PYQ Relevance:
[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: India is at a turning point, and the world is becoming more equal, moving away from old colonial ways. As Asia becomes more important again, this change is also affecting how India is seen and positioned globally. |
Mentor’s Comment: India is at another turning point, similar to when Vasco da Gama arrived in Kozhikode in 1498 and the local ruler, the Zamorin, failed to act strategically. But this time, it’s not about sea trade routes—it’s about how global value chains are being reshaped through power and influence. This is a crucial moment for India, which is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy. For the past 75 years, the world has followed a post-colonial order known as globalisation. It was based on countries following common rules for the greater good, and divided the world into “donors” and “recipients.” But this idea no longer works, especially after China overtook the U.S. in foreign aid, manufacturing, and global trade share. As a result, institutions like the WTO, UN, and various treaties have become less useful to powerful countries, leading to U.S. pullouts.
Today’s editorial analyses global value chains as being reshaped through power and influence. This content would help in the GS Paper II (International Relations).
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
President Donald Trump is not acting randomly. He is reacting to a world where countries are becoming more equal and breaking free from old colonial ideas, while still trying to keep their fading advantages.
What shift in global trade is compared to Vasco De Gama’s arrival?
- Transition from Trade Routes to Value Chains: Vasco De Gama’s 1498 voyage opened sea-based trade routes connecting India to Europe. Today, the world is witnessing a shift from traditional trade to technology-driven global value chains (GVCs), reshaped by geopolitical forces rather than free markets. Eg: The semiconductor supply chain, where countries like Taiwan, South Korea, and the U.S. dominate chip design and fabrication, reflecting value chain complexity over simple trade.
- Strategic Inertia vs Strategic Foresight: The Zamorin’s complacency during Vasco’s arrival represents a lack of strategic foresight in seizing global opportunities. India now faces a similar moment and must act strategically to capitalize on the global trade realignment and not miss out like in the colonial past. Eg: India’s PLI (Production Linked Incentive) schemes in electronics and pharmaceuticals are efforts to plug into global manufacturing chains proactively.
- Geopolitically Driven Trade Structures: Earlier global trade was commercially motivated, but today it is increasingly geopolitically driven, with blocs forming and multilateralism weakening. Eg: The U.S.-China trade war and decoupling from Chinese supply chains are forcing countries like India to reposition themselves in new GVCs.
Why is the post-colonial global order losing relevance?
- Shift from Multilateralism to Bilateralism and Power Politics: The post-colonial world order was built on rule-based multilateral institutions (e.g., WTO, UN), promoting equal participation. Now, major powers prefer bilateral deals that prioritize national interest over global consensus. Eg: The U.S. withdrawing from multilateral agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and WTO dispute mechanisms.
- Obsolescence of Donor-Recipient Hierarchy: The older order assumed a world divided into ‘donors’ (developed nations) and ‘recipients’ (developing nations). This has become irrelevant as emerging powers like China now surpass traditional Western powers in aid and trade influence. Eg: China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has made it a larger global lender than the World Bank in many regions.
- Erosion of Trust During Global Crises: Global institutions failed to uphold equitable principles during emergencies, revealing self-serving behavior by developed nations. Eg: During the COVID-19 pandemic, G-7 countries hoarded vaccines and medical supplies, sidelining poorer nations and weakening trust in global cooperation.
Who should lead India’s push for new global governance principles?
- India’s World-Class Diplomats: India should empower its skilled and experienced diplomatic corps to frame and advocate new governance principles suited to a multipolar world. Eg: Indian diplomats played a key role in shaping the International Solar Alliance, showing leadership in global climate governance.
- Cooperation Between Political Leadership and Policy Experts: A coordinated approach involving political vision (e.g., Prime Minister’s “Asian Century” narrative) and strategic policy institutions can guide India’s global engagement. Eg: NITI Aayog and MEA’s policy think tanks can jointly shape proposals for reforms in multilateral institutions like the WTO and UN.
- Engagement with Global South and Emerging Institutions: India must lead with inclusive principles by aligning with BRICS, ASEAN, and the African Union, promoting a fair and tech-driven global order. Eg: India’s BRICS presidency and advocacy for the Global South Voice at G-20 summits shows readiness for leadership beyond the West-dominated system.
How can India become a global leader in AI and technology?
- Leverage Human Capital and Digital Infrastructure: India must build on its skilled workforce, vast datasets, and proven digital stack (like Aadhaar, UPI) to drive AI innovation. Eg: IndiaStack enabled large-scale digital public goods, which can now serve as the foundation for developing large language models (LLMs) and AI applications.
- Promote Open-Source and Indigenous Innovation: Focusing on open-source technologies and encouraging local R&D will allow India to innovate independently and at scale. Eg: India can emulate models like DeepSeek (an open-source AI rivaling U.S. models) to build affordable, accessible AI tools.
- Create National Consensus and Industry-Academia Collaboration: A national policy consensus involving all stakeholders—governments, academia, and industry—must be built to focus on AI, chips, and deep tech. Eg: China’s rise in hardware was driven by state-industry coordination; India needs similar programs for semiconductors and AI research centers.
Which regions should India partner with for a new economic framework?
- ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations): India should collaborate with ASEAN to build an Asian Common Market and leverage regional complementarities in trade, manufacturing, and digital economy. Eg: India’s Act East Policy and its trade agreements with Singapore and Thailand provide a base for deeper economic integration.
- African Union: Africa offers a growing consumer base and untapped potential for investment in infrastructure, technology, and education. Eg: India’s Pan-African e-Network Project and growing pharma exports make Africa a strategic partner in India’s south-south cooperation.
- BRICS and Emerging Economies: Collaborating within BRICS helps India shape multipolar global governance and alternative trade norms. Eg: India’s proposal for a BRICS currency system and its role in the New Development Bank demonstrate long-term strategic engagement.
- Middle East (West Asia): Strong energy ties and growing interest in tech cooperation make the Middle East a key partner in India’s economic future. Eg: The India-UAE CEPA and I2U2 group (India-Israel-UAE-USA) promote trade, food security, and innovation-led partnerships.
- Latin America and Caribbean (LAC): This region provides opportunities for trade diversification, agricultural cooperation, and technology exchange. Eg: India’s investments in pharmaceuticals and IT sectors in Brazil and Mexico mark a growing footprint in the LAC region.
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Way forward:
- Institutionalise Strategic Partnerships: India should formalise economic and technology alliances through frameworks like FTAs, digital cooperation pacts, and regional value chains with emerging regions (ASEAN, Africa, LAC).
- Champion Inclusive Global Norms: Lead the Global South in advocating reforms in global governance institutions, emphasising equity, sustainability, and tech sovereignty to shape a multipolar, resilient global order.
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Why in the News?
Along with having efficient governance, there should also be a high level of accountability, which should begin with a strong and effective Parliament.
What mechanisms does the Indian Parliament currently use to ensure executive accountability?
- Question Hour: A daily session where Members of Parliament (MPs) ask questions to the government, holding the executive accountable for its actions. Eg: During Question Hour, MPs can ask questions on various issues like government policies, spending, and public welfare programs. If the government fails to respond adequately, it is held accountable in front of the public.
- Zero Hour: An informal session where MPs can raise urgent matters of public importance without prior notice. Eg: In the past, MPs have used Zero Hour to raise concerns about natural disasters, governance issues, or urgent societal problems like price hikes or corruption, which require immediate attention from the government.
- Standing Committees (e.g., Department-related Standing Committees): These committees examine the policies and functioning of various government departments, scrutinizing their budget proposals, schemes, and implementation. Eg: The Standing Committee on Railways in 2015 recommended waiving dividend payments to Indian Railways to improve its financial health, which was subsequently implemented.
- No-Confidence Motion: A formal motion in Parliament that can be moved by MPs to express a lack of confidence in the government. If passed, it leads to the resignation of the government. Eg: In the 17th Lok Sabha, a no-confidence motion was raised against the government over issues related to economic policies, though it did not pass, it highlighted the need for greater executive accountability.
- Public Accounts Committee (PAC): This committee scrutinizes government expenditure and ensures that public funds are used efficiently and for their intended purposes. Eg: The PAC exposed irregularities in the Commonwealth Games 2010, revealing delays, opaque appointments, and corrupt practices, leading to corrective actions and reforms.
Why has the effectiveness of Question Hour and parliamentary committees declined in recent years?
- Frequent Disruptions during Question Hour: Question Hour is often disrupted by protests and disruptions, leading to adjournments and reducing the time spent on addressing important government issues. Eg: During the 17th Lok Sabha (2019-24), Question Hour functioned for only 60% of its scheduled time in the Lok Sabha and 52% in Rajya Sabha, limiting its effectiveness in holding the government accountable.
- Focus on Isolated Queries rather than Systematic Scrutiny: MPs often focus on individual queries rather than engaging in comprehensive, cross-ministerial scrutiny of complex issues, which limits the depth of oversight. Eg: Instead of addressing broader policy issues, MPs tend to ask specific questions that do not contribute to a deeper analysis of government actions or programs.
- Limited Impact of Parliamentary Committees’ Reports: Despite generating detailed reports, parliamentary committees’ findings are often not discussed in Parliament, leading to a lack of follow-up on recommendations and diminishing their influence on legislation and executive actions. Eg: Even though the Standing Committees on Railways and Transport made significant recommendations, such as waiving the dividend payments and influencing the Motor Vehicles Bill, many committee reports have not led to substantial legislative or executive changes.
How can technology and data analytics improve the quality of parliamentary scrutiny?
- AI and Data Analytics for Efficient Scrutiny: Technology can help MPs analyze vast amounts of data, such as budget documents and audit reports, enabling them to quickly identify irregularities and policy trends. Eg: Using AI, Parliament can automatically flag inconsistencies in spending or uncover patterns in policy implementation, helping MPs ask more informed, evidence-based questions during sessions like Question Hour.
- Enhancing Accessibility and Transparency of Committee Findings: Technology can make parliamentary committee reports more accessible to the public and MPs by translating them into local languages, creating visual explainers, or using short videos. This increases transparency and public engagement while also aiding MPs in scrutinizing complex issues. Eg: The use of visual tools and AI-driven summaries could simplify the analysis of technical reports, helping MPs quickly grasp important findings and engage in more meaningful debates in Parliament.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Post-Legislative Scrutiny: Establish a formal process for tracking the implementation and impact of laws, ensuring timely reviews and corrections. This can be modeled on the UK system, where government departments submit reviews of major laws within a set period.
- Enhance Technology Integration: Leverage AI, data analytics, and digital tools to support MPs with real-time insights, enabling more effective questioning and in-depth scrutiny of government actions and policies.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] Why do you think the committees are considered to be useful for parliamentary work? Discuss, in this context, the role or the Estimates Committee.
Linkage: General usefulness of parliamentary committees, which are highlighted as crucial mechanisms for accountability and scrutiny. It specifically asks about the Estimates Committee, another important financial committee alongside the PAC.
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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 ₹8,800 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 ₹8,800 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.
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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 ₹8,900 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 |
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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 |
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Why in the News?
Heavy rainfall and strong winds disrupted life in Delhi due to a fresh splash of Western Disturbances over North India.
What are Western Disturbances?
- Western Disturbances are extra-tropical weather systems that originate near the Mediterranean region.
- They carry moisture from the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and Arabian Sea.
- These disturbances are embedded within the subtropical westerly jet stream, a fast-moving air current in the upper atmosphere.
- They bring rain, snow, and fog, especially from December to March, as they encounter the Himalayas, causing rainfall in the plains and snowfall at higher altitudes.
- They are responsible for most of the winter and pre-monsoon rainfall in Northwest India and are critical for rabi crops like wheat.
Recent Changes in its Pattern:
- Recent observations show an increase in frequency, particularly from late January onwards, with disturbances now occurring outside the winter season.
- These disturbances have been observed even in May, June, and July, where they were once rare.
- The geographic spread of these disturbances is widening, affecting larger parts of North and Northwest India.
- Reasons behind:
- The strengthening of the subtropical westerly jet stream, likely influenced by rising global temperatures, is a key factor.
- The delayed retreat of the jet stream is affecting the timing of the summer monsoon, leading to overlapping weather patterns.
- The warming of the Arabian Sea (by 1.2°C to 1.4°C over recent decades) is increasing moisture, intensifying rainfall.
| [UPSC 2015] Consider the following statements:
1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies.
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 |
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Why in the News?
The red-crowned roofed turtle has returned to the Ganga River after nearly 30 years of absence.
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. |
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