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Subject: International Relations

  • Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman

    Why in the News?

    Iran has seized an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, with 18 crew members from India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on board, citing illegal fuel smuggling.

    Key Details of the Incident

    • Seizure carried out by Iranian forces off the Sea of Oman coast
     • Reported by Fars News Agency
     • Vessel was allegedly carrying six million litres of contraband diesel fuel
     • The tanker had disabled its navigation systems
     • Action linked to enforcement against fuel smuggling operations

    Iran and Fuel Smuggling

    • Retail fuel prices in Iran are among the lowest globally
     • Creates strong incentives for cross border fuel smuggling
     • Iranian authorities frequently intercept vessels accused of illegal fuel transport in the Gulf region

    Regional and International Context

    • Iran seized another tanker last month for unauthorised cargo
     • Iran denied that the seizure was retaliatory
     • The incident follows a recent US seizure of an oil tanker near Venezuela
     • The US alleged that the ship was transporting oil linked to Iran and Venezuela

    US Sanctions Angle

    • US Treasury imposed sanctions on Venezuela in 2022
     • Sanctions linked to alleged ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC and Hezbollah

    Prelims Pointers

    • Gulf of Oman connects the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz
     • Region is strategically vital for global energy trade
     • Fuel smuggling is common in regions with subsidised energy prices
     • Maritime seizures often have geopolitical and security implications
     • Crew nationality issues raise consular and diplomatic concerns

    Consider the following statements: (2024)

    Statement-I: Sumed pipeline is a strategic route for Persian Gulf oil and natural gas shipments to Europe. 

    Statement-II: Sumed pipeline connects the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea. 

    Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements? 

    (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I 

    (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I 

    (c) Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect 

    (d) Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

  • Pax Silica Initiative

    Why in the News?

    The Congress party recently criticised the Prime Minister over India’s exclusion from the United States led strategic initiative known as Pax Silica, citing a perceived downturn in India US relations.

    About Pax Silica Initiative

    • Pax Silica is a US led strategic initiative aimed at building a secure, resilient and innovation driven global silicon supply chain.
       • The initiative covers the entire value chain from critical minerals and energy inputs to advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, artificial intelligence infrastructure and logistics.
       • The term Pax is derived from Latin, meaning peace, stability and long term prosperity.
       • Silica refers to the compound refined into silicon, a foundational element for computer chips that power AI and advanced digital technologies.
       • The initiative seeks to reduce coercive dependencies, protect critical materials and capabilities essential for AI, and enable trusted nations to develop and deploy emerging technologies at scale.

    Member Countries

    • Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Israel, United Arab Emirates and Australia

    Core Objectives

    • Jointly address vulnerabilities and opportunities in AI related supply chains.
       • Cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductor design, fabrication and packaging.
       • Strengthen logistics, transportation, compute infrastructure and energy grids.
       • Promote new joint ventures and strategic co investment opportunities.
       • Protect sensitive technologies and critical infrastructure from undue access or control by countries of concern.
       • Build trusted technology ecosystems including ICT systems, fibre optic cables, data centres, foundational AI models and applications.

    Significance for Prelims

    • Focuses on strategic technology security rather than a formal treaty.
       • Closely linked to semiconductor and AI geopolitics.
       • Reflects US efforts to align technology supply chains among trusted partners.
    With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence can effectively do which of the following? (2020)

    (1) Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units 

    (2) Create meaningful short stories and songs 

    (3) Disease diagnosis 

    (4) Text-to-Speech Conversion 

    (5) Wireless transmission of electrical energy 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

  • FTAs for a start: On India and trade pacts

    Introduction

    India has entered into 20 regional or free trade agreements, excluding the recently concluded pacts with the United Kingdom and European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Negotiations are ongoing with major economies including the United States, European Union, Canada, and the Southern African Customs Union. This renewed urgency is driven by U.S. tariffs of up to 50% on key Indian exports, underscoring the strategic importance of trade diversification. However, evidence from earlier FTAs reveals that market access without domestic preparedness has widened trade deficits rather than strengthened exports.

    Why in the News?

    India’s FTA strategy is at a critical inflection point. While the country is rapidly expanding its trade pact network and reconsidering engagement channels even with blocs like RCEP, outcomes from earlier agreements expose structural weaknesses. Trade deficits with ASEAN widened from $10 billion (2017) to nearly $44 billion (2023), and similar trends are visible with Japan and South Korea, despite rising exports. 

    India’s Expanding FTA Landscape

    1. FTA Coverage: Enters 20 FTAs; recent additions include the UK and EFTA agreements.
    2. Negotiation Momentum: Accelerates talks with the U.S., EU, Canada, and SACU.
    3. Strategic Trigger: Responds to steep U.S. tariff escalation on Indian exports.
    4. RCEP Positioning: Maintains non-accession while exploring consultative channels.

    Trade Imbalances from Earlier FTAs

    1. ASEAN Trade Deficit: Expands from ~$10 billion (2017) to ~$44 billion (2023).
    2. Japan and Korea Pattern: Imports of high-value, capital-intensive goods outpace export growth.
    3. Structural Asymmetry: Export basket remains less competitive against partner economies.

    Negotiation and Design Deficiencies

    1. Standards Alignment Gaps: Weak mutual recognition on quality standards and certifications.
    2. Rules of Origin Weakness: Allows import surge without commensurate domestic value addition.
    3. Non-Tariff Barriers: Insufficiently addressed despite tariff liberalisation.
    4. Sectoral Misalignment: FTAs not tailored to India’s comparative sectoral strengths.
    5. Industry Consultation Deficit: Limited engagement with exporters during negotiations.

    Implementation and Domestic Uptake Failures

    1. Low Utilisation Rates: Indian exporters fail to exploit preferential margins.
    2. Domestic Awareness Gaps: Government does not adequately popularise FTAs among industry.
    3. Partner Advantage: Counterpart economies utilise preferences more effectively.

    Course Correction through Recent Agreements

    1. Review Mechanism: Reassessment of ASEAN, Japan, and Korea FTAs initiates correction.
    2. India-UAE CEPA Outcome: Achieves balanced trade expansion; non-oil trade touches ~$100 billion in FY25.
    3. Learning Curve: Demonstrates value of calibrated concessions and sector-specific focus.

    Strategic Priorities in Ongoing Negotiations

    1. United States Engagement: Requires structured consultations with services, seafood, engineering goods, and textile exporters.
    2. European Union Talks: Demands focus on carbon-intensive sectors like iron, steel, and cement.
    3. CBAM Challenge: Trade terms must factor the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

    Beyond Agreements: The Export Support Imperative

    1. Standards Infrastructure: Strengthens quality, certification, and testing ecosystems.
    2. Trade Infrastructure: Improves logistics and supply-chain efficiency.
    3. Technology Upgradation: Enables competitiveness in global value chains.
    4. Market Intelligence: Supports exporters with real-time demand and compliance data.

    Conclusion

    Free trade agreements can only serve as an entry point, not a substitute, for export competitiveness. India’s experience with earlier FTAs shows that tariff liberalisation without adequate attention to standards, rules of origin, sectoral strengths and domestic capacity leads to widening trade deficits rather than sustained gains. The relatively balanced outcomes under recent agreements underline the importance of better-designed negotiations and continuous review. As India advances talks with major economies, the real test will lie beyond signing pacts; in systematically supporting exporters through quality infrastructure, technology upgradation and market intelligence so that market access translates into durable trade outcomes.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labor-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labor-intensive rather than capital – intensive exports.

    Linkage: This PYQ directly aligns with the article’s core argument that FTAs without domestic productive capacity and sectoral competitiveness lead to import surges rather than export expansion.

  • China’s $1-trillion trade surplus: What’s behind it, what it means for India, world

    Introduction

    China has crossed a historic milestone by recording a trade surplus exceeding $1 trillion in the first 11 months of 2025. This achievement reflects China’s export dominance, cost efficiencies, and deep manufacturing networks. Yet, behind the success lie persistent weaknesses, stagnant consumption, weak imports, currency effects, and overcapacity in key sectors. These trends shape not just China’s trajectory but also global industrial dynamics, including India’s trade and manufacturing future.

    Why in the news?

    China’s trade surplus has exceeded $1 trillion for the first time in history, despite years of U.S. tariffs and geopolitical frictions. The resilience reflects China’s ability to expand exports to South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, even as domestic demand weakens.

    What does the $1-trillion surplus reveal about China’s growth trajectory?

    1. Export-led resilience: Manufacturing depth and supply-chain clusters allowed China to sustain expansion despite tariffs.
    2. Structural internal weakness: Low consumption and investment constrain domestic absorption.
    3. Sectoral overcapacity: EVs, batteries, industrial goods, and electronics output exceeds internal demand.
    4. Policy cushioning: Government intervention continues to support firms under price pressure.

    How do components of trade explain the imbalance?

    1. Lower-value export surge: Expanded sharply, reflecting weak internal markets pushing firms outward.
    2. Import contraction: Decline in commodities and inputs indicates sluggish domestic activity.
    3. Currency-linked advantage: A weaker yuan reinforces export competitiveness.
    4. Manufacturing glut: Large surpluses in EVs, solar equipment, electronics depress global prices.

    How does the surplus intensify global ‘dumping’ concerns?

    1. Persistent oversupply: Weak domestic demand forces producers to export inventory at low prices.
    2. Pressure on partner economies: U.S., EU, and developing economies report domestic industries losing competitiveness.
    3. Tariff limitations: U.S. tariffs did not significantly reduce Chinese exports.
    4. Supply chain entrenchment: China’s dominance across EVs, tech components, and industrial goods remains unchallenged.

    How sustainable is China’s export-led model?

    1. Renewed “China Shock” risk: Manufacturing displacement and job losses could mirror early 2000s patterns.
    2. Dependence on external demand: Growth remains tied to global absorption rather than domestic stability.
    3. Competitive squeeze on emerging markets: Low-cost Chinese exports undermine local industries.
    4. Structural bottlenecks: Ageing workforce, real-estate slowdown constrain internal economic balancing.

    How do manufacturing dynamics shape the surplus?

    1. Scale-driven efficiency: China sustains low costs across both labour-intensive and advanced sectors.
    2. Policy-backed expansion: Subsidies and industrial support keep output rising.
    3. Global market share gains: EVs, solar panels, electronics, and industrial machinery continue expanding.
    4. Domestic slowdown: Weak property and consumption push firms outward to global markets.

    Impact on India and Indian Trade

    1. Cheaper import influx risk: Price-suppressed Chinese exports may flood Indian markets, impacting electronics, machinery, solar equipment, and auto components.
    2. Pressure on India’s manufacturing ambitions: China’s entrenched manufacturing scale raises India’s cost of competing globally under ‘Make in India’.
    3. Possible trade diversion: As the U.S. and EU tighten controls, India could face redirected Chinese goods.
    4. Market displacement abroad: Indian exports in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America face increased competition from cheaper Chinese alternatives.
    5. Strategic policy dilemma: Balancing industry protection with consumer prices and trade stability becomes increasingly complex.

    Lessons for India

    1. Need for competitive scale: China demonstrates the value of large, integrated industrial clusters. India must deepen logistics, supply chains, and factor-market efficiencies.
    2. Balanced growth strategy: China’s heavy export-reliance exposes vulnerabilities; India must cultivate both domestic consumption and export capacity.
    3. Avoiding overcapacity traps: China’s challenges underline the importance of calibrating production capacity with market signals.
    4. Building resilience to global shocks: India needs robust monitoring of trade flows and flexible tariff tools.
    5. Technology depth imperative: China’s advantage is rooted in technological upgrading; India must accelerate R&D, innovation incentives, and high-tech manufacturing.

    Comparative Analysis with Other Countries

    1. United States: Tariffs failed to curb China’s exports, showing the limitations of defensive measures without productive capacity building, an important lesson for India.
    2. Southeast Asia: Countries like Vietnam and Indonesia witness intensified competition and job risks just as India does, but India’s larger domestic market offers relative insulation.
    3. Mexico: Direct competition in the U.S.-linked value chains mirrors India’s exposure; both face risks of Chinese undercutting.
    4. Africa: China’s aggressive pricing challenges traditional Indian strongholds in machinery, pharma, and services.
    5. European Union: EU’s regulatory pushback on Chinese EVs illustrates structured responses India could consider; sector-specific anti-dumping, surveillance mechanisms.

    Conclusion

    China’s record surplus highlights a powerful yet imbalanced economic structure. While global markets absorb China’s excess capacity, emerging economies, including India, face intensified competition and strategic risks. The situation offers critical lessons: strengthen domestic manufacturing, build competitive scale, avoid overcapacity, and enhance technological self-reliance. How China manages its internal imbalances will shape global industrial dynamics for years, and how India positions itself will determine its share of future growth.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labor-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labor-intensive rather than capital – intensive exports.

    Linkage: This question is highly relevant as India seeks to shift from capital-heavy growth to labour-absorbing manufacturing. It links directly to GS-III themes of industrial growth, labour reforms, MSME scaling, global value chain integration, and India’s need to counter low-cost competition from China, Bangladesh, and Vietnam.

  • UNICEF

    Why in the News?

    UNICEF, created on December 11, 1946, originally provided emergency relief to children and mothers in war-affected regions after World War II. A recent quiz on UNICEF’s history highlights several facts important for UPSC Prelims.

    UNICEF’s First Greeting Card (1949)

    • A thank-you drawing from a young girl became UNICEF’s first fundraising greeting card.
    • The artwork depicted children dancing around a maypole.
    • This started UNICEF’s global tradition of greeting cards used to fund child-focused programs.

    Transformation in 1953: Change of Name

    • UNICEF became a permanent part of the UN system in 1953.
    • Its original name: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund.
    • Words International and Emergency were removed.
    • New name: United Nations Children’s Fund, but acronym UNICEF retained for familiarity.
    • India is the member.

    Nobel Peace Prize

    • UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965.
    • Recognised for advancing “brotherhood among nations” through children’s welfare, development, and global health programs.

    World’s Most Widely Used Hand Pump

    • Severe droughts in rural India in the 1970s led to a major collaboration between the Government of India, WHO and UNICEF.
    • Result: India Mark II hand pump, now among the most widely deployed rural water pumps in the world.
    • Known for reliability, low maintenance and suitability for community use.

    U.S. Withdrawal Controversy (Early 1980s)

    • UNICEF faced indirect criticism when the US government announced withdrawal from UNESCO.
    With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, consider the following: (2010)

    1. The Right to Development 

    2. The Right to Expression 

    3. The Right to Recreation 

    Which of the above is/ are the Rights of the child? 

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

  • India Hosts 3rd Global IALA Council Session in Mumbai

    Why in the News?

    The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, inaugurated the 3rd Global IALA Council Session in Mumbai and launched a Digital Ticketing Portal for Lighthouse Tourism. Over 30 countries are participating in the high-level global event, held from 8–12 December 2025.

    About IALA (International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities)

    • A non-profit international body that sets global standards for marine aids to navigation.
    • Works in areas such as:
      • AtoN systems
      • VTS standards
      • e-Navigation frameworks
    • Promotes harmonisation of navigation technologies across member states.
    • India is a long-standing member and host of the 3rd Council session.
    India is one of the founding members of the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a multimodal transportation corridor, which will connect (2025)

    (a) India to Central Asia to Europe via Iran 

    (b) India to Central Asia via China 

    (c) India to South-East Asia through Bangladesh and Myanmar 

    (d) India to Europe through Azerbaijan

  • Interpol Issues Blue Corner Notice in Goa Fire Case

    Why in the News?

    Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice to trace the missing owners of a Goa nightclub where a major fire incident occurred. The notice enables global police cooperation to gather information on their whereabouts and identity.

    About Blue Corner Notice

    • Part of Interpol’s colour-coded alert system.
    • Also called an enquiry notice.
    • Purpose:
      • To collect additional information about a person of interest.
      • To verify identity, location, or criminal background.
    • Typically issued before criminal charges are formally filed.
    • Helps member countries share information rapidly during investigations.

    What is INTERPOL?

    • Full name: International Criminal Police Organization.
    • Facilitates international police cooperation against crimes such as terrorism, drug trafficking, cybercrime, human trafficking and organized crime.
    • Members: 196 countries.
    • India joined in 1949.
    • Not a UN agency; it is an independent international body.
    • Holds Permanent Observer status at the UN since 1996.
    • Headquarters: Lyon, France.

    India’s Role: 

    • India became a member of INTERPOL in 1949.
    • As a member country, India participates through its National Central Bureau (NCB) located in New Delhi, under the CBI.
    • India can request or respond to Interpol Notices, including Red, Blue, Yellow and others.
    • India contributes to global policing cooperation on terrorism, cybercrime, trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime.
    In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)

    1. Service providers 

    2. Data Centres 

    3. Body corporate 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

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

  • Why India is not ‘dumping’ rice in the US as Trump says

    Introduction

    The claim that India is “dumping” rice in the US market has resurfaced amid renewed India-US trade negotiations. However, trade data, export composition, and tariff structures indicate that India’s rice exports to the US are neither large in volume nor price-distorting. The issue assumes significance as it intersects with US protectionism, agricultural trade sensitivities, and India’s broader export strategy.

    Nature of the Allegation and Its Context

    1. Political Assertion: The allegation of rice dumping was raised by US President Donald Trump while justifying potential tariff actions against Indian exports.
    2. Negotiation Backdrop: The statement coincides with the restart of India-US trade talks involving the US Trade Representative and India’s chief negotiator.
    3. Trade Sensitivity: Agricultural trade remains among the most politically sensitive sectors in US trade policy.

    Scale of India’s Rice Exports to the US

    1. Limited Export Share: The US accounts for a marginal share of India’s rice exports.
    2. Export Value: India exported rice worth $337.1 million to the US in 2024-25.
    3. Global Comparison: Major destinations include Saudi Arabia, Iran, UAE, Yemen, and African countries, all importing far larger volumes than the US.
    4. Import Dependence: The US is not a major rice producer but exports more rice than it imports.

    Composition of Exports and Price Dynamics

    1. Premium Product Profile: India’s exports to the US are dominated by basmati rice, a high-value, niche product.
    2. Price Differential: Basmati rice exported to the US is priced at $900-1,125 per tonne, compared to $700-800 per tonne for non-basmati.
    3. Market Positioning: Such pricing negates the economic logic of dumping, which requires below-cost sales.
    4. Consumer Segment: Exports cater primarily to ethnic and gourmet markets rather than mass consumption.

    Non-Basmati Exports and Market Structure

    1. Negligible Share: Non-basmati rice exports to the US are minimal, accounting for a small fraction of total exports.
    2. Primary Markets: Africa and parts of Asia dominate India’s non-basmati rice trade.
    3. Trade Pattern: Countries such as Benin, Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Bangladesh import substantially larger volumes.

    Tariff Structure and Impact on Indian Exports

    1. Existing Tariffs: Indian rice already faces US tariffs, limiting competitiveness.
    2. Potential Tariff Hike: Trump has reiterated the possibility of imposing additional tariffs across sectors.
    3. Marginal Impact: Analysts predict note that tariffs may not significantly affect rice exports due to their niche positioning.
    4. Trade Balance Shift: India’s trade surplus with the US has declined from $35.7 billion (FY23) to $31.7 billion (FY25).

    Broader Trade Negotiations and Strategic Signals

    1. Negotiation Progress: Both sides expect a breakthrough due to sustained engagement.
    2. Strategic Context: The trade talks are also shaped by US efforts to rebalance supply chains and counter China.
    3. Indian Leverage: India’s diversified export basket and regulated agricultural exports strengthen its negotiating position.

    Conclusion

    The allegation of rice dumping lacks empirical support when examined against export volumes, pricing structures, and product composition. India’s rice exports to the US are limited, premium-priced, and non-disruptive. The issue reflects broader protectionist pressures rather than a genuine trade distortion, underscoring the importance of data-driven engagement in India-US trade negotiations.

    Rice in India: Key Value-Addition Statistics 

    Area, Production and Yield

    1. Area under rice: ~ 44 million hectares, about 23-24% of India’s gross cropped area.
    2. Production: ~ 135-138 million tonnes (record levels in recent years).
    3. Yield: ~ 3.9-4.1 tonnes per hectare, lower than China but improving due to HYVs and irrigation.
    4. Seasonal spread: Dominantly kharif crop, with rabi rice significant in eastern and southern India.

    Basmati vs Non-Basmati Rice

    • Basmati rice:
    • Area: ~ 1.5-1.6 million hectares
    • Share in production: ~ 4-5%
    • Share in export value: 25-30% (premium pricing)
    • Price: Significantly higher than non-basmati
    • Non-basmati rice:
    • Area: ~ 42 million hectares
    • Backbone of domestic food security
    • Accounts for bulk of export volume, especially to Africa and Asia

    Major Rice-Producing States

    1. West Bengal: largest producer
    2. Uttar Pradesh: second largest
    3. Punjab: high productivity; major surplus state
    4. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana: export-oriented surplus
    5. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Assam: major contributors.
    6. Basmati-specific states: Punjab, Haryana, Western Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, parts of J&K.

    Rice in India’s Agricultural Trade

    • Rice = India’s single largest agri export commodity by value.
    1. Basmati exports: High-value, niche, quality-driven.
    2. Non-basmati exports: Volume-driven, price-competitive.
    3. Policy role: Central to debates on MSP, food security, buffer stocks, and WTO subsidy limits.

    UPSC-Relevant Analytical Points

    1. Food security vs exports: Non-basmati supports PDS and buffer stock; basmati supports farmer income and forex.
    2. WTO relevance: Rice is central to India’s public stockholding and subsidy notifications under AoA.
    3. Environmental concern: Rice cultivation linked to groundwater depletion and stubble burning in north-west India.
    4. Strategic leverage: Dominance in global rice trade gives India bargaining power but invites protectionist scrutiny.

    WTO Dispute & Legal Hooks

    1. WTO angle: India’s farm subsidies (especially MSP + public stockholding for rice & wheat) have been repeatedly challenged through US “counter-notifications” at the WTO, alleging India breaches the 10% de-minimis limit for product-specific support under the Agreement on Agriculture (AoA, Article 6). 
    2. Peace clause use: India itself notified breaching the rice subsidy cap in 2018–19 and invoked the Bali “peace clause” on public stockholding for food security, shielding it (temporarily) from legal action even if limits are crossed. 
    3. Related dispute: A 2018 WTO case on India’s sugar and sugarcane support saw a panel ruling (2021) that parts of India’s domestic support violated AoA rules; India appealed into the non-functional Appellate Body, so the case remains unresolved.

    India-US Trade Share (Official Source)

    1. Overall trade: As per USTR (official US data), total US–India goods and services trade was about $212.3 bn in 2024, with goods trade at $128.9 bn (US exports $41.5 bn; imports from India $87.3 bn).
    2. Agriculture slice: A recent brief on India–US agricultural trade notes India’s agri exports to the US are about $5.7 bn annually, a small share of both India’s total exports and overall bilateral trade.

    UPSC RELEVANCE

    [UPSC 2021] What are the direct and indirect subsidies provided to farm sector in India? Discuss the issues raised by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in relation to agricultural subsidies.

    Linkage: It is relevant to GS Paper III as WTO concerns over farm subsidies underpin dumping allegations against India, including in rice trade with the US. It helps assess whether export competitiveness is subsidy-driven or market-based.

  • Benin

    Why in the news?

    Benin President Patrice Talon said the security forces stopped a coup attempt by some soldiers in Cotonou on December 7.

    Key Facts

    • Country in West Africa
      Total area about 112622 sq km
       Borders: Niger to the northeast and east, Togo to the west, Burkina Faso to the northwest and the Southern coastline on the Bight of Benin (Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean)
    • Major rivers:
      • Niger and its tributaries Mékrou, Alibori, Sota (northeast)
      • Mono, Couffo, Ouémé
    • Official capital: Porto Novo
      • Largest city and de facto capital: Cotonou
    • Approx population: 10.87 million (2016)
    • Official language: French
       Widely spoken local languages: Fon, Yoruba
    • Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF)
    • Former French colony; independence in 1960
    • Type of government: Presidential Republic
      • Multi-party democratic system
    In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught the international attention for which one of the following reasons common to all of them? (2023)

    (a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements 

    (b) Establishement of Chinese military bases 

    (c) Southward expansion of Sahara Desert 

    (d) Successful coups

  • International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

    Why in the news?

    India chaired a high level meeting of Big Cat Range Countries in New Delhi, where the Union Environment Minister invited all such countries to join IBCA. India will host the Global Big Cats Summit in 2026.

    What is IBCA?

    A global cooperative initiative launched by India to protect big cats and their habitats worldwide.
     Envisioned by the Prime Minister of India.

    Species covered

    Seven big cats:
    Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma

    Purpose

    • Strengthen conservation and ecological balance
    • Promote knowledge sharing, capacity building
    • Encourage nature based solutions for green growth
    • Safeguard ecosystems and enhance climate resilience

    Current Status

    • Secretariat: New Delhi, India
    • Members: 18 countries
    • Observer countries: 3
    • Supported by various international organisations
    Consider the following statements: (2016)

    1. The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015. 

    2. The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations. 

    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