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Explained

Overlapping territorial claims, Cold War: What led to the Antarctic Treaty 

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: GS-I, GS-II: History of the world, International Relations, Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests. 

What’s the ongoing story- The 46th edition of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting, also known as the Antarctic Parliament, kicked off on Monday (May 20) in Kochi, Kerala. It is scheduled to go on till May 30 and will see a wide range of Antarctica-related discussions, especially the rise of tourism in the continent, and its implications.

Prerequisites: 

— What is the Antarctic Treaty?

— What is the significance of Antarctica?

— Map work: Countries which are part of the Antarctica treaty, extent of area covered under the Antarctica treaty, India’s research stations in Antarctica.

Key takeaways: 

— The event will be attended by the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty. Originally signed by 12 countries on December 1, 1959, the treaty is a framework for peaceful coexistence and scientific cooperation in the continent.

— In 1950s, seven countries — Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the UK — made formal territorial claims over the continent. Some of these claims, however, overlapped with each other, leading to conflict. As a result, several attempts were made to enact an international agreement over the control of Antarctica.

— In 1956, India requested the United Nations to include ‘the question of Antarctica’ on the provisional agenda of the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal fell apart due to the opposition from Argentina and Chile, and no support from the US and the Soviet Union.

— A major breakthrough came during the 1957-58 International Geophysical Year (IGY), where 12 countries agreed to not let their political and legal differences to hinder the scientific research in Antarctica.

— The Conference of Antarctica went on from October 15 to December 1, 1959, and gave birth to the Antarctic Treaty. The agreement came at a time when the US and the Soviet Union were in the midst of the Cold War (1947-1991).

— The Antarctic Treaty was signed by all the 12 IGY participants and came into force in 1961. It contained only 14 articles and froze the disputes between territorial claims over Antarctica. Its key provisions limited countries from making new territorial claims, banned militarisation and nuclear testing, promoted scientific research, etc.

— Currently, 56 countries are part of the treaty — 29 of which, including all 12 original signatories, are ‘Consultative Parties’, which are part of the decision making process. India, which joined the treaty in 1983, is also a Consultative Party.

For Your Information: 

— India’s first Antarctic research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was established in 1983 in Queen Maud Land, operating until 1990. The second station, Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis, was established in 1989 and remains operational to this day.

— In 2012, India inaugurated its third Antarctic research station, Bharati, located on the Prydz Bay coast.

Points to Ponder: 

— What was the Cold War?

— What are the key provisions of the Antarctic Treaty?

— What is the reason behind the success of the Antarctic Treaty?

— What are the impacts of climate change on Antarctica?

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements:

1. The Antarctica Treaty came into force in 1961.

2. India was one of the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959.

3. Dakshin Gangotri was India’s first Antarctic research station.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

How Cold War shaped global order, what it can teach us about a potential Cold War 2.0

Adani Ports to enter Sensex: how India’s major stock indices work

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.

What’s the ongoing story- Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) will become the first Adani Group company to be included in the Sensex at the Bombay Stock Exchange, replacing Wipro on June 24. 

Prerequisites: 

— What is the Stock Market?

— What are NSE and BSE?

— What is the Sensex at the BSE and Nifty at the National Stock Exchange (NSE)?

— Organisation to look for:  Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) 

Key takeaways: 

— Both the Sensex and Nifty are tools by which traders and market participants measure the domestic market’s performance. While Sensex considers 30 stocks; the Nifty considers 50. Companies that are included in the Sensex and Nifty are selected based on specific criteria.

— Launched in 1986, the Sensex is the country’s oldest and most tracked bellwether index. It is designed to measure the performance of the 30 largest, most liquid, and financially sound companies across key sectors of the Indian economy that are listed at BSE Ltd. 

— These companies are selected to represent the broader Indian equity marketplace. As such, even though the Sensex is composed of only 30 stocks, investors make decisions to buy or sell based on the movement of the Sensex.

— The difference between Nifty and Sensex lies in the number of stocks that each index tracks. While the Sensex constitutes 30 companies trading on the BSE, the Nifty 50 is a broad-based index consisting of 50 blue chip large and liquid stocks traded on the NSE. The Nifty 50 was started in November 1995. 

— To be considered for selection, a stock must satisfy certain requirements. The Sensex is reconstituted biannually, in June and December of every year.

— It must have a listing history of at least six months at BSE, and it should have traded on every trading day at the BSE during this six-month reference period. 

— To be eligible, the stock should have a derivative contract, that is, an agreement between two parties to buy or sell any form of security at a certain price in the future.

Points to Ponder: 

— What are Derivatives?

— What is the Nifty Next 50 Index?

— Who regulates the securities market in India?

— What are the laws for stock market regulation in India?

Post Read Question:

Which of the following is issued by registered foreign portfolio investors to overseas investors who want to be part of the Indian stock market without registering themselves directly? (UPSC CSE 2019)

(a) Certificate of Deposit

(b) Commercial Paper

(c) Promissory Note

(d) Participatory Note

 

Economy

India in trade deficit with nine of top 10 trading partners

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development.

What’s the ongoing story- India has recorded a trade deficit, the difference between imports and exports, with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China, Russia, Singapore, and Korea, in 2023-24, according to official data.

Prerequisites:

— What is a balance of payments (BoP), and what are its components?

— What is trade deficit?

— What are the top 10 trading partners of India?

Key takeaways: 

— India’s total trade deficit in the last fiscal narrowed to $238.3 billion as against $264.9 billion in the previous fiscal.

— China has emerged as India’s largest trading partner with $118.4 billion of two-way commerce in 2023-24, edging past the U.S. Washington was the top trading partner of New Delhi during 2021-22 and 2022-23.

— India has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the U.S. in 2023-24. America is one of the few countries with which India has a trade surplus. The surplus is also there with the U.K., Belgium, Italy, France and Bangladesh.

— India has a free trade agreement with four of its top trading partners — Singapore, the UAE, Korea and Indonesia (as part of the Asian bloc).

— According to trade experts, a deficit is not always bad, if a country is importing raw materials or intermediary products to boost manufacturing and exports. However, it puts pressure on the domestic currency.

— Economic think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) said that a bilateral trade deficit with a country isn’t a major issue unless it makes us overly reliant on that country’s critical supplies. However, a rising overall trade deficit is harmful to the economy.

Points to Ponder: 

— What causes a trade deficit?
— What are the impacts of a trade deficit on the economy?
— How can we control the trade deficit?

( Thought Process: How promoting exports, developing domestic industries, reducing unnecessary imports,  and managing currency and debt levels can help in cutting trade deficits?)

Post Read Question:

Consider the following actions which the Government can take: (UPSC CSE 2011)

1. Devaluing the domestic currency.

2. Reduction in the export subsidy.

3. Adopting suitable policies which attract greater FDI and more funds from FIIs.

Which of the above action/actions can help in reducing the current account deficit?

(a) 1 and 2

(b) 2 and 3

(c) 3 only

(d) 1 and 3

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

What is trade deficit, is it bad?

With high withdrawals, patent process still under stress; approvals up, says govt

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy 

Mains Examination:  GS-III: Issues relating to intellectual property rights.

What’s the ongoing story- Arbitrary refusals and procedural inconsistencies have marred the track record of India’s patent office, pushing the share of patent applications withdrawn in the country to one of the highest in the world at a time when countries such as the US, Japan, South Korea and China are using their patent processing systems to foster scientific research and technological innovation.

Prerequisites: 

— What is Intellectual Property (IP)?

— What is the difference between “Trademark”, “Copyright” and “Patent”?

— What are Patent criteria in India?

— Read about the office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

Key takeaways: 

— A country’s IP rights ecosystem involves granting patents, trademarks, and copyright to incentivise research and inventions across industries. Typically, developed nations have a much higher number of patents and trademarks, which helps businesses gain market share.

— Amid multiple cases raising question marks over the operations of CGPDTM, which is responsible for administering Intellectual Property Laws in India, a new complaint regarding mismanagement has been filed with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) which looks into corruption in administration and public services.

— While admitting to key shortcomings such as shortage of manpower in the patent office, government officials contend that they have begun addressing the issue of arbitrary refusals and procedural inconsistencies and started conducting open house sessions to address grievances, which have improved the process of granting patents over the last 12 months.

— India reported a sharp 44.6 per cent growth in international patent filing in 2023 compared to 2022, as per the WIPO. The growth rates in 2022 stood at 31.6 in 2022 compared to 2021. WIPO ranked India third in terms of trademark registrations in force in 2022 at nearly 2.9 million, after China at 42.7 million and the US at 3.1 million.

For Your Information: Intellectual property refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the different types of Intellectual Property Rights?

— What is the intellectual property-related agreement of the WTO?

— What are the issues related to Intellectual Property Rights in India?

— What are the initiatives taken by the Indian government to make a robust intellectual property right?

(Thought Process: Read about the National IPR policy and other initiatives of government)

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2019)

1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India.

2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board.

3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

UPSC Essentials: One word a day- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)

 

Express Network

LVM3 commercialisation is a big step forward, at right time for India, say experts

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: GS-III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

What’s the ongoing story- ISRO’s recent invitation to private firms to build India’s heaviest rocket is a long-awaited step to ensure greater participation of the private sector in the country’s space programme. And it will help India emerge stronger in the international space market amid a rapidly-increasing demand for satellite launches, according to experts The Indian Express spoke to.

Prerequisites: 

— What is the New Space India Limited (NSIL)?

— What is Launch Vehicle Mark-III or LVM3?

— What is geostationary orbit?

Key takeaways: 

— Earlier this month, ISRO’s commercial arm, NSIL, invited applications from private firms for “end-to-end” manufacturing of LVM3, the rocket that was used in the Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 lunar missions.

— Previously called GSLV-MkIII, the LVM3 is ISRO’s most powerful rocket so far. It can carry up to 4-tonne satellites into the geostationary orbit and up to 8-tonne satellites into the lower earth orbits.

— “With the commercialisation of LVM3, Indian companies will now have a wider array of launch vehicles to offer in the global market. It will increase the country’s share in the global market,” Lieutenant General Anil Kumar Bhatt (retd), director general, Indian Space Association, told The Indian Express.

— Besides the LMV3, ISRO has also given private players a chance to make the recently developed Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and its main workhorse, PSLV. The first privately manufactured PSLV is likely to take flight in August this year.

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the various space launch vehicles of ISRO?

— What is the purpose of the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)?

— What are the opportunities and challenges with private sector participation in space missions?

Post Read Question:

Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socio-economic development? (UPSC CSE 2016)

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Space Dept’s commercial arm seeks pvt partners to manufacture its largest rocket 

Cyclone Remal hits coast: Air, train ops suspended, heavy rain in south Bengal

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Indian and World Geography-Physical, Social, Economic Geography of India and the World.

Mains Examination: GS-I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.

What’s the ongoing story- Cyclone Remal, this year’s first cyclone in the Bay of Bengal which triggered suspension of rail and air services in West Bengal, hit the Indian coastline late on Sunday night in an area between Sagar Islands and Khepupara in neighbouring Bangladesh.

Prerequisites: 

— What is a cyclone and what are its types?

— Read about the cyclone Remal and check the list of previous cyclones in the Bay of Bengal.

— Check the location of the Sagar Islands, Khepupara, and states affected by cyclone Remal.

Key takeaways: 

— The cyclone touched the coastline after 9 pm on Sunday, and the ‘landfall’ continued for about four hours, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said. Remal had wind speeds, ranging between 110 and 120 km per hour, when it hit the coast. The Indian coastline along northern Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal, as also the adjoining areas of Bangladesh, routinely receive much stronger cyclones every year.

— Earlier in the day, the IMD issued a warning about potential flooding and significant damage to various structures, power and communication lines, roads, crops, and orchards in the South 24 and North 24 Parganas districts.

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the favourable conditions for the formation of tropical cyclones?

— What is the “landfall” of a cyclone?

— Why does the Bay of Bengal receive more cyclones than the Arabian Sea?

— What is the difference between cyclones and anti-cyclones?

Post Read Question:

Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (UPSC CSE 2014)

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Cyclone Remal may hit West Bengal: What is a cyclone and what are its types?

 

The Editorial Page

The ICC’s challenge

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination:  GS-II: Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

What’s the ongoing story-  Prabhash Ranjan, Aman Kumar writes- “In a noteworthy international development, the International Criminal Court (ICC)’s prosecutor, Karim Khan, has requested the court to issue arrest warrants against leaders of Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant — and leaders of Hamas — Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri (Deif) and Ismail Haniyeh.”

Prerequisites: 

— What is the ICC?

— What is the jurisdiction of the ICC?

— How is the ICC  different from the International Court of Justice?

Key takeaways: 

— “The arrest warrants are sought on the charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity over the October 7 attack on Israel and the subsequent war in Gaza.”

— “Under international law, heads of state are immune from criminal proceedings at any foreign or international court. At the ICC, however, no head of state can claim immunity.”

— “ICC statute says that “official capacity as a head of state or government, a member of a government or parliament, an elected representative or a government official shall in no case exempt a person from criminal responsibility”. 

— “Like Russia, Israel, too, isn’t a member of the ICC. Thus, some are questioning if the ICC can issue arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The basis of ICC’s jurisdiction in this case is that Palestine is a state party to the court. Thus, the ICC can exercise what is known as territorial jurisdiction. This means that if a crime is committed on the territory of a state party to the ICC, the Court can exercise jurisdiction on that crime, even if it is committed by people belonging to a state that isn’t its member. Hence, the crimes committed by Israeli soldiers in Gaza fall within the Court’s jurisdiction. Similarly, Hamas’ conduct in Israel falls within the Court’s jurisdiction even though Israel isn’t a member of the ICC.”

Points to Ponder: 

— Is India a member of the ICC?

— What are war crimes? What is the criteria for war crimes?

— What distinguishes war crimes from crimes against humanity?

— What are the emerging challenges in the field of international criminal justice?

Post Read Question:

With reference to the ICC, consider the following statements:

1. It was established under a 1998 treaty called the “Rome Statute”.

2. India is a member country of the ICC.

3. It investigates and, where warranted, tries  individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Potential ICC arrest warrants elicit concern among Israel’s top officials 

On the food front

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-I, GS-II: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth,  Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.

What’s the ongoing story- The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) record Rs 2,10,874 crore “surplus” transfer to the Centre has brought down the benchmark 10-year government bond yields to below 7 per cent, for the first time in almost a year. The move has, thus, lowered interest rates even without any cut in the central bank’s policy lending (repo) rate. The latter action is, of course, predicated upon the trajectory of inflation. 

Prerequisites: 

— What is El Nino? How does it affect Indian agriculture? 

— What is inflation and its types?

Key takeaways: 

— 2023-24 wasn’t great for agriculture. El Niño’s impact can be seen in pulses. El Niño resulted in not only subnormal rain, but also high temperatures and delayed onset of winter, affecting all these crops. 

— Global climate models indicate El Niño transitioning to “neutral” in the coming month and developing into La Niña — associated with good rainfall activity in the subcontinent — by July-August. But the government cannot take chances; nor can the RBI cut rates without a softening of food inflation. 

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the conditions that cause El Niño?

— What is the Southwest Monsoon?

— Why is Monsoon called the finance minister of India? 

Post Read Question:

With reference to Indian monsoon, consider the following:

1. The development of El-Nina conditions in the Pacific ocean facilitates above normal rainfall during monsoon in India.

2. The Indian Ocean Dipole is the counterpart of La Nina in the Indian Ocean.

3. The alternative phase of warming and cooling of the sea surface impacts the monsoon condition in the Indian ocean region.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) None

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

Monsoon and food inflation

 

The Ideas Page

A to-do list for inflation

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economy

Mains Examination: GS-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation of resources, growth, development and employment.

What’s the ongoing story-  Ashok Gulati , Ritika Juneja writes- “RBI has been working very closely with the government, especially the Ministry of Finance, to ensure that India achieves high GDP growth (above 7 per cent) while containing inflation within prescribed limits…The government had gone on an overdrive with export controls of wheat, rice, sugar, and even onions. Although such restrictive export policies help the consumers, they hurt farmers’ interest adversely.”

Prerequisites: 

— What is inflation?

— What is the Minimum Support Price (MSP)?

— What are the top 5 agri-products imported and exported by India?

Key takeaways: 

— “India’s agri-imports in 2023-24 have registered a notable decline of 8 per cent, dropping from $35.7 billion in 2022-23 to $32.8 billion in 2023-24.”

— “It is noteworthy that the decline in the value of agricultural imports in 2023-24 was primarily due to edible oils…India imports roughly 55 to 60 per cent of its edible oil consumption. Within the spectrum of edible oils, palm oil accounts for over 50 per cent, followed by soybean and sunflower. The principal factor contributing to the decline in import values is the decrease in palm oil prices in international markets…”

— “Next to edible oil, it is pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables (F&V), sugar, spices, cashew, and various other items that comprise India’s agri-imports…Import restrictions, coupled with somewhat sluggish growth in domestic production, are leading to high inflation in pulses.”

— “This is worrying the government and no wonder, they are liberalising the imports of pulses at zero import duty, which will remain in place until the end of 2024-25. This is likely to hit the farmers, though it will help in taming pulses prices for consumers. Again a sign of consumer bias.”

— “What could be rational trade policy that dovetails well with domestic MSP policy? First, instead of a sudden drop to zero import duty, it could have been more calibrated. Second, it must ensure that the landed price is not below the MSP of major pulses. Third, if domestic prices go below MSP, then NAFED should undertake large scale procurement at MSP to build its buffer stocks. Else, we are afraid, pulses farmers will lose heavily and their enthusiasm to produce more pulses may wane soon.”

— “ The key lesson is that trade policy, especially import liberalisation, has to be well integrated with MSP policy at home…Thus, farmers’ and the planet’s interests must go hand in hand.”

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the various factors that contribute to inflation?

— What are the measures taken by the RBI to control the inflation?

— What is National Edible Oil Mission-Oil Palm (NEOM-OP)?

— What measures should the government take to balance the interests of both consumers and farmers while controlling inflation?

Post Read Question:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2023)

1. The Government of India provides Minimum Support Price for niger (Guizotia abyssinica) seeds.

2. Niger is cultivated as a Kharif crop.

3. Some tribal people in India use niger seed oil for cooking.

How many of the above statements are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

 

Front Page

6 newborns die in Delhi hospital fire

UPSC Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: GS-III: Disaster and disaster management.

What’s the ongoing story- Two devastating fire incidents in less than 12 hours, which have snuffed out lives, many of them children, including, most heartbreakingly, newborns at a pediatric hospital in Delhi, are reminders of the shockingly low priority accorded to basic safety measures in Indian cities.

Prerequisites: 

— Fire Services is a State subject or Concurrent Subject or Union Subject?

— Organisation to look for: National Disaster Management Authority

Key takeaways: 

— Fire preparedness is a well-developed discipline in most parts of the world. Yet outbreak after outbreak in the last three decades has highlighted the failure to learn from it and bring it into the design of public spaces, housing apartments, hospitals, commercial and office complexes.

— Part four of the National Building Code, which runs into more than 80 pages, has detailed directions on how to prevent fire hazards. Many states, including Delhi and Gujarat, also have their own fire safety rules. But fire safety operations fall under municipalities, a tier of governance whose weaknesses have multiplied in recent times. Inspections are weak and, at best, once-in-a-few-years exercises. This means that very often it requires a tragedy to uncover flagrant violations.

— A FICCI-Pinkerton study of 2018 flagged that urban India has less than 40 per cent of the fire stations it needs.

Points to Ponder: 

— What are the causes of fire accidents in urban India?

— What are the provisions concerning fire safety in India?

— What is the National Building Code (NBC) of India, 2016?

— What measures can be taken to ensure fire safety?

Post Read Question:

The incidence of fire tragedies cannot be called accidents; they are a result of a lack of preparedness at various regulatory and organisational levels. comment.

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