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Indian Express
10 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: India-Argentina relations, Big Beautiful Bill Act and Special Intensive Revision
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 6, 2025. If you missed the July 5, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: India and Argentina are to strengthen collaboration in critical minerals, shale gas, defence manufacturing, space, telemedicine, digital health solutions and information technology following talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Javier Milei in Buenos Aires Saturday night. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the history of India-Argentina relations? • What are the areas of cooperation between India and Argentina? • What is the significance of Argentina's critical mineral reserves for India's clean energy transition? • As India seeks to leverage Argentina's vast shale gas and oil reserves to diversify its energy portfolio, what are the opportunities and challenges associated with it? • How can India's partnership with Argentina shape India's mineral security strategy? • What is a preferential trade agreement? • What is Unified Payments Interface (UPI)? How many countries have adopted UPI? • As India and Argentina are working towards a Preferential Trade Agreement and UPI adoption, how can such initiatives deepen India's economic footprint in Latin America? • Map work: Location of Argentina. (Refer to the atlas.) Key Takeaways: • Modi and Milei met last November on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders' Summit in Brazil. On Saturday, the two sides decided to work towards a preferential trade agreement and faster approval towards Indian medicines, and adoption of the UPI system after the bilateral meeting. • This is the first Indian bilateral visit to Argentina at the level of the Prime Minister in 57 years. It is Modi's second visit to the country as Prime Minister – he was there in 2018 for the G20 Summit. • Argentina has been a strategic partner of India since 2019 and the two countries celebrated 75 years of diplomatic relations last year. • P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said, 'The Prime Minister's visit to Argentina comes at a particularly significant time as Argentina is undertaking major economic reforms similar to those India went through in the past.' • Argentina holds the world's second largest shale gas reserves and the fourth largest shale oil reserves along with substantial conventional oil and gas deposits, making it a potentially important energy partner for India in the future. • Argentina's rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, copper and rare earth elements complement India's growing need for secure and sustainable supplies to these elements for its clean energy transition and industrial growth. India's public sector joint venture company KABIL has already won a few concessions in Argentina since 2024. • 'The visit will further strengthen the strategic partnership between India and Argentina and to explore new areas of cooperation across a wide range of sectors. These particularly include trade and investment, health and pharmaceuticals, defence and security, infrastructure, mining and mineral resources, agriculture and food security, green energy, information and communication technologies, digital innovation, disaster management, science and technology, education and people to people linkages,'said P Kumaran, Secretary (East) in the Ministry of External Affairs. Do You Know: • The last visit by an Indian PM to Argentina was by Indira Gandhi in 1968. As Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi visited Argentina as part of her tour of South American nations in 1968. • The first recorded visit by an Argentine to India was in 1848. According to Indologist Gustavo Canzobre, Indo-Argentinean relations date back to 1848 when the 17-year-old Argentine Lucio V. Mansilla visited India. Mansilla's writings of his travels across India and East Asia were recorded in the book Diario de viaje a Oriente (1850-51) (Travel Journal to the Orient [1850-51]). Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍PM Modi in Argentina: 3 lesser-known facts about India-Argentina relations UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (1) Consider the following statements with reference to India-Argentina relations: 1. Argentina holds the world's largest reserves of shale gas and shale oil. 2. Argentina has been a strategic partner of India since 2019. 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 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Salient features of the Representation of People's Act, Constitution of India — features, significant provisions and basic structure. What's the ongoing story: Citing 'lack of due process' and 'the unreasonably short timeline' for the 'Special Intensive Revision' of electoral rolls in poll-bound Bihar, NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has approached the Supreme Court, challenging the Election Commission exercise by calling it unconstitutional and warning that it will 'disenfranchise lakhs of voters'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Article 32 of the Constitution of India all about? • Know the Articles 14, 19, 21, 325 and 326 of the Constitution of India • What are the constitutional provisions related to the Elections in India? • Read about the Election Commission of India (ECI) and Representation of the People Act, 1950. • What is the primary objective of the 'Special Intensive Revision' (SIR) of electoral rolls? • Under which provision does the ECI conduct a 'Special Intensive Revision' of electoral rolls? • What are the constitutional and legal mandates empowering the ECI to carry out SIR? • Compare the SIR measures in Bihar with Assam NRC exercise. • What are the challenges and implications of requiring birth date/place proof for different age cohorts during roll revision? • What can be the implications of shifting the onus of voter registration from the State to citizens, especially in states with high poverty and migration? • What measures should be taken to balance electoral integrity with inclusivity? Key Takeaways: • In its petition dated July 4, filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan, the ADR said, 'The present Writ Petition has been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution of India, seeking setting aside of Order and communication dated 24.06.2025 issued by the Respondent Election Commission of India (ECI), directing for Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls in Bihar (SIR Order), as being in violation of Articles 14, 19, 21, 325 and 326 of the Constitution of India as well as provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 and Rule 21A of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.' • 'The SIR order dated 24.06.2025, if not set aside, can arbitrarily and without due process disenfranchise lakhs of voters from electing their representatives, thereby disrupting free and fair elections and democracy in the country, which are part of the basic structure of the Constitution,' the plea stated. • It said 'the documentation requirements of the directive, lack of due process as well as the unreasonably short timeline for the … revision… further make this exercise bound to result in removal of names of lakhs of genuine voters from electoral rolls, leading to their disenfranchisement.' • The NGO said the EC's June 24 order 'has shifted the onus of being on the voters' list from the State to citizens. It has excluded identification documents such as Aadhaar or ration cards which further make marginalised communities and the poor more vulnerable to exclusion from voting'. • 'The declaration as required under the SIR process is violative of Article 326 in so far as it requires a voter to provide documents to prove his/her citizenship and also citizenships of his/her mother or father, failing which his/her name would not be added to the draft electoral roll and can be deleted from the same,' it stated. • Pointing out that 'Bihar is a state with high poverty and migration rates where many lack access to documents like birth certificates or parental records,' it said 'as per estimates, over 3 crore voters and more particularly from marginalised communities (such as SC, STs and migrant workers) could be excluded from voting due to the stringent requirements as mentioned in the SIR order. ' • According to ADR, Section 21(3) of the RPA, 1950 allows the ECI to direct a special revision of electoral rolls 'for reasons to be recorded' but the directive for Bihar 'lacks recorded reasons supported by any evidence or transparent methodology, rendering it arbitrary and thus liable to be struck down'. • It said the 'SIR of Bihar or any other state of country is a positive step, but the manner in which ECI has directed the conduct of SIR in a poll-bound state like Bihar has raised questions from all stakeholders, particularly the voters.' Do You Know: • The ECI is a permanent, independent, and constitutional authority responsible for conducting free and fair elections in the Union and the States of India. • The ECI is empowered to supervise, oversee, and manage elections to Parliament, state legislatures, and the offices of President and Vice-President of India. Since the ECI does not oversee elections to state-level urban bodies like municipalities and panchayats, there is a separate State Election Commission. • The Constitution has the following articles (Articles 324–329) to empower the Election Commission and provide insight into the potential roles and functions of the commission. • Article 324: The superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of the electoral rolls for, and the conduct of, all elections to Parliament and the Legislature of every state and of elections to the offices of President and Vice-President. • Article 325: No individual to be excluded from electoral rolls on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex or any of them. • Article 326: Adult suffrage shall be the basis for elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 327: Parliament may, according to the provisions of this Constitution, from time to time enact laws with respect to all matters relating to elections to Parliament and Legislative Assemblies of States. • Article 328: A state's Legislature may from time to time by law make provision with respect to all matters relating to, or in connection with, the elections to the House or either House of the Legislature. • Article 329: The article prohibits the courts from becoming involved in electoral matters. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Starting with Bihar, fresh electoral rolls: Proof of birth date for those not in 2003 list 📍Revision of Bihar electoral rolls: Why, how Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (2) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2017) 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections. 3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 3 only Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance, History Mains Examination: General Studies-II: India and its neighbourhood- relations What's the ongoing story: Varinder Bhatia writes- 'In the history of Tibet and Indo-China relationship, April 26, 1959, was a turning point. Having fled his homeland following China's invasion, the Dalai Lama met Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who declared that the spiritual and political leader of Tibetan Buddhists 'should be allowed to live in peace' in India.' Key Points to Ponder: • Who is the Dalai Lama? The Dalai Lama is considered the spiritual head of which Tibetan Buddhist school? • Tibetan Buddhist school evolved from which traditions of Buddhism? • What is the history of Tibet and Indo-China relationship? • Which agreement in 1951 formally brought Tibet under Chinese sovereignty, leading to tensions that resulted in the Dalai Lama's exile? • What are the implications of China's role in the selection of the next Dalai Lama for India-Tibet relations and regional geopolitics? • What are the geopolitical and diplomatic consequences of India granting asylum to the Dalai Lama in 1959? • How did granting asylum to the Dalai Lama shape Indo-China relations? • Read about the 1962 Sino-Indian war. • What was the Panchsheel Treaty? • Map work: Khenzimane Pass in Arunachal Pradesh Key Takeaways: • 'On Wednesday, the Dalai Lama, who turns 90 on July 6, reiterated that the institution would continue and only his Gaden Phodrang Foundation would have the authority to recognise the reincarnation, ending uncertainty on whether he will have a successor or not after his death.' • The Dalai Lama, who is the 14th to hold the title, made the announcement from Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, where all those decades ago he set up the Tibetan government-in-exile. At the time, following his arrival in the country, Nehru had told the public that the Tibetan spiritual leader 'had to undertake a very big and difficult journey' before meeting him. • 'The journey up to that point was long and arduous. Following China's occupation of Tibet and the violent repression that followed, the Dalai Lama and several other Tibetans left for India. The Dalai Lama, his family members, bodyguards, and fellow Tibetans were received by Indian border guards at the Khenzimane Pass in Arunachal Pradesh on March 31, 1959. On April 2, Indian government officials formally welcomed him at the Chutangmu outpost on April 2, 1959, and took him to the Tawang monastery. The following day, the Nehru government announced it had granted the Dalai Lama political asylum.' • 'The Dalai Lama eventually moved to Tezpur in Assam, where he released his first statement from Indian soil. On April 18, 1959, he criticised China for shelling the Norbulingka Palace, one of his residences in Lhasa, the month before. He expressed his deep gratitude to the Government of India and thanked the Indian public for their 'spontaneous and generous welcome'. In the same statement, the Dalai Lama mentioned he came to India 'of my own free will and not under duress'.' • 'For Nehru, too, it was not all smooth sailing when it came to granting the Dalai Lama asylum. The PM faced immense criticism, with many warning him of the consequences of 'antagonising China'.' • 'The day the Dalai Lama released the statement from Tezpur, China officially lodged its protest, accusing India of meddling in its internal affairs. Beijing insisted that the Dalai Lama 'be returned'. That laid the foundation of a future deterioration of Indo-China relations and eventually led to the 1962 Sino-Indian war.' • 'Nehru, however, cited 'moral and humanitarian' grounds to allow the Dalai Lama entry into India and also the decision to grant him political asylum.' • 'After Tezpur, the Dalai Lama lived in Mussoorie (now in Uttarakhand) for several months. In 1960, upon the invitation of the government, he moved to McLeodganj in Dharamshala and has been there since then, with the town becoming the centre for Tibetan cultural and political activities in exile.' Do You Know: • Despite effortless integration of cultures and communities, the Tibetan issue has always been a sensitive one for India, Tibet and China since the early 1950s. While then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru welcomed waves of embattled Tibetans and granted the Dalai Lama asylum in 1959, even in the face of immense criticism and fears of 'antagonising China', after the India-China war in 1962, Delhi has been cautious about its public pronouncements on the Dalai Lama. • Since then, the Indian government has adopted a more nuanced position. While maintaining that the Dalai Lama is a 'revered religious leader and is deeply respected by the people of India' and that he has 'all the freedom to carry out his religious activities in India', Delhi doesn't officially support the Tibetan community's political activism in India. • More so now, when India and China are working towards normalising the bilateral relationship after a tense border standoff since 2020. On July 4, the Ministry of External Affairs released a carefully worded statement saying the government 'does not take any position or speak on matters concerning beliefs and practices of faith and religion. The Government has always upheld freedom of religion for all in India and will continue to do so.' • Panchsheel: The Panchsheel Agreement, formally known as The Agreement on Trade and Intercourse with Tibet Region, was signed on April 29, 1954, by N Raghavan, the Indian Ambassador to China, and Zhang Han-Fu, China's Foreign Minister. The preamble of the Panchsheel Treaty lay down five guiding principles: 1) Mutual respect for each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty; 2) Mutual non-aggression; 3) Mutual non-interference; 4) Equality and mutual benefit; and 5) Peaceful co-existence. • The agreement aimed to enhance trade and cooperation between the two countries, establishing each country's trade centres in major cities of the other, and laid out a framework for trade. The agreement also listed important religious pilgrimages, provisions for pilgrims, and acceptable routes and passes available to them. Importantly, India for the first time recognised Tibet as the Tibet Region of China. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India reaffirms religious neutrality after China objects to Dalai Lama remarks 📍Why the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday this week matters for Tibetans, and beyond UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (3) With reference to 'Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence', consider the following statements: 1. It is a foreign policy concept that was first articulated in an agreement betweem India and China in 1954. 2. The agreement aimed to enhance trade and cooperation between the two countries, listed important religious pilgrimages and India for the first time recognised Tibet as the Tibet Region of China. Which of the statements given above is/are are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (4) 'Belt and Road Initiative' is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC CSE 2016) (a) African Union (b) Brazil (c) European Union (d) China Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 'China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia', In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor. (UPSC CSE 2017) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: World Geography Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclones. What's the ongoing story: Japan's government on Saturday warned of more possible strong earthquakes in waters southwest of its main islands, but urged the public not to believe unfounded manga comic-book predictions of a major disaster. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the earthquakes. • How are earthquakes measured? • How movements of sections of the Earth's crust release the energy that we experience as earthquakes? • What are the most earthquake-prone zones of the world? (Thought process: Read about the circum-Pacific seismic belt, Alpide earthquake belt (mid Continental belt), and submerged mid-Atlantic Ridge.) • What are the effects of earthquakes? • What are the earthquake zones in India, and what measures have been taken by the government concerning the natural disaster? • Read about the Pacific Ring of Fire. Key Takeaways: • Authorities on Friday evacuated some residents from remote islands close to the epicentre of a 5.5-magnitude quake off the tip of the southernmost main island of Kyushu. • That quake on Thursday, strong enough to make standing difficult, was one of more than 1,000 tremors in the islands of Kagoshima prefecture in the past two weeks that have fuelled rumours stemming from a comic book prediction that a major disaster would befall the country this month. Do You Know: • An earthquake is an intense shaking of the ground caused by movement under the earth's surface. It happens when two blocks of the earth suddenly slip past one another, according to USGS. This releases stored-up 'elastic strain' energy in the form of seismic waves, which spreads through the earth and cause the shaking of the ground. • The earth's outermost surface, crust, is fragmented into tectonic plates. The edges of the plates are called plate boundaries, which are made up of faults. The tectonic plates constantly move at a slow pace, sliding past one another and bumping into each other. As the edges of the plates are quite rough, they get stuck with one another while the rest of the plate keeps moving. Earthquake occurs when the plate has moved far enough and the edges unstick on one of the faults. • The location below the earth's surface where the earthquake starts is called the hypocenter, and the location directly above it on the surface of the earth is called the epicentre. Why is Japan prone to earthquakes and tsunamis? • That's because of its location. Japan is situated along the 'Pacific Ring of Fire', which is the most active earthquake tectonic belt in the world. The 'ring' refers to 'an imaginary horseshoe-shaped zone that follows the rim of the Pacific Ocean, where many of the world's earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur,' according to a report by Live Science. • Within the Ring of Fire, there are different tectonic belts, including the Pacific Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate, which keep meshing and colliding with each other, causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: Understanding the earthquake Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) Consider the following: (UPSC CSE 2013) 1. Electromagnetic radiation 2. Geothermal energy 3. Gravitational force 4. Plate movements 5. Rotation of the earth 6. Revolution of the earth Which of the above are responsible for bringing dynamic changes on the surface of the earth? (a) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only (b) 1, 3, 5 and 6 only (c) 2, 4, 5 and 6 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian diaspora. What's the ongoing story: US President Donald Trump has signed the Congress-approved 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Act (OBBBA), which marks a sharp break from his predecessor Joe Biden's Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) that drove billions into clean energy investments – from solar and wind to electric vehicles (EVs). Instead, the OBBBA accelerates the phaseout of federal incentives for these clean technologies, slashes royalty rates for domestic fossil fuel drilling, and expands oil and gas leasing through new provisions. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the 'One Big Beautiful Bill' Act (OBBBA)? • What are the key provisions of the OBBBA? • What are the concerns associated with OBBBA? • What might be the geopolitical implications of OBBBA on the global clean energy race? • What can be the long-term economic and environmental consequences of OBBBA? • Compare the energy strategies of the United States and China. Key Takeaways: • The US House of Representatives passed the bill on July 3 without altering the Senate-approved version received earlier this week. While the final text modestly tones down the House's more aggressive cuts in support for hydrogen production and batteries, it still rolls back key benefits for solar and wind energy, as well as for both commercial and passenger EVs. • Experts warn the legislation could drive up household energy bills over the next decade, slow the deployment of clean technologies on the US power grid, and – most importantly – cement China's dominance in the global clean energy race. • The oil and gas industry – long a key backer of Trump's presidential campaigns – welcomed the OBBBA's push to expand fossil fuel production. But critics argue that US shale remains costlier than renewables, and that leaning on fossil fuels to meet rising electricity demand is both economically and practically unviable. • The final OBBBA text, while broadly scaling back clean energy support, is still less severe than the House version originally sent to the Senate. It gives clean hydrogen projects until end-2027 to qualify for tax credits – two years more than earlier proposed – and retains incentives for carbon capture, nuclear power, and clean fuels. Energy storage systems tied to solar or wind can also access full investment benefits through 2032, avoiding a sharper phaseout of benefits. • Across the Pacific, China has ramped up thermal power to meet rising industrial demand – but a steady pivot to clean technologies remains central to its energy strategy. For instance, in 2024, while it started construction to add around 100 GW of coal power capacity, it added a whopping 420 GW of solar and wind. In comparison, the US added less than 55 GW in 2024, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍This Word Means: Big, Beautiful Bill Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies- II, III: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Indian Economy, Effects of liberalisation on the economy What's the ongoing story: India's decision to reserve its rights to impose retaliatory duties on the US over imposition of tariffs on auto parts is a procedural move under the WTO agreement on safeguards and it will not affect ongoing negotiations on the proposed trade pact between the two countries, an official said. Key Points to Ponder: • Read about the World Trade Organisation (WTO). • What is the WTO Agreement on Safeguards? • What are 'retaliatory tariffs'? • How does India's decision to reserve retaliatory duties against the US reflect the mechanism under the Agreement on Safeguards? • What is the role of multilateral trade institutions like the WTO in addressing protectionist policies of major economies? • Analyse the effectiveness of the WTO's dispute settlement mechanism in ensuring fair trade practices among member countries. • What is the history of India-US relations? • What are the areas of cooperation between India and the US? • What are the key developments in India-US relations in the various sectors? • What are the challenges and opportunities in finalising a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) between India and the US? Key Takeaways: • India on Friday proposed imposing retaliatory duties under the WTO (World Trade Organisation) norms against the US over American tariffs on imports of the country's auto parts in the name of safeguard measures. • The proposed suspension of concessions or other obligations would take the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the US, according to a notification of the WTO being circulated at the request of India. • The two countries have aimed to conclude the first phase of the BTA by fall (September-October) this year. The agreement is aimed at more than doubling bilateral trade to USD 500 billion by 2030 from the current USD 191 billion. • Both India and the US are signatories to the Agreement on Safeguard at the WTO which empowers a WTO Member to suspend its tariff concessions to another member who introduces safeguard measures on its imports. • On 26 March 2025, the US announced a 25 per cent ad valorem tariff on the import of automobiles and on certain automobile parts, including, from India under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, 1974. • 'India treated it as a safeguard measure and gave a notice for consultation under the WTO agreement earlier. Now, as per the provisions of that agreement, after completion of 30 days period for consultation, as a next step, India has notified that it is reserving its right to suspend concession on equivalent US exports to India as a response to enhanced tariff of 25 per cent imposed by the US on Indian exports of auto components,' the official said. Do You Know: From Front Page- 'Amid India deal impasse, Trump signs tariff letters for 12 nations' • With no word still on whether his administration will sign an interim trade deal with India before the reciprocal tariff pause runs out July 9, President Donald Trump has said the US has begun the process of informing countries about the reciprocal tariffs they must pay, and that he has already signed 12 letters scheduled to be dispatched Monday. • Trump, however, stated that the reciprocal tariffs would come into effect August 1, indicating a potential extended window for negotiations with countries, including possibly India, which have not struck a deal with the US before the July 9 deadline. The US had originally announced a 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on India. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | From Trump's reciprocal tariffs announcement to 90-day pause: Everything in between UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme: (6) Consider the following statements: 1. Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed by a government on imported goods and services. 2. Objective of tariffs is to make foreign products more expensive compared to domestically produced goods 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 Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Roshni Yadav is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She is an alumna of the University of Delhi and Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she pursued her graduation and post-graduation in Political Science. She has over five years of work experience in ed-tech and media. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. Her interests lie in national and international affairs, governance, economy, and social issues. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: Quad foreign ministers' meeting, PM's visit to Ghana, and Gaden Phodrang Trust
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 3, 2025. If you missed the July 2, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: The Quad foreign ministers on Wednesday strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, called for the 'perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay', and urged all UN member countries to cooperate with all authorities under international law in this regard. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the purpose of the Quad foreign ministers' meeting? • What are the key takeaways from this meeting? • Why was Quad formed? • Who is hosting the Quad's leaders' summit in 2025? • What is the significance of the Quad for India? • Why is the mention of the Pahalgam terror attack significant? • What is the significance of a resilient supply chain for critical minerals? • Is QUAD a military bloc? • What are critical minerals? Key Takeaways: • External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met in Washington, D.C, for the second Quad foreign ministers' meeting this year, and the first since Operation Sindoor • They also launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative and announced plans to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year and launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai this year. • The next Quad Leaders' Summit is to be hosted by India later this year. • 'We are launching today the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains,' the statement said. • Reaffirming its steadfast commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Quad said, 'We underscore our commitment to defending the rule of law, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. As four leading maritime nations in the Indo-Pacific, we are united in our conviction that peace and stability in the maritime domain underpin the security and prosperity of the region.' • 'To ensure the Quad's enduring impact, we are pleased to announce today a new, ambitious, and strong agenda focused on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response', it said. • On China, the Quad foreign ministers said, 'We remain seriously concerned about the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion.' • The Quad foreign ministers said their cooperation with and support for ASEAN and its centrality and unity, the Pacific Islands Forum and Pacific-led regional groupings, and the Indian Ocean Rim Association 'remain unwavering'. • They also expressed concern about supply chains. 'We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals.' • The Quad foreign ministers also condemned 'North Korea's destabilising launches using ballistic missile technology and its continued pursuit of nuclear weapons in violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions (UNSCRs)'. • The Quad said it continues to coordinate rapid responses to regional disasters and collectively contributed 'over USD $30 million in humanitarian assistance to support communities affected by the earthquake that struck central Myanmar in March 2025'. • It concluded by saying that as the 'Quad continues to evolve, our four democracies remain committed to deepening our cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, and ensuring our cooperation has an enduring impact on the region's top challenges and opportunities in the 21st century.' Do You Know: • The Quad, comprising India, Australia, Japan, and the United States, has launched an initiative to secure supply chains of critical minerals, as worries grow around China's stranglehold over the resources, which are vital to new technologies. • Critical minerals, which include rare earth elements (REEs), are an important component of various cutting-edge hardware, ranging from semiconductors and electric vehicles to jet fighters. • Rare earth magnets, especially neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, are crucial for EV manufacturing, particularly in electric motors. They provide the strong magnetic fields needed for efficient and powerful electric motors, including traction motors that drive EVs. These magnets also play a major role in other EV components such as power steering systems, wiper motors, and braking systems. China has a near monopoly over the production of these rare earth magnets. • While the availability of rare earth metals is not limited to China, it is in the efficient processing of these critical elements where Beijing has a substantial lead, which was once enjoyed by the US and Japan. • The Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, or the Quad, comprises India, Japan, Australia, and the US. It was formed as an informal alliance after the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004. It was formalised in 2007 by the efforts of the then-Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. • The United States is hosting the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, and India will host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit. • According to a report published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) in 2024, India's demand for critical minerals is expected to more than double by 2030, while domestic mining operations may take over a decade to start producing. • The report said India depends heavily on China for synthetic graphite and natural graphite, and it should explore cooperation initiatives with countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil, and Tanzania, which are some of the highest graphite-producing countries. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Quad comes together to create supply chains for critical minerals: Can it counter China? 📍Why is Quad Critical Minerals Initiative important for your UPSC exam Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (1) Consider the following statements about the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): 1. The NATO-led initiative was launched to create a global supply chain of critical minerals. 2. In 2023, India and Sri Lanka became members of MSP, taking the total count to 14. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. General Studies-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment What's the ongoing story: United States President Donald Trump has said his administration is going to sign 'a very big' trade deal 'to open up India', 'where we are able to go in and compete (with) much less tariffs'. Key Points to Ponder: • Know about the cultivation and production of corn (maize), ethanol, soyabean and dairy. • What are genetically modified crops? • How is feedstock used to manufacture ethanol? • How is ethanol manufactured in India? • What is the significance of biotechnology in agriculture? • What are the concerns associated with GM crops? • What are the points of contestation between India and the US trade deal? Key Takeaways: • India has maintained that agriculture and dairy are its 'red lines' in its ongoing negotiations with the US. 'There's no way we could do anything that would weaken our agriculture, our farmers' positions,' Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said in an interview with the Financial Express. • It basically reduces to four farm products: corn (maize), ethanol, soyabean and dairy. On these, India imposes both tariff and non-tariff restrictions, and the US is pushing for greater market access. • Corn: The US is the world's biggest maize producer and exporter, with an estimated 377.6 million tonnes (mt) output, as against India's 42.3 mt, in 2024-25. As much as 94% of the total area planted to corn in the US last year was under genetically modified (GM) varieties. • India charges 15% duty on maize imports of up to 0.5 mt annually, with quantities beyond that attracting a higher 50% rate. Moreover, it neither grows nor allows import of GM maize. • One proposal mooted is to permit import of GM maize exclusively for use as a feedstock to manufacture fuel ethanol. Over 46% of the ethanol being made available by Indian distilleries for blending with petrol is, in fact, currently coming from maize. That's more than the share of other feedstocks: Sugarcane juice/molasses (32%) and surplus/broken rice (22%). • Ethanol: The US is the world's biggest producer and exporter of ethanol too. In 2024, it exported $4.3 billion worth of ethanol, with India being the third largest market (at $441.3 million) after Canada ($1.5 billion) and United Kingdom ($535.1 million). • India now allows ethanol imports only against 'actual user' licence for non-fuel industrial purposes. Imports can be for manufacturing alcohol-based chemicals, medicines or beverages, but not for blending in petrol and diesel. • Given India's total projected ethanol consumption of 11,350 million litres in 2025, with fuel's share at 9,650 million and industrial use at just 1,700 million litres, the US would want an opening up of the market. • Soybean: US is the second biggest producer and exporter of soyabean after Brazil. With 96% of acreage in the US and 99% in Brazil under herbicide-tolerant GM varieties, the average per-hectare yields of 3.4-3.5 tonnes in these two countries are way above India's 0.9 tonnes. • India allows import of GM soyabean oil. However, imports of both whole GM soyabean and the residual de-oiled cake (DOC) after extraction of oil are prohibited. The reason: The GM protein matter is present only in the raw bean and DOC, not the oil. • Diary: The US isn't as big a player as New Zealand and the European Union in dairy, when it comes to the global milk powder and butter trade. • The duties that India currently levies — 30% on cheese, 40% on butter and 60% on milk powder — render imports from even low-cost producers such as New Zealand and Australia unviable. Do You Know: • In India, only the GM crop- Bt cotton- is allowed for commercial production since 2002. Cotton production increased remarkably from a mere 13.6 million bales (1 bale = 170 kg) in 2002-03 to 39.8 million bales in 2013-14, registering an increase of 192 per cent in just 12 years, ushering the famous 'gene revolution' • The success of Bt cotton holds many lessons for policymakers but it is not free from controversy and debate. Several concerns have been expressed by NGOs, civil society groups and farmers' groups from time to time to emphasise the risks associated with GM crops. • Some of these include — enhanced sucking pest damage in Bt cotton; increase in secondary pests such as mired bugs and Spodoptera; emergence of pest resistance; environmental and health implications in terms of toxicity and allergenicity that can cause hematotoxin reactions in the human body and, of course, farmers' exposure to a greater risk of monopoly in the seed business. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Why India cannot afford to ignore the GM crop revolution 📍Why the Supreme Court couldn't agree on environmental release of GM mustard UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (2) Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (2012) 1. To enable them to withstand drought 2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce 3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations 4. To increase their shelf life Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 (3). Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (UPSC CSE 2021) (a) clonal propagation of crop plants (b) developing genetically modified crop plants (c) production of plant growth substances (d) production of biofertilizers UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC CSE 2019) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: Since the 1990s, Kerala has been known as India's most literate state. Under the Centre's 2022 literacy programme, Mizoram has pipped the southern state to emerge as India's 'first fully literate state'. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the ULLAS programme? • What is the National Literacy Mission (NLM)? • What is the New Education Policy? • What is the objective of the ULLAS programme? • What are the government policies for the promotion of education in India? • What is the status of literacy in India? Key Takeaways: • Mizoram has now become India's 'first fully literate state' under the Centre's ULLAS programme, officially called the Nav Bharat Saksharta Karyakram or the New India Literacy Programme. The literacy rate in Mizoram now stands at 98.2%. According to the Ministry of Education's 2024 definition, a state can be called 'fully literate' if it achieves 95% literacy. • The ULLAS programme, which has a five-year timeline aimed at non-literate people aged 15 years and above, was first implemented across the country in 2022. • There are competing claims on which state became 'fully literate' first based on different datasets. Kerala achieved 'total literacy' in 1991 as per the National Literacy Mission (NLM) norms, which required 90% of a state's population aged between 15 and 35 years to be literate. Kerala had claimed that 90% of its population aged between 15 and 60 years was literate back then. • According to the 2011 Census, literacy in Kerala was 93.91% and 91.58% in Mizoram. Under the 'Household Social Consumption: Education' survey, a part of the National Sample Survey from July 2017 to June 2018, literacy among those aged 7 years and above in Kerala was 96.2%. This survey did not have data on Mizoram. • However, according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey's annual report from July 2023 to June 2024, Mizoram's literacy rate for those aged 7 years and above was 98.2%, while Kerala's stood at 95.3%. Do You Know: • The Ministry of Education wrote to the states in August last year, defining 'literacy' and '100% literacy' for ULLAS. Literacy was defined as 'the ability to read, write, and compute with comprehension, i.e., to identify, understand, interpret and create, along with critical life skills such as digital literacy, financial literacy, etc.' • It added that achieving 95% literacy in a state/UT may be considered equivalent to being fully literate. The communication also referred to the National Education Policy 2020, which calls for government initiatives for adult education to 'expedite the all-important aim of achieving 100% literacy'. • ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram or New India Literacy Programme (NILP) is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022-2027. It aims to equip 5 crore 'non-literate individuals' over the age of 15 across the country with foundational literacy and numeracy skills, which means basic reading and writing and simple arithmetic learnt in primary classes. The teaching material is also meant to impart 'critical life skills' like financial and digital literacy. • The scheme aligns with the recommendations of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It is based on the spirit of Kartvya Bodh and is being implemented on volunteerism. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | India's literacy drive and its fully literate states— All you need to know for UPSC Prelims and Mains Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (4) Which of the following provisions of the Constitution does India have a bearing on Education? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1. Directive Principles of State Policy 2. Rural and Urban Local Bodies 3. Fifth Schedule 4. Sixth Schedule 5. Seventh Schedule Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3, 4 and 5 only (c) 1, 2 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-iI: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-nation tour, arrived in Ghana Wednesday on a two-day State visit, during which he will hold talks with the West African country's top leadership and review the strong bilateral partnership. Key Points to Ponder: • Where is Ghana located? • Trace the history of the relationship between India and Ghana • What do you understand by the Global South? • What is the significance of Ghana in cooperation among the Global South? • What are the potential areas of cooperation between both two countries? Key Takeaways: • This is the first visit by an Indian PM to Ghana in the last three decades. • Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, Modi said in his departure statement. • Modi said he looked forward to talks aimed at deepening the two countries' historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. 'As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana,' he said • According to the MEA, PM Modi will hold talks with the President of Ghana to review the strong bilateral partnership and discuss ways to enhance it through economic, energy, and defence collaboration. • From Ghana, Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago on a two-day visit from July 3 to 4. The PM will then visit Argentina from July 4 to 5. In the fourth leg, Modi will travel to Brazil for the BRICS summit. On his way back, he will stop over in Namibia. Do You Know: • Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, for his 'distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍PM Modi conferred Ghana's national honour Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) Consider the following statements about Ghana: 1. Located in East Africa 2. Touches the boundary with Ethiopia and Kenya 3. Surrounded by Indian Ocean Which of the following statements is/are incorrect? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights. What's the ongoing story: In two key copyright cases last week, US courts ruled in favour of tech companies developing artificial intelligence (AI) models. While the two judgments arrived at their conclusions differently, they are the first to address a central question around generative AI models: are these built on stolen creative work? Key Points to Ponder: • What do you understand by copyright? • What are the laws governing copyrights in India? • What are the issues of copyright and AI? • What are the Large Language Models (LLMs)? • What are the international bodies governing the copyright issues? • 'Transformative' AI models fall within the ambit of 'fair use' – what does this mean? Key Takeaways: • At a very basic level, AI models such as ChatGPT and Gemini identify patterns from massive amounts of data. Their ability to generate passages, scenes, videos, and songs in response to prompts depends on the quality of the data they have been trained on. This training data has thus far come from a wide range of sources, from books and articles to images and sounds, and other material available on the Internet. • There are at the moment at least 21 ongoing lawsuits in the US, filed by writers, music labels, and news agencies, among others, against tech companies for training AI models on copyrighted work. This, the petitioners have argued, amounts to 'theft'. • In their defence, tech companies say they are using the data to create 'transformative' AI models, which falls within the ambit of 'fair use' — a concept in law that permits use of copyrighted material in limited capacities for larger public interests (for instance, quoting a paragraph from a book for a review). • As leading publishers in the US and UK clamp down on artificial intelligence (AI) companies scraping news content without consent, Indian digital media houses are ramping up pressure on the government to step in and protect journalistic work from being 'exploited' by commercial AI models. Do You Know: • Under the Copyright Act, 1957, the 'author' of a work has a bundle of legal rights including the right to reproduce, issue copies, perform, adapt, or translate the work in question. Upon the death of the author, the ownership of the copyright falls to her legal heirs. Under Section 18 however, the author can 'assign' the copyright 'wholly or partially' to anyone she pleases, in return for compensation. The Act aims to safeguard creative works considered to be a creator's intellectual property. • A copyrighted work will be considered 'infringed' only if a substantial part is made use of without authorisation. In cases of infringement, the copyright owner can take legal action against any person who infringes on or violates their copyright and is entitled to remedies such as injunctions, damages, and accounts. An injunction is 'an official order given by a law court, usually to stop someone from doing something.' • Section 52 lists acts that don't constitute infringement, even in cases where one has a copyright over the work. Section 52(1)(a) exempts 'a fair dealing with any work' from being termed 'infringement' if it's for private or personal use, like research, criticism or review, or reporting of current events and affairs. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Knowledge nugget of the day: Copyright Act — the focus of Dhanush-Nayanthara dispute 📍'Urge govt to act against AI's unauthorised and rampant data scrapping': News publishers body Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: In a globalized world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. (UPSC CSE 2014) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. General Studies-III: India and its neighbourhood- relations What's the ongoing story: The 14th Dalai Lama announced on Wednesday (July 2) 'that the institution of the Dalai Lama will continue' and that the Gaden Phodrang Trust shall be the 'sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation'. Key Points to Ponder: • What do you understand by reincarnation? • Who is the Dalai Lama? • What is the angle of China in recognizing future reincarnation? • Why did the 14th Dalai Lama have to escape from Lhasa? • What are the established conventions in choosing the new Dalai Lama? • What is India's stand? • What is the role of Dalai Lama? • The Dalai Lama is associated with which school of Buddhism? • Who are Bodhisattvas? Key Takeaways: • The 'Statement Affirming the Continuation of the Institution of Dalai Lama' came four days before the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists turns 90. • The term Gaden Phodrang refers to the residential quarters of the Dalai Lama lineage from the second Dalai Lama onward at Drepung Monastery in Lhasa. • After the Potala Palace was built (by a decree of the fifth Dalai Lama), the Dalai Lamas moved away from these quarters, and stayed at Potala Palace in winter and Norbulingka (built by the seventh Dalai Lama about 100 years after Potala) in summer. This tradition was followed until the 14th Dalai Lama's escape from Lhasa to India in March 1959. • The Gaden Phodrang Trust is one of three institutions associated with the Dalai Lama. 'There are three registered institutions that are related to His Holiness the Dalai Lama. There is Gaden Phodrang Trust, which is a registered body in India and operates from the office of His Holiness, there is another Dalai Lama Trust, which [too] is a non-profit organisation, and the third is Gaden Phodrang Foundation, which is registered in Zurich.' • The Gaden Phodrang Trust was registered in 2011 in Dharamshala with the aim of recognising the reincarnation of the Dalai Lama. It is based in the office of the Dalai Lama, and is managed by the former Kalon Tripa (head of the CTA) Prof Samdhong Rinpoche, a senior monk and a close confidant of the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama heads the trust, whose members include some other aides of the spiritual leader. • The foundation is a tax-exempt Swiss nonprofit with its registered office in Zurich, and is supervised by the Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs. It is funded by charitable contributions made by the founder and the public. • The Dalai Lama is the founder and president of the foundation, and Tseten Samdup Chhoekyapa (India), Kelsang Gyaltsen (Switzerland), and Jamphel Lhundup (India), are its co-vice presidents. • The foundation says on its website that its aim is to maintain and support the tradition and institution of the Dalai Lama, and to promote basic human values, mutual understanding among religions, peace and non-violence, and protection of the environment. • The Dalai Lama Trust is a non-profit charitable organisation founded by the 14th Dalai Lama in 2009. It is headquartered in New Delhi but works with a range of partners internationally, too. • The purpose of the trust is to support the welfare of the Tibetan people and to promote human values, interfaith harmony, and world peace, which have been key elements of the Dalai Lama's lifelong mission. Do You Know: • India Thursday asserted that the successor to the 14th Dalai Lama has to be decided by established practices and that no one but the present Dalai Lama 'has the right to decide'. • The statement comes after China, which describes the Dalai Lama as a separatist, stated that the spiritual leader's reincarnation must be approved by the Chinese Central government. • The Dalai Lama, literally 'Ocean of Wisdom, is believed to be the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara or Chenrezig, the Bodhisattva of compassion, and the patron saint of Tibet. Bodhisattvas are persons who are on the path to becoming a Buddha, but who put the liberation of other sentient beings ahead of entering nirvana themselves. • The institution of the Dalai Lama is part of the tulku concept in Tibetan Buddhism, in which spiritual masters are reincarnated upon their death, so that their teachings can be preserved and carried forward. • The first Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, was born in 1391. Beginning with Lobsang Gyatso (1617-82), the fifth of the line, the Dalai Lama became both the spiritual and political leader of Tibetan Buddhists. • The present Dalai Lama was found by a search party in 1939, six years after the 13th Dalai Lama Thupten Gyatso passed away in 1933. The reincarnation was recognised by several signs, including a vision revealed to a senior monk. In 1940, the little boy was taken to Potala Palace in Lhasa and officially enthroned. • China denounces the 14th Dalai Lama as a 'splittist', 'traitor', and an exile with 'no right to represent the Tibetan people', and prohibits any public show of devotion towards him. • In his 2011 statement, the Dalai Lama had said that his reincarnation should be found in a 'free country, not under Chinese control'. He also said that 'no recognition should be given to a reincarnation selected for political purposes by the Chinese government'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍The Dalai Lama, his successor, and China Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (6) With reference to the religious history of India, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2016) 1. The concept of Bodhisattva is central to Hinayana sect of Buddhism. 2. Bodhisattva is a compassionate one on his way to enlightenment. 3. Bodhisattva delays achieving his own salvation to help all sentient beings on their path to it. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development – Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it What's the ongoing story: The difference in daily per capita calorie intake between India's top and bottom 5 per cent of consumers narrowed in 2023-24, with the former eating fewer calories and the latter increasing their intake. Key Points to Ponder: • What is the impact lesser calorie intake on the human body? • What is the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES)? • Who conducts the HCES? • How poverty level measured using the calorie intake in India? • What are the criticisms related to poverty estimation? Key Takeaways: • In 2023-24, the top 5 per cent of Indians urban areas, as measured by their Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE), consumed 3,092 kilocalories (Kcal) per day, 82.3 per cent more than the 1,696 Kcal of the bottom 5 per cent, according to nutritional intake data based on the statistics ministry's latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES). In 2022-23, the difference was 114.3 per cent. • In rural India, the daily calorie intake of the top 5 per cent was 2,941 Kcal, 74.2 per cent higher than that of the bottom 5 per cent's 1,688 Kcal. In 2022-23, the difference was 93.9 per cent. • Overall, the daily per capita calorie intake in rural India in 2023-24 was down 0.9 per cent from 2022-23 at 2,212 Kcal, while that in urban areas was 0.4 per cent lower at 2,240 Kcal. Compared to 2011-12, the daily per capita calorie consumption in urban areas was 1.5 per cent higher in 2023-24, although it was down 0.9 per cent in rural areas. • The narrowing of the gap in daily per capita calorie intake between the top and bottom 5 per cent in both rural and urban areas was primarily a result of lower consumption by the top 5 per cent and an increase in intake by the bottom 5 per cent. • According to the MoSPI data, the calorie intake of the top 5 per cent of Indians in urban regions fell by as much as 11.1 per cent in 2023-24 from 2022-23. The reduction in calorie intake of the top 5 per cent in rural areas was 5.6 per cent. • Interestingly, Indians in urban areas reduced their daily consumption of fat in 2023-24 to 69.8 grams (gm) from 70.5 gm in 2022-23, while those in rural areas increased it to 60.4 gm from 59.7 gm. • Protein intake, meanwhile, was largely steady. In rural areas, the daily per capita protein intake in 2023-24 was 61.8 gm as against 61.9 gm in 2022-23. The intake was higher in urban areas at 63.4 gm, marginally up from 63.2 gm in 2022-23. • This marks a departure from the situation in 2011-12, when daily per capita protein intake was slightly higher in rural India than urban. In 2011-12, the average daily protein intake was 60.3 gm in urban areas and 60.7 gm in rural areas. Do You Know: • Officially approved poverty measurement in India has involved estimating the level of consumption expenditure sufficient to enable the minimum calorie intake necessary for living and working. As calories measure the energy ingested through food and drink, the methodology represents a physiological approach. • The poverty line is the level of income used as a cut-off point for deciding who is poor in any economy. It represents the minimum income level necessary to meet basic needs, and varies across countries depending on their overall economic conditions. It is important to note here that the context (both time period and location) is critical to arriving at a meaningful poverty line. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Measuring poverty shouldn't be about calories. India needs a thali index 📍Knowledge Nugget: World Bank's revised poverty line and India — A must-know for UPSC Exam Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (7) In a given year in India, official poverty lines are higher in some States than in others because (2019) (a) poverty rates vary from State to State (b) price levels vary from State to State (c) Gross State Product varies from State to State (d) quality of public distribution varies from State to State The Land Pooling Policy, 2025 is a flagship initiative of the Punjab government with the stated aim of promoting 'planned urban development'. Unlike in traditional land acquisition, where the state simply acquires land for compensation, the pooling initiative is meant to be voluntary. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
Indian Express
4 days ago
- Indian Express
Knowledge Nugget: Why is Quad Critical Minerals Initiative important for your UPSC exam
Take a look at the essential concepts, terms, quotes, or phenomena every day and brush up on your knowledge. Here's your knowledge nugget for today. (Relevance: QUAD groupings and their initiatives are essential from the exam perspective. More importantly, critical minerals have become the 'oil' of the new world; new groupings in managing the supply chain are significant from a holistic perspective. UPSC has asked questions on minerals and international groups. In light of ongoing trade tussles, this initiative is very important for your exam.) The second Quad foreign ministers' meeting was held in Washington, DC. It was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. They strongly condemned the Pahalgam terrorist attack, called for the 'perpetrators, organisers, and financiers of this reprehensible act to be brought to justice without any delay', and urged all UN member countries to cooperate with all authorities under international law in this regard. The QUAD foreign ministers also launched the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative and announced plans to host the first Quad Indo-Pacific Logistics Network field training exercise this year and launch the Quad Ports of the Future Partnership in Mumbai this year. 1. The joint statement said that to ensure the Quad's enduring impact, the focus has been on four key areas: maritime and transnational security, economic prosperity and security, critical and emerging technology, and humanitarian assistance and emergency response. 2. They expressed concern about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals. The issues highlighted were the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology. 3. This QUAD critical minerals initiative underscores the importance of diversified and reliable global supply chains. 'Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security,' said the statement. We are launching today the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, an ambitious expansion of our partnership to strengthen economic security and collective resilience by collaborating to secure and diversify critical minerals supply chains. 4. According to the Report of the Committee on Identification of Critical Minerals, 'Critical minerals are the foundation on which modern technology is built. From solar panels to semiconductors, wind turbines to advanced batteries for storage and transportation, the world needs critical minerals to build these products.' In simple terms, without critical minerals, there is no energy transition, which is why their supply chain resilience has become an increasing priority for major countries. 5. Dhiraj Nayyar in The Indian Express writes, 'Coal powered the first industrial revolution of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Oil and its derivatives fuelled the Second Industrial Revolution (think cars and planes), and global prosperity in the second half of the 20th century. Now, the long 21st century is going to be the critical minerals age.' QUAD groupings The United States is hosting the 2025 Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting, and India will host the 2025 Quad Leaders Summit. Dependence on China for critical minerals 📍Dhiraj Nayyar writes, China alone accounts for two-thirds of global rare earths mining. Australia, Chile, and China account for a majority of lithium mining. In processing, there is complete dominance across the board by just one country, China. Sixty-six per cent of the processing of critical minerals (also including copper and aluminium) takes place in China. For rare earths, this goes up to more than 90 per cent. China alone can bring the global EV industry to a halt by restricting the supply of rare earths. 📍As per the International Energy Agency, China accounts for a 35 per cent share in the refining of nickel, 50-70 per cent of lithium and cobalt and around 90 per cent for rare earth elements. China not only dominates the production of rare earths, but also has the most reserves. As per data from the US Geological Survey, the country's reserves have been estimated at 44 million metric tons. Brazil's reserves have been pegged at 21 million metric tons, India's at 6.9 million, Australia's at 5.7 million, Russia's at 3.8 million, and Vietnam's at 3.5 million. 1. In January 2025, India launched a National Critical Mineral Mission to help achieve self-reliance in the critical mineral sector. In 2023, the Centre also identified 30 critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, tin and copper, which are essential for the country's economic development and national security. 2. The Rs 16,300-crore National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) is to promote the exploration of critical minerals within the country and at offshore locations. It aims to intensify the exploration of critical minerals within the country and in its offshore areas. It plans to create a fast-track regulatory approval process for critical mineral mining projects. National Critical Minerals Mission aims to reduce import dependence, strengthen domestic value chains, and support India's 'Net Zero by 2070' goal. – Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi 3. According to a report published by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) in 2024, India's demand for critical minerals is expected to more than double by 2030, while domestic mining operations may take over a decade to start producing. 4. The report said India depends heavily on China for synthetic graphite and natural graphite, and it should explore cooperation initiatives with countries like Mozambique, Madagascar, Brazil, and Tanzania, which are some of the highest graphite-producing countries. 5. India has committed to achieving 500 gigawatts (GW) of non-fossil fuel-based electricity installed capacity by 2030. In light of this, India becoming a member of the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) in 2023 and QUAD Critical Minerals Initiative are important steps to fulfill the commitment. 1. In June 2023, India was inducted into the MSP, a US-led collaboration of 14 countries that aimed to catalyse public and private investment in critical mineral supply chains globally. Last year, India also became a part of the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN). 2. MSP partners include Australia, Canada, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union (represented by the European Commission). 3. The MSP grouping is focused on the supply chains of minerals such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, and also the 17 'rare earth' minerals. The alliance is seen as primarily focused on evolving an alternative to China, which has created processing infrastructure in rare earth minerals and has acquired mines in Africa for elements such as Cobalt. 4. The collaboration is engaged in fostering a critical minerals and metals cooperation forum for the sharing of expertise, building a robust battery materials supply chain, and jointly developing a minerals processing facility in South America. (1) Consider the following statements about the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP): 1. The NATO-led initiative was launched to create a global supply chain of critical minerals. 2. In 2023, India and Sri Lanka became members of MSP, taking the total count to 14. Which of the following statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 (2) Recently, there has been a concern over the short supply of a group of elements called 'rare earth metals'. Why? (UPSC CSE 2012) 1. China, which is the largest producer of these elements, has imposed some restrictions on their export. 2. Other than China, Australia, Canada, and Chile, these elements are not found in any country. 3. Rare earth metals are essential for the manufacture of various kinds of electronic items and there is a growing demand for these elements. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 (Source: Cabinet approves critical minerals mission with Rs 16,300 crore outlay, India needs a strategy to deal with China's restrictions on exports of rare earths, What is India's share in rare earth elements, the backbone of modern technologies?, Quad leaders condemn 'reprehensible' Pahalgam attack) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – Indian Express UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for June 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at Khushboo Kumari is a Deputy Copy Editor with The Indian Express. She has done her graduation and post-graduation in History from the University of Delhi. At The Indian Express, she writes for the UPSC section. She holds experience in UPSC-related content development. You can contact her via email: ... Read More
