establish buffer stocks of key fertilisers like urea, DAP, and MOP, especially for critical sowing seasons (e.g., Kharif and Rabi) to cushion against global disruptions.
    • Expand and Diversify Import Partnerships: Forge long-term agreements and joint ventures with stable countries (e.g., Morocco, Canada, Jordan) and explore alternative shipping routes to reduce overdependence on the Middle East and de-risk supply chains.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2017] The question of India’s Energy Security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian Countries.

    Linkage: The article explicitly states that India relies heavily on Gulf countries for “natural gas — the key raw material used to produce” urea, a vital fertilizer. The ongoing conflict threatens “ammonia, urea, DAP, and liquified natural gas (LNG) — all vital for agriculture”. This PYQ precisely captures the energy dimension of India’s dependency on the Middle East, which is a critical underlying factor contributing to the fertilizer crisis.

  • WTO Agreement on Safeguards (AoS)

    Why in the News?

    Invoking the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS), India has notified the WTO of its plan to impose $724 million in retaliatory tariffs on the U.S. for breaching trade commitments through unilateral auto import duties.

    What is the Agreement on Safeguards (AoS)?

    • Overview: It is a World Trade Organization (WTO) treaty that allows countries to apply temporary trade barriers—called safeguard measures—when a domestic industry is harmed by a surge in imports.
    • Purpose in Practice: The agreement maintains global trade discipline, offering legal protection tools but with checks to avoid abuse.
    • Conditions for Use: Safeguards can only be used when there is clear evidence of serious injury or threat to domestic producers due to increased imports.
    • Rules-Based System: The agreement ensures safeguard actions are transparent, time-bound, and non-discriminatory, preventing misuse for permanent protectionism.
    • Key Rules:
      • Article 12.3: Before acting, a country must notify and consult with other WTO members who may be affected by the safeguard.
      • Article 8: If consultation fails, the affected country can retaliate by suspending trade benefits equal to the loss it suffered.
      • Ban on Informal Restrictions: AoS strictly prohibits voluntary export restraints or informal quotas that evade WTO rules, ensuring fairness.

    India’s Use of the AoS – The 2025 U.S. Tariff Case:

    • Trigger: The U.S. had imposed 25% tariffs on Indian-origin vehicles and parts in March 2025, which India claims are safeguard measures disguised as unilateral tariffs.
    • Violation of Rules: India alleges that the U.S. did not follow Article 12.3 (mandatory consultations) and thus violated both AoS and GATT 1994 rules.
    • Impact on Indian Exports: India estimates that $2.89 billion worth of exports have been affected and that the U.S. collected nearly $723.75 million in duties, matching India’s proposed retaliation.
    • India’s Justification: India asserts that this move is legal under WTO rules, not protectionist, and aims to defend its export interests while continuing trade talks with the U.S.

    India’s Changing Role in WTO Safeguard Policy:

    • Early Strategy (1995–2010): India was initially cautious at the WTO, accepting tough terms under TRIPS, GATS, and AoA, and rarely used legal tools like retaliation, focusing more on diplomatic solutions.
    • Recent Assertiveness (Post-2010): India now actively invokes WTO rules like AoS to protect its interests and has won key disputes—such as:
      • The solar panel case against the U.S.
      • Legal challenges to EU’s export restrictions on food.
    • Global Leadership Role: India has taken the lead among developing countries to protect food security rights and push for fairer global trade terms, especially at Bali (2013) and Nairobi (2015) WTO summits.

    Back2Basics: 

    TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights)

    • WTO agreement (1995) setting minimum standards for IPR protection (patents, copyrights, etc.).
    • Enforced 20-year patent protection; India amended its Patent Act in 2005 to comply.
    • Allows compulsory licensing in emergencies (e.g., for medicines).

    GATS (General Agreement on Trade in Services)

    • WTO treaty covering international trade in services like IT, banking, and tourism.
    • Operates through 4 Modes of Supply:
      1. Mode 1 – Cross-border supply (e.g., online consulting)
      2. Mode 2 – Consumption abroad (e.g., medical tourism)
      3. Mode 3 – Commercial presence (e.g., foreign bank branch in India)
      4. Mode 4 – Movement of natural persons (e.g., Indian professionals working overseas)
    • India strongly supports Mode 4 for its skilled labour force.

     

    [UPSC 2015] The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and ‘Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the:

    Options: (a) Food and Agricultural Organization (b) United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change (c) World Trade Organization* (d) United Nations Environment Programme