Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Why in the news?
Factors such as the lack of globally influential leaders, evolving alliances, economic challenges, and advancements in technology contribute to the current geopolitical landscape.
Factors behind the concerning current geopolitical landscape
Growing chaos, an absent leadership
- Decline of the rules-based international order: The traditional Western-led global order is perceived as dead, leading to increased geopolitical disarray.
- Rise of new alliance patterns: With the weakening of the West and the ascent of China, new alliances have emerged, but none possess enough strength to maintain global peace.
- Lack of influential leaders: Leaders like Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, and Joe Biden are seen as lacking the ability to sustain peace globally, with many other Western leaders deemed inadequate for the task.
- Potential for conflict escalation: While shooting wars are limited to certain regions like Ukraine and Gaza, there’s concern about the absence of leaders capable of resolving conflicts peacefully.
- Stalemate in Ukraine: The situation in Ukraine remains deadlocked, with leaders unwilling to compromise, raising concerns about the possibility of the use of battlefield nuclear weapons.
- Escalating tensions in West Asia: Israel’s actions, described as those of a “wounded tiger,” are leading to increased casualties in Gaza, while Iran poses a direct threat to Israel, potentially leading to a broader conflict with dire implications.
- Potential leadership shift in militant Jihadism: There are indications that a resurgent Iran could take over the leadership of militant Jihadism against the West and other perceived “infidels,” further complicating the geopolitical landscape.
A new set of alliances
- Great power rivalry appears diminished: The rivalry between the U.S. and China is described as a “shadow play” with little significance beyond proxy conflicts.
- U.S. setbacks and diminished superpower status: The U.S. is perceived as grappling with hubris following setbacks since Afghanistan in 2020, which has diminished its status as a superpower.
- Europe’s reliance on NATO and limited influence: Europe’s reliance on NATO for protection from Russia has not translated into significant influence in conflicts like Ukraine, despite significant costs.
- Emerging China-Russia-Iran axis: The alliance between China, Russia, and Iran poses a challenge to U.S. and Western influence in West Asia, raising questions about their tactics in the region.
Economic challenges
- Geopolitics of oil: The China-Russia-Iran axis signals a significant shift in the politics of oil, which is likely to have far-reaching consequences for global stability.
- Diminished effectiveness of sanctions: Sanctions are seen as losing their impact in the face of changing geopolitical dynamics, potentially leading to a major economic slowdown.
Advancements in technology
- Technology as a disruptor: National security efforts are increasingly focused on protecting vital technologies, with artificial intelligence emerging as a major disruptor in conventional warfare.
- Rise of smaller nations leveraging AI: Smaller nations are leveraging artificial intelligence to challenge the military dominance of larger powers like the U.S. and China, potentially leveling the playing field.
- Impact of ISR revolution in warfare: The military intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) revolution, enabled by drones, aircraft, and space assets, is transforming the battlefield, posing new challenges for military strategies.
- Nuclear arms race and arms control fraying: Arms control agreements are deteriorating, leading to the development of new nuclear warheads and cruise missiles, raising concerns about a nuclear makeover and potential use of nuclear weapons.
Conclusion: The breakdown of the rules-based order, inadequate leadership, and the formation of volatile alliances contribute to geopolitical turmoil. Need of robust leadership and coherent strategiesto avoid the conflict escalation in the world.
Mains PYQ
Q (UPSC IAS/2022) (a): Russia and Ukraine war has been going on for the last seven months. Different countries have taken independent stands and actions keeping in view their own national interests. We are all aware that war has its own impact on the different aspects of society, including human tragedy. What are those ethical issues that are crucial to be considered while launching the war and its continuation so far? lllustrate with justification the ethical issues involved in the given state of affairs.
(b): Write short notes on the following in 30 words each:
(i) Constitutional morality
(ii) Conflict of interest
(iii) Probity in public life
(iv) Challanges of digitalization
(v) Devotion to duty
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
Mains level: Why has private investment fallen?
Why in the news?
The failure of private investment, as measured by private Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices, to pick up pace has been one of the major issues plaguing the Indian economy.
What is GFCF?
- GFCF refers to the growth in the size of fixed capital in an economy.
- Fixed capital refers to things such as buildings and machinery, for instance, which require investment to be created.
- So private GFCF can serve as a rough indicator of how much the private sector in an economy is willing to invest.
- Overall GFCF also includes capital formation as a result of investment by the government.
Why does it matter?
- GFCF matters because fixed capital, by helping workers produce a greater amount of goods and services each year, helps to boost economic growth and improve living standards.
- In other words, fixed capital is what largely determines the overall output of an economy.
What is the trend seen in private investment in India?
- Pre-liberalization (1950s to early 1990s): Private investment remained relatively stable, hovering around or slightly above 10% of GDP. Public investment, however, steadily increased during this period.
- Liberalization (early 1990s onwards): Economic reforms in the early 1990s improved private sector confidence, leading to a significant uptick in private investment. Public investment, although still significant, began to decline relative to private investment.
- Post-global financial crisis (late 2000s to present): Private investment continued to grow until the global financial crisis of 2007-08, reaching around 27% of GDP. However, from around 2011-12 onwards, private investment began to decline, hitting a low of 19.6% of GDP in 2020-21.
Why has private investment fallen?
- Low private consumption expenditure: Some economists attribute the decline in private investment to low private consumption expenditure. They argue that businesses need confidence in future demand to invest in fixed capital, and boosting consumption expenditure can help stimulate private investment.
- Structural problems and policy uncertainty: Other economists argue that structural issues and policy uncertainty are core reasons behind the fall in private investment. They point to unfavourable government policies and policy uncertainty as major factors affecting private investment.
Conclusion: To address the decline in private investment, India needs policies promoting consumer confidence and stable, conducive business environments. Balancing pro-growth fiscal measures with structural reforms can stimulate investment, fostering economic growth and prosperity.
Mains PYQ
Q Explain the meaning of investment in an economy in terms of capital formation. Discuss the factors to be considered while designing a concession agreement between a public entity and private entity.(UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
Why in the news?
Iran’s attack on Israel earlier this week has sparked tensions in the Middle East and beyond. India, which has friendly ties with both the countries, has expressed “serious concerns” about escalation of hostilities.
India-Israel trade has doubled in the last five years
- India established diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992. Since then, trade between two countries has been rising significantly, from around $200 million in 1992 (comprising primarily of diamonds), to $10.7 billion (excluding defence) in the Financial Year 2022-23.
What are the main components of India’s trade with Israel?
- Based on India’s 8-digit Harmonized System code, under which trade items are classified, the most valued items exported by India to Israel included diesel, diamonds, aviation turbine fuel, radar apparatus, Basmati rice, T-shirts, and wheat.
Value of India-Iran trade came down in the last five years
- India’s trade with Iran has seen a contraction in recent years, before an uptick in the FY 2022-23. It increased by 21.77 per cent — from $1.94 billion in 2021-22 to $2.33 billion in 2022-23.
Israel and Iran do not have significant FDI in India
- Israel’s FDI in India: Israel’s contribution to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in India is relatively low, accounting for just 0.4% of the total FDI inflows between April 2000 and December 2023. FDI from Israel to India amounted to $288 million during this period.
- Indian Investment in Israel: Conversely, Indian firms have invested more in Israel, with cumulative Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) reaching around US$ 383 million from April 2000 to May 2023.
- India’s Investment in Iran: India is involved in developing the first phase of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar in Iran. This initiative aims to enhance India’s connectivity and trade relations with the Middle East and Central Asia.
How could Middle East tensions impact the Indian economy?
- Impact on Trade Routes: Tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the Red Sea region, could disrupt crucial trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. Roughly 12 percent of global trade depends on this route, potentially affecting India’s trade.
- Shipping Disruptions: Yemen-based militants, known as the Houthis, have targeted ships passing through the Red Sea since November 2023, leading to shipping disruptions. This could exacerbate India’s trade problems.
- Stability Concerns in West Asia: The conflict between Iran and Israel adds to the instability in West Asia, potentially delaying projects like the Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
- Impact on Petroleum Prices: While the ongoing conflict may not significantly disrupt crude oil and gas production, shipping disruptions in the Red Sea could lead to higher oil and gas prices. However, the impact on Indian consumers may be minimal as the government could offset price increases by reducing taxes.
Conclusion: India’s friendly ties with both Israel and Iran provide an opportunity for diplomatic engagement to mitigate the escalation of hostilities in the region. By actively participating in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote dialogue, India can contribute to regional stability and safeguard its economic interests.
Mains PYQ
Q There arose a serious challenge to the Democratic State System between the two World Wars.” Evaluate the statement. (UPSC IAS/2021)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: SPACE Testing, Working of SONAR
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A state-of-the-art SPACE testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems, designed for the Indian Navy, was inaugurated by DRDO.
About Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)
- The SPACE is located at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.
- It is developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
- It is set to become a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems deployed on various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
Key Features of SPACE:
- SPACE comprises two distinct components:
- Floating Platform on the water surface and
- Submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
- After completing operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
Functions and Capabilities:
- The primary function of SPACE is the evaluation of complete sonar systems, facilitating rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers.
- It will serve for surveying, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
- It will address the data processing and sample analysis requirements, ushering in a new era of Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.
What is SONAR?
- SONAR stands for “Sound Navigation and Ranging.”
- It’s a technique used for detecting and locating objects underwater by transmitting sound waves and analyzing the echoes they produce.
Here’s how it works:
- Sound Transmission: A SONAR system sends out pulses of sound waves, typically at frequencies beyond the range of human hearing. These sound waves travel through the water and propagate in all directions.
- Object Detection: When the sound waves encounter an object underwater, such as a submarine, seafloor, or marine life, they reflect off the object and return to the SONAR system as echoes.
- Echo Reception: The SONAR system receives the echoes of the transmitted sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to return. By knowing the speed of sound in water and the time it takes for the echoes to return, the system can calculate the distance to the object.
- Data Analysis: The received echoes are processed and analyzed to create a visual representation of the underwater environment. This information helps operators identify and locate objects of interest, navigate safely, and map the seafloor.
|
PYQ:
[2020] “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft,” The experiment in question refers to-
(a) Voyager-2
(b) New Horizons
(c) LISA Pathfinder
(d) Evolved LISA |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Mount Ruang, Pacific Ring of Fire, Sangihe Islands arc, Tectonic Plates mentioned
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
Indonesia witnessed a series of eruptions from Mount Ruang, a stratovolcano located in North Sulawesi Province.
About Mount Ruang
- Ruang is situated in the Sangihe Islands arc, North Sulawesi, Indonesia.
- It comprises an island that is 4 by 5 kilometers wide, with a summit containing a partial lava dome reaching an altitude of 725 meters (2,379 ft).
- From its summit, peaks such as Klabat, Siau, and Ternate can be observed in the south, north, and east, respectively.
- The volcano’s first recorded eruption was in 1808.
Why so many volcanic eruptions in Indonesia this year?
- Indonesia, an archipelago of 270 million people, has 120 active volcanoes.
- It is prone to volcanic activity because it sits along the “Ring of Fire,” a horseshoe-shaped series of seismic fault lines around the Pacific Ocean.
What is the Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’?
- The Pacific ‘Ring of Fire’ or Pacific Rim, or the Circum-Pacific Belt, is an area along the Pacific Ocean that is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent earthquakes.
- Volcanic arcs and oceanic trenches partly encircling the Pacific Basin form the so-called Ring of Fire.
- It is home to about 75 per cent of the world’s volcanoes – more than 450 volcanoes.
- Also, about 90 per cent of the world’s earthquakes occur here.
Its spread
- Its length is over 40,000 kilometres and traces from New Zealand clockwise in an almost circular arc covering Tonga, Kermadec Islands, Indonesia.
- It is moving up to the Philippines, Japan, and stretching eastward to the Aleutian Islands, then southward along the western coast of North America and South America.
Seismic activity of the region
- The area is along several tectonic plates including the:
- Pacific plate,
- Philippine Plate,
- Juan de Fuca plate,
- Cocos plate,
- Nazca plate, and
- North American plate.
- The movement of these plates or tectonic activity makes the area witness abundant earthquakes and tsunamis every year.
- Along much of the Ring, tectonic plates move towards each other creating subduction zones.
PYQ:
[2018] Consider the following statements:
- The Barren Island volcano is an active volcano located in the Indian Territory.
- Barren Island lies about 140 km east of Great Nicobar.
- The last time the Barren Island volcano erupted was in 1991 and it has remained inactive since then.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3
(c) 3 only
(d) 1 and 3 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: World Future Energy Summit 2024, YFEL Program
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
A panel discussion on “Future Growth Opportunities for Long Duration Energy Storage” was held at the World Future Energy Summit 2024 in Abu Dhabi.
About World Future Energy Summit (WFES)
- The WFES is an annual event held in Abu Dhabi; hosted in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to advance future energy, energy efficiency, and clean technologies.
- It began in 2008, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
- Public relations firm Edelman helped set it up to “burnish the UEA’s green credentials“.
- It was established as a platform to address the growing need for renewable energy solutions and sustainable development in response to global energy challenges.
Key Initiative: Young Future Energy Leaders
- The Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) is an element of the annual World Future Energy Summit (WFES).
- A program of the Masdar Institute, it is committed to raising awareness and engaging students and young professionals in the fields of renewable energy and sustainability.
PYQ:
[2014] Which of the following organizations brings out the publication known as ‘World Economic Outlook’?
(a) International Monetary Fund
(b) United Nations Development Programme
(c) World Economic Forum
(d) World Bank |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Pulses: Cultivation pattern, Export dynamics, Consumption etc.
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
- India’s pulses imports in fiscal 2024 witnessed a remarkable surge, soaring by 84% year-on-year to their highest level in six years.
- Lower production levels prompted India to permit duty-free imports of red lentils (Masoor) and yellow peas (Tur/Arhar), further driving the increase in imports.
Pulses Cultivation in India
|
Details |
| Seasons |
Cultivated in both ‘Kharif’ and ‘Rabi’ seasons. ‘Rabi’ pulses contribute more than 60% of production.
Kharif Season Pulses:
- Pigeon Peas (Arhar/Toor/Red Gram)
- Green Beans (Moong Beans)
- Black Matpe (Urad/Mah/Black Gram)
- Black Eyed Peas (Lobia)
- Chick Peas (Kabuli Chana)
- Red Kidney Beans (Rajmash)
Rabi Season Pulses:
- Bengal Gram (Desi Chick Pea/Desi Chana)
- Lentils (Masoor)
- White Peas (Matar)
|
| Production (2023) |
Approximately 27.5 million metric tonnes
Reported as 7.6 quintals per hectare |
| Area under Cultivation |
Pulses account for around 20% of the area under food grains in India. |
| Top Producing States |
Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka |
| Government Initiatives |
National Food Security Mission (NFSM) for Pulses, Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme |
| Research and Development |
Conducted by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with State Agricultural Universities |
| Goal |
Aim for self-sufficiency in pulse production by 2027 |
Pulses Import: Figures and Value
- India imported a total of 4.65 million metric tons of pulses in the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, marking the highest volume since fiscal 2018.
- In terms of value, imports surged by 93% to reach $3.75 billion in the same period.
Pulses Production in India: Key Facts
- India is the largest producer (25% of global production), consumer (27% of world consumption) and importer (14%) of pulses in the world (as per FAO).
- Pulses account for around 20% of the area under foodgrains and contribute around 7-10% of the total foodgrains production in the country (as per Vikaspedia).
- Gram (Chana) is the most dominant pulse having a share of around 40 per cent in the total production followed by Tur/Arhar at 15 to 20 per cent and Urad and Moong at around 8-10 per cent each. (Reference)
- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka are the top five pulses producing States. (Reference)
|
Global Impact of Higher Imports
- The surge in imports by India, the world’s largest importer, producer, and consumer of protein-rich pulses, has been bolstering global prices.
- It has also contributed to reducing stocks in exporting countries such as Canada, Australia, and Myanmar.
Significance of Pulses Consumption
- Nutritional Value:
- Pulses are considered to be ‘poor man’s protein’.
- They contain 20-25% of protein by weight, with twice the protein available in wheat and thrice that present in rice.
- WHO recommends 80gm/day of Pulses in the diet.
- Environmental Sustainability:
- Pulses have low carbon and water footprints, making them integral to sustainable farming.
- Water footprints for producing one kilogram of meat are five times higher than that of pulses.
- Pulses emit 0.5 kilogram in CO2 equivalent per kilogram, while meat produces 9.5 kilograms in CO2 equivalent.
PYQ:
[2019] Among the agricultural commodities imported by India, which one of the following accounts for the highest imports in terms of value in the last five years ?
(a) Spices
(b) Fresh fruits
(c) Pulses
(d) Vegetable oils
[2020] With reference to pulse production in India, consider the following statements:
- Black gram can be cultivated as both kharif and rabi crop.
- Green-gram alone accounts for nearly half of pulse production.
- In the last three decades, while the production of kharif pulses has increased, the production of rabi pulses has decreased.
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 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex, Reign of Mihir Bhoja, Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty and its contemporaries
Mains level: NA
Why in the news?
The Supreme Court has issued a cautionary note to Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any physical excavation that could alter the character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex.
About Bhojshala Complex
|
Details |
| Location |
Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. |
| Historical Background |
Established by Raja Bhoj, the greatest ruler of the Parmar dynasty, as an educational institute. |
| Date of Establishment |
11th century. |
| Transformation |
Originally a Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati temple), later converted into Kamal Maulana Mosque by Muslim rulers. |
| Architectural Features |
- Large open courtyard (Mahaāyata);
- Verandah with decorated pillars (Sthāpanā);
- Prayer hall with intricately carved ceilings (Shikharākāra).
|
| Inscriptions |
- Two hymns depicting the Karmavatar of Vishnu (Avatār);
- Sarpabandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa).
|
| Archaeological Significance |
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an 11th-century monument under Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 |
Controversy over Bhojshala Complex
- Religious Claims: Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal Maula mosque.
- Usage Agreement: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Vasant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays,
Recent Developments
- Vasant Panchami Dispute: A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
- Demand for Extended Access: Hindu groups demand all-day access to the shrine on such occasions, leading to protests and petitions filed in the High Court.
Who was Raja Bhoj?
|
Details |
| Original name |
Raja Bhoja (Mihir Bhoja) |
| Dynasty |
Gurjara-Pratihara |
| Reign |
836 – 885 AD |
| Rise to Prominence |
Emerged as the paramount power in northern India, defeating rivals like the Palas and Rashtrakutas |
| Capital |
Kannauj (Mahodaya) |
| Military Strength |
Possessed India’s strongest cavalry, as noted by Arab traveller Sulaiman |
| Title |
Assumed the title of “Adivaraha”; referred to as “King Baura” by Arab travellers |
| Religious Affiliation |
Great follower of Vaishnavism |
| Acknowledgment of Supremacy |
Acknowledged as supreme by various factions, including Arabs of Sindh, Chandalas, and Kalachuris |
| Notable Feats |
Triumph over Pala king Devapala and Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha |
| Legacy |
Renowned for his wisdom, military prowess, and patronage of Vaishnavism |
| Historical Significance |
Marked the zenith of the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history |
|
PYQ:
[2021] With reference to Chausath Yogini Temple situated near Morena, consider the following statements:
- It is a circular temple built during the reign of Kachchhapaghata Dynasty.
- It is the only circular temple built in India.
- I was meant to promote the Vaishnava cult in the region.
- Its design has given rise to a popular belief that it was the inspiration behind the Indian Parliament building.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 4 only
(d) 2, 3 and 4 only |
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