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GS Paper: GS3

  • “China Plus One” Strategy

    Why in the News?

    Japanese companies, along with other global players, are increasingly turning to India under the China Plus One strategy, aiming to diversify supply chains and reduce overdependence on China.

    About China Plus One Strategy:

    • It is a global business model introduced in 2013 to reduce dependence on China by adding another country to the manufacturing or sourcing base.
    • It emerged due to concerns about geopolitical risks, trade tensions, and regulatory unpredictability in China.
    • The strategy gained momentum after the US–China trade war, China’s Zero-Covid policy, and increasing labour and compliance costs.
    • Its goal is to create resilient and diversified supply chains by operating in China and one or more alternative countries.
    • Vietnam, Mexico, and Taiwan have become early beneficiaries in sectors like machinery, electronics, and transport.

    Benefits for India:

    • India offers a large market, skilled labor, and cost advantages, making it an attractive destination for diversification.
    • The growing digital infrastructure and industrial corridors support the relocation of manufacturing, with government schemes like PLI and Make in India aligning with the China Plus One goals.
    • Challenges:
      • India faces limited integration into global value chains, logistics inefficiencies, and regulatory bottlenecks.
      • Historical protectionist trade policies and lack of participation in trade agreements like RCEP hinder its full potential.
      • To compete with nations like Vietnam or Mexico, India needs labour reforms, improved ease of doing business, and better trade facilitation.
    [UPSC 2021] Consider the following:

    1.Foreign currency convertible bonds 2.Foreign institutional investment with certain conditions 3.Global depository receipts 4.Non-resident external deposits Which of the above can be included in Foreign Direct Investments?

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

     

  • Port economy will drive India’s growth: PM

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday that coastal states and port cities will play a major role in India’s growth as it becomes more developed. He was speaking after the launch of the â‚č8,800 crore Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport in Kerala’s capital.

    What is the significance of the Vizhinjam International Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport for India’s maritime trade?

    • Strategic Global Location: Located close to the international East-West shipping route, making it ideal for global container traffic. Eg: Ships passing through the Suez Canal–Malacca route can now directly dock at Vizhinjam without diversion, saving cost and time.
    • India’s First Dedicated Transshipment Port: Will handle transshipment of containers that earlier went to foreign ports like Colombo (Sri Lanka), Dubai, or Singapore. Eg: Around 75% of India’s transshipped cargo is currently handled abroad; Vizhinjam aims to reverse this trend and retain revenue domestically.
    • Natural Deep Draft for Large Vessels: With a natural draft of nearly 20 metres, it can host Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs) without the need for expensive dredging. Eg: Ports like Colombo or Rotterdam require regular dredging, while Vizhinjam offers cost-effective long-term operations.
    • Boost to Logistics and Trade Efficiency: Reduces logistics costs, cargo handling time, and dependence on intermediate ports, increasing India’s ease of doing business. Eg: Indian exporters from hinterland states can now ship directly via Vizhinjam, avoiding time-consuming rerouting through foreign ports.
    • Economic Multiplier Effect and Self-Reliance: Encourages Make in India, builds maritime self-reliance, and fuels coastal economy development. Eg: Encourages investments in warehousing, ship repair, and allied services around the port zone—generating local employment and GDP growth.

    Why is private sector participation considered crucial in developing port infrastructure in India?

    • Mobilization of Capital and Faster Project Execution: The private sector brings in large-scale investments that the government alone may not be able to allocate promptly. Eg: The â‚č8,800 crore Vizhinjam Port was developed through a public-private partnership (PPP) with Adani Ports, accelerating infrastructure delivery.
    • Technological Innovation and Operational Efficiency: Private companies often introduce modern technologies and international best practices, improving service quality and turnaround time. Eg: Mundra Port, operated by Adani Ports, has emerged as one of India’s most efficient ports due to automation and smart logistics.
    • Risk Sharing and Long-Term Sustainability: PPP models allow for shared risks between the public and private sectors, reducing the financial burden on the government and ensuring long-term commitment. Eg: The collaboration between Kerala’s state government and Adani Group in Vizhinjam port demonstrates how risk-sharing enables execution even in ideologically diverse environments.

    Where is the new shipbuilding and repair cluster being set up?

    • Strategic Location in Kochi, Kerala: Kochi has been selected for its existing maritime infrastructure and strategic coastal position. The cluster aims to enhance India’s shipbuilding and repair capabilities, reducing reliance on foreign facilities. Eg: The cluster is being developed through a collaboration between Cochin Shipyard Limited and Drydocks World, aiming to create world-class ship repair facilities in Kochi.
    • Public-Private Partnerships Driving Development: The project leverages public-private partnerships to combine government support with private sector efficiency and investment. This approach is expected to bring in advanced technologies and best practices. Eg: Cochin Shipyard Limited, a government-owned entity, has signed an MoU with Drydocks World to jointly develop the ship repair cluster in Kochi.
    • Economic Growth and Employment Opportunities: The cluster is anticipated to generate substantial employment, particularly benefiting the local population in Kerala. It will also contribute to the growth of ancillary industries and services. Eg: The establishment of the shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi is expected to create numerous new employment opportunities, providing Kerala’s local talent and youth with a platform for growth.

    What opportunities is it expected to create?

    • Job Creation and Skill Development: The new shipbuilding and repair cluster in Kochi is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, particularly benefiting the local population by providing employment opportunities in shipbuilding, repair, and ancillary services.  
    • Boost to India’s Maritime and Manufacturing Sectors: The cluster will significantly enhance India’s shipbuilding capabilities, reducing dependence on foreign facilities and positioning India as a key player in global shipbuilding and repair.  

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Port Connectivity and Infrastructure: Enhance hinterland connectivity to ensure seamless movement of goods between ports and key industrial zones. Eg: Develop efficient road, rail, and inland waterways to complement the Vizhinjam Port and Kochi shipbuilding cluster.
    • Focus on Skill Development and Innovation: Invest in specialized maritime education and training programs to create a skilled workforce. Eg: Collaborate with global institutions to bring advanced shipbuilding technologies and best practices to India, fostering innovation and sustainability in the maritime sector.

    Mains PYQ:

    [UPSC 2021] “Investment in infrastructure is essential for more rapid and inclusive economic growth.”Discuss in the light of India’s experience.

    Linkage: Coastal states and port cities will be key growth centres and that strengthening the maritime sector through infrastructure is essential for driving economic power and achieving the full potential of the port economy. Thus, this question aligns with the core idea that ports, as critical infrastructure, are drivers of growth.

  • PM inaugurates Vizhinjam Port

    Why in the News?

    Prime Minister has formally commissioned India’s first deep-sea transshipment port at Vizhinjam in Kerala.

    About Vizhinjam Port

    • Vizhinjam Port is India’s first deep-sea transshipment port located near Thiruvananthapuram.
    • Developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, the port cost â‚č8,900 crore to build.
    • It is operated by Adani Vizhinjam Port Pvt. Ltd., with a 61.5% stake held by Kerala’s government and 9.6% by the Central government.
    • Commercial operations began in December 2024, following a trial run in July 2024.
    • The port has handled 285 ships and processed 5.48 lakh TEUs since its operational launch.
    • Positioned just 10 nautical miles from a major international shipping route, it provides quick access to global trade lanes.

    Notable Features of the Port:

    • It is India’s first semi-automated port, utilizing AI-powered control rooms and the Indigenous Vessel Traffic Management System (VTMS).
    • Its deep natural draft (up to 24 meters) allows it to accommodate Ultra Large Container Vessels (ULCVs).
    • The current infrastructure includes a 3,000-meter breakwater and an 800-meter container berth, with full capacity expected by 2028–29 at 6.2 million TEUs annually.
    • The port is designed as a multi-purpose, green port, ensuring year-round operations.
    • Positioned 20 kilometers from Trivandrum International Airport, it offers seamless air-sea connectivity.
    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following pairs:

    Port—–Well known as

    1. Kamarajar Port—-First major port in India registered as a company

    2. Mundra Port—–Largest privately owned port in India

    3. Visakhapatnam—-Largest container port in India

    Options: (a) Only one pair  (b) Only two pairs*  (c) All three pairs  (d) None of the pairs

     

  • Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS)

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has launched Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS) under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

    About Green Hydrogen Certification Scheme (GHCS):

    • GHCS aims to certify that hydrogen produced in India meets the criteria to be labelled as “green hydrogen”, based on verified emissions data.
    • The scheme enhances transparency, credibility, and traceability in hydrogen production and supports India’s goal of becoming a global hub for green hydrogen exports.
    • The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the nodal agency responsible for the implementation of this scheme.
    • Certification under GHCS also helps producers access carbon credits under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), subject to additional requirements.
    • The scheme covers hydrogen produced using electrolysis with renewable energy or biomass conversion.

    Key Features of GHCS:

    • Hydrogen will be certified as “green” if its non-biogenic greenhouse gas emissions are ≀ 2 kg CO₂ equivalent per kg of hydrogen, averaged over 12 months.
    • The certification process includes four stages:
      • Concept Certificate (project design stage)
      • Facility-Level Certificate (infrastructure readiness)
      • Provisional Certificate (early production data)
      • Final Certificate (verified emissions based on actual production)
    • Only the Final Certificate is mandatory for producers seeking government incentives or selling hydrogen in the domestic market.
    • Producers must appoint Accredited Carbon Verification (ACV) agencies for independent verification, recognized by the BEE.
    • The scheme is aligned with international standards like ISO 19870:2023, ensuring global credibility.
    • Certificates are issued in multiples of 100 kg of hydrogen, containing details on emission intensity and production sources.
    [UPSC 2023] With reference to green hydrogen, consider the following statements:

    1. It can be used directly as a fuel for internal combustion. 2. It can be blended with natural gas and used as fuel for heat or power generation . 3. It can be used in the hydrogen fuel cell to run vehicles. How may of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three * (d) None

     

  • Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle returns to Ganga after 3 Decades

    Why in the News?

    The red-crowned roofed turtle has returned to the Ganga River after nearly 30 years of absence.

    Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle returns to Ganga after 3 Decades

    About Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle

    • The Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) is one of the most endangered freshwater turtle species in the world.
    • It is native to South Asia, particularly India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
    • Historically found in deep, flowing rivers with sandbar nesting sites, it now survives only in the Chambal River, with fewer than 300 individuals remaining.
    • This species plays a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystem balance by controlling aquatic vegetation and contributing to nutrient cycling.
    • Under the Namami Gange Mission and Turtle Survival Alliance India (TSAFI) project, 20 turtles (10 males, 10 females) were released into the Ganga River at Haiderpur Wetland and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
    • The IUCN Red List categorizes it as Critically Endangered, while India’s Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 lists it in Schedule I, offering the highest legal protection.
    • It is also listed under Appendix I of CITES, regulating international trade of the species.
    [UPSC 2017] In India, if a species of tortoise is declared protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, what does it imply?

    Options: (a) It enjoys the same level of protection as the tiger*. (b) It no longer exists in the wild, a few individuals are under captive protection; and how it is impossible to prevent its extinction.  (c) It is endemic to a particular region of India. (d) Both (b) and (c) stated above are correct in this context.

     

  • Centre hikes Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of Sugarcane for 2025-26

    Why in the News?

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved an increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2025-26 sugar season, raising it from â‚č340 per quintal to â‚č355 per quintal.

    About Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP):

    • The FRP for sugarcane is set under the Sugarcane Control Order, 1966.
    • It replaced the Statutory Minimum Price (SMP) in 2009-10 to better align with economic conditions and improve farmers’ welfare.
    • It represents the minimum price sugar mills must pay to farmers for sugarcane.
    • It is determined by the central government based on Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) recommendations, with discussions involving state authorities and sugar industry associations.
    • Factors Influencing FRP:
      1. Cost of production: â‚č173 per quintal for 2025-26.
      2. Return from alternative crops: Comparison of potential earnings from other crops.
      3. Consumer sugar prices: Affects sugar production costs.
      4. Sale price of sugar: Influences the FRP.
      5. Sugarcane-to-sugar recovery rate: Efficiency of conversion.
      6. Income from by-products: Including molasses and bagasse.
      7. Profit margins for farmers: Ensures financial viability.
    • State Agreed Price (SAP): States can set SAP, often higher than the FRP, based on local conditions.
    • Minimum Selling Price (MSP) for sugar was introduced in 2018 to protect farmers, including FRP and conversion costs.

    Sugarcane Cultivation in India:

    • Sugarcane is India’s highest production-value crop, key for producing sugar, jaggery, and khan sari.
    • Major states: Uttar Pradesh (contributes 50% of total production), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.  
    • Sugarcane thrives in a tropical climate (21°C – 27°C), with 75cm-150cm rainfall. It needs well-drained soil and a cool, dry winter for ripening.
    • India has the largest global sugarcane cultivation area after Brazil.
    • The ratooning method reduces costs by allowing a second crop from the same roots.
    [UPSC 2015] The Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane is approved by the:

    Options: (a) Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs* (b) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (c) Directorate of Marketing and Inspection, Ministry of Agriculture (d) Agricultural Produce Market Committee

     

  • ITER Tokamak Reactor

    Why in the News?

    Scientists working on the world’s largest nuclear fusion project ITER has completed its main magnet system with India playing a key role in building critical infrastructure.

    About ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor):

    • ITER is the world’s largest nuclear fusion research project, aimed at demonstrating that nuclear fusion can be a safe, carbon-free, and sustainable energy source.
    • It involves 35 nations, including the EU, US, China, India, Japan, South Korea, and Russia.
    • It uses deuterium and tritium (hydrogen isotopes) to undergo fusion at temperatures over 150 million °C, 10 times hotter than the sun’s core, producing large amounts of energy.
    • Its goal is to achieve a fusion gain (Q) of 10, producing 500 megawatts of fusion power from just 50 megawatts of input heating power, a 10x gain.
    • Launched in 1985 and officially founded in 2006, the project began construction in 2007 and is expected to start its operations in 2033.
    • The tokamak is a doughnut-shaped magnetic fusion device used to contain the hot plasma required for nuclear fusion.
    • It uses powerful superconducting magnets to confine plasma and prevent it from touching the reactor walls.

    India’s Role in ITER/Tokamak:

    • India has been a full partner in ITER since 2005, contributing expertise and technology to key aspects of the project.
    • It has designed and manufactured the cryostat, a 30-meter-high, 30-meter-diameter vacuum shell made of stainless steel that houses the ITER tokamak and maintains the ultra-cold environment needed for superconducting magnets.
    • It has developed in-wall shielding to protect ITER’s components from heat generated during fusion reactions.
    • It provides cryogenic systems to cool the superconducting magnets and RF heating systems to heat the plasma to fusion temperatures.
    • It has contributed to developing the superconducting magnets, which are essential for plasma confinement inside the tokamak.

    Note:

    • India manages ITER-India, a project under the Institute for Plasma Research (IPR), overseeing key contributions, including diagnostics, power supplies, and other infrastructure.
    • It is also working on the development of a tritium breeding module for future fusion reactors, ensuring self-sufficiency in this critical fuel.

     

    [UPSC 2016] India is an important member of the ‘International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor’. If this experiment succeeds, what is the immediate advantage for India?

    Options: (a) It can use thorium in place of uranium for power generation (b) It attain a global role in satellite-navigation (c) It can drastically improve the efficiency of its fission reactors in power generation (d) It can build fusion reactors for power generation*

     

  • Government revamps National Security Advisory Board (NSAB)

    Why in the News?

    The Union Government has reconstituted the National Security Advisory Board (NSAB), appointing Alok Joshi, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), as its new chairman.

    About National Security Advisory Board (NSAB):

    • The NSAB is a high-level advisory body to the National Security Council (NSC).
    • It plays a crucial role in shaping national security policies and responses to both internal and external threats.
    • Composition: The NSAB includes eminent individuals from sectors like the armed forces, IPS, IFS, academia, and civil society, selected for expertise in areas such as defense, foreign affairs, internal security, economic affairs, and science & technology.
    • Key Functions:
      • Provide expert analysis on long-term security issues to the NSC.
      • Recommend solutions and policies on matters referred by the NSC.
      • Contribute significantly to India’s Nuclear Doctrine, Strategic Defence Reviews, and other critical policy frameworks.

    Back2Basics: National Security Council (NSC)

    • The NSC is the apex body advising the Prime Minister on national security and foreign policy matters, coordinating the government’s efforts to ensure the nation’s security.
    • It was established on 19 November 1998 by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
    • Members: National Security Advisor (NSA), Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Ministers of Defence, External Affairs, Home, and Finance, Deputy NSA, Additional NSAs, and the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog.
    • Three-Tier Structure:
      • Strategic Policy Group (SPG): Highest decision-making body.
      • NSAB: Provides advisory support.
      • NSCS: Implements NSC decisions.
    • In July 2024, the NSCS was revamped to fill the Additional NSA post, delegating internal security management and threat analysis to enhance the NSA’s focus on broader challenges.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Consider the following statements:

    1. According to the Constitution of India, the Central Government has a duty to protect States from internal disturbances. 2. The Constitution of India exempts the States from providing legal counsel to person being held for preventive detention 3. According to the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002, confession of the accused before the police cannot be used as evidence.

    How many of the above statements are correct?

    Options: (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None

     

  • Cosmic Clumpiness and the S8 Tension

    Why in the News?

    New research suggests that understanding the “clumpiness” of matter, measured by Sigma-8 (S8) Tension, could unlock key insights into the universe’s structure and complexity.

    What is S8?

    • S8 is a measure used by scientists to understand the distribution of matter across the universe, indicating how “clumpy” or evenly spread out the matter (like galaxies, stars, and dark matter) is.
    • High S8 tension means matter is clumped together in certain regions, while low S8 means it’s evenly distributed.
    • Scientists use S8 to study matter, including dark matter, which is invisible but makes up most of the universe.
    • The measurement of S8 helps explain how the universe fits together and has evolved since the Big Bang.
    • Recently, conflicting measurements of S8 have caused confusion, raising questions about our understanding of the universe.

    Implications for the ΛCDM Model:

    • The ΛCDM model (Lambda Cold Dark Matter) is the standard model explaining the universe’s structure, suggesting it’s mainly composed of dark matter and dark energy.
    • This model assumes that dark energy is causing the universe’s accelerating expansion.
    • S8 discrepancies may challenge the ΛCDM model, indicating a potential gap in our understanding of dark energy or dark matter.
    • Possible Implications:
      • Revised Theories: Scientists may need to adjust their model of the universe due to conflicting S8 values.
      • Re-thinking Dark Energy: If S8 measurements don’t align with predictions, dark energy might not behave as expected.
      • New Discoveries: The S8 tension could suggest undiscovered forces or particles influencing matter behavior.
      • Better Observations: Improved telescopes and surveys, like the Rubin Legacy Survey, may help clarify why S8 measurements conflict with predictions.
    [UPSC 2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:

    (1) It is he world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic km of ice. (2) It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter. (3) It is buried deep in the ice. 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*

     

  • What is AIM4NatuRe Initiative?

    Why in the News?

    On Earth Day, April 22, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) launched the Accelerating Innovative Monitoring for Nature Restoration (AIM4NatuRe) Initiative aimed at accelerating nature restoration.

    About the AIM4NatuRe Initiative:

    • AIM4NatuRe is a global initiative launched by the FAO aimed at enhancing countries’ ability to monitor and report ecosystem restoration efforts.
    • With ÂŁ7 million (approximately USD 9.38 million) from the United Kingdom, the initiative will run from 2025 to 2028, focusing on restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems globally by 2030, in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
    • Key aspects:
      • Utilizes advanced technology and data frameworks for ecosystem restoration monitoring.
      • Targets restoration across forests, wetlands, grasslands, marine ecosystems, and agricultural landscapes.
      • Integrates Indigenous knowledge in restoration efforts.
      • Develops tools like the Framework for Ecosystem Restoration Monitoring (FERM) and builds a unified global dataset for transparency.

    Key Stakeholders:

    • FAO: Leads the initiative, providing tools, data, and frameworks to support restoration.
    • UK: Provides financial backing and focuses on helping countries achieve the 30×30 target.
    • Indigenous Communities: Contribute traditional knowledge and participate in restoration efforts.
    • World Resources Institute (WRI): Supports global restoration initiatives, including the Kham River Restoration Mission in India.
    • Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Shapes the biodiversity framework for monitoring progress on 30% ecosystem restoration by 2030.
    • World Bank: Provides funding and technical expertise for financing and implementing ecosystem restoration.
    [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 *