Archives: News

UK backs permanent seat in UNSC for India

Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and agreements involving India

Why in the News?

UK PM Keir Starmer has expressed strong support for India’s bid for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

	Details
Establishment	By the UN Charter in 1945 as one of the *six principal organs* of the United Nations.
Other UN Organs	General Assembly, Trusteeship Council, Economic and Social Council, International Court of Justice, Secretariat
Primary Responsibility	Maintaining international peace and security
Headquarters	New York City, USA
Members	15 members: 5 permanent members (US, UK, Russia, China, France) and 10 non-permanent members (elected for two-year terms)
Permanent Members	US, UK, Russia, China, France
Non-permanent Members	10 elected members; require two-thirds majority in the General Assembly to be elected
Presidency Rotation	Every month among the 15 members
Voting and Veto Power	Permanent members have veto power; non-permanent members have no veto but resolutions require at least 7 non-permanent members’ votes for approval, even with unanimous permanent support
India’s Participation	India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times: 1950-51, 1967-68, 1972-73, 1977-78, 1984-85, 1991-92, 2011-12, 2021-22
Responsibilities & Powers	Mediation, dispatching UN missions, appointing envoys, issuing ceasefire directives, peacekeeping, sanctions, arms embargo, and issuing binding resolutions
UNSC Reforms Process	Stage 1: Requires a two-thirds majority (128 votes) in the General Assembly (193 member states) for approval. Stage 2: Amended Charter must be ratified by at least two-thirds of member states, including all five permanent members, who may exercise veto power. Their national parliaments also influence the ratification process.

PYQ:

[2009] The Security Council of UN consists of 5 permanent members, and the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for a term of:

(a) 1 year

(b) 2 years

(d) 5 years

[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in the UN Security Council.

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Innovation Ecosystem in India

Param Rudra Supercomputer

Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Achievements Of Indians In S&T

Why in the News?

PM has dedicated three “PARAM Rudra” Supercomputers along with High-Performance Computing (HPC) systems, ‘Arka’ and ‘Arunika’, to the nation.

What are High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?

HPC systems are powerful computational systems that perform large-scale and complex computations at incredibly high speeds.
HPC Arka system at IITM has 11.77 Peta Flop capacity and will, for the first time, help improve the country’s horizontal resolution of its global weather prediction models to 6 km from the existing 12 km.
HPC Arunika comes with 8.24 Peta Flop capacity. This HPC will prove beneficial in upgrading weather forecast resolution at block levels.

What is PARAM Rudra?

PARAM Rudra is a high-performance computing (HPC) system and part of India’s PARAM series of supercomputers.
It is developed indigenously by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) under the National Supercomputing Mission (NSM).

Applications of PARAM Rudra

Astronomy: Used by the Giant Metre Radio Telescope (GMRT) in Pune to study Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs) and other astronomical phenomena.
Atomic Physics and Material Science: The Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC) in Delhi uses PARAM Rudra for research in these areas.
Physics, Cosmology, and Earth Sciences: The supercomputer at the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata supports advanced studies in these domains.
Weather Forecasting and Agriculture: The supercomputers enhance weather forecasting, benefiting industries like agriculture, where improved predictions help farmers make informed decisions.

Back2Basics: National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):

	Details
Launch Year	2015
Objective	To enhance India’s research capacities by creating a Supercomputing grid supported by the National Knowledge Network (NKN) To position India as a global leader in supercomputing technology by boosting research, development, and innovation
Nodal Agency	Department of Science and Technology (DST); Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
Implementation Agencies	C-DAC, Pune and IISc, Bengaluru
Phases	1. Phase I: Assembling supercomputers 2. Phase II: Manufacturing components in India 3. Phase III: Designing an indigenous supercomputer
Historical Context	India’s supercomputer program began after the USA’s technology embargo in the late 1980s, leading to the creation of C-DAC and the unveiling of PARAM 800 in 1991 (second-fastest globally at the time)
Notable Supercomputers	AI Supercomputer’ AIRAWAT’ and PARAM Siddhi – AI are currently the fastest supercomputers in India. AIRAWAT has been ranked 75th in the world as of June 2023.
Global Context	Frontier (USA) is the world’s fastest supercomputer since December 2023.

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Air Pollution

SC raps CAQM over failure to curb Delhi’s Pollution

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its lack of concrete action to curb stubble burning in states neighboring Delhi.

Key issues as per SC:

Non-Compliance and Ineffectiveness: The Supreme Court criticized the CAQM for failing to enforce the CAQM Act, highlighting a lack of concrete measures against stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana.
Lack of Accountability: The Court questioned the CAQM’s accountability, emphasizing the need for concrete actions and consequences for officials who fail to enforce anti-pollution laws.
Staffing and Representation Issues: The Court expressed concerns over staffing shortages in pollution control boards and inadequate representation in CAQM sub-committees, hindering effective operation.
Scepticism on Pollution Reduction Claims: Despite claims of improved air quality and reduced stubble burning, the Court remained doubtful, citing ongoing instances of stubble burning and demanding detailed explanations from the CAQM.

About the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

	Details
Formation	Established in 2021; Statutory body under the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021
Objective	To manage air quality in the NCR and adjoining areas comprehensively
Composition	Headed by a full-time chairperson, with members from various states, ministries, and sectors like agriculture, industry, transport, and construction
Powers	Authority to issue directions, inspect industries, entertain complaints, restrict industries, and shut down non-compliant units
Jurisdiction	National Capital Region (NCR) and adjoining areas in Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan
Functions	Coordinates and monitors air quality, sets pollution control parameters, identifies violators, monitors industries, and can overrule state directives

PYQ:

[2018] How is the National Green Tribunal (NGT) different from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?

1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.

2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

[2022]The most significant achievement of modern law in India is the constitutionalization of environmental problems by the Supreme Court.” Discuss this statement with the help of relevant case laws.

[2015] Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata are the three Mega cities of the country but the air pollution is much more serious problem in Delhi as compared to the other two. Why is this so?

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Electoral Reforms In India

Fortifying the Basic Structure

Explained | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Federalism
Why in the News?

With the Union Cabinet’s approval of the report by the High-Level Committee recommending simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, the debate over “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) has once again come to the forefront.

How can Simultaneous Elections enhance governance and stability?
- Reduction of Policy Paralysis: Simultaneous elections prevent the frequent imposition of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which temporarily halts new policy initiatives and decision-making. This ensures that governance continues uninterrupted.
- Efficient Resource Allocation: Election authorities, security forces, and government resources would be deployed more efficiently since elections are held once in a fixed cycle, allowing for long-term planning and execution of policies.
- Cost-Effective: Holding simultaneous elections reduces the cost of organizing elections multiple times, allowing the government to focus funds on development projects rather than repeated electoral processes.
- Political Stability: It minimizes the risks of constant political instability caused by staggered elections, ensuring a stable policy environment for long-term economic and social development.
About the Voter Engagement and Participation:
- Voters may be more inclined to participate in elections if they only need to vote once to elect both state and national representatives, which can lead to improved engagement and turnout.
- Simultaneous elections make the process more convenient for voters, as they need to participate only once, avoiding voter fatigue caused by frequent electoral exercises.
- Voting for both state and national representatives at the same time can allow voters to make more informed decisions by seeing a clearer alignment of their political choices at both levels.
Impact on Political Dynamics:
- Level Playing Field: Simultaneous elections reduce the advantage for ruling parties that often leverage state elections for national influence and vice versa. Opposition parties will benefit from this, as their campaign resources and strategies can be focused at one time.
- Less Populism: With fixed election dates, political parties may be less inclined to resort to short-term populist measures, allowing for more substantive debates on long-term issues.
- Reduced Election Fatigue: Frequent elections can create voter fatigue and disengagement from political processes. Simultaneous elections reduce this fatigue, which can also lower campaign costs for parties.
- Strategic Alliances: Parties may form more concrete alliances across states and national elections, leading to more coherent national and state-level strategies instead of fragmented political campaigning.
Way forward:
- Constitutional and Legislative Reforms: Amendments to the Constitution and electoral laws should be carefully designed to align election cycles of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, ensuring a smooth transition without undermining democratic processes.
- Building Consensus Across Political Spectrum: A broad political consensus must be achieved through dialogue, involving all stakeholders to address concerns and mitigate opposition, ensuring that simultaneous elections are seen as a step toward democratic efficiency rather than partisanship.
Mains PYQ:

Q Simultaneous election to the Lok Sabha and the State Assemblies will limit the amount of time and money spent in electioneering but it will reduce the government’s accountability to the people’ Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2017)
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Foreign Policy Watch: India-China

Storms brewing in East, South China seas

Explained | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests
Why in the News?

In recent years, maritime East Asia has witnessed escalating power struggles, with China claiming Japan-controlled Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, sparking repeated tensions.

What are the current geopolitical tensions in the East and South China Seas?
- East China Sea: The main issue revolves around the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, claimed by both China and Japan.
  - Tensions have escalated through incidents like the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain and Japan’s nationalization of the islands in 2012. The area also witnesses Chinese Coast Guard incursions.
- South China Sea: China’s claims over most of the region, backed by aggressive actions such as the creation of artificial islands and naval exercises, have escalated tensions with Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan.
  - China’s “Nine-Dash Line” claims have been rejected by international tribunals, but Beijing continues to push these claims.
- USA Context: The U.S. maintains security alliances with Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, providing military backing. Joint exercises and increased cooperation between these allies.
  - The formation of the “Squad” (US, Japan, Australia, and the Philippines) highlights the coordination to counterbalance China’s influence.
How do climate change and environmental factors impact storm patterns in these regions?
- Storm Patterns and Rising Seas: The region is highly vulnerable to extreme weather events, including typhoons, which are becoming more intense and frequent due to climate change.
  - Rising sea levels and changing storm patterns threaten coastal communities, military installations, and infrastructure.
- Erosion of Islands: The creation of artificial islands by China is accelerating coastal erosion and destroying coral reefs, which are critical to local marine ecosystems.
What are the implications of military activities by regional powers in the East and South China Seas?
- Growing Militarization: China has rapidly expanded its military presence, including the construction of airstrips, ports, and other defense infrastructure.
  - The Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militias have been active in harassing the vessels of other claimant states, particularly in the South China Sea.
- Challenge the US Navy: China’s military activities are seen as part of its broader strategy to challenge U.S. naval supremacy in the Indo-Pacific. This strategy also includes controlling vital sea lanes, undersea cables, and energy reserves.
How are local communities and economies affected?
- Economic Disruption: China’s actions in the South China Sea, particularly around disputed fishing areas, have impacted local economies dependent on fishing.
- Maritime Trade: The region is home to critical sea lanes through which a significant portion of global trade, including energy supplies, passes. Any conflict or blockade in these waters would have severe global economic ramifications.
- Impact on Tourism: The increasing militarization and tension also negatively impact tourism in coastal areas.
Way forward:
- Strengthening Maritime Partnerships: India should enhance its strategic maritime partnerships in the Indo-Pacific through forums like the Quad (India, U.S., Japan, and Australia) and ASEAN to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.
- Economic and Infrastructure Diplomacy: India can leverage initiatives like SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and enhance its economic presence by investing in infrastructure, connectivity, and capacity-building projects in Southeast Asian countries.
Mains PYQ:

Q South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (UPSC IAS/2016)
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[pib] WAVES Anime & Manga Contest

Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Effects Of Liberalization On The Economy, Changes In Industrial Policy and their effects on Industrial Growth

Why in the News?

In an effort to promote anime and manga culture in India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has launched the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest (WAM!).

About the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest

The WAM! is an innovative initiative launched by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in collaboration with the Media & Entertainment Association of India (MEAI).
The contest is part of Create in India Challenge and is aimed at nurturing local creative talent in anime and manga production.
It provides a unique platform for Indian creators to produce localized versions of Japanese art styles, targeting both domestic and global audiences.
The contest offers marketing support and opportunities for global recognition, helping creators showcase their talent in manga, webtoon, and anime.

WAM! features 3 key categories:

Manga (Japanese style comics): Individual participation for both students and professionals.
Webtoon (Vertical comics for digital mediums): Individual participation for students and professionals.
Anime (Japanese style animation): Team participation (up to 4 members) for students and professionals.

About the Create in India Challenge

The Create in India Challenge aligns with Prime Ministers vision of “Design in India, Design for the World”, emphasizing the development of creative industries in India.
It is part of the broader effort to make India a global hub for design, innovation, and creative production.
It is a precursor to the WAVES Summit, a large-scale event aimed at promoting creativity and technology in media and entertainment.

PYQ:

[2014] Though 100 percent FDI is already allowed in non-news media like a trade publication and general entertainment channel, the government is mulling over the proposal for increased FDI in news media for quite some time. What difference would an increase in FDI make? Critically evaluate the pros and cons.

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The Crisis In The Middle East

Philadelphi Corridor

World Mapping | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Effect Of Policies & Politics Of World On India’S Interests

Why in the News?

The Philadelphi Corridor is a key issue in ceasefire talks as Israel’s war on Gaza continues, with Palestinian deaths nearing 41,000.

About Philadelphi Corridor

The Philadelphi Corridor is a strategically significant strip of land between the Gaza-Egypt border.
It spans about 14 kilometers in length and 100 meters in width.
This area plays a critical role in regional security and the geopolitics surrounding Gaza, Israel, and Egypt.
It runs from the Mediterranean Sea in the north to the Kerem Shalom crossing with Israel in the south.
It includes the Rafah crossing, the main border point between Gaza and Egypt.
It acts as a buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza, with control over it influencing security and smuggling activities in the region.

Significance for Israel

The Corridor became significant after the 1979 Camp David peace treaty, allowing Israel to maintain a limited military presence.
In 2005, Israel withdrew from Gaza, including the corridor, leaving Egypt and the Palestinian Authority responsible for security.
In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza, increasing smuggling activities through tunnels in the corridor.
Israel regained control of the corridor in May 2023 during a ground offensive in Gaza.
The corridor has since been central to Israel’s strategy for controlling arms smuggling and preventing Hamas from using it as a supply route.

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Modern Indian History-Events and Personalities

Kolkata Tram

Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Modern Indian History

Why in the News?

West Bengal has announced the discontinuation of the iconic 150 year old Kolkata trams, India’s last functioning tram system.

About Kolkata Tram

Introduced in 1873 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), the first trams were horse-drawn and operated along a 3.8 km route between Sealdah and Armenian Ghat Street.
In 1874, horse-drawn trams reached Bombay (now Mumbai), followed by their introduction in Nashik and Patna.
However, their dependency on horse labor made them unsustainable.

Revival and Modernization of Kolkata’s Trams

Lord Ripon revived trams in Calcutta in 1880 by experimenting with steam locomotives.
While the steam-powered trams improved speed, they introduced issues like pollution, which discouraged other states from adopting this technology.
In 1895, Madras (now Chennai) launched the country’s first electric tramcars, reducing noise and pollution.
Following this, Calcutta also transitioned to electric-powered trams by 1902, with routes between Esplanade and Kidderpore, and Esplanade and Kalighat.

Significance of Trams

Kolkata’s trams hold historical significance as India’s oldest running tram system, symbolizing the city’s colonial past and cultural identity.
They provide an environmentally friendly and affordable mode of transport, making them relevant even today.
As a symbol of resilience, Kolkata’s trams have survived while other cities phased them out.
They also serve as a unique tourist attraction, offering a nostalgic glimpse of the city.

PYQ:

[2020] Which of the following statements correctly explains the impact of Industrial Revolution on India during the first half of the nineteenth century?

(a) Indian handicrafts were ruined.

(b) Machines were introduced in the Indian textile industry in large numbers.

(d) Heavy duties were imposed on the import of British manufactures.

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Wetland Conservation

In news: Dhanauri Wetland

Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

Why in the News?

The NGT has ordered the UP government to remove water hyacinth from “Dhanauri wetlands” and questioned its failure to designate the wetland as a Ramsar site.

Dhanauri Wetland

About Dhanauri Wetland

	Details
Location	Dhanauri village near Dankaur, Uttar Pradesh; Floodplains of Yamuna.
Key Species	Home to over 120 Sarus Cranes (state bird of Uttar Pradesh) and 217 bird species
Ecological Significance	Important birding and nesting site; recognized as an Important Bird Area by Bird Life International
Bird Population	Hosts over 50,000 waterfowls during migratory seasons (November to March)
Ramsar Criteria	Fulfills 2 Ramsar criteria: 1. Hosts over 1% of biogeographic Sarus Crane population 2. Congregation site for 20,000+ waterfowls
Conservation Status	Documented by BNHS (Bombay Natural History Society); crucial for supporting endangered species

Ramsar Wetlands

The Ramsar Convention, also known as the ‘Convention on Wetlands,’ is an intergovernmental environmental treaty founded by UNESCO in 1971.
It derives its name from the city of Ramsar in Iran, where it was initially signed.
Ramsar sites are wetlands of global significance recognized under this treaty.
The Montreux Record is a register of wetland sites on the brink of ecological changes and in need of close monitoring under the Ramsar Convention.

Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:

Ramsar site designation hinges on several factors:

Representing rare or unique natural wetland types.
Supporting endangered species or threatened ecological communities.
Maintaining biodiversity in specific biogeographic regions.
Offering refuge during adverse conditions.
Regularly accommodating 20,000 or more waterbirds.
Sustaining 1% of a population of a single water-bird species.
Serving as a critical source of food, spawning grounds, nurseries, and migration paths for fish.
Regularly supporting 1% of a population of non-avian wetland-dependent animal species.

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	Details
Origin	Devarasanahalli village near Nanjangud, Mysore district, Karnataka
Unique Features	Unique taste, aroma, *small size*, buttery soft texture 5-8 cm in length, 2-3 cm in diameter
Cultivation	In 2006-07, 180 farmers cultivated on 100 hectares; dropped to 15 farmers on 10 hectares by 2019-20. By the end of 2023-24, 200 farmers cultivating on 75 hectares.
Soil	Black saline alluvial soil along the banks of the Kapila River
Significance	Popular in traditional festivals, religious ceremonies, and Kannada literature
Cultural Reference	Mentioned in *Kayyar Kinhanna Rai’s* poem, a notable Kannada literary work
Challenges	Decline in quality due to heavy use of chemical fertilizers
Economic Impact	Significant for local farmers, high demand due to limited availability

Archives: News

Why in the News?

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

PYQ:

Why in the News?

What are High-Performance Computing (HPC) Systems?

What is PARAM Rudra?

Applications of PARAM Rudra

Back2Basics: National Supercomputing Mission (NSM):

Why in the News?

About Nanjangud Rasabale Banana

PYQ:

Why in the News?

Key issues as per SC:

About the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):

PYQ:

Why in the News?

How can Simultaneous Elections enhance governance and stability?

About the Voter Engagement and Participation:

Impact on Political Dynamics:

Way forward:

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

What are the current geopolitical tensions in the East and South China Seas?

How do climate change and environmental factors impact storm patterns in these regions?

What are the implications of military activities by regional powers in the East and South China Seas?

How are local communities and economies affected?

Way forward:

Mains PYQ:

Why in the News?

About the WAVES Anime & Manga Contest

WAM! features 3 key categories:

About the Create in India Challenge

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Philadelphi Corridor

Significance for Israel

Why in the News?

About Kolkata Tram

Revival and Modernization of Kolkata’s Trams

Significance of Trams

PYQ:

Why in the News?

About Dhanauri Wetland

Ramsar Wetlands

Ramsar Site Designation Criteria:

Join the Community