PYQ Relevance:
[UPSC 2024] The West is fostering India as an alternative to reduce dependence on China’s supply chain and as a strategic ally to counter China’s political and economic dominance.’ Explain this statement with examples.
Linkage: The strategic dimension of India’s position in relation to China and the West. This article also touches upon this aspect, noting the potential pressure on India to align more closely with the U.S. to counter China. |
Mentor’s Comment: China is now the biggest external influence on India’s foreign policy. From border issues to trade and defence, every move is shaped by the “China lens.” Tensions remain high at the LAC since the 2020 Galwan clash. While India stays alert militarily, trade ties continue, showing a paradox—India deters China at the border but relies on it economically.
Today’s editorial explains how China affects India’s foreign policy, especially in areas like trade and border tensions. It highlights how India is trying to manage both security concerns and economic ties with China. This topic is useful for GS Paper 2 (Mains) under International Relations.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
As India and China mark 75 years of ties, their relationship faces border tensions and rivalry, yet offers chances for cooperation, economic links, and shared responsibility in ensuring regional peace.
What are the key challenges in India-China relations, especially regarding borders and strategic rivalry?
- Contested Borders and Military Tensions: The Line of Actual Control (LAC) remains heavily militarized, with both countries having stationed thousands of troops in sensitive regions like Eastern Ladakh. Eg: The 2020 Galwan Valley clash resulted in casualties on both sides and highlighted the vulnerability of the LAC to conflict and miscalculation.
- Historical Border Disputes: The unresolved boundary dispute, particularly over regions like Aksai Chin (claimed by India) and Arunachal Pradesh (claimed by China), continues to strain relations. Eg: The 1962 Sino-Indian War remains a traumatic event in India-China relations, and its legacy still influences border security strategies.
- Strategic Rivalry in South Asia: China’s growing presence in South Asia through infrastructure projects and loans has directly challenged India’s regional influence. Eg: China’s involvement in Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port and infrastructure projects in Nepal and the Maldives are seen as part of China’s strategic push into India’s traditional sphere of influence.
- Economic Interdependence vs. National Security: Despite military tensions, India remains economically tied to China, particularly in trade, electronics, and pharmaceuticals, creating a paradox between economic cooperation and security concerns. Eg: China is India’s largest trading partner, but India faces a trade imbalance of around $100 billion in favor of China, raising concerns over economic over-dependence.
- China’s Regional Ambitions and Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and growing influence in neighboring countries challenge India’s leadership role in the region.Eg: China’s infrastructure investments in Pakistan through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) pass through contested regions like Gilgit-Baltistan, which India claims as part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Why does the “China lens shape India’s foreign policy”?
- Security and Border Infrastructure Concerns: China poses the most significant military threat to India, especially along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), necessitating constant vigilance and preparedness. Eg: The permanent deployment of over 60,000 Indian troops in Eastern Ladakh after the 2020 Galwan clash reflects how China shapes India’s defense planning.
- Economic Dependencies and Trade Imbalance: India relies heavily on Chinese imports for critical sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and machinery, creating a dilemma between strategic autonomy and economic needs. Eg: In 2024-25, India’s trade deficit with China approached $100 billion, despite efforts to diversify supply chains and ban certain Chinese apps.
- Geopolitical and Strategic Competition in the Region: China’s growing influence in South Asia and its partnerships with India’s neighbors challenge India’s regional leadership and influence. Eg: China’s funding of Pokhara Airport in Nepal and strategic ties with countries like Bangladesh and Maldives push India to recalibrate its diplomacy and regional engagement strategies.
How has India’s approach to China evolved since the 1962 war and the 2020 Galwan clash?
- From Idealism to Realism in Diplomacy: The early vision of Asian solidarity post-1947 has given way to a more cautious and pragmatic approach, shaped by hard security realities. Eg: After the 1962 war, India abandoned Nehruvian idealism and began strengthening its military and forging new alliances.
- Shift from Engagement to Strategic Deterrence: Post-Galwan, India has moved away from soft engagement to a policy of firm deterrence and military preparedness. Eg: Permanent deployment of troops and infrastructure upgrades in Eastern Ladakh reflect a proactive defense posture.
- Emergence of “Competitive Coexistence”: India now balances economic engagement with strategic competition, avoiding full decoupling while safeguarding national interests. Eg: Despite border tensions, India continues trade with China, participates in platforms like SCO and BRICS, and simultaneously deepens ties with the Quad.
What does “competitive coexistence” mean?
“Competitive coexistence” refers to India’s strategy of managing its complex relationship with China by simultaneously competing in strategic and regional influence while maintaining economic and diplomatic engagement. It balances military vigilance with dialogue, allowing India to protect its interests without complete decoupling, fostering stability amid rivalry and interdependence. |
How does it balance India’s strategy with economic ties to China?
- Selective Economic Engagement: India continues trade in non-strategic sectors (like consumer goods, raw materials) while restricting Chinese influence in critical infrastructure and tech. Eg: India imports electronics and machinery from China, but bans Chinese apps like TikTok and restricts Huawei from 5G rollout.
- Investment Scrutiny with Trade Continuity:India tightens FDI rules from neighboring countries (especially China) post-Galwan (2020), while not blocking trade outright. Eg: Chinese firms need government approval to invest in Indian startups, but bilateral trade crossed $135 billion in 2023.
- Self-Reliance Push (Atmanirbhar Bharat): India reduces dependence on Chinese imports by incentivizing local manufacturing and diversifying suppliers. Eg: Through the PLI Scheme, India promotes domestic production of electronics, APIs (for pharma), and solar panels.
- Strategic Dialogue + Border Vigilance: India engages diplomatically with China (e.g., 19th Corps Commander-level talks) while reinforcing military presence at LAC. Eg: Border patrol protocols resumed in Jan 2025 in Eastern Ladakh, showing balance between dialogue and deterrence.
- Multilateral Cooperation Without Alignment: India cooperates with China in BRICS and SCO, while counterbalancing through Quad and Indo-Pacific strategies. Eg: India joins China-led New Development Bank, yet also conducts Malabar naval exercises with the U.S., Japan, and Australia.
Way forward:
- Enhanced Diplomatic Engagement with Strategic Boundaries: India should continue to strengthen diplomatic channels while ensuring border security through regular high-level talks, establishing confidence-building measures to reduce tensions along the LAC.
- Diversification of Economic Partnerships and Technological Independence: India should further reduce economic dependency on China by promoting indigenous industries and exploring alternative trade routes and partnerships with other countries to balance economic growth with national security concerns.
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Why in the news?
After over three years and 13 rounds of meetings, countries that are part of the World Health Organization (WHO) have agreed on steps to help stop, get ready for, and deal with future pandemics.
What are the key provisions of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, and how do they aim to prevent future pandemics?
- Protection of Healthcare Workers: Countries have committed to better protection and support for healthcare workers during pandemics. Eg: Ensuring adequate PPE, mental health support, and fair compensation during crisis response.
- Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing System (PABS): A system is established to ensure that countries sharing pathogen samples or genome sequences are guaranteed access to diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines developed from them. Eg: If an African country shares a new virus strain, it will receive vaccines developed using that strain.
- Equitable Distribution Commitments by Pharma Companies: Pharmaceutical companies have agreed to donate 10% of pandemic-related products to WHO and provide another 10% at affordable prices. Eg: During a future pandemic, WHO can allocate donated vaccine doses to low-income countries.
- Technology Transfer Under Mutually Agreed Terms: Countries must promote and facilitate vaccine technology and know-how transfer under fair conditions (not just voluntary). Eg: mRNA vaccine technology being transferred to a developing country to scale up local production.
- Promotion of Local Manufacturing Capacity: The treaty encourages countries to build domestic capabilities to manufacture diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments. Eg: WHO supporting the setup of vaccine production hubs in South America and Africa.
Why did developed and developing countries have differing priorities during the negotiations?
| Key Issue |
Developing Countries’ Perspective |
Developed Countries’ Perspective |
Example |
| Access vs. Control Over Resources |
Sought equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics, and treatments developed from shared pathogen data. |
Focused on retaining control over innovations and resources. |
India sought vaccine access in return for sharing virus data; EU hesitated on binding terms. |
| Technology Transfer vs. IP Rights |
Demanded mandatory tech transfer to build local manufacturing capacity. |
Preferred voluntary sharing; feared loss of profit and intellectual property rights. |
African nations pushed for mRNA tech; pharma firms resisted to protect patents. |
| Historical Inequities & Trust Deficit |
Skeptical due to past incidents like vaccine hoarding; demanded enforceable commitments. |
Reluctant to agree to binding mechanisms fearing risks to their own supply chains. |
U.S. and EU pre-booked vaccines during COVID-19, delaying access for African countries. |
How does the pathogen access and benefit-sharing system ensure equitable access to vaccines and treatments for developing countries?
- Guaranteed Access to Medical Countermeasures: Countries that share pathogen samples and genome data are guaranteed access to the diagnostics, vaccines, or treatments developed from them. Eg: If Nigeria shares Ebola virus samples, it will receive vaccines or treatments developed from those samples.
- Donation and Affordable Pricing Commitments: Pharmaceutical companies have agreed to donate 10% of their production to WHO and offer another 10% at affordable prices to low- and middle-income countries. Eg: During a future pandemic, India or Kenya would receive a share of vaccines even if they can’t pay market rates.
- Legally Binding Mechanism for Fair Distribution: The system is designed to move beyond goodwill by creating structured and fair distribution frameworks, preventing vaccine hoarding. Eg: Unlike COVID-19, where Africa was left behind, the new system mandates early and fair distribution.
What commitments have pharma companies made on vaccine sharing, and how does it address COVID-19 inequities?
- Production-Based Donation Quota: Pharma companies have committed to donate 10% of their total vaccine production to WHO. Eg: If a company like Pfizer produces 1 billion doses during a future pandemic, 100 million doses must be donated for global distribution.
- Affordable Pricing for Developing Countries: Companies will offer an additional 10% of vaccines at affordable prices to ensure access for low- and middle-income countries. Eg: Countries like Bangladesh or Ethiopia could buy vaccines at reduced prices instead of being priced out like during early COVID-19 waves.
- Prevents Vaccine Hoarding by Rich Nations: By ensuring early and guaranteed supply to WHO, this system prevents stockpiling by high-income countries as seen in COVID-19. Eg: Unlike the situation where Europe secured vaccines ahead of Africa, all regions will get equitable shares based on need.
Who facilitates the technology transfer for vaccine production, and under what terms will it occur?
- Facilitated by Countries Under WHO Framework: Technology transfer will be facilitated by countries through the WHO, promoting collaboration and capacity building in developing nations. Eg: India can partner with African nations to help build local vaccine production units using WHO-coordinated support.
- Occurs on Mutually Agreed Terms (Not Voluntary): Technology sharing will happen on “mutually agreed terms”, not just voluntary basis, ensuring fair negotiations between parties. Eg: A pharma firm like Moderna will negotiate terms with countries like Indonesia to share mRNA vaccine tech under WHO oversight.
Way forward:
- Strengthen Global Compliance and Monitoring: Establish an independent WHO-led mechanism to ensure countries and pharma companies adhere to commitments on access, donations, and tech transfer.
- Invest in Regional Manufacturing Hubs: Support the creation of regional facilities for vaccine and diagnostic production in developing countries to reduce dependency and enhance preparedness.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2020] Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Linkage: The role of the World Health Organization in global health security, which is the very organization that finalized the Pandemic Agreement encompassing the pathogen access and benefit-sharing system. The experiences and lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly regarding equitable access to vaccines, heavily influenced the negotiations for this agreement.
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Why in the news?
India has a rich history of creativity across fields like art, science, and medicine. To achieve its $5 trillion goal, it must refresh its innovation approach by encouraging creativity everywhere.
What is the creative economy?
The creative economy includes industries driven by creativity, culture, knowledge, and innovation, like art, design, media, software, and research, generating income, jobs, and exports through intellectual and cultural capital.
What is the situation of the Global creative Economy?
- Global Creative Economy (2022): Creative services exports reached $1.4 trillion (29% rise since 2017), goods at $713 billion, together generating over $2 trillion annually and supporting 50 million jobs.
- Key Sectors (UNCTAD 2024): Software services (41.3%), research and development (30.7%), and advertising, market research, and architecture (15.5%) are major contributors to the global creative economy.
- India’s Contribution: In 2019, India’s creative exports totaled $121 billion, with services making up $100 billion. As of 2024, the sector is valued at $30 billion, employs 8% of the workforce, and saw a 20% growth in exports.
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What factors drive India’s growing creative economy and its $5 trillion ambition?
- Diverse Creative Sectors: India has a rich tradition of creativity across various fields such as arts, design, science, medicine, and technology. This diverse pool of creativity serves as a foundation for innovation. Eg: The design sector, accounting for 87.5% of India’s creative goods exports, showcases India’s global leadership in design innovation.
- Increasing Global Demand for Creative Goods and Services: The global market for creative services has surged, and India’s growing export of creative goods and services is capitalizing on this demand. Eg: In 2022, India’s creative exports grew by 20%, reaching over $11 billion, indicating the sector’s expanding international reach.
- Technological Advancements: Investment in technology and software services is one of the primary contributors to India’s creative economy. As technology integrates into creative fields, it opens up new possibilities for innovation. Eg: Software services make up 41.3% of the global creative economy, positioning India as a leader in IT and creative technological services.
- Grassroots Innovations: India’s grassroots innovations, often solving local challenges, are a significant driver of the creative economy. These innovations have the potential to scale up and contribute to economic growth. Eg: Innovations like the “mitti cool clay refrigerator” and pedal-operated washing machines showcase India’s strength in developing frugal, sustainable innovations that can be scaled.
- Government Initiatives and Investments: The Indian government’s support for creative industries, such as through initiatives like “One District One Innovation,” helps nurture local creativity and turn it into large-scale economic impact. Eg: The government’s focus on intellectual property protection and encouraging local creative ideas through programs like GIAN (Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network) enables broader commercialization of grassroots innovations.
Why is bridging the gap between creativity and innovation essential in India?
- Ideas to Scalable Products: Creativity generates ideas, but innovation turns them into products. Bridging the gap ensures ideas are transformed into commercially viable solutions. Eg: The “mitti cool clay refrigerator” needs innovation for mass production.
- Maximizing Economic Impact: Bridging the gap helps scale innovations, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Eg: The pedal-operated washing machine requires innovation to reach larger markets.
- Enhancing Global Competitiveness: Converting creative ideas into innovative products boosts India’s global market presence. Eg: India’s design sector can thrive by innovating creative concepts into market-ready products.
What are the steps taken by the Indian government?
- One District One Product (ODOP) & One District One Innovation (ODOI): Promotes unique local products and innovations from each district to boost local economies and generate employment. Eg: ODOP has helped districts like Bhadohi in Uttar Pradesh gain recognition for carpet weaving, integrating traditional creativity with global markets.
- Startup India and Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): These initiatives foster innovation by supporting startups with funding, mentorship, and infrastructure. Eg: AIM’s Atal Tinkering Labs in schools promote problem-solving and innovation from a young age, nurturing future innovators.
- Support for Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): Government has simplified patent filing, reduced fees for startups, and launched awareness programs to protect grassroots innovations. Eg: The National IPR Policy 2016 encourages creators, especially in rural India, to safeguard and monetise their innovations.
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How can grassroots innovations be scaled up for commercial success? (Way forward)
- Improved Manufacturing Processes: To scale grassroots innovations, cost-effective and efficient manufacturing processes must be developed to meet larger market demands. Eg: The “mitti cool clay refrigerator” needs affordable mass production techniques to reduce costs and increase accessibility.
- Protection of Intellectual Property: Innovators need intellectual property (IP) protection to prevent replication and ensure fair returns from their ideas. Eg: IP protection for local innovations like the “amphibious bicycle” ensures exclusive market rights and encourages investment.
- Market Research and Consumer Feedback: Conducting market research and incorporating consumer feedback helps tailor grassroots innovations to meet the needs of a broader audience. Eg: The “mitti cool” refrigerator could be adapted to different regional needs based on customer feedback.
- Government Support and Policy Frameworks: Government policies and initiatives can help create an ecosystem for scaling grassroots innovations by providing infrastructure, legal support, and incentives for innovation. Eg: Programs like “One District One Innovation” could support scaling local innovations like sustainable farming tools across regions.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2018] What is the significance of Industrial Corridors in India? Identify industrial corridors, explain their main characteristics.
Linkage: The concept of industrial corridors emphasizes infrastructure development and sector-specific growth. Similarly, developing robust ecosystems and infrastructure for creative industries is a crucial pathway for the growth of India’s creative economy, aligning with the need for support and formalization discussed in the article.
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Why in the News?
The ISRO through its CROP remote sensing framework, has estimated that the total wheat production from eight major wheat-growing states will reach 122.724 million tonnes by March 31, 2025.
About CROP:
- CROP is a semi-automated and scalable framework developed by ISRO’s National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC).
- The primary goal of CROP is to provide a real-time view of the sowing, growth, and harvest progress of crops, especially wheat during the Rabi season.
- CROP utilizes data from multi-source remote sensing satellites to monitor agricultural areas across India.
- Technological Components of CROP:
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- EOS-04 (RISAT-1A): Provides Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data for crop monitoring, especially under varied weather conditions.
- EOS-06 (Oceansat-3): Offers optical remote sensing data for agricultural monitoring.
- Resourcesat-2A: Used for high-resolution optical imaging, focusing on agricultural areas for precise crop monitoring.
Key Features of the Study:
- The study used a combination of SAR and optical data to accurately assess crop progress during the 2024-25 Rabi season.
- The wheat sown area, as of March 31, 2025, stands at 330.8 lakh hectares, which is in line with the figures reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (324.38 lakh hectares as of February 4, 2025).
- Wheat production in the eight major wheat-growing states is estimated to be 122.724 million tonnes by March 31, 2025, based on the data gathered through the remote sensing method.
| [UPSC 2019] For the measurement/estimation of which of the following are satellite images/remote sensing data used?
1. Chlorophyll content in the vegetation of a specific location
2. Greenhouse gas emissions from rice paddies of a specific location
3. Land surface temperatures of a specific location
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3* |
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Why in the News?
Uterine transplant surgery offers a groundbreaking solution for women with absolute uterine infertility, as seen in the recent birth of the first child in the U.K. born to a mother who received a donated uterus.
About Uterine Transplants:
- Uterine transplantation is a surgical procedure where a woman who lacks a functional uterus receives a donor uterus, enabling her to carry and give birth to a child.
- The transplant is typically temporary, allowing for one or two pregnancies, after which the uterus is usually removed to avoid complications.
- Donor Criteria:
- Age: Between 30 to 50 years.
- Health: Must be in good overall health, with a BMI under 30, and no history of diabetes, cancer (within 5 years), or STIs.
- Exclusions: Women with HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, or other complications.
- The procedure requires gynecological transplant surgeons with specific training. A 6-month recovery period is needed before attempting pregnancy.
Indian Scenario:
- India’s first transplant was performed on May 18, 2017, at Galaxy Care Hospital in Pune. The recipient was a 26-year-old woman who received her mother’s uterus.
- In October 2018, India’s first baby was born via Caesarean section, weighing 1.45 kg and healthy.
- This success story reflects India’s growing capabilities in reproductive medicine, providing hope to women with uterine infertility, offering them an opportunity for biological motherhood.
| [UPSC 2020] In the context of recent advances in human reproductive technology, “Pronuclear Transfer” is used for:
Options: (a) fertilization of egg in vitro by the donor sperm (b) genetic modification of sperm producing cells (c) development of stem cells into functional embryos (d) prevention of mitochondrial diseases in offspring |
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Why in the News?
Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has recently departed for the Desert Flag-10 exercise, being held at the Al Dhafra air base in the UAE.
About Exercise Desert Flag:
- Exercise Desert Flag is a multi-nation air combat exercise held at Al Dhafra Air Base in the UAE.
- It offers participating air forces the opportunity to engage in complex fighter operations and enhance combat capabilities in a collaborative environment.
- Focus Areas: Fighter engagements, interoperability, and the exchange of operational knowledge.
- Participants: Air forces from United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Turkey, and India.
Significance of the Exercise:
- Improving Interoperability: Enhances the ability of air forces from different nations to work together seamlessly, sharing information and responding to regional security challenges.
- Learning from Global Air Forces: Provides the IAF with exposure to advanced combat tactics and air defence technologies from the world’s top air forces.
- Diplomatic and Strategic Influence: India’s participation underscores its role in global security and enhances its defence diplomacy.
| [UPSC 2008] Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?
Options: (a) China * (b) Japan (c) Russia (d) USA |
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Why in the News?
The 2024 European State of the Climate Report shows Europe warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, with significant regional variations due to human-driven climate change.
European State of the Climate Report: Key Highlights
- 2024 as the Warmest Year: The year 2024 was recorded as the warmest year ever, not just globally but for Europe as well, with Eastern Europe experiencing particularly high temperatures.
- East-West Contrast: While Eastern Europe enjoyed sunny and warm conditions, Western Europe was cloudier and wetter, highlighting the regional differences in climate impact.
- Southeastern Europe Heatwave: Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia, Kosovo, and Serbia faced their longest heatwave on record, adding to the already extreme conditions.
Reasons Behind Europe’s Higher Rate of Warming:
- Proximity to the Arctic Region: A large part of Europe lies within the Arctic region, where warming is three to four times faster than the global average, driving higher temperatures in Europe.
- Albedo Effect: The melting of Arctic ice exposes darker surfaces (land and water) that absorb more solar radiation, accelerating warming in Europe.
- Reduction in Aerosols: Decreasing aerosol emissions in Europe allow more solar radiation to reach the Earth’s surface, contributing to faster warming.
- Land-Based Warming: Europe’s land areas warm faster than oceans, triggering extreme weather like heatwaves, heavy rainfall, and flooding.
- Global Climate Dynamics: Europe’s geographical and atmospheric conditions make it more susceptible to climate change effects compared to other regions.
| [UPSC 2014] The scientific view is that the increase in global temperature should not exceed 2 0 C above pre-industrial level. If the global temperature increases beyond 30 C above the pre-industrial level, what can be its possible impact/impacts on the world?
1. Terrestrial biosphere tends toward a net carbon source.
2. Widespread coral mortality will occur.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only * (c) 2, 3 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
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