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Type: Prelims Only

  • Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

    Why in the News?

    The 20th meeting of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA-20) is currently underway in Rome.

    About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

    • The CGRFA is the only permanent intergovernmental body addressing all components of biodiversity-related to food and agriculture.
    • It was established in 1983 as the Commission on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.
    • It operates under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
    • It aims to create international consensus on managing biodiversity in food systems and ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of benefits from these genetic resources.
    • Membership: 179 countries (including India) and the European Union
    • Focus: Coordinates global efforts on biodiversity affecting agriculture, forestry, livestock, and aquatic species, including pollinators, soil organisms, and other vital species for food production.

    Structure and Mandate

    • Structure:
      • Governed by a biennial session where member countries discuss and make decisions.
      • A bureau, elected by member states, guides the Commission’s work.
      • The CGRFA Secretariat, hosted by FAO, offers technical and logistical support.
    • Mandate:
      • Policy Formulation: Develops global action plans, codes of conduct, and policy instruments for sustainable use and conservation of genetic resources for food and agriculture.
      • Global Assessments: Guides preparation of periodic assessments to monitor the status and trends of genetic resources and biodiversity.
      • Sustainable Use of Biodiversity: Promotes biodiversity use for food security, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation.
      • Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing: Ensures fair distribution of benefits from genetic resources, especially plant materials under international treaties.
    • Achievements:
      • International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA): Adopted in 2001, it recognizes farmers’ contributions to crop diversity and provides a global system for accessing plant genetic materials for breeders, farmers, and scientists.
    [UPSC 2014] Consider the following international agreements:

    1. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

    2. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification

    3. The World Heritage Convention

    Which of the above has / have a bearing on the biodiversity?

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

     

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Bangladesh

    50 Years of Farakka Barrage

    Prelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 1: Geographical Features & Their Location

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Farakka Barrage

    Why in the News?

    It was nearly 50 years ago, that India had completed the construction of the Farakka Barrage.

    About Farakka Barrage

    • The Farakka Barrage is located on the Ganges River in Murshidabad District, West Bengal, India, about 18 km from the Bangladesh border.
    • The barrage measures 2,304 meters (7,559 feet) in length.
    • Its construction began in 1962 and was completed in 1970 at a cost of 1 billion dollars. It became operational on April 21, 1975.
    • The Feeder Canal is approximately 42 km long, connecting the barrage to the Hooghly River.
    • Purpose:
      • It diverts water to the Hooghly River to maintain the navigability of Kolkata Port and to flush out sediment from the river.
      • It diverts 1,800 cubic meters per second of water from the Ganges.
    • Construction Details:
      • Built by Hindustan Construction Company, it consists of 109 gates, with 108 over the river and one over low-lying land as a precaution.
      • Supports the Farakka Super Thermal Power Station.
    • The 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty ensured fair water distribution:
      • 70,000 cusecs or less: 50% to both India and Bangladesh.
      • 70,000 – 75,000 cusecs: India gets 35,000 cusecs, Bangladesh the balance.
      • 75,000 cusecs or more: India receives 40,000 cusecs, Bangladesh gets the remainder.

    Significance in India-Bangladesh Water Sharing:

    • The Farakka Barrage is crucial for irrigation in West Bengal, supporting agriculture during the dry season.
    • Bangladesh, particularly Mongla and Khulna, depends on the Ganges for water.
    • The diverted water has led to water scarcity, impacting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in Bangladesh, causing diplomatic tensions.
    • This treaty ensures equitable distribution and guarantees a minimum flow for Bangladesh.
    • Issues: 
      • Water diversion has led to salinization and soil degradation in Bangladesh, affecting agriculture and freshwater supplies.
      • Biodiversity loss and damage to the Sundarbans mangrove forests have been significant environmental impacts.
    [UPSC 1997] The canal-carrying capacity of Farakka is:

    (a) 40,000 cusecs (b) 60,000 cusecs (c) 80,000 cusecs (d) 100,000 cusecs

     

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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Exercise ‘AIKEYME’

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise Aikeyme

    Why in the News?

    India is set to strengthen its military and maritime ties with African nations through two significant initiatives—Exercise Aikeyme (Africa-India Key Maritime Engagement) and IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Ship Sagar).

    About Exercise Aikeyme 

    • Aikeyme is India’s first-ever multilateral naval exercise with 10 African nations, aimed at improving maritime cooperation, enhancing maritime security, and addressing regional threats.
    • It will be held off Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, from April 13 to 18, 2025.
    • The nations taking part include Tanzania (co-host), Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.
    • It is aimed at increasing interoperability between the Indian Navy and African navies, with a focus on combating common threats like piracy and drug trafficking.
    • The goal is to make this exercise a biennial event and expand participation in future editions to include West African nations.
    • Key Features:
      • Visit Board Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills.
      • Arms firing exercises.
      • Helicopter operations.
      • Search and rescue missions.
      • Table-top and command post exercises on anti-piracy operations and information-sharing.

    IOS Sagar (Indian Ocean Ship) Initiative

    • The IOS Sagar initiative focuses on deepening India’s maritime cooperation with IOR countries.
    • It involves the deployment of the Indian Navy’s INS Sunayna, which will be manned by a combined crew of Indian sailors and 44 personnel from nine African countries.
    • The initiative will take place from April 5 to May 8, 2025.
    • Key Participating Countries: Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Seychelles, and South Africa.
    • Activities:
      • The ship will undertake port calls at Dar-es-Salaam, Nacala, Port Louis, Port Victoria, and Male.
      • The ship will also engage in joint surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Tanzania, Mozambique, Mauritius, and Seychelles.
      • The personnel will undergo two-week training capsules at Kochi, including sea training, watchkeeping, and other professional naval activities.

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    Prelims Only | History | Mains Paper 1: Arts & Culture

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Lapis Lazuli

    Why in the News?

    This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in ‘The Hindu’.

    Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    About Lapis Lazuli

    • Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock prized for its vibrant colour, often used in jewellery and decorative items.
    • It is composed mainly of lazurite, with other minerals like calcite and pyrite, which give it its characteristic golden specks.
    • It is mainly found in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province, though it is also present in Chile, Russia, and the US.
    • It has been valued since ancient times, particularly in Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Greece, and is known for its use in making pigments, especially ultramarine.

    Lapis Lazuli and its Ancient Significance

    Lapis Lazuli in Indus Valley Civilization (IVC):

    • The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) (3300-1900 BC) had extensive trade with Mesopotamia and Afghanistan, where lapis lazuli was imported.
    • It was used for beads and ornaments found at Mohenjo-daro and Harappa, underscoring its value in Indus jewellery.
    • It was a sacred stone, often used in beads, pendants, and amulets, symbolizing spirituality and high social status.
    • It was likely associated with religious ceremonies and used to represent the gods.
    • The Indus people were skilled at bead-making, often combining lapis lazuli with other stones, such as gold.
    • The intricate designs, including incised or painted beads, reflect their technical expertise.

    Other Semi-Precious Stones Found in IVC:

    Several semi-precious stones were used by the IVC to create jewellery and ornaments:

    • Carnelian beads were made into pendants and rings, valued for their reddish-orange hue and durability.
    • Amethyst beads, a purple quartz variety, were also used, likely imported from other regions.
    • Jasper, a chalcedony variety, was used for beads and pendants, valued for its earthy tones.
    • Turquoise was used in beads, often combined with lapis lazuli and carnelian.
    • Steatite (Soapstone) was used for seals and beads, often engraved with animal motifs or symbols.
    • Crystal and quartz were used for translucent beads, adding a mystical quality to jewelry.
    • Gold, combined with semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, carnelian, and turquoise, was extensively used in necklaces, bracelets, and earrings.

     

    [UPSC 2023] Lothal, a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization, was particularly well-known as a:

    (a) major agricultural centre

    (b) centre for textile production

    (c) major trade hub for beads, gems, and ornaments

    (d) site with extensive fire altars

     

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  • Judicial Reforms

    Appointment and Removal of High Court Judges

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Executive & Judiciary

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Removal of High Court Judges

    Why in the News?

    The Chief Justice of India (CJI) has set up a three-member panel to investigate the alleged discovery of a significant sum of money at the residence of a sitting Delhi High Court judge.

    Appointment Process of High Court Judges:

    • According to Article 217, the President of India appoints High Court judges after consulting with the CJI, the Governor of the respective state, and the Chief Justice of the High Court.
    • In the case of the appointment of a judge other than the Chief Justice, the Chief Justice of the High Court is consulted as well.
    • Consultation Process:
      • The process of appointing judges is handled by a Collegium, which includes the CJI and the two senior-most judges of the Supreme Court.
      • The Collegium System allows for a collaborative decision-making process where the Chief Justice of the High Court initiates the proposal, which is then forwarded to the Chief Minister.
      • The Chief Minister, in turn, advises the Governor, who submits the proposal to the Union Law Minister.
      • The Chief Justice of the High Court is appointed in accordance with a policy to ensure that Chief Justices are from outside the respective states.
    • Appointment and Transfer of Judges:
      • The CJI and the senior-most judges of the Supreme Court collectively decide on the appointment and transfer of judges, ensuring judicial independence and preventing executive interference.

    Removal of Judges in the Higher Judiciary:

    • Impeachment Process:
      • Judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can only be removed by impeachment, which requires a motion signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs.
      • The impeachment motion is investigated by a three-member judicial committee, and if the committee finds merit in the allegations, Parliament votes on the motion.
      • A 2/3rd majority is needed in both Houses for removal.
      • Parliament can, however, consider a motion to impeach a judge according to the procedure laid down in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    • In-House Inquiry Process:
      • The CJI can initiate an in-house inquiry in the event of serious allegations against a judge. This process involves the Chief Justice of the High Court submitting a report, and if the allegations are deemed serious, a three-member committee is constituted to investigate the matter.
      • If the committee recommends removal, the CJI may advise the judge to resign. If the judge refuses, their judicial work is withdrawn, and impeachment proceedings may be initiated.

    Historical Impeachment Efforts:

    • No judge has been impeached in India, though attempts have been made, including the failed motions against Justice V Ramaswami (1993) and Justice Soumitra Sen (2011).
    • Justice V Ramaswami (1993): Faced impeachment for financial misconduct, but the motion failed in the Lok Sabha.
    • Justice Soumitra Sen (2011): Resigned after impeachment proceedings for misappropriating funds.
    • Justice K Veeraswamy: Chief Justice of Madras HC, investigated for corruption but challenged the investigation. The case remained unresolved until his death in 2010.
    • Justice Shamit Mukherjee (2003), Justice Nirmal Yadav (2008), and Justice SN Shukla (2017): Faced criminal charges for corruption after in-house inquiries found substantial evidence against them.

     

    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:
    1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what Constitutes ‘incapacity and proved misbehaviour’ of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
    3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
    4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting.Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
    (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 3 and 4

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    Lok Sabha approves Demands for Grants of ₹50 Lakh Cr

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Parliament & State Legislatures

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Demands for Grants

    Why in the News?

    The Lok Sabha has passed the Demands for Grants of various Ministries for the financial year 2025-26, approving an expenditure of more than ₹50 lakh crore.

    What are Demands for Grants?

    • Demands for Grants refer to the expenditure estimates that require approval from the Lok Sabha under Article 113 of the Constitution of India.
    • These demands are essentially requests for funds by different ministries to cover their respective expenditure needs.
    • The Demands for Grants cover:
      • Revenue expenditure: Routine expenses for the functioning of government.
      • Capital expenditure: Investment-related spending, such as infrastructure and development projects.
      • Grants to States/UTs: Funds allocated to state governments and Union Territories for various purposes.
      • Loans & advances: Amounts lent to other entities or bodies.
    • Each ministry or department presents its own demand for grants.  Larger ministries may have multiple demands depending on the scope of their activities.
    • Types of Expenditures in Demands for Grants:
    1. Voted expenditure: It refers to the part of the budget that requires approval from the Lok Sabha. This expenditure can be debated and voted on by members of the House.
    2. Charged expenditure: It includes items like the President’s salary, judges’ salaries, debt servicing, and other such payments. This expenditure does not require a vote and is automatically passed.
    • Voting on Demands for Grants:
      • Exclusivity of Lok Sabha: Only the Lok Sabha has the power to vote on Demands for Grants.
      • Voting Process: Voting applies only to votable expenditure, with each demand voted on separately.
      • Guillotine Process: If time runs out for discussion, the Speaker applies the guillotine, automatically approving remaining demands.

    Constitutional Provisions on Demands for Grants

    • Article 113: Requires the President’s recommendation before any demand for a grant can be made.
    • Article 114: Money cannot be withdrawn from the Consolidated Fund of India without parliamentary approval.
    • Article 115: Allows supplementary grants if the budget is insufficient.
    • Article 116: Provides for Vote on Account and Vote of Credit if the budget is not passed before the start of the financial year.
    [UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements regarding the financial procedure in the Indian Parliament:
    1. The Appropriation Bill must be passed by the Lok Sabha after the Demands for Grants are voted upon.
    2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India.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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  • Indian Navy Updates

    Exercise Varuna

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Various Security Forces, Agencies & Their Mandates

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Exercise Varuna

    Why in the News?

    India and France recently conducted the 23rd edition of Exercise Varuna, a key bilateral naval exercise aimed at enhancing interoperability and combat readiness between the two countries’ naval forces.

    About Exercise Varuna

    • Exercise Varuna is a bilateral naval exercise between India and France.
      • It was first initiated in 1993 and officially named Varuna in 2001.
    • The exercise focuses on enhancing combat readiness, improving interoperability, and deepening maritime security cooperation between the two nations.
    • It spans multiple domains, including air, surface, and sub-surface operations, with a strong emphasis on anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and air combat drills.
    • Key Highlights:
      • The 2025 edition took place from March 19-22 off the coast of Goa, with participants such as INS Vikrant (India) and Charles de Gaulle (France).
      • This year’s exercises included aircraft carrier operations, ASW drills, and joint surface warfare operations.
      • Rafale-M (French Navy) and MiG-29K (Indian Navy) fighters participated in advanced air defence and mock air-to-air combat scenarios. 
      • Indian Scorpene-class submarines acted as aggressors, while French and Indian frigates protected high-value assets, including the French oiler Jacques Chevallier.
      • These drills enhanced underwater domain awareness and improved ASW tactics.

    Other Notable India-France Military Exercises:

    • FRINJEX: A joint exercise between the Indian and French armies focused on ground operations.
    • GARUDA: A bilateral air exercise between the Indian and French air forces, first held in 2003.
    • SHAKTI: A biennial military exercise between India and France, focusing on counter-terrorism operations.
    • La Pérouse: A multilateral maritime exercise led by the French Navy, with India participating for the first time in 2021.

     

    [UPSC 2024] Which of the following statements about ‘Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023’ are correct?

    1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh.

    2. It commenced in Aundh (Pune).

    3. Joint response during counter-terrorism operations was a goal of this operation.

    4. Indian Air Force was a part of this exercise.

    Select the answer using the code given below:

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

     

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  • Climate Change Impact on India and World – International Reports, Key Observations, etc.

    United Nations World Water Development Report, 2025

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UN World Water Development Report, 2025

    Why in the News?

    On March 21, 2025, the United Nations marked the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, and in conjunction, the United Nations World Water Development Report issued a disturbing warning about the rapid loss of glaciers.

     

    Key Highlights of the Report:

    • Hindu Kush Himalayas (HKH) Glacier Loss: Glaciers are melting 65% faster (2011-2020) than the previous decade, with up to 50% shrinkage by 2100 if global temperatures rise by 1.5-2°C.
    • WMO’s Climate Report: The 2024 climate year was the warmest in 175 years, reinforcing the link between rising temperatures and accelerated glacier melt.
    • Unprecedented Glacier Mass Loss: Over 9,000 billion tonnes of ice lost since 1975, with 450 gigatons lost in 2024 alone.
    • Rising Sea Levels: Melting glaciers contribute to sea level rise, displacing 200,000 to 300,000 people annually and increasing coastal flooding risks.
    • Increased Wildfires and Dust Storms: Rising wildfires and dust storms accelerate glacier melt by darkening their surfaces.
    • Permafrost Thawing: Thawing permafrost releases carbon and nutrients, worsening climate change and increasing landslide risks.
    • Declining Snow Cover: A 7.79% global decline in persistent snow cover from 1979-2022 affects water resources.

    About World Glaciers Day 

    • March 21, 2025, marked the first-ever World Day for Glaciers, aimed at raising awareness about glaciers and the risks posed by their loss due to climate change.
    • It was declared by the UN in its resolution A/RES/77/158 along with the International Year of Glaciers 2025.
    • The day calls for governments, organizations, and individuals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adopt sustainable water management practices.
    [UPSC 2019] Consider the following statements:

    1. Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.

    2. Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the seafloor.

    3. Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

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

     

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  • Parliament – Sessions, Procedures, Motions, Committees etc

    PAC flags Failure of Swadesh Darshan Scheme

    Prelims Only | Polity | Mains Paper 2: Indian Constitution – historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Public Accounts Committee, Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS)

    Why in the News?

    The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has criticized the Ministry of Tourism for the poor execution of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme and highlighted lapses in planning, approvals, and project execution.

    About Public Accounts Committee (PAC):

    • The PAC was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.
    • It consists of 22 members, with 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha, who are elected annually.
    • The Chairman of the committee is traditionally selected from the Opposition since 1967.
    • The PAC plays a crucial role in examining the audit reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), focusing on public expenditure.
    • It ensures that funds are utilized efficiently, and it checks for irregularities, corruption, waste, and inefficiencies in government spending.

    About Swadesh Darshan Scheme (SDS):

    • The Swadesh Darshan Scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Tourism.
      • Objective: Developing theme-based tourist circuits such as Buddhist, Coastal, Heritage, and Eco-tourism circuits in India, emphasising sustainable tourism.
    • The scheme is 100% centrally funded, and it provides financial assistance to state governments, Union Territory administrations, and central agencies for the development of tourism infrastructure.
    • Swadesh Darshan 2.0 scheme (which began from January 2023) adopts a more holistic approach, shifting from circuit-based tourism to a destination-centric model.
      • This new version aims to encourage private sector investment in tourism and hospitality, aligning with India’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision.
      • It prioritizes long-term growth and the development of sustainable tourism destinations.
      • The Challenge-Based Destination Development (CBDD) is a sub-scheme under Swadesh Darshan 2.0, focusing on the competitive development of tourism destinations.
      • This initiative aims to foster sustainability, digitalization, skill development, MSME support, and effective management, ensuring that the tourism sector thrives in a more modern and organized manner.

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2007] Consider the following statements:

    1. The Chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts is appointed by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha.

    2. The Committee on Public Accounts comprises Members of Lok Sabha, Members of Rajya Sabha, and a few eminent persons of industry and trade.

    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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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-Russia

    India and the Arctic

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Arctic Council

    Why in the News?

    The Russian Ambassador to India recently stated that Russia views India’s interest in the Arctic as a “stabilizing factor.”

    India-Russia Collaboration in the Arctic

    India and Russia have strengthened their cooperation in the Arctic, focusing on scientific research, energy resources, and shipping routes:

    • Energy Resources: Joint ventures in Arctic oil and gas extraction, particularly in the Dolginskoye oil field and Vostok oil cluster.
    • Northern Sea Route (NSR): India and Russia are working to improve shipping through the NSR, aiming to reduce shipping costs and improve connectivity.

    About India’s Arctic Policy

    • India’s Arctic Policy was launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2022, taking a comprehensive approach that involves multiple sectors, including scientific, environmental, economic, and strategic interests.
    • It focuses on sustainability, aiming to protect the environment while exploring opportunities in energy resources, shipping routes, and scientific collaboration.
    • The policy includes 6 key pillars:
    1. Science and Research: Focus on climate change, geosciences, and polar biology.
    2. Climate and Environmental Protection: Ensuring development does not compromise the Arctic ecosystem.
    3. Economic and Human Development: Exploring opportunities in energy extraction and shipping.
    4. Transportation and Connectivity: Enhancing access to Arctic shipping routes.
    5. Governance and International Cooperation: Strengthening ties with international partners like the Arctic Council.
    6. National Capacity Building: Developing expertise in Arctic research and polar navigation.
    • The policy acknowledges the geopolitical dynamics of the Arctic and seeks to balance scientific, economic, and strategic interests.

    India’s Mission to the Arctic

    • India’s Arctic mission began in 2007, with its first research mission focused on microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology. India also established its research base, Himadri, in the Arctic in 2008. Recent advancements include:
      • In 2023, India conducted winter expedition in polar night conditions to study climate change, sea-ice dynamics, and ocean circulation.
      • India collaborates with Russia, Norway, and other Arctic nations through research institutes and joint expeditions.
    • India’s focus is on understanding the Arctic’s impact on climate change and its effects on weather patterns, particularly in South Asia.

    Back2Basics: Arctic Council

    • The Arctic Council, established in 1996, is an intergovernmental forum for cooperation among Arctic states.
    • The Council includes 8 Arctic countries and permanent participants from indigenous Arctic communities. Its focus is on environmental protection, sustainable development, and scientific research.
    • India has been an observer since 2013, contributing to scientific research, climate change discussions, and policy frameworks.
    • The Council’s activities were suspended in 2022 due to rising tensions from militarization by NATO countries.
      • Despite this, India continues to engage constructively with the Council.
    • India’s participation in the Arctic Council highlights the global importance of Arctic issues, particularly regarding climate change and energy security.

     

    PYQ:

    [UPSC 2015] The term ‘IndARC’, sometimes seen in the news, is the name of:

    (a) an indigenously developed radar system inducted into Indian Defence

    (b) India’s satellite to provide services to the countries of Indian Ocean Rim

    (c) a scientific establishment set up by India in Antarctic region

    (d) India’s underwater observatory to scientifically study the Arctic region

    [UPSC 2018] Why is India taking keen in resources of Arctic region?

    [UPSC 2015] What are the economic significances of discovery of oil in Arctic Sea and its possible environmental consequences?

     

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