Recent actions by China, such as the withdrawal of engineers from India, are not isolated events but a deliberate geo-economic manoeuvre. This strategy is driven by China’s apprehension of a rising India and its ambition to maintain a ‘unipolar Asia’.
Recent Actions Undertaken by China against India’s interest:
- Recalling over 300 Chinese engineers from iPhone manufacturing facilities in India.
- Restricting exports of rare earths and critical minerals to India.
- Informal trade restrictions on the export of capital equipment including high-end manufacturing equipment for electronics assembly heavy-duty boring machines and solar equipment to India.
China’s Geo-economic Manoeuvre against India:
“It is a meticulously calibrated stratagem, designed to arrest India’s burgeoning manufacturing ambitions.”
- Impending Technology Transfer: The withdrawal of the Chinese engineers reflects China’s calculated move to Disrupt technology transfer and Stall India’s capacity-building in advanced electronics manufacturing. By pulling out talent, it ensures that ‘India’s learning curve in high-precision, high-efficiency manufacturing remains steep.’
- Subtle yet potent strategy: As India positions itself in global supply chains through initiatives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, any delay in technology adoption weakens India’s global competitiveness.
- Weaponization of Supply Chains: By restricting exports of rare earths, critical minerals, and high-end manufacturing equipment, China leverages its control over global supply chains to disrupt India’s industrial ambitions. These informal trade restrictions are non-transparent and hence are hard to contest, create uncertainty and increase costs.
- Weaponising Overcapacity: Price War as Strategy: China’s industrial overproduction is used deliberately to crash prices and drive out competition. BYD in electric vehicles is flooding global markets with ultra-cheap products. This makes it hard for nations like India to compete fairly, stalling local industries.
Difference in Manufacturing Ecosystems of India and China:
|
China
|
India
|
| Systemic Industrial Dominance:
1. Not accidental, but strategic: China’s industrial pre-eminence is not trivial, it has been built through decades of strong policies, investments, and planning.
2. Covers critical and emerging sectors:
Like, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum computing, 6G telecommunications, Electric Vehicles (EVs)
3. Controls global supply chains:
China does not merely export goods, it orchestrates and controls global supply chains, from raw materials to finished products.
4. Weaponising overcapacity: Overproduction (a sign of weakness elsewhere) is strategically used by China to lower global prices, making it hard for other countries to compete.
5. Aggressive pricing = market capture:
This stifles new competitors and helps China maintain dominance.
6. Economic statecraft by China: China uses its manufacturing power as a geo-economic tool to stay ahead globally and protect its export-driven economy. |
Challenges Faced:
1. Nascent Manufacturing Ecosystem:
Compared to China, India is still in the early stages of becoming a global manufacturing power.
2. Facing many hurdles: Poor infrastructure infrastructure lacunae)
3. Complex government procedures (bureaucratic red tape)
4. High import dependence: India still imports many critical components like Semiconductors, Sophisticated chips, Sensors, Engines
5. Limited local capability:
Even basic assembly-level manufacturing (referred to as “screwdriver technology“) depends on external help.
6. “Make in India” needs outside support:
While the goal is self-reliance, India is still not fully capable of producing independently, especially in high-tech sectors. |
India’s Strategic Dilemma: Even as India tries to de-risk from China by aligning with the West, it faces challenges like US tariff hikes on Indian goods and Exemptions given to China despite its pro-Russia stance. This underscores the need for true strategic autonomy building resilient internal capacities rather than over-dependence on foreign goodwill.
Way Forward:
Based on China’s strategy of weaponizing its supply chains, India should adopt a multi-pronged response to enhance its own strategic and economic resilience.
- Bolster Domestic Manufacturing: India must double down on initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme to reduce its import dependence on high-value electronics and components.
- Diversify Supply Chains and Sourcing: Actively seek alternative suppliers and build resilient supply chains with like-minded countries to reduce over-reliance on a single nation for critical goods. For example, India is a part of the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), a trilateral framework with Japan and Australia.
- Invest in Strategic Alliances: India should utilize multilateral platforms such as the Quad and forge bilateral partnerships to secure access to critical minerals and technologies.
- Boost Domestic Critical Mineral Exploration: It is essential to intensify domestic exploration and processing of critical minerals through missions like the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) to achieve self-reliance.
- Leverage Economic Diplomacy: India should use trade agreements and international forums like the WTO to challenge informal trade restrictions and protect its emerging industries from coercive practices.
China’s aggressive external policies are a direct result of its domestic problems, such as an aging population and economic overcapacity. This forces it to rely on exports, making any competitor like India a perceived threat. As Henry Kissinger said, “Empires have no interest in operating within an international system; they aspire to be the international system.” This highlights the need for India to build its own strategic autonomy and avoid relying on fragile alliances.
Value Addition:
Quotes by Famous Scholars that can be used in the India-China Relation Topic:
1. “India lives in a tough neighbourhood. It needs to be wise, not merely strong.” — Shivshankar Menon
2. “In geopolitics, economics is not just policy — it’s a weapon.” — Henry Kissinger |
Mains Practice Questions:
GS2 (IR): “China’s geo-economic manoeuvres are a reflection of its internal compulsions and not just strategic rivalry.” Elucidate with reference to recent developments in India-China trade relations.
GS3 (Economy): “India’s ambition to become a global manufacturing hub faces challenges both internal and external.” Discuss the role of strategic autonomy in achieving self-reliance in electronics and high-tech sectors.
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As India gears up to launch its carbon market in 2026, biochar, a carbon-rich material made from agricultural and organic waste, is gaining attention as a sustainable solution for carbon capture and waste management. Despite its immense potential, biochar remains underutilised due to lack of policy support, market structures and awareness.
What is Biochar and Why is it Important?
- Biochar is a type of charcoal/black carbon produced by heating organic waste (like crop residue or solid municipal waste) in a low-oxygen environment.
- It locks carbon into the soil for hundreds of years, reducing greenhouse gases and improving soil quality.
- It is an effective long-term carbon sink.
Biochar Potential in India:
- India generates over 600 million tonnes of agricultural waste and 60 million tonnes of municipal waste each year, much of which is burned or dumped, contributing to pollution.
- By converting just 30–50% of this waste into biochar, India could:
- Produce 15–26 million tonnes of biochar
- Remove 0.1 gigatonnes of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) equivalent emissions annually
- Biochar production also provides with the following:
- Syngas (20–30 million tonnes) which can generate 8–13 TWh of electricity, replacing about 0.5–0.7 million tonnes of coal
- Bio-oil (24–40 million tonnes) which can offset 12–19 million tonnes of diesel/kerosene, reducing oil imports and fossil fuel emissions by more than 2%
Applications of Biochar in Key Sectors:
- Agriculture: It improves soil health and water retention, especially in semi-arid and nutrient-poor regions. It can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 30–50%, which is vital as this gas has 273x more warming potential than CO₂. Its application leads to higher crop yields (10–25%) and reduced fertilizer needs (by 10–20%). Biochar can also enhance soil organic carbon, helping restore degraded soils.
- Construction: Adding just 2–5% biochar in concrete improves strength and heat resistance. It helps capture 115 kg of CO₂ per cubic metre of concrete, turning buildings into carbon sinks.
- Wastewater Treatment: One kg of biochar can help treat 200–500 litres of wastewater. India’s untreated wastewater (~72%) could use 2.5–6.3 million tonnes of biochar annually.
- Carbon Capture: Biochar can be modified to absorb CO₂ from industrial exhausts, though current efficiency is lower than traditional methods.
- Circular Economy: Biochar aligns with the circular economy model, waste to wealth.
Why is Biochar Still Not Widely Adopted?
- It remains underrepresented in carbon credit systems due to the absence of standardised feedstock markets and consistent carbon accounting methods, which undermine investor confidence.
- Limited policy support, low public awareness, and no coordinated action across sectors.
- No strong carbon credit mechanism to reward users and producers.
Steps that can be undertaken for Large-Scale Adoption of Biochar:
- R&D Support: Develop region-specific feedstock guidelines and technologies.
- Policy Integration: Link biochar with Crop residue management schemes, Bioenergy programs and State Action Plans on Climate Change
- Carbon Market Recognition: Allow biochar to earn carbon credits, giving financial incentives to farmers and investors.
- Village-Level Deployment: Establish small-scale biochar units that can create over 5 lakh rural jobs.
- Linkage with National Missions: Can be linked with Mission LiFE and the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Biochar offers a powerful tool for India’s climate smart and sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, improving water and nutrient retention, and bolstering climate resilience. Its integration can reduce dependency on synthetic inputs, aligning with organic farming principles. Crucially, biochar provides a significant mechanism for carbon sequestration and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture, contributing to India’s climate goals. Leveraging this “black gold” through targeted policy support and research is essential for a greener, more resilient future.
Practice UPSC Mains Question
- Biochar is emerging as a multipurpose tool for sustainable development in India. Discuss its potential across sectors and the challenges in its adoption.
- What are the salient features of ‘Waste-to-Energy’ policy of India? Describe the role of waste to energy technologies in achieving energy security in India.
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Cloud Burst:
A cloudburst is an extremely intense, localized shower, defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) as at least 100 mm of rain within one hour over 10 sq km. These events occur due to deep, rapid atmospheric uplift over steep terrain, typical of high-altitude Himalayan regions. They can trigger sudden flash floods and landslides, devastating communities in mountainous regions. The term does not refer to a literal bursting cloud but to rapid precipitation from cumulonimbus clouds, sometimes accompanied by thunder or hail.
Why was the recent Uttarkashi Disaster not a Cloudburst?
- Despite initial reports, Uttarkashi district did not record any cloudburst-level rainfall. Actual rainfall was only light to moderate, ranging from 8 mm to 43 mm on Aug 5, far below the 100 mm/hour threshold
- The region lacked weather radar coverage at that altitude, so precise measurements were unavailable and the “cloudburst” classification was premature.
- Uttarkashi’s steep, rugged topography, with narrow valleys and loose debris, turned the soil into unstable slopes.
- A debris-laden flood, possibly triggered by a glacial lake burst, glacier collapse, or landslide, raced downstream as mud and silt-laden water to hit Dharali village violently.
Reasons for occurrence of cloudbursts:
- Cloudbursts happen when warm, moist air quickly rises over mountains, cools down, and turns into heavy rain. This process, called orographic lift, causes the air to release a large amount of rain in a short time.
- Sudden mixing of warm and cold air
- Strong upward air movement (convection) and high moisture in the air at high altitudes
Why Do Cloudbursts Happen In The Hills?
- Topography: Mountains force moist air to rise rapidly, causing sudden cooling and condensation.
- Weather Conditions: Warm air with high moisture content meets cooler air at high altitudes. This results in intense convection and localised torrential rain.
Can cloudbursts be forecast?
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rainfall events well in advance, but it does not predict the quantum of rainfall, in fact, no meteorological agency does.
- IMD gives general rainfall forecasts (light, heavy, very heavy), but not exact amounts.
- These forecasts are for large areas like districts or states, not specific locations.
- Cloudbursts can’t be predicted exactly due to tech limitations and lack of dense instruments.
- However, warnings for very heavy rain (which may lead to cloudburst-like events) are given 6–12 hours in advance.
Impacts of cloud burst:
- Flash Floods: The most immediate and destructive impact is the rapid overflowing of rivers and streams, leading to widespread flooding of low-lying areas.
- Landslides and Mudslides: The excessive water saturates the soil on slopes, leading to the rapid downward movement of earth, rocks, and debris, causing significant destruction and posing a threat to human lives and infrastructure.
- Soil Erosion: The intense rainfall can wash away topsoil, degrading the land and negatively affecting agriculture.
- Land Subsidence: The weakening of the ground due to excessive water absorption can cause the sudden sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface
- Loss of Life: The suddenness and intensity of cloudbursts often leave little time for evacuation.
- Damage to Infrastructure: Roads, bridges, homes, and public utilities can be severely damaged or completely destroyed.
While the term “cloudburst” often evokes images of catastrophic floods and landslides, it’s crucial to adopt a nuanced approach, avoiding knee-jerk reactions and recognizing that not all instances of heavy rainfall are cloudbursts. While the unpredictable ferocity of cloudbursts remains a formidable challenge, a proactive blend of scientific innovation, infrastructure resilience, and community-centric preparedness offers the compass to navigate their escalating threat, particularly in fragile ecosystems like the Himalayas.
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Microplastic Pollution:
Microplastics are now a serious environmental and health threat. A recent (Ministry of Earth Sciences) MoES–NCCR survey found alarming levels along India’s east and west coasts, highlighting the urgent need to embed microplastic control within India’s environmental governance framework.
Key Findings from NCCR Survey (2022–2025):
- Major microplastic sources identified:
- Riverine inputs (plastic waste transported by rivers)
- Abandoned, Lost, and Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG), a persistent marine debris source globally
- The presence of primary (e.g., microbeads in cosmetics) and secondary microplastics (from the breakdown of plastic waste) was confirmed.
Microplastics: Nature
- Definition: Plastic particles ranging between 1 micrometre (µm) and 5 millimetres (mm).
- Types:
- Primary Microplastics: Manufactured in small sizes (e.g., microbeads in personal care products).
- Secondary Microplastics: Result from degradation of larger plastic items due to sunlight, wave action and other environmental factors.
Environmental Impact of Microplastics:
Impact on Marine Environments:
- Ingestion by Marine Life: Marine organisms, including fish, seabirds, ingest microplastics and can cause physical harm including gut blockages and tissue damage.
- Bioaccumulation in Marine Food Webs: Bioaccumulation can lead to higher concentrations of toxins such as Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in top predators, potentially impacting their health and reproductive success.
- Habitat Disruption: Microplastics can accumulate in marine sediments and affect the structure and function of marine ecosystems.
- Chemical Leaching: Microplastics can leach harmful chemicals into the surrounding seawater. These chemicals include Bisphenol A (BPA), which is known to cause reproductive defects in some fish species, along with phthalates and brominated flame retardants, all of which can interfere with the endocrine system.
Impact on Ecological Systems:
- Soil Contamination: Microplastics can negatively impact soil structure, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling, affecting plant growth and overall ecosystem health. They can act as carriers for toxins like heavy metals (e.g., Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd)).
- Disruption of Food Webs: Microplastics can accumulate in the bodies of various organisms, potentially disrupting food chains and affecting higher trophic levels.
- Impact on Soil Biota: Exposure to microplastics can negatively impact soil-dwelling organisms like earthworms and microorganisms, affecting their growth and reproduction. Leaching of plastic additives such as phthalates can disrupt cell membrane function in microbes.
- Plant Toxicity: Microplastics can be absorbed by plants, potentially affecting their growth and development, and introducing toxins into the food chain.
India’s Initiatives on Microplastic Management
- Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 (Amended 2021–22): Ban on single-use plastics and Emphasis on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for collection and recycling.
- Swachh Bharat Mission 2.0: Includes solid waste segregation, treatment, and scientific disposal.
- Ecosensitive Coastal Zone Regulation (CRZ): CRZ rules govern development along coastlines and indirectly reduce marine plastic input.
- FSSAI Project: Ongoing study to develop standard detection protocols for microplastics in food products.
International Conventions and Agreements
- MARPOL (International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Annex V prohibits the discharge of plastics and synthetic fishing gear into the sea.
- Basel Convention (1989, amended in 2019) regulates transboundary movement of plastic waste. India ratified the amendments concerning plastic waste in 2020.
- The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) adopted a historic resolution to negotiate a legally binding global treaty on plastic pollution by 2024 (still ongoing).
- Sustainable Development Goal 14 talks about Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities.
- Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML): A UN Environment initiative, India is a participating country.
Way Forward
- National Microplastic Monitoring Programme: Expand surveys to include rivers, lakes, groundwater, and terrestrial ecosystems.
- Ban on Microbeads: A clear legislative ban on the use of microbeads in personal care products (done in countries like the UK and USA).
- Fishing Gear Recovery Programmes: Introduce buy-back schemes or incentives for collection of damaged fishing gear.
- Invest in R&D: Support startups and research institutes working on biodegradable alternatives and plastic detection methods.
- Public Awareness and Behavioural Change: Use platforms like Eco Clubs, MyGov, Swachh Bharat campaigns for mass education.
The presence of microplastics disrupts ecosystems by affecting organisms’ behavior and physiology, impacting soil fertility, and altering aquatic food webs. Addressing microplastic pollution requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing plastic consumption, improving waste management, and developing innovative solutions like biodegradable alternatives and advanced filtration systems.
Practice UPSC Mains Questions:
- What are microplastics and how do they impact human health and the environment? Evaluate India’s current policy response to the problem and suggest a comprehensive mitigation strategy.
- Critically discuss the effectiveness of current national and global efforts to combat microplastic pollution, including initiatives like the Single-Use Plastic ban and the ongoing discussions around a legally binding international plastics treaty.
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Why in the News?
The Great Barrier Reef is facing its sharpest coral decline in 40 years, with the 2024 mass bleaching—driven by climate change, cyclones, and coral predators—severely damaging large reef areas.
About Great Barrier Reef:
- Location: Coral Sea, off the northeast coast of Queensland, Australia.
- Length & Area: Extends ~2,300 km; comprises ~3,000 reefs and 900 islands, covering ~350,000 square kilometers (about 10% of global coral reef ecosystems).
- Biodiversity:
- Hosts 400 coral species, 1,500 fish species, and 4,000 mollusk species.
- Habitat for endangered species like the dugong and green turtle.
- Reef Types: Includes platform reefs, wall reefs, and fringing reefs.
- Protection Status:
- Managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
- Declared a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site in 1981.
- Mass Bleaching Years: Notable events occurred in 1998, 2002, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2022, 2024, and 2025.
Coral Decline and Bleaching Events:
- Main Cause: Heat stress due to climate change, particularly during marine heatwaves.
- 2024 Event: Fifth major bleaching since 2016; had the widest spatial impact recorded in the Australian Institute of Marine Science’s 39-year monitoring program.
- Additional Damage: Cyclones (e.g., Cyclone Jasper) and flood plumes caused physical damage and freshwater stress.
- Biological Threats: Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTS) outbreaks intensified coral predation, especially in the Swains sector.
- 2025 Survey Findings:
- 48% of 124 surveyed reefs showed coral decline.
- Only 10% recorded an increase in coral cover.
- Regional Impact: Southern Great Barrier Reef saw a 30.6% drop in hard coral cover—the sharpest annual decline ever recorded in that zone.
| [UPSC 2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source. 2. Widespread coral mortality will occur. 3. All the global wetlands will permanently disappear. 4. Cultivation of cereals will not be possible anywhere in the world. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only* (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only |
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Why in the News?
Since 2013, over 5 billion starfish have died along North America’s Pacific coast due to a wasting disease now linked to Vibrio pectenicida, a cholera-related bacterium.
About Starfish (Sea Stars):
- Taxonomy: Belong to phylum Echinodermata; exclusively marine organisms.
- Species: Brisingida, Forcipulatida, Velatida, Valvatida, Spinuloside
- Body Structure:
- Radial symmetry (adults), bilateral symmetry (larvae)
- Calcareous exoskeleton for protection
- Water vascular system for respiration and circulation
- Unique Features:
- Regeneration: Can regrow lost limbs
- No blood or brain: Seawater circulates nutrients
- Eyespots: At arm tips, help sense light
- Tough skin: Made of calcium carbonate
- Feeding: Carnivorous, detritivorous, and scavengers
Reasons for Mass Deaths (2013–2025):
- Causal Agent: Identified in 2025 as Vibrio pectenicida, a bacterium related to cholera-causing strains.
- Symptoms: Limb detachment; Tissue disintegration; Melting into a pile of gunk.
- Most Affected Species: Sunflower sea stars, which saw a 90% population decline.
- Geographical Spread: Along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico.
- Ecological Consequences:
- Starfish are keystone predators, especially of sea urchins.
- Their decline led to urchin population explosions, which overgrazed kelp forests.
- Resulted in biodiversity loss and reduced carbon sequestration.
| [UPSC 2012] Vultures which used to be very common in Indian countryside some years ago are rarely seen nowadays. This is attributed to:
(a) the destruction of their nesting sites by new invasive species disease among them (b) a drug used by cattle owners for treating their diseased cattle persistent and fatal (c) scarcity of food available to them (d) a widespread, persistent and fatal disease among them |
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Why in the News?
The 64th National Exhibition of Art (NEA), organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, India’s National Academy of Art, was inaugurated in New Delhi.
About Lalit Kala Akademi:
- Establishment: Located in New Delhi, as an autonomous organisation.
- Inauguration: Launched on 5 August 1954 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, the then Minister for Education.
- Legal Status: Granted statutory status in 1957 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
- Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
- Structure: Operates through the General Council, Executive Board, and various Committees.
- Regional Centres: Present in Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bhubaneswar, and Garhi (New Delhi).
- Functions:
- Scope of Work: Promotes modern, contemporary, folk, and tribal visual arts of India.
- Art Collection: Maintains a permanent collection of Indian visual art.
- International Role: Facilitates global cultural exchange through international cultural agreements.
Key Events and Initiatives:
- National Exhibition of Art: Annual flagship event since 1955, showcasing artists from across India.
- 64th Edition (2025): Held from 5 August to 15 September at Kamani Auditorium and Lalit Kala Art Galleries, New Delhi.
- Triennale India: Major international art exhibition featuring global artists.
- Print Biennale India: Dedicated to printmaking; 3rd edition scheduled for 2025–26.
- Artist Promotion: Provides platforms for both emerging and established artists; strengthens India’s soft power through cultural diplomacy.
| [UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. The National School of Drama was set up by Sangeet Natak Akademi in 1959.
2. The highest honour conferred by the Sahitya Akademi on a writer is by electing him its Fellow.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2* (d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Why in the News?
Russia officially announced its exit from the 1987 Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, marking a pivotal moment in the dismantling of Cold War-era nuclear arms control architecture.
What is the INF Treaty?
- Signed In: 1987 by United States President Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.
- Purpose: Banned ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with ranges between 500 and 5,500 kilometers.
- Impact: Led to the elimination of 2,692 missiles by June 1, 1991.
- Verification: Allowed on-site inspections, setting a benchmark for arms control agreements.
- Scope: Covered both nuclear and conventional missile systems.
- Significance: Became a key pillar of post-Cold War strategic stability.
Why did Russia exit the Treaty?
- Cited US deployments of:
- Tomahawk launchers (Philippines),
- Dark Eagle hypersonic missiles (Australia).
- Escalated by US nuclear submarine deployments in 2025 and rising NATO tensions.
- Russia had already withdrawn from:
Implications:
- Collapse of Arms Control: Removes a pillar of nuclear restraint.
- Resurgence of Arms Race: Possible missile deployments in Europe & Asia-Pacific.
- Regional Threats: NATO countries & East Asia more vulnerable.
- Proliferation Risk: May embolden China, India, and others.
| [UPSC 2011] The “New START” treaty was in the news. What is this treaty?
(a) It is a bilateral strategic nuclear arms reduction treaty between the USA and the Russian Federation.*
(b) It is a multilateral energy security cooperation treaty among the members of the East Asia Summit.
(c) It is a treaty between the Russian Federation and the European Union for energy security cooperation.
(d) It is a multilateral cooperation treaty among the BRICS countries for the promotion of trade. |
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Why in the News?
Parliament has passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, replacing the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
About Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025:
- Replaces: The colonial-era Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925.
- Purpose: Regulates the rights, duties, liabilities, and immunities of parties involved in shipping goods by sea from Indian ports to domestic or international destinations.
- International Alignment: Retains consistency with the Hague Rules (1924), which also formed the basis of the 1925 Act.
- Objective: Modernises maritime law in line with global standards and boosts India’s ease of doing business in the maritime sector.
Key Features:
- Bills of Lading Defined: It outlines the details of the shipment, including the type and quantity of goods, the origin and destination, and the terms of the agreement between the shipper and the carrier.
-
- Includes details on goods’ type, quantity, condition, and destination.
- Serves as a legally binding contract between the shipper and carrier.
- Central Government Powers:
- May issue directions for implementation.
- Can amend the Schedule of Rules related to bills of lading.
- Part of Broader Maritime Reforms:
- Supports port development and coastal trade.
- Encourages creation of State Maritime Boards and a Maritime State Development Council.
- Covers port safety, disaster response, pollution control, and dispute resolution.
- Global Compliance: Aligns India’s shipping laws with evolving international conventions and practices.
| [UPSC 2016] The term ‘import cover’, sometimes seen in the news, refers to
(a) It is the ratio of value of imports to the Gross Domestic Product of a country
(b) It is the total value of imports of a country in a year
(c) It is the ratio between the value of exports and that of imports between two countries
(d) It is the number of months of imports that could be paid for by a country’s international reserves* |
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