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Type: Prelims Only

  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary 

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary

    Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary 

    Why in the News?

    • The National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has approved 5 crucial roads, including 4 that pass through the Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary near the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
      • These include a route to Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO), India’s northernmost military outpost in Ladakh, which also houses the country’s highest airstrip.

    About Karakoram Wildlife Sanctuary:

    Details
    Location Ladakh, India, situated in the eastern part of the Karakoram Range.
    Area 5,000 sq km (approximately), making it one of the largest high-altitude protected areas in India.
    Altitude Range Ranges from about 4,200m to over 7,500m at the peak of Saltoro Kangri.
    Climate
    • Characterized by a cold desert climate, with harsh winters, low temperatures, and limited vegetation.
    • The region experiences snowfall during winter and temperatures can drop below -20°C (-4°F).
    • Summer temperatures are also low, typically ranging between 5°C to 20°C (41°F to 68°F).
    Biodiversity Home to species like the snow leopard, Tibetan antelope (chiru), Tibetan wild ass (kiang), ibex, and blue sheep (Bharal). The sanctuary also supports migratory bird species during certain times of the year.
    Flora Sparse vegetation, with cold desert flora, including hardy grasses, shrubs, and medicinal plants.
    Rivers Shyok and Nubra Rivers flow through the Ladakh region, providing crucial water sources for the sanctuary.
    Significance Part of the larger trans-Himalayan ecosystem, offering a habitat for some of the rarest and most endangered species in the world.
    Conservation Challenges Harsh climatic conditions, limited accessibility, and poaching threats to species like the chiru, whose undercoat is highly prized.
    Tourism and Access Restricted due to its proximity to the international border with China. Special permits are required for researchers and travelers.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which one of the following protected areas is well-known for the conservation of a sub-species of the Indian swamp deer (Barasingha) that thrives well on hard ground and is exclusively graminivorous?

    (a) Kanha National Park

    (b) Manas National Park

    (c) Mudumalai Wildlife Sanctuary

    (d) Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary

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  • Trade Sector Updates – Falling Exports, TIES, MEIS, Foreign Trade Policy, etc.

    UAE to review India’s concerns on surge in Silver, Platinum Alloy imports

    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: India-UAE CEPA

    Why in the News?

    India has raised concerns over the increase in imports of silver products, platinum alloy, and dry dates from the UAE under the Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

    Issues Raised by India:

    • The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has called for an urgent review of the India-UAE CEPA, citing concerns that the agreement allows unlimited imports of gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds with zero tariffs.
    • GTRI claims that many of these imports do not meet Rules of Origin requirements and thus should not qualify for concessions.
      • India’s gold and silver imports from the UAE increased by 210% to $10.7 billion in 2023-24.
      • India allows customs duty concessions of 7% on silver and 1% on 160 metric tonnes of gold under the agreement.
    • India also requested that the Indian Jewellery Exposition Centre in Dubai be classified as a Designated Zone to allow domestic jewellery manufacturers to benefit from concessional duties, including those not registered under UAE’s domestic regulations.
    • India also requested the UAE to grant recognition to the i-CAS (India Conformity Assessment Scheme) Halal scheme to simplify the certification process and boost exports of animal products.
    • The UAE expressed its willingness to review this request after consulting internal stakeholders, including federal tax authorities.

    India-UAE Trade Relations:

    Details
    Volume • The UAE is India’s 3rd largest trading partner with $83.65 billion in bilateral trade in 2023-24.
    • Trade between India and UAE grew from $180 million in the 1970s to $85 billion in 2022-23.
    Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) • Signed in February 2022, making India the first country to sign such an agreement with the UAE.
    • CEPA has slashed tariffs on 80% of goods and offers zero duty access to 90% of Indian exports to the UAE.
    Non-Oil Trade Target • The target of reaching $100 billion in non-oil trade by 2030 is seen as achievable given current growth trends.
    Investment from UAE • UAE’s investments in India are around $20-21 billion, with $15.5 billion as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
    • The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) has invested in projects like the NIIF Master Fund and renewable energy initiatives.
    India’s Exports to UAE • UAE is India’s 2nd largest export destination after the US, with exports worth $31.61 billion in 2022-23.
    • Key exports include petroleum products, gems, food items, textiles, and engineering goods.
    India’s Imports from UAE • UAE is a critical partner for India’s energy security.
    • India imports petroleum, gems, minerals, and chemicals from UAE.
    • UAE is India’s 4th largest crude oil supplier and 2nd largest for LNG and LPG.

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? 

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  • Defence Sector – DPP, Missions, Schemes, Security Forces, etc.

    India-US conclude $3.5bn deal for 31 MQ-9B Armed UAVs

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: MQ-9B HALE UAV and its features

    India and the US concluded a $3.5 bn deal for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

    Why in the News?

    India and the US concluded a $3.5 bn deal for the procurement of 31 MQ-9B armed High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS).

    About MQ-9B HALE UAV

    • The MQ-9B drone is a version of the MQ-9 “Reaper” and has two models: Sky Guardian and Sea Guardian.
    • It is built by the General Atomics.
    • This drone can fly over 40,000 feet high, making it useful for watching the Himalayan border areas.
    • It can stay in the air for up to 40 hours, perfect for long surveillance missions.
    • The MQ-9B has advanced features like automatic take-off and landing, a system to avoid other objects, secure GPS, and encrypted communications.
    • Deployment:
      • The MQ-9B drones are planned to be deployed at four places, including INS Rajaji near Chennai and Porbandar in Gujarat, by the Indian Navy.
      • The other two services will keep them jointly at two bases in Sarsawa and Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh at Air Force bases due to long runway requirements.

    Details of the Procurement:

    • India is planning for 15 Sea Guardians for the Indian Navy and 16 Sky Guardians (eight each for the Indian Army and Air Force).
    • The Indian Navy has leased two MQ-9As with the maiden flight taking place on November 21, 2020.
    • As part of the deal, General Atomics will establish a Global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in India, contributing to offset obligations.

    Significance of the deal

    • The SeaGuardian model can help the Navy patrol large areas more economically than manned aircraft.
    • For the Army and Air Force, these drones will help monitor movements along the borders, especially with China.
    • It can offer 80% of a manned aircraft’s capabilities at 20% of the cost per hour.

    PYQ:

    [2020] What is the significance of Indo-US defence deals over Indo-Russian defence deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

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  • LGBT Rights – Transgender Bill, Sec. 377, etc.

    Article 142 of the Indian Constitution

    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: Article 142

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court declined a PIL seeking directions under Article 142 to include sexual offences against men, trans-persons, and animals in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

    Supreme Court’s Observations:

    • The petitioner argued that the new BNS omitted Section 377 of the IPC, which previously criminalized ‘unnatural sex’ and carnal intercourse involving a man, woman, or animal.
    • In the Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India (2018) case, the Supreme Court struck down Section 377 to the extent that it criminalized consensual sexual acts between adults.
    • Non-consensual homosexual acts remained punishable under this provision.
    • The BNS does not include provisions criminalizing sexual offences against men, trans persons, and animals.
    • During the hearing, the bench comprising CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra stated that:
      • The Court cannot direct Parliament to create or reintroduce an offence.
      • The creation of offences falls within the parliamentary domain, not under the court’s jurisdiction, even with Article 142.

    About Article 142:

    Details
    Definition • Grants discretionary power to the Supreme Court to pass orders or decrees necessary for complete justice in matters before it.
    • Allows the court to act beyond the limits of statutory law if required.
    Purpose • Ensures justice is delivered in cases where regular laws may not provide adequate remedies.
    • Aims to empower the Supreme Court to address extraordinary situations effectively.
    Key Clauses • Article 142(1): Allows the Supreme Court to pass enforceable orders across India for doing complete justice.
    • Article 142(2): Empowers the court to secure attendance, discovery of documents, or punishment for contempt.
    Notable Cases • Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1989): Supreme Court awarded $470 million compensation, bypassing limitations of ordinary law.
    • Ayodhya Case (2019): Directed the formation of a trust for Ram Mandir construction.• Liquor Sale Ban (2016): Imposed a 500-metre ban on liquor shops along highways using Article 142, extending it beyond central government orders.
    Constructive Application • Invoked for environmental protection, such as in the Taj Mahal cleanup.
    • Justice for undertrials by addressing systemic delays in the judicial process.
    Controversies • Accusations of judicial overreach in certain cases, where actions have seemingly breached the separation of powers principle.
    • Supreme Court Bar Association v. Union of India: Clarified that Article 142 should supplement, not replace the law.
    Impact on Governance • Empowers the Supreme Court with a tool for upholding justice, but raises debates over checks and balances in a democratic system.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] With reference to the Constitution of India, prohibitions or limitations or provisions contained in ordinary laws cannot act as prohibitions or limitations on the constitutional powers under Article 142. It could mean which one of the following?

    (a) The decisions taken by the Election Commission of India while discharging its duties cannot be challenged in any court of law.

    (b) The Supreme Court of India is not constrained in the exercise of its powers by laws made by the Parliament.

    (c) In the event of grave financial crisis in the country, the President of India can declare Financial Emergency without the counsel from the Cabinet.

    (d) State Legislatures cannot make laws on certain matters without the concurrence of Union Legislature.

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  • Nobel and other Prizes

    Nobel Prize in Economics, 2024

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3:

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Nobel Prize in Economics

    Why in the News?

    The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economics for 2024 was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research into why some nations are more prosperous than others.

    What is the Nobel Economics Prize?  

    • Officially called the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, established in 1968.
    • It is not part of the original Nobel Prizes created by Alfred Nobel in 1895.
    • Created by the Swedish central bank to honor Alfred Nobel’s legacy.
    • Although not an original Nobel Prize, it is presented alongside the other Nobel Prizes on December 10, the anniversary of Nobel’s death.
    • Includes a diploma, gold medal, and a one-million-dollar prize for the laureates.

    This Year’s Nobel for Economics:

    • The 2024 Nobel awardees’ research focused on the role of societal institutions in determining a country’s economic prosperity.
    • The laureates distinguished between inclusive institutions, which promote democracy, rule of law, and protection of property rights, and extractive institutions, where power is concentrated and resources are exploited for the benefit of a few.
    • Their study explains how inclusive institutions foster long-term economic growth by providing stability and incentives, while extractive institutions undermine growth by discouraging investment and innovation.
    • The researchers also explored how European colonization shaped current economic disparities by establishing either inclusive or extractive institutions, with decisions influenced by factors such as mortality risks during colonization.

    Significance of the study

    • The study highlights the critical role of societal institutions in determining a country’s prosperity.
    • It distinguishes between inclusive institutions that foster growth and extractive institutions that hinder it.
    • It explains how colonial history shaped modern economic disparities.
    • The research offers policy insights for building inclusive institutions to promote long-term prosperity.
    • It has global implications for reducing inequality and promoting sustainable development.

    PYQ:

    [2019] The long-sustained image of India as a leader of the oppressed and marginalised nations has disappeared on account of its new found role in the emerging global order.’ Elaborate.

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  • Tuberculosis Elimination Strategy

    Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 3: Awareness in various sc and tech fields

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Bacteria

    Why in the News?

    • Due to increasing antimicrobial resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), many existing antibiotics are becoming less effective.
      • As a result, researchers are studying Mtb to identify key proteins and design new drugs to target them.

    What is Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)?

    • Mtb is the bacterium that causes tuberculosis (TB), affecting the lungs and sometimes spreading to other organs.
    • It spreads through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing by an infected person.
    • Mtb can remain dormant in the body for years without causing active disease.
    • It infects macrophages, immune cells designed to destroy invaders, but instead, Mtb survives and multiplies inside them.

    What do various studies say?

    • A 2024 CSIR-CCMB study showed that Mtb uses cysteine synthase enzymes to survive oxidative stress.
    • A 2017 Karolinska Institute study identified 71 compounds that inhibit these enzymes, improving the effectiveness of antibiotics like isoniazid.
    • Researchers found that Mtb’s ability to evade the immune system is due to its long evolution with humans.
    • Other studies focus on Mtb’s phosphate and carbon metabolism, critical for its survival in hostile environments.
    • Ways for effective medicine development:
      • Target enzymes like CysK2 and CysM to weaken Mtb’s defence mechanisms.
      • Study Mtb’s metabolic pathways to identify vulnerabilities for new drug development.
      • Explore how Mtb develops antibiotic resistance and find ways to overcome it.
      • Investigate how Mtb evades immune responses by manipulating immune cells.
      • Combine new inhibitors with existing antibiotics to enhance treatment efficacy.

    PYQ:

    [2014] Can overuse and free availability of antibiotics without Doctor’s prescription, be contributors to the emergence of drug-resistant diseases in India? What are the available mechanisms for monitoring and control? Critically discuss the various issues involved.

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    What is THAAD?

    Prelims Only | Security Issues | Mains Paper 3: Organized Crime & Terrorism

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: THAAD Defense System

    thaad

    Why in the News?

    The US has announced that it will send its advanced THAAD (Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense) missile system to Israel, along with US troops to operate it.

    What is THAAD?

    • THAAD is an advanced missile defense system developed by Lockheed Martin Corporation in the 1990s.
    • It is designed to intercept and destroy short-range (up to 1,000 km), medium-range (1,000–3,000 km), and intermediate-range (3,000–5,000 km) ballistic missile threats during their terminal phase of flight.
    • Key Features of THAAD:
      • Uses “hit-to-kill” technology to destroy missiles.
      • Can defend a larger area than the older Patriot Air and Missile Defense System.
      • Provides a rapidly deployable capability both inside and outside the atmosphere.

    India’s AD-1 missile interceptor under the Phase 2 Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) system, is similar to the THAAD missile system used by the US.

    • AD-1 and AD-2 interceptor missiles are developed to intercept ballistic missiles, including ICBMs, with ranges over 2,000 km.
    • Swordfish LRTR, derived from Israel’s Green Pine radar, has an upgraded detection range of 1,500 km for enhanced missile tracking.
    • The system intercepts both exo-atmospherically and endo-atmospherically, creating a comprehensive missile defence shield.
    • It can manage multiple missile threats simultaneously, ensuring defence against complex attack scenarios.
    • A floating test range is being developed for missile trials over the sea, enabling tests at higher altitudes and ranges up to 1,500 km.
    • INS Dhruv, equipped with advanced radars, monitors missile tests and supports surveillance during defense operations.

    Significance of Sending THAAD to Israel

    The decision to send THAAD to Israel is significant for several reasons:

    • It is part of broader US military adjustments in the region to support Israel’s defense and protect Americans from attacks by Iran and Iranian-aligned militias.
    • The deployment signals increased US involvement in the conflict.
    PYQ:

    [2018] What is “Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD)”, sometimes seen in the news?

    (a) An Israeli radar system

    (b) India’s indigenous anti-missile programme

    (c) An American anti-missile system

    (d) A defence collaboration between Japan and South Korea

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    Nile nations agree on Water-Sharing without Egypt’s nod

    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: Nile River System

    nile river

    Why in the News?

    A regional partnership of 10 countries announced that an agreement on the equitable use of Nile River water resources has come into effect, despite Egypt’s opposition.

    Why discuss this?

    • The legal status of the “cooperative framework” was confirmed by the African Union after South Sudan joined the treaty.
    • The treaty is backed by the Nile Basin Initiative.
    • Countries Involved:
      • Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have ratified the agreement.
      • Egypt and Sudan have refused to sign.
      • Congo abstained, while Kenya has yet to submit its ratification documents.

    About Nile River:

    Details
    Length Approximately 6,650 km (4,130 miles), making it the longest river in the world.
    Tributaries White Nile (originating from Lake Victoria in Uganda) and Blue Nile (originating from Lake Tana in Ethiopia).
    Countries Traversed 11 countries: Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Egypt.
    Source
    • White Nile from Lake Victoria,
    • Blue Nile from Lake Tana.
    Mouth Mediterranean Sea, forming the Nile Delta in Egypt.
    Major Cities Includes Cairo, Khartoum, and Alexandria.
    Key Dams
    • Aswan High Dam (Egypt), controls flooding, generates hydroelectric power, and forms Lake Nasser.
    • Built in 1970 across the Nile in Aswan, Egypt; helps in irrigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power generation but also disrupts silt flow.
    Economic Importance Provides over 90% of water for Egypt and Sudan; vital for agriculture, fishing, industry, and energy production.
    Disputes Between Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan over water rights, particularly due to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
    Historical Treaties
    • 1929 and 1959 Nile Water Agreements allocated water mostly to Egypt and Sudan; upstream countries seek revision.
    • Nile Basin Initiative (NBI): Established in 1999, it is a partnership among Nile Basin countries aimed at promoting cooperation, development, and sustainable management of the Nile’s resources.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Consider the following pairs:

    River Flows into
    1. Mekong Andaman Sea
    2. Thames Irish Sea
    3. Volga Caspian Sea
    4. Zambezi Indian Ocean

    Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 4 only

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  • The Crisis In The Middle East

    What is the UNIFIL?

    Prelims Only | International Relations | Mains Paper 2: Important International Institutions

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: UNIFIL, UN Peacekeeping Mission

    Why in the News?

    • India has expressed concerns about the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in south Lebanon, after they came under fire from Israeli forces.
      • Among the peacekeepers are 600 Indian soldiers, who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission and are stationed along the 120-km Blue Line on the Israel-Lebanon border.

    What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?

    Details
    Established March 1978, following Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
    UN Resolutions Established under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
    Primary Objectives
    • Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
    • Restore international peace and security
    • Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
    Area of Operation Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
    Personnel Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
    Mission
    • Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line
    • Ensure that no weapons or fighters are present in the region
    • Report violations to the UN Security Council
    Rules of Engagement Peacekeepers are armed but are only allowed to use force when their safety or civilian safety is at risk
    Headquarters Naqoura, southern Lebanon
    Peacekeeper Status Not soldiers but impartial peacekeepers, present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon

    Significance of UNIFIL

    • Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL monitors the Blue Line and prevents escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
    • Civilian Protection: It safeguards civilians and supports humanitarian aid efforts in conflict zones.
    • Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL helps the Lebanese government extend control in the south alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.

    PYQ:

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

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  • Wetland Conservation

    In news: Wular Lake

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Wular Lake

    Why in the News?

    The harvest of water chestnuts, locally known as goer has begun around “Wular Lake” in Kashmir.

    About Wular Lake:

    Details
    Location Bandipore district, Jammu and Kashmir
    Size Largest freshwater lake in India, second-largest in Asia
    Area Covers 200 sq. km, with a length of 24 km and breadth of 10 km
    Source Fed by the Jhelum River; Streams Madhumati and Arin.
    Formation Formed due to tectonic activity; possibly a remnant of the ancient Satisar Lake
    Island formation Features a small island called Zaina Lank, constructed by King Zainul-Abidin
    Ecological Significance Ramsar Wetland Site (since 1990), supports wintering, staging, and breeding of many bird species
    Wildlife Important for bird species like black-eared kite, Himalayan monal, Himalayan golden eagle
    Fish Habitat Accounts for 60% of the fish production in Jammu and Kashmir
    Wetland status Designated as a Wetland of International Importance in 1990 under the Ramsar Convention
    Tulbul Project Located at the mouth of Wular Lake, aims to regulate the flow of water from the lake into the Jhelum River to enhance navigation and ensure year-round water availability.

    Controversial due to objections raised by Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty. Currently, the project remains stalled.

     

    PYQ:

    [2018] Which one of the following is an artificial lake?

    (a) Kodaikanal (Tamil Nadu)

    (b) Kolleru (Andhra Pradesh)

    (c) Nainital (Uttarakhand)

    (d) Renuka (Himachal Pradesh)

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