PYQ Relevance:
Q) ‘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) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on the China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ (2018) and China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus (2017).
Recently, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said that India-China relations are entering a “phase of recovery” and called their relationship “one of the most important” in the world. He also mentioned that recent talks between Special Representatives (SR) and discussions under the ‘Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister’ mechanism helped both countries reach common ground on the border issue and opened the door to improving their ties.
Today’s editorial discusses China’s main decision-making bodies and its policies toward India. This content is useful for GS Paper 2 under International Relations.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
On Monday, January 27, 2025, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during his official visit to Beijing, met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. He is also scheduled to meet his counterpart.
Which are the two main decision-making bodies with respect to China’s foreign policy?
- Politburo Standing Committee (PBSC): The highest decision-making body in China, which sets the overall direction for both domestic and foreign policies. Example: Xi Jinping, as General Secretary of the CPC and head of the PBSC, plays a central role in shaping China’s stance on key issues like the U.S.-China rivalry and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
- CPC Central Committee’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC): Manages policy coordination, inter-departmental communication, and foreign policy execution, with Xi Jinping as the head and Li Qiang as deputy. Example: The FAC oversees China’s border negotiations with India and guides its diplomatic strategy in multilateral forums like BRICS and SCO.
What is the role of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC)?
- Party-to-Party Diplomacy: Facilitates direct engagement between the CPC and political parties across the ideological spectrum in over 150 countries. Example: The IDCPC hosts delegations from major Indian political parties to strengthen ties beyond official state-level diplomacy.
- Influencing Global Perception: Aims to enhance the CPC’s international legitimacy by building relationships and promoting China’s political model globally. Example: The IDCPC engages with political elites in Africa and Southeast Asia to align their policies with China’s strategic interests.
- Policy Research and Intelligence Gathering: Conducts political research on foreign countries to inform CPC leadership and guide China’s diplomatic strategy. Example: The “South and Southeast Asian Affairs” bureau analyzes political trends in India to shape China’s regional engagement policies.
Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs been increasing in stature in China?
- Greater Policy Coordination with the CPC: The MFA now works more closely with the CPC’s Foreign Affairs Commission (FAC), which oversees foreign policy decisions. Example: Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, also serves as the head of the Office of the FAC, reflecting the MFA’s growing role in executing party-led foreign policy.
- Expanded Global Diplomatic Presence: China has increased its diplomatic footprint by opening new embassies and consulates worldwide, with MFA officials leading key initiatives. Example: The MFA has played a crucial role in advancing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) through global negotiations and partnerships.
- Active Role in Multilateral Forums: The MFA has taken a more assertive position in international organizations to shape global norms and policies. Example: China’s active participation in the United Nations Human Rights Council and WTO reflects the MFA’s rising influence in global governance.
- Diplomatic Visibility of Key Officials: High-ranking MFA officials now engage more directly with global leaders and the media to articulate China’s foreign policy. Example: Wang Yi’s prominent role in mediating the Saudi-Iran peace deal (2023) highlighted the MFA’s expanding diplomatic authority.
- Increased Role in Crisis Management: The MFA is increasingly tasked with managing international crises and shaping China’s narrative during global conflicts. Example: The MFA led China’s diplomatic response during the U.S.-China trade war, organizing global outreach to counteract U.S. policies.
What is the policy for India?
- Managing Border Disputes While Maintaining Dialogue: China aims to manage tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) while keeping communication channels open through diplomatic and military talks. Example: Since the Galwan Valley clash (2020), both countries have held corps commander-level talks to de-escalate border tensions, although some areas remain contentious.
- Economic Cooperation with Strategic Caution: While promoting trade relations, China remains cautious about India’s growing economic nationalism and supply chain diversification. Example: Despite border tensions, China remains one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $136 billion in 2022, though India has increased scrutiny on Chinese investments.
- Countering India’s Regional and Global Influence: China seeks to limit India’s influence in South Asia and multilateral forums while opposing India’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Example: China has increased investments in India’s neighbors through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly in Pakistan (CPEC) and Sri Lanka (Colombo Port City).
- Balancing Competition with Cooperation in Multilateral Platforms: China engages with India through organizations like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) while countering India’s role in the Quad alliance. Example: Both nations cooperate in BRICS development projects but differ on strategic matters like Indo-Pacific security, where China opposes the Quad’s expansion.
- Diplomatic Outreach through Party-to-Party Engagement: The International Liaison Department (IDCPC) of the CPC engages with India’s political parties to strengthen ties and understand domestic political dynamics. Example: China has hosted delegations from major Indian political parties to foster people-to-people diplomacy and influence policy perspectives.
What should India do?
- Enhance Border Security and Infrastructure: Strengthen border surveillance, improve infrastructure along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and ensure rapid troop deployment capabilities. Example: Accelerate projects like the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) to enhance logistical support in sensitive areas.
- Strengthen Multilateral Engagement: Deepen ties with like-minded countries in regional and global forums while maintaining dialogue with China. Example: Actively participate in Quad, BRICS, and SCO to balance China’s regional influence while promoting India’s strategic interests.
- Promote Economic Self-Reliance and Diversification: Reduce reliance on Chinese imports by boosting domestic manufacturing and seeking alternative trade partners. Example: Strengthen the Make in India and PLI (Production-Linked Incentive) schemes to reduce import dependency in critical sectors like electronics and telecom.
- Engage in Strategic Communication: Maintain open diplomatic channels to resolve disputes while clearly articulating India’s red lines and security concerns. Example: Continue high-level talks through special representatives and corps commander-level discussions to de-escalate border tensions.
- Invest in Technological and Defense Capabilities: Enhance technological innovation, defense modernization, and cybersecurity to counterbalance China’s growing capabilities. Example: Increase investment in indigenous defense programs and space-based surveillance to ensure strategic autonomy.
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Way forward:
- Sustained Diplomatic Engagement: Prioritize regular high-level dialogues to resolve border disputes and foster mutual trust while maintaining strategic clarity on core interests.
- Strategic Autonomy with Regional Cooperation: Strengthen regional partnerships through forums like Quad and ASEAN, while maintaining an independent foreign policy to balance China’s influence.
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Impact of vulgar humour;
Why in the News?
Recently, the Supreme Court of India asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central Government, to suggest regulatory measures to control the use of filthy language and vulgarity in online programmes.
What did the Supreme Court ask the Solicitor General to suggest regarding online programmes?
- The Supreme Court asked Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to propose “regulatory measures” to control the use of “filthy language” and “vulgarity” in online programmes.
- The regulatory framework should ensure that programmes adhere to the “known moral standards” of Indian society while maintaining freedom of speech and expression.
- These measures are intended to function as reasonable restrictions on free speech, focusing on decency and morality without imposing outright censorship. The court also sought input from stakeholders to facilitate a healthy debate on the issue.
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Why did the court emphasize the need for regulatory measures on humour and vulgarity?
- To Maintain Public Decency and Morality: The court stressed the need to uphold societal moral standards and prevent the spread of indecent content under the guise of humour. Example: The Supreme Court remarked that humour should be family-friendly and using filthy language is not a demonstration of talent.
- To Prevent Misuse of Free Speech: While protecting freedom of expression, the court emphasized reasonable restrictions to curb vulgarity and perversity in public content. Example: The court modified restrictions on YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia, allowing him to broadcast but warned him to adhere to decency norms.
- To Protect Vulnerable Audiences: The court highlighted the need to shield minors and impressionable viewers from offensive and inappropriate humour. Example: The Solicitor General noted that the content of “India Got Latent” was unsuitable for public viewing due to its perverse nature.
- To Strike a Balance Between Creativity and Responsibility: The court underlined the fine line between creative humour and offensive language, ensuring content creators remain responsible. Example: Justice Surya Kant noted that talented comedians in India use ordinary words to produce humour without crossing moral limits.
- To Ensure Accountability of Online Platforms: The court called for regulatory oversight to ensure online platforms are held accountable for the content they broadcast. Example: The Bench urged the Solicitor General to suggest mechanisms to regulate vulgar content while respecting freedom of speech.
What impact does vulgar humour have on society?
- Erosion of Social and Moral Values: Frequent exposure to vulgar humour desensitizes people to offensive language and inappropriate behavior, weakening social norms. Example: Shows that rely on sexual innuendos or crude jokes may normalize disrespectful behavior towards women and marginalized groups.
- Negative Influence on Youth: Young audiences imitate vulgar humour, leading to disrespect, bullying, and a casual attitude toward serious issues. Example: Viral videos promoting explicit jokes can shape adolescent speech patterns, fostering insensitivity in social interactions.
- Public Backlash and Social Division: Vulgar humour offends religious, cultural, or social groups, causing outrage and polarization in society. Example: Comedians making derogatory remarks about religious practices have faced protests, legal action, and censorship demands.
- Undermining Respect for Institutions: Crude jokes about public figures or institutions diminish trust and disrespect toward authorities and legal systems. Example: Vulgar portrayals of political leaders can foster cynicism and weaken public faith in governance.
- Legal and Regulatory Consequences: Vulgar content violates decency laws and leads to legal penalties or censorship under frameworks ensuring public morality. Example: YouTuber Ranveer Allahbadia faced legal scrutiny and temporary broadcast bans due to vulgar content on his show.
Way forward:
- Establish a Clear Regulatory Framework: Develop a transparent and balanced regulatory mechanism that sets clear guidelines for online content, ensuring decency and morality while protecting freedom of speech. Example: The government can establish a self-regulatory body for digital content, similar to the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) for television.
- Promote Responsible Content Creation: Encourage content creators to adopt ethical standards and self-regulation through awareness campaigns and guidelines that differentiate between humour and vulgarity. Example: Platforms like YouTube and OTT services can implement content advisories and age-appropriate ratings to safeguard vulnerable audiences.
Mains PYQ:
Q How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: India vs Australia;
Why in the News?
Australia is confident in India’s promising economic future, anticipating it will become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030.
What are the key sectors identified as the “Superhighways of growth” in the new Roadmap for Australia’s Economic Engagement with India?
- Clean Energy: Focus on renewable energy and critical minerals to support India’s green transition. Example: Australia, as the largest producer of lithium, supplies essential materials for India’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing goals.
- Education and Skills: Collaboration on skill development and higher education to equip India’s workforce. Example: Australian universities have opened campuses in Gujarat’s GIFT City and are expanding to Noida to offer advanced training programs.
- Agribusiness and Tourism: Enhancing agricultural trade and food security and fostering tourism between the two countries. Example: Australia’s advanced agritech supports India’s agricultural modernization while increased bilateral tourism strengthens cultural ties.
Why does Australia consider itself a natural partner for India’s economic growth?
- Complementary Economies: Australia produces resources that India needs, and India provides services that Australia requires. Example: Australia supplies critical minerals (like lithium and cobalt) essential for India’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
- Strategic Alignment: Both nations share common regional and global strategic interests, including maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region. Example: Regular participation in Quad (with the U.S. and Japan) strengthens defense and economic cooperation.
- Geographic Proximity: Australia and India are geographically close across the Indian Ocean, facilitating easier trade and collaboration. Example: The Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) has significantly increased bilateral trade.
- Shared Democratic Values: Both countries are committed to democracy, rule of law, and a rules-based international order, fostering mutual trust. Example: Australia supports India’s bid for a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) permanent seat.
- Strong People-to-People Ties: A large and growing Indian diaspora in Australia acts as a bridge for cultural and economic collaboration. Example: Australia’s Maitri grants program supports Indian diaspora-led initiatives to boost bilateral engagement.
How has the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) impacted trade between India and Australia?
- Increased Bilateral Trade Volume: ECTA has accelerated trade growth between the two countries by reducing tariffs and improving market access. Example: India’s exports to Australia have grown by 66% in the past five years, nearly twice as fast as India’s exports to the rest of the world.
- Tariff Reductions and Market Access: ECTA has eliminated or reduced custom duties on a wide range of products, enhancing the competitiveness of Indian and Australian goods. Example: Australia removed tariffs on 96.4% of Indian exports, including textiles, jewelry, and pharmaceuticals.
- Boost to Key Sectors: The agreement has strengthened trade in minerals, energy, and education—areas where both countries have complementary strengths. Example: Australia’s exports of critical minerals like lithium support India’s electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing ambitions.
- Enhanced Services Trade and Mobility: ECTA facilitates greater cooperation in education, IT, and professional services, including easier movement of skilled workers. Example: Indian professionals in IT and engineering benefit from streamlined visa processes for work in Australia.
- Foundation for a Comprehensive Agreement: ECTA serves as a stepping stone toward a broader Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to further deepen economic ties. Example: Negotiations for CECA are ongoing to expand trade in technology, healthcare, and defense collaboration.
What steps is Australia taking to support India’s ambition for manufacturing electric vehicles and addressing its skill development needs?
- Supplying Critical Minerals for EV Manufacturing: Australia is leveraging its position as a leading producer of critical minerals essential for EV production. Example: Australia, the largest producer of lithium and with significant reserves of nickel and cobalt, supplies these key raw materials to support India’s goal of increasing EV adoption eight-fold by 2030.
- Collaborating on Skill Development and Education: Australian universities are providing high-quality technical education to equip the Indian workforce with advanced skills. Example: Australian universities have established campuses in GIFT City (Gujarat) and soon in Noida (Uttar Pradesh) to train Indian professionals in emerging technologies, including EV and clean energy sectors.
- Investing in Training and Workforce Mobility: Australia is investing in initiatives to improve vocational training and enhance workforce mobility between the two nations. Example: Through its Maitri grants program, Australia is fostering collaboration in technical training to meet India’s aim of skilling two crore people annually.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Critical Supply Chains: Deepen collaboration on critical minerals by establishing long-term supply agreements and joint ventures to support India’s EV and renewable energy ambitions.
- Expand Education and Workforce Partnerships: Enhance mutual recognition of qualifications and dual-degree programs to address India’s skill gaps in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and digital sectors.
Mains PYQ:
Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: River Dolphins in India
Why in the News?
India’s first-ever comprehensive river dolphin survey conducted under Project Dolphin (2020) has estimated a population of 6,327 dolphins, primarily across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus River basins.
River Dolphins in India:
| Species |
Habitat |
Conservation Status |
Key Features & Threats |
| Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)
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Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna & Karnaphuli river systems (India, Bangladesh, Nepal) |
IUCN: Endangered
WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
Known as “Susu”, India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009. Faces threats from pollution, habitat fragmentation, and accidental bycatch.
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (Bihar) – Only dolphin sanctuary in India. |
| Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor)
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Indus River (Pakistan) & Beas River (India) |
IUCN: Endangered
WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
One of the rarest dolphins, facing population decline due to water diversion, dam construction, and habitat degradation.
Beas Conservation Reserve (Punjab) – Focused on Indus River Dolphin protection. |
| Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris)
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Chilika Lake (India) & rivers of South & Southeast Asia |
IUCN: Endangered
WPA, 1972: Schedule I |
Known for “spy-hopping” behavior (rising vertically to observe surroundings). Threatened by fishing nets and habitat destruction. |
Key Highlights of the Survey
- The survey estimated the Ganges River dolphin population at 6,324, with Uttar Pradesh (2,397) and Bihar (2,220) recording the highest numbers, while the Brahmaputra basin had 635 dolphins, indicating a stable population.
- The Indus River dolphin population was found to be critically low, with only 3 individuals recorded in the Beas River in Punjab, highlighting the urgent need for conservation efforts.
- Key habitats were identified, with the highest dolphin concentrations observed in the Bhind-Pachnada stretch of the Chambal River and the Chausa-Manihari stretch of the Ganga.
- Dolphins were found to prefer deep water zones, confluences, mid-channel islands, and meandering sections of rivers, indicating specific habitat requirements.
PYQ:
[2015] Which one of the following is the national aquatic animal of India?
(a) Saltwater crocodile
(b) Olive ridley turtle
(c) Gangetic dolphin
(d) Gharial |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: MISHTI Scheme
Why in the News?
Gujarat has emerged as the national leader in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares in just two years under the Central Government’s MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) scheme.
About the MISHTI Scheme
- The MISHTI scheme was launched on June 5, 2023, to restore 540 sq. km of mangrove forests.
- It aims to restore and expand 540 sq. km mangrove forests across 9 states and 3 union territories over a 5-year period (2023–28).
- It aligns with India’s commitment to the Mangrove Alliance for Climate (MAC) at COP27 (2022, Egypt).
- The scheme is funded through MGNREGS, CAMPA Fund, and other sources, ensuring community participation.
- It focuses on Sundarbans (West Bengal), Hooghly Estuary, and other coastal and wetland ecosystems.
Gujarat’s Leadership in Mangrove Afforestation
- Gujarat has emerged as India’s top state in mangrove afforestation, covering 19,020 hectares (190 sq. km) in just two years under MISHTI.
- The Gulf of Kutch (799 sq. km) leads in coverage, followed by the Gulf of Khambhat and Dumas-Ubhrat belt (134 sq. km).
- Gujarat’s 1,650 km-long coastline is home to mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrasses, making it an
- It aims to expand mangrove cover by an additional 350 sq. km, strengthening climate resilience and coastal biodiversity.
PYQ:
[2015] Which one of the following regions of India has a combination of mangrove forest, evergreen forest and deciduous forest?
(a) North Coastal Andhra Pradesh
(b) South-West Bengal
(c) Southern Saurashtra
(d) Andaman and Nicobar Islands |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Planetary Alignment
Why in the News?
On February 29, 2024, skywatchers worldwide witnessed a rare planetary alignment (parade) with seven planets—Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune, Mercury, Saturn, and Venus—lining up in the night sky.
What is Planetary Alignment?
- A planetary alignment occurs when multiple planets in the Solar System appear to line up in the sky as seen from Earth.
- This phenomenon happens because planets orbit the Sun in a flat, disc-shaped plane called the ecliptic.
- Although planets remain millions of kilometers apart, they seem to form a straight line from Earth’s perspective due to optical illusion and perspective.
- The term “planet parade” is also used to describe this occurrence when multiple planets become visible in the sky at the same time.
- Types of Planetary Alignments:
- Conjunction: Two or more planets appear close to each other in the sky.
- Small Alignment: Three planets align in a visible line.
- Large Alignment: Four or more planets appear aligned from Earth’s perspective.
- Full Alignment: All eight planets of the Solar System appear in a single line (very rare).
How often do Planetary Alignments occur?
- Planetary alignments are not uncommon, but their rarity depends on the number of planets involved.
- Two- or Three-Planet Alignments: Occur multiple times a year.
- Four- or Five-Planet Alignments: Visible every few years.
- Six- or Seven-Planet Alignments: Appear every few decades.
- Full Alignment (All Eight Planets): Extremely rare, occurs once every 170–200 years.
- Recent & Upcoming Alignments:
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- August 2025: Expected four-planet alignment.
- May 2492: The next predicted full planetary alignment of all eight planets.
PYQ:
[2019] On 21st June, the Sun:
(a) does not set below the horizon at the Arctic Circle
(b) does not set below the horizon at Antarctic Circle
(c) shines vertically overhead at noon on the Equator
(d) shines vertically overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bose Metal
Why in the News?
Researchers have recently discovered a potential new state of matter, the Bose metal, found between a regular metal and a superconductor, with evidence of this phase in Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) by a team of Chinese and Japanese scientists.
What is a Bose Metal?
- A Bose metal is a hypothetical anomalous metallic state where Cooper pairs (electron pairs) form but do not transition into a superconducting state.
- This state exists between a normal metal and a superconductor, challenging traditional theories of condensed matter physics.
- In simple terms, a Bose metal is a material where:
- Electrons pair up into Cooper pairs (like in superconductors).
- However, these Cooper pairs fail to achieve long-range coherence, meaning the material remains metallic instead of becoming superconducting.
- This results in partial electrical resistance, unlike superconductors that have zero resistance.
- Recent experimental studies suggest their existence in materials like Niobium Diselenide (NbSe₂) when subjected to specific conditions, such as thin layers and applied magnetic fields.
Key Features:
- Intermediate State: Exists between a metal and a superconductor.
- Cooper Pair Formation: Electrons form pairs, but they don’t condense into superconductivity.
- Anomalous Conductivity: Higher than normal metals but not infinite like superconductors.
- Quantum Fluctuations: Strong phase fluctuations disrupt Cooper pair coherence.
- Hall Resistance Vanishing: Indicates charge transport by Cooper pairs rather than individual electrons.
- Observed in Thin 2D Materials: Seen in ultra-thin films of superconductors under specific conditions.
PYQ:
[2013] Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste?
- Beryllium
- Cadmium
- Chromium
- Heptachlor
- Mercury
- Lead
- Plutonium
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only
(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 |
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