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Type: Prelims Only

  • Capital Markets: Challenges and Developments

    Surge in Silver Imports from UAE through Gift City

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Silver Imports in India, GIFT City

    Why in the News?

    • India’s majority of silver imports are now handled by few private players from Dubai through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX), Gift City.
      • This trend, aimed at reducing import duties by the traders, poses potential long-term revenue losses for India.

    India’s Silver Imports

    • India imported a record 4,172 metric tons of silver in the first four months of 2024, far exceeding the total of 3,625 tons imported in all of 2023.
      • In February 2024 alone, India imported a record 2,295 metric tons of silver, up from 637 tons in January. This represents a 260% increase.
    • The surge in imports has been driven by increasing demand from the Solar panel industry as well as a rise in Speculative Investment, with investors betting on silver outperforming gold.
    • Nearly half of India’s silver imports in 2024 so far have come from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) due to a lower import duty under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
      • India generally imposes a 15% import duty on silver.
      • However, because of the CEPA signed between India and the UAE in 2022, allows private traders to import silver through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) paying 9% duty, and an extra 3% in value-added tax.
    • The government is now concerned about the 647-fold spike in silver imports from the UAE and plans to discuss the issue with Abu Dhabi.
      • The Gift City exchange, while clearing imports from Dubai since December 2023, is under scrutiny for potential violations of these rules compared to imports from other ports.

    About India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX)

    • Bullion refers to physical gold and silver of high purity that is often kept in the form of bars, ingots, or coins.
    • The IIBX was announced during the 2020 budget speech by the Finance Minister.
    • It is set up at the International Financial Services Center (IFSC) located in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
    • It is India’s first bullion exchange, launched on 29 July 2022 in Gujarat.
    • It is the 3rd exchange of its kind in the globe.

    Regulations and Setup:

    • The International Financial Services Centres Authority (Bullion Exchange) Regulations, 2020, were notified in December 2020 specifically for the trading of precious metals, including gold and silver.
    • These regulations encompass the operations of the bullion exchange, Clearing Corporation, depository, and vaults associated with IIBX.

    Operational Framework

    • Previously, India had liberalized gold imports through nominated banks and agencies in the 1990s.
      • With IIBX, eligible qualified jewellers in India can directly import gold.
    • Jewellers need to become trading partners or clients of an existing trading member to participate in the exchange.

    Comparison with Previous Practices

    • Previously, bullion in India was imported under a consignment model by nominated banks and agencies approved by the RBI, which added handling fees and premiums.
    • The introduction of IIBX aims to streamline the supply chain by allowing direct imports through the exchange, potentially reducing costs for traders and consumers alike.

    Recommendations for Addressing Challenges

    • Renegotiation of CEPA Terms: The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) advocates for revising CEPA terms to curb duty arbitrage and enforce stricter checks on value addition claims by Gift City exchange.
    • Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: GTRI proposes limiting silver imports to RBI/DGFT-nominated agencies to mitigate risks associated with mis-declared imports and ensure compliance with CEPA conditions.
    • Investigation and Oversight: There is a call for a thorough investigation into relationships between export and import firms to identify and mitigate conflicts of interest or familial ties that could influence import practices.

    PYQ:

    [2016] What is/are the purpose/purposes of Government’s ‘Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme’ and ‘Gold Monetization Scheme’?

    1. To bring the idle gold lying with Indian households into the economy.
    2. To promote FDI in the gold and jewellery sector.
    3. To reduce India’s dependence on gold imports.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

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  • Indian Army Updates

    DRDO unveils Indigenous Light Tank Zorawar

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: General Zorawar; LT Zorawar

    Why in the News? 

    The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and private company Larsen & Toubro (L&T) unveiled the prototype of the Zorawar light tank.

    Note: 

    • India primarily has T-90S Bhishma and T-72 Ajeya produced under license from Russia.
    • The Future Ready Combat Vehicle (FRCV) program aims to develop and induct next-generation Indigenous main battle tanks to replace the ageing T-72 fleet starting from 2030 onwards

    What is Zorawar Tank?

    • The Zorawar Tank was developed jointly by the DRDO and Larsen & Toubro (L&T).
    • It is an indigenous light tank designed specifically for operations in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Sikkim.
    • It has been developed under ‘Project Zorawar’, named after General Zorawar Singh of Jammu.
    • Its prototype was unveiled in July 2023, with internal testing completed at L&T’s facility in Gujarat.
    • It has been scheduled for extensive trials in various conditions, including summer, winter, and high-altitude environments, with plans for induction by August 2025.

    Who was General Zorawar Singh (1784–1841)?

    • Zorawar Singh Chandel was a military general of the Dogra Rajput ruler, Gulab Singh of Jammu.
    • He served as the governor (wazir-e-wazarat) of Kishtwar and extended the territories of the kingdom by conquering Ladakh and Baltistan.
    • He also boldly attempted the conquest of Western Tibet (Ngari Khorsum) but was killed in battle of To-yo during the Dogra-Tibetan war.
    • About his legacy of conquests in the Himalayas including Ladakh, Tibet, Baltistan and Skardu as General and Wazir, Zorowar Singh has been referred to as the “Napoleon of India“, and “Conqueror of Ladakh“.

    Operational Capabilities:

    • Designed to operate effectively in extreme weather conditions and at high altitudes (above 15,000 feet) with minimal logistic support.
    • Intended for use in challenging terrains where heavier tanks like T-72 and T-90 face limitations.
    • Includes thermal sights, night-fighting capabilities, and features to reduce visual, sound, heat, and electromagnetic signatures.

    Technical Specifications:

    • Weight: Approximately 25 tons, allowing for air transportation.
    • Armament: Equipped with a 105mm turret from John Cockerill.
    • Firepower: Capable of firing advanced smart munitions and anti-tank guided missiles.
    • Mobility: Agile and manoeuvrable on steep slopes and riverine regions, designed to be amphibious.

    Engine and Power:

    • Initially planned with a German engine, but due to delays, currently powered by a Cummins engine assembled in India.
    • DRDO is concurrently working on developing a new power pack and a 1400 HP engine to enhance performance.

    Various Indigenous Tanks in the Indian Army

    Features
    Vijayanta (1965)
    • First indigenous main battle tank of the Indian Army
    • Based on a licensed design of the Vickers Mk.1 tank
    • Equipped with a 105mm rifled gun
    • Top speed of 52 km/h and range of 201 km
    • Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
    • Upgrades included an improved fire control system, armour, and engine
    Arjun (2004)
    • India’s first fully Indigenous main battle tank developed by the Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment
    • Equipped with a 120mm rifled gun and has top speed of 67 km/h and range of 483 km
    • Crew of 4 (commander, gunner, loader, driver)
    • Features advanced fire control system, composite armor, and NBC protection
    • Arjun Mk-1A variant with improved capabilities entered service in 2022

     

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  • Higher Education – RUSA, NIRF, HEFA, etc.

    Four-year UG Program formally launched in Kerala

    Prelims Only | Science Tech | Mains Paper 2: Governance, Transparency & Accountability, Citizens Charters

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Four-year undergraduate program

    Why in the News?

    Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated the curriculum of Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (FYUP) in the state, stressing that it is in line with changes in the Global Education System where the focus is equally on imparting knowledge as well as the transfer of skills and vocational training.

    About Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP):

    Parameters Details
    Key features 
    • Students can choose their major and minor subjects freely, for example science students can pursue humanities courses.
    • Provision for students to complete the degree in 2.5 years if they secure the required credits.
    • Offers 16 FYUP honors programs with research across science, arts, commerce and business streams at the University of Kerala.
    FYUP curriculum
    • It is designed to provide students with knowledge, intellectual abilities, multidisciplinary perspectives, flexible skills, social commitment and research aptitude to make them responsible citizens and offer multiple opportunities in research and employment
    • Includes online courses, skill development, internships and research projects.
    Eligibility criteria
    • Students need a CGPA of 7.5 or above to advance to the 4th year and get an honors degree with research.
    •  Admission based on 12th marks for now, entrance exam planned from next year.

    Administrative and Technological Upgrades required:

    • Regulatory Revisions: Plans for a comprehensive revision of University Acts and Regulations to streamline academic processes and enhance efficiency.
    • K-REAP Initiative: Introduction of Kerala Resources for Education Administration and Planning (K-REAP), a governance software to centralize institutional activities.

    Issues with FYUP Program

    • Implementation Challenges: The introduction of the FYUP faced logistical and administrative hurdles, impacting its rollout across Kerala’s higher educational institutions.
    • Curriculum Adaptation: Critics argue that the FYUP’s curriculum overhaul lacks sufficient alignment with industry needs and fails to adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.
    • Student Adaptation: Some students and educators have expressed concerns about the abrupt shift in academic structure and its impact on learning outcomes and student performance.
    • Evaluation Methods: There is ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the FYUP’s assessment methods, with some stakeholders questioning its ability to accurately gauge student knowledge and skills.
    • Policy Revisions: Continuous revisions and adjustments to the FYUP’s policies and regulations are needed to address evolving educational needs and feedback from various stakeholders.

    New Education Policy (NEP), 2020:

    • The New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 introduced by the Government of India aims to transform the educational landscape of the country.
    • One of the key changes in the NEP is the restructuring of the duration and framework of undergraduate programs.
    • The NEP 2020 introduces a four-year undergraduate program as a standard duration for bachelor’s degrees, replacing the traditional three-year format.
    • Students can exit the program at different stages with a qualification. For example:
      • After 1 Year: Certificate
      • After 2 Years: Diploma
      • After 3 Years: Bachelor’s Degree
      • After 4 Years: Bachelor’s Degree with Research

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] The quality of higher education in India requires major improvement to make it internationally competitive. Do you think that the entry of foreign educational institutions would help improve the quality of technical and higher education in the country. Discuss.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    Women get only 7% MSME credit: RBI ED  

    Prelims Only | Economics | Mains Paper 3: Inclusive Growth & Issues

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Data related to Financial Inclusion

    Mains level: Barriers to Financial Inclusion

    Why in the News?

    • The RBI has highlighted that low labour force participation among women is a significant barrier to financial inclusion and broader economic growth.
      • It pointed out that only 7% of the outstanding loans to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) are to women-led businesses.

    Barriers to Financial Inclusion

    • Economic Participation: RBI emphasized that greater participation of women in economic activities is essential for financial inclusion and economic growth.
    • Participation Disparity: Official data shows female labor force participation at 32.8% in FY22, compared to over 77% for men.
    • Credit Disparity: Women-led businesses constitute nearly a fifth of MSMEs, yet they receive only 7% of the outstanding credit to this sector, highlighting a significant disparity.

    Efforts and Challenges in Financial Inclusion

    • Successes: RBI expressed satisfaction with access to financial services, citing the success of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) scheme and social security transfers.
    • Addressing Demand-side Issues: While supply-side challenges have been addressed, demand-side issues still need attention.
    • Structural Barriers: Structural issues such as low levels of capital, labour participation, societal norms restricting women from inheriting property, and limited access to education and training impede women’s financial inclusion.

    Stereotyping and Behavioral Issues

    • Higher Risk Perception: Nigam noted that women borrowers often face stereotyping by financiers, being considered higher risks, leading to higher interest rates, greater insistence on collateral, or outright loan rejections.
    • Behavioural Challenges: He also mentioned behavioural issues among women borrowers, such as being more risk-averse, less confident in negotiating loan terms, and less likely to apply for new loans due to fear of rejection.

    Policy Moves: Priority Sector Lending and Financial Literacy Initiatives

    • Priority Sector Lending (PSL): The PSL mandate has become a viable business model for banks and micro-lenders, but demand-side constraints persist.
    • RBI Initiatives: To address these challenges, the RBI has initiated financial inclusion efforts, including opening 2,400 financial literacy centres at the block level in partnership with nonprofits and requiring lead banks to have a literacy centre in each district.

    Government Schemes:

    Stand Up India Scheme Mudra Yojana Scheme Annapurna Scheme
    Launched April 2016 April 2015 (under PMMY) –
    Objective To promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST To provide financial support to non-corporate, non-farm small/micro enterprises To support women entrepreneurs in the food catering business
    Eligibility Women entrepreneurs and SC/ST entrepreneurs above 18 years of age All non-farm enterprises, including women-owned businesses Women entrepreneurs planning to start or expand their food catering business
    Loan Amount INR 10 lakh to INR 1 crore Up to INR 10 lakh, categorized into three types:            

    1. Shishu: Up to INR 50,000           
    2. Kishor: INR 50,001 to INR 5 lakh            
    3. Tarun: INR 5,00,001 to INR 10 lakh
    		 Up to INR 50,000
    Purpose For setting up a greenfield enterprise in manufacturing, services, or trading sectors For business activities in manufacturing, processing, trading, or service sectors For starting or expanding the food catering business
    Repayment Period Up to 7 years with a maximum moratorium period of 18 months – 36 months, including a grace period of 1 month

    About SEHER Program (In News)

    • The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL have launched SEHER, a pioneering credit education program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in India.
    • SEHER aims to facilitate their access to financial tools crucial for business growth and employment creation.

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  • Women empowerment issues – Jobs,Reservation and education

    [pib] SEHER Program to Empower Women Entrepreneurs

    Prelims Only | Governance | Mains Paper 2: Government Scheme/Policies

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About SEHER Program

    Mains level: NA

    Why in the News?

    The Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) and TransUnion CIBIL have launched SEHER, a pioneering credit education program aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in India.

    About Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP)

    • WEP, incubated at NITI Aayog in 2018; aims to create an enabling ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in India through a public-private partnership.
    • WEP’s Financing Women Collaborative (FWC) initiative accelerates access to finance for women entrepreneurs, addressing key barriers such as information asymmetry.

    About SEHER Program

    • SEHER aims to provide comprehensive financial literacy content and essential business skills to women entrepreneurs.
    • It will facilitate their access to financial tools crucial for business growth and employment creation.
    • The program includes personalized resources on financial literacy, emphasizing the importance of building a strong credit history and CIBIL score.

    Need for such a program

    • India has 63 million MSMEs, with 20.5% being women-owned, employing 27 million people.
    • Accelerating women’s entrepreneurship could create over 30 million new women-owned enterprises and 150 to 170 million jobs.
    PYQ:

    [2019] “Empowering women is the key to control population growth”. Discuss. 

     

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  • Historical and Archaeological Findings in News

    Leang Karampuang Cave is the World’s Oldest Cave Art  

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: About Leang Karampuang Cave

    Mains level: Key features of the Cave Paintings

    Why in the News?

    • A cave painting discovered in the limestone cave of Leang Karampuang on Sulawesi Island, Indonesia, dates back at least 51,200 years.
      • The painting features a scene with three part-human, part-animal figures interacting with a wild pig, depicted in red pigment.
    Study Details:

    • Published in the journal Nature, the study titled ‘Narrative cave art in Indonesia by 51,200 years ago’ used a new dating technique to determine the age of the artwork.
    • The study involved 23 researchers from Griffith University, Southern Cross University, and the Indonesian National Research and Innovation Agency.

    Use of Uranium-based Dating:

    • A new dating technique utilizes uranium series (U-series) analysis on calcite deposits above cave art.
    • The laser-based analysis measures uranium-thorium ratios to accurately date paintings, highlighting significant age revisions for cave art in Sulawesi.

    About Leang Karampuang Cave

    • Leang Karampuang Cave is situated in the Maros-Pangkep karst region of South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
    • The cave is renowned for its ancient rock art and archaeological findings, providing insights into early human civilization in the region.
    • It features some of the oldest known hand stencils and paintings of animals, believed to be created by early humans. 

    Key features of the Cave Paintings:

    • A painted scene depicting humans interacting with a pig on the cave wall.
    • The artwork features a pig standing upright alongside three smaller human-like figures, all painted in a single shade of dark red pigment.
    • This painting predates the cave art found in El Castillo, Spain, dating back around 40,800 years ago, marking it as older than European cave paintings.

    Significance of the Painting

    • According to researchers, the figures in the painting depict dynamic action, suggesting a narrative or story being told.
      • The discovery pushes back the origin of figurative art among Homo sapiens, indicating a rich history of storytelling through visual art in early human societies.
    • While Neanderthals began cave markings earlier, around 75,000 years ago, these were primarily non-figurative.
    • The Sulawesi cave art suggests an advanced cultural and artistic development among early humans, predating similar European art by millennia.
    Contemporary Period in the Indian Subcontinent:

    • Homo sapiens had already migrated to various parts of the Indian subcontinent by this time. 
    • Evidence suggests human habitation in India dates back to at least 70,000 years ago, with notable archaeological sites like Bhimbetka in Madhya Pradesh showing signs of early human activity and rock art.

     

    PYQ:

    [2017] The painting of Bodhisattva Padmapani is one of the most famous and oft-illustrated paintings at

    (a) Ajanta

    (b) Badami

    (c) Bagh

    (d) Ellora 

     

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  • Solar Energy – JNNSM, Solar Cities, Solar Pumps, etc.

    What is Aphelion?

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: What is Aphelion?

    Mains level: Does aphelion affect temperatures on Earth?

    Why in the News?

    Early on July 5, the Earth reached aphelion, its farthest distance from the sun in our year-long journey around our nearest star.

    What is Aphelion? 

    • Aphelion is a term used in astronomy to denote the point in the orbit of a planet or celestial body where it is farthest from the Sun. 
    • The Earth’s orbit around the Sun is not a perfect circle but rather an ellipse, with the Sun situated at one of the two foci of the ellipse. 
    • Aphelion marks the moment when Earth is at its maximum distance from the Sun along this elliptical path.
    • The concept of aphelion was crucial in Johannes Kepler‘s formulation of his laws of planetary motion during the 17th century.

    How far is the Earth from the Sun at aphelion? 

    • At aphelion, which occurs around July 4th– 5th each year, the Earth is approximately 152.1 million kilometers (about 94.5 million miles) away from the Sun. 
    • This distance is about 3.3% greater than its average distance from the Sun, known as its semi-major axis, which is about 147.1 million kilometers.

    Does aphelion affect temperatures on Earth? 

    • Aphelion has a slight effect on temperatures on Earth, but its impact is minimal compared to other factors such as axial tilt and atmospheric circulation patterns. 
    • Despite being farther from the Sun during aphelion, the Earth’s tilt towards the Sun during the northern hemisphere’s summer results in warmer temperatures for that region. 
    • This phenomenon is primarily responsible for the seasons on Earth.

    What would happen if there were no aphelion? 

    • If Earth’s orbit were perfectly circular, without aphelion or perihelion (the closest point to the Sun), the distance between Earth and the Sun would remain constant throughout the year. 
    • This scenario would result in less variation in seasonal temperatures between the northern and southern hemispheres. 
    • The distinct seasons that we experience today, which are essential for ecological diversity and agricultural cycles, would be significantly altered.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Variations in the length of daytime and night time from season to season are due to-

    (a) The earth’s rotation on its axis

    (b) The earth’s revolution round the sun in an elliptical manner

    (c) Latitudinal position of the place

    (d) Revolution of the earth on a tilted axis

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  • Wildlife Conservation Efforts

    Reviving Gharials in Kaziranga

    National Parks/WSPrelims Only | Enviro & Biodiversity | Mains Paper 3: Conservation, Environmental Pollution & Degradation, Eia

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Gharial and its conservation, Kaziranga NP

    Why in the News?

    In Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, a lone female gharial has emerged as a significant presence, marking a potential revival for the species in the Brahmaputra River.

    About Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve:

    • Located in the state of Assam, Kaziranga is renowned for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
    • Established in 1905 as a reserve forest and declared a national park in 1974.
    • Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985 for its unique natural environment and successful conservation of the Great One-Horned Rhinoceros.
    • Kaziranga is home to the highest density of tigers among protected areas in the world.
    • It hosts two-thirds of the world’s Great One-Horned Rhinoceros population, a significant conservation success story.
    • The park spans approximately 430 square kilometers (166 square miles) of grasslands, wetlands, and forests.

    One-Horned Rhinoceros:

    • One–Horned Rhinos: IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable; CITES: Appendix I ; WPA, 1972: Schedule I.
    • Mainly found in Assam, West Bengal.
    • Assam hosts about 2,640 rhinos across Pobitora WLS, Rajiv Gandhi Orang NP, Kaziranga NP, and Manas NP.

    About Gharial

    • The Gharial is a fish-eating crocodile native to the Indian subcontinent.
    • They are a crucial indicator of clean river water.
    • It is also found in the rainforest biome of Mahanadi in Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary, Odisha.
    • Gharials are ‘Critically Endangered’ in the IUCN Red List of Species.
    • The species is also listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
    • National Chambal Sanctuary along the river Chambal in Madhya Pradesh is the biggest protected area of the species.

    Recent findings of Gharial in Kaziranga

    • Gharials, distinguished by their long, narrow snouts, were believed to have disappeared from the Brahmaputra by the 1950s.
    • The female gharial, initially spotted in 2021, has grown to nearly adult size, providing hope for their reintroduction into the ecosystem.

    PYQ:

    [2013] Consider the following fauna of India :

    1. Gharial

    2. Leatherback turtle

    3. Swamp deer

    Which of the above is/are endangered?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 only

    (c) 1, 2 and 3

    (d) None

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  • Water Management – Institutional Reforms, Conservation Efforts, etc.

    Niranjan Panel set up to study Pollution Level in Cauvery

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

    Note4Students

    From UPSC perspective, the following things are important:

    Prelims level: Cauvery River and its Catchment, Cauvery Dispute

    Why in the News?

    The Karnataka government has formed an expert committee, headed by Niranjan, Chief Environment Officer of Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, to study the pollution level in the Cauvery.

    About Niranjan Panel

    • The panel will review and submit a report within 10 days to ascertain whether the Cauvery River water is polluted due to the inflow of sewage water, solid waste, industrial waste, and other types of pollutants.
    • The Cauvery water has lost its natural quality due to the pollutants and the health of citizens and aquatic animals are being adversely affected.

    About Cauvery River

    • The Cauvery River, also spelled as ‘Kaveri’ and known as ‘Ponni’ in Tamil, originates from Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri range located in Karnataka’s Kodagu district.
    • It spans approximately 800 km, traversing through the states of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, until it eventually reaches the Bay of Bengal.
    • The river’s catchment area covers regions in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.
    • Key tributaries that join the Cauvery include Harangi, Hemavati, Kabini, Suvarnavathi, and Bhavani.
    • It remains perennial due to its dual reliance on both advancing and retreating monsoons for rainfall.
    • Protected areas in its basin: Cauvery WLS,  Biligirirangan Hills WLS,  Pushpagiri WLS,  Muthathi WLS,  Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary,  Bhimeshwari WLS, Nagarhole NP; Bandipur NP.

    Challenges associated with the Cauvery River:

    • Direct discharge of untreated sewage and domestic waste from towns and cities along the Cauvery contaminates the water, leading to high bacterial loads and nutrient pollution.
    • Industries along the Cauvery, including textiles, dyeing, pharmaceuticals, and others, discharge effluents directly into the river.
    • Pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers used in agricultural fields adjacent to the river are washed into the Cauvery during rain and irrigation.
    • Unregulated sand mining and dredging activities disrupt riverbeds and banks, altering natural flow patterns and habitat structures.
    • Introduction of non-native species like tilapia and African catfish, initially for aquaculture, has led to their proliferation in the Cauvery.

    Cauvery Water Dispute:

    • Since 1892, tensions existed between British-ruled Madras and Mysore. 
    • 1924 Agreement aimed to resolve but set the stage for future conflicts. Post-Independence, dam constructions sparked TN appeal. 
    • Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established. 
    • Interim orders by the Cauvery River Authority (CRA) in 1998. 
    • CWDT’s 2013 award allocated water quantities among states. 
    • Monthly and annual water shares by Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Normal Year, Karnataka must give 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu. 
    • Challenges arise during monsoons due to varying rainfall. 
    • Article 262 empowers Parliament for inter-state river disputes. The Seventh Schedule defines legislative authority over water resources. 
    • 2018: Cauvery was termed a “national asset” by SC with river water equality upheld. 
    • The Cauvery Management Board (CMB) was established by the Court for implementation. 
    • CWMA and CWRC were established for water regulation and data collection.

     

    PYQ:

    [2020] Which of the following Protected Areas are located in the Cauvery basin?

    1. Nagarhole National Park
    2. Papikonda National Park
    3. Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve
    4. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 3 and 4 only

    (c) 1, 3 and 4 only

    (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

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  • Foreign Policy Watch: India-SCO

    EAM Jaishankar attends SCO Summit

    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: SCO and its expansion

    Why in the News?

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Kazakhstan’s capital Astana on behalf of Prime Minister Modi.

    About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

    Details
    Introduction
    • Established in 2001 by China and Russia, the SCO is a Eurasian political, economic, and security organization.
    • It spans about 80% of Eurasia and encompasses 40% of the world’s population, with a GDP of around 20% of global GDP as of 2021.
    Origins
    • Successor to the Shanghai Five, formed in 1996 by China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
    • It evolved into the SCO in 2001 with the inclusion of Uzbekistan.
    Expansion
    • India and Pakistan joined in June 2017, followed by Iran in July 2023, and Belarus in July 2024.
    • Several other countries participate as observers and dialogue partners.
    Governance
    • Governed by the Heads of State Council (HSC), the supreme decision-making body that meets annually.
    • Includes the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) as a key component for security coordination.
    Key Structures
    • Heads of State Council: Supreme decision-making body.
    • Heads of Government Council: Discusses multilateral cooperation and approves budgets.
    • Council of Foreign Ministers: Regular meetings on international affairs.
    • Council of National Coordinators: Coordinates multilateral efforts.
    Secretariat
    • Headquartered in Beijing, China, the Secretariat executes organizational decisions, drafts documents, and promotes SCO activities.
    • Secretary-General serves a 3-year term.
    RATS Executive Committee
    • Based in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, RATS fosters cooperation against terrorism, separatism, and extremism.
    • The director serves a three-year term overseeing these efforts.
    Official Languages Chinese and Russian are the SCO’s official languages.
    Key Agreements
    • Treaty on Deepening Military Trust in Border Regions (1996)
    • Treaty on Reduction of Military Forces in Border Regions (1997)
    • Declaration on a “multipolar world” (1997)
    Major Activities
    • Annual summits and meetings across member states;
    • Initiatives in transportation, energy, and telecommunications;
    • Regular gatherings of security, defence, economic, and cultural officials.
    International Relations Established partnerships with various global bodies including the UN, ASEAN, CIS, CSTO, ECO, and CICA, reflecting its broad engagement in regional and international affairs.

    Strategic Significance of SCO for India

    • Open-door for bilateral: Membership facilitates India’s engagement with Central Asian nations and major regional powers like China and Russia on shared security challenges.
    • China-Russia Dynamics: SCO serves as a platform for China and Russia to assert influence and counter Western dominance in international forums.
    • Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Dispute: India’s stance against endorsing BRI projects through SCO reflects its concerns over sovereignty, particularly regarding CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

    About Kazakhstan

    • Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country and the ninth-largest country by land area, spanning an area of 2.7 million square kilometres.
    • It borders Russia to the north and west, China to the east, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to the south, and the Caspian Sea to the southwest

     

    PYQ:

    [2022] Consider the following:

    1. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
    2. Missile Technology Control Regime
    3. Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

    India is a member of which of the above?

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

    [2021] Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India?

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