🚨 Attention: UPSC Key is now all 7 Days a Week!🚨 Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for May 21, 2024. If you missed the May 20th, 2024 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here. 🚨 The Indian Express UPSC Essentials brings to you the May edition of its monthly magazine. Click Here to read. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨 Explained Iran after Ebrahim Raisi UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: GS-II: International Relations What’s the ongoing story- Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian died in a helicopter crash on Sunday. Raisi was going to Tabriz after Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev inaugurated the Qiz Qalasi dam, jointly built by the two countries, on the Aras River. Prerequisites: — What was the Islamic Revolution of 1979? — What is the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), 2015? — Compare the role and functions of the Supreme Leader and the President. — Map work: Location of Iran and Azerbaijan on the world map. Key takeaways: — Meaning of Conservatism in Iran: the conservatives want to strictly adhere to the tenets of Twelver Shi’ism, Iran’s state religion, and want to implement its religious codes across society. They frame the Revolution as a radical assertion against Western imperialism and enjoy massive support, especially among the poorer sections of the population. — Meaning of reformist in Iran: ‘Reformists’ who, while remaining loyal to the Revolution, want more flexibility both in domestic and international matters. For instance, they support greater rights for women, strengthening civil society… — Role of President: Iran’s President operates within the overall authority of the Supreme Leader. But he is nonetheless a powerful figure in the Iranian political structure, with a significant role in determining how the country functions. He plays a crucial role in mediating between the legislature and the executive and appoints ministers and vice presidents. — Vivek Katju on the Ideas page writes: “Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been quick to appoint First Vice-President Mohammad Mokhber as interim president in accordance with the Iranian constitution. The speed of Khamanei’s move is to assure the distressed Iranian nation, and also signal to the world, that Iran can absorb shocks and resolutely carry on the business of government.” — “The president is elected by the people from among candidates who are allowed to contest the election by the Guardian Council. However, his powers are circumscribed — the Supreme Leader has a decisive veto.” — “Since Iran’s Islamic Revolution, there have been only two clerics to hold that position. The first was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, who established the doctrine of the Vilayat-e-Faqih (Rule of the Jurisprudent) and led the Islamic Revolution that overthrew the Shah in 1979. He was succeeded by Ali Khamenei who has controlled Iran’s destiny since then.” — Impact on Iran’s foreign policy: While Raisi is gone and a new President will take over within the next couple of months, Iran’s domestic and foreign orientations, including toward South Asia, are unlikely to change. Thus, Iranian support to India at the Chabahar port is not going to be endangered. For Your Information: —In Express Network: India, which considers Iran to be part of its extended neighbourhood, has been watching Iran’s dynamics in the region quite closely and cautiously. — There were at least five publicly visible markers where Tehran’s muscle-flexing played out in the last few years. (i) This was evident when it doubled down on its nuclear programme — much to the discomfiture of the West. This was because then US President Donald Trump had walked out of the P-5+1 deal with Iran on its nuclear programme (ii) Second, after February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine, Iran maintained its anti-US and anti-West approach and decided to support Russia. (iii) Third, in the latter half of 2022, when Iran witnessed protests by young women over covering their heads — triggered by the death of Mahsa Amini in September that year — the Raisi regime responded with a brutal crackdown. (iv) Fourth, Iran’s response after the war in Gaza, and the Israeli attack on its consulate in Syria which killed a top Iranian military officer, was a direct attack on Israel in April this year. (v) Fifth, its active support to some of the regional groups, often referred to as the 3Hs — Hezbollah, Houthis and the Hamas — is seen to have impacted the peace and stability in the region India-Iran relations — The two countries had signed a friendship treaty on March 15, 1950, and the visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Iran and the signing of the Tehran Declaration in April 2001, followed by the visit of President Seyyed Mohammad Khatami and the signing of New Delhi Declaration in 2003 enhanced the India-Iran cooperation. — In recent years, the bilateral visit by Prime Minister Modi in 2016 and a reciprocal visit by Raisi’s predecessor, Hassan Rouhani, in 2018, had led to a joint statement, aptly titled “Civilizational Connect, Contemporary Context”. — Modi and Raisi had met for the first time on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2022, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and connectivity. — But with the western sanctions on Iran continuing, India has not been able to buy oil since 2018 and managed to get a waiver on the Chabahar port citing access to Afghanistan as the key reason. Points to Ponder: — How does the current situation impact the geopolitics of the Middle East? — What is the significance of Iran for India? — What is the role of Iran in maintaining peace and prosperity in the region? — Bilateral relations of Iran with Israel, America, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan Post Read Question: Consider the following countries: 1. China 2. France 3. United States 4. Russia 5. Germany 6. United Kingdoms How many of the above-mentioned countries are part of the P5+1? (a) Only one (b) Only three (c) Only five (d) All six Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: After Ebrahim Raisi’s death, why India will be watching Iran’s succession plan unfold Death of President Ebrahim Raisi: In Iran and beyond, what will change and what won’t After Raisi’s death, a question: Who will succeed Supreme Leader Khamenei How Venezuela lost its last glacier, why this matters UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change Mains Examination: GS-I, III: Geography; Environment What’s the ongoing story- Venezuela has likely become the first country — it certainly won’t be the last — in modern history to lose all its glaciers. Scientists expected the Humboldt glacier to last another decade. However, it melted at a faster rate than expected. Prerequisites: — What is El Nino? — What is global warming? — What are glaciers? — Location of Humboldt Glacier, Andes mountain range Key takeaways: — Venezuela used to be home to six glaciers, located at about 5,000 metres above sea level in the Andes mountains. By 2011, five of them had vanished. Scientists expected the Humboldt glacier to last another decade. But it melted at a faster rate than expected, and has shrunk to an area of less than 2 hectares, leading to its downgrade from a glacier to an ice field. — According to 2023 study, two-thirds of glaciers are projected to melt out of existence by 2100 at current climate change trends. — Glaciers are essentially large and thick masses of ice that are formed on land due to the accumulation of snow over centuries — The reason is quite obvious — it is global warming. Like an ice cube melts when exposed to heat, glaciers are melting due to warmer temperatures. And what is causing these warmer temperatures? It is the greenhouse gases (GHGs). — These invisible gases trap heat — they allow sunlight to pass through the atmosphere but prevent the heat that sunlight brings from returning into space — leading to a rise in global temperatures. — In recent decades, the emission of GHGs has skyrocketed, which has resulted in the global average temperature to increase by at least 1.1 degree Celsius since 1880. — The Andes has witnessed a temperature increase of a high rate of 0.10 degree Celsius in the past seven decades. That is one of the major reasons why Venezuela has lost all of its glaciers. — India is also at the risk of losing its glaciers. They are melting at unprecedented rates across the Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain ranges and could lose up to 80% of their volume this century if GHG emissions are not drastically reduced, according to a 2023 report. — Impact of glacier loss: impact species surviving on cold water, which are an essential part of the food web, and rise in sea level. For Your Information: — According to a March 2023 Synthesis Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), “human activities, principally through greenhouse gas emissions, have unequivocally caused global warming. The main drivers of these emissions are energy use, land use, and the consumption and production of goods.” Points to Ponder: — What steps need to be taken to limit global warming? — Why is the global temperature target of 1.5 degrees Celsius crucial? — What are the repercussions of the melting of the glaciers? Post Read Question: How will the melting of Himalayas glaciers have a far-reaching impact on the water resources of India? (UPSC CSE 2020) Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: Warming up to climate change: Is Earth becoming warmer? Antarctic Parliament meets in Kochi: What’s on the table? UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology. Mains Examination: GS-III: Environment, Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment. What’s the ongoing story- India is hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also known as the Antarctic Parliament, from May 20-30 in Kochi. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), has organised the meeting, which will be attended by the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty. Prerequisites: — What is the Antarctic Treaty? — What is the significance of Antarctica for the world? — What are India’s scientific research stations in Antarctica? Key takeaways: — In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act, reaffirming its commitment to the Antarctic Treaty. — During the conference, India will seek to promote the idea of peaceful governance in Antarctica, and underline that geopolitical tensions elsewhere in the world should not interfere with the protection of the continent and its resources. — The ATCM is meant to facilitate a global dialogue on law, logistics, governance, science, tourism, and other aspects of the southern continent. — The ATCM will see discussions on sustainable management of Antarctica and its resources; biodiversity prospecting; inspections and exchange of information and data; research, collaboration, capacity building and cooperation; and climate change impacts on Antarctica and beyond. — During the Kochi meet, India will also officially table its plan to construct Maitri II before the members. Any new construction or initiative in Antarctica requires the ATCM’s approval. For Your Information: — India has undertaken scientific research in Antarctica since 1981. The first Indian Antarctica research station, Dakshin Gangotri, was set up in 1983, some 2,500 km from the South Pole in Queen Maud Land. The station operated till 1990. — In 1989, India set up its second Antarctica research station, named Maitri, in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 3-km wide ice-free plateau with over 100 freshwater lakes. It is still operational and located about 5 km from Russia’s Novolazarevskaya Station, and 90 km from Dakshin Gangotri. — In 2012, India inaugurated Bharati, its third Antarctica research station, located around 3,000 km east of Maitri, on the Prydz Bay coast. — India plans to open a new station, Maitri II, a few kilometres from the ageing Maitri station. Operations are set to begin by 2029. Points to Ponder: — What is the significance of Antarctica for India? — The impacts of climate change on Antarctica and beyond. — Map work (India’s research stations in Antarctica; extent of area covered under the Antarctica treaty, Countries which are part of the Antarctica treaty) Post Read Question: Consider the following statements: 1. India will host the Antarctica Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) for the first time in 2024. 2. India was one of the original signatories to the Antarctic Treaty signed in 1959. 3. Dakshin Gangotri was India’s first Antarctic research station. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: India to formally convey to ATCM its plans to build new research station in Antarctica The Ideas Page A better do-good metric UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General issues on Environmental Ecology, Biodiversity and Climate Change Mains Examination: GS-II, III: Government policies and interventions; Growth and development, Environment pollution and degradation. What’s the ongoing story- Elias George writes: “The acronym ESG (Environmental Social Governance) is one of the defining mantras of our times. It pertains to the interconnected worlds of business, government, and civil society.” Prerequisites: — What is the link between environment, social impact, and governance? — What is de-risking? — What are the impacts of climate change? Key takeaways: — “The concept of ESG was launched in an UN-led report of 2005, titled ‘Who Cares Wins: Connecting Financial Markets to a Changing World.’” — “ The way companies and other organisations deal with the challenges of E, S, and G — managing the environmental and social impact, as well as how they handle their governance issues — can now be bundled into integrated ESG metrics and ranked by rating agencies.” — “These assessments have become vital for firms to secure their future by de-risking themselves from external uncertainties, as well as to conform to regulatory requirements.” — “ESG ratings are also becoming necessary to attract discerning investments that are driven by two differing considerations: (i)Ring-fencing the financial prospects of companies from adverse environmental and social impacts, and (ii) ensuring on behalf of conscientious investors that their funds flow only to companies that enhance the sum of planetary well-being.” — “Today, the ESG approach is embedded in the heart of the global corporate landscape, with ESG-infused sustainable investments amounting to more than a third of all invested assets worldwide as per the Global Sustainable Investment Review, 2022.” — Issues: The absence of uniformity and the element of subjectivity in ESG evaluation criteria detract from its credibility, the fundamental problem is “single materiality” for ESG ratings. — “The most worrying critique of the ESG game is that by promoting it as a pious talisman… may be avoiding the hard decisions that are necessary to confront and overcome wicked problems like climate change, and rising inequality.” — “It is time that we went back to the drawing board and unbundled the ESG matrix, reducing its scope and complexity, so that we can measure better, and focus on critical essentials like emission reductions that are now mandatory for our survival.” For Your Information: — ESG investing is used synonymously with sustainable investing or socially responsible investing. While selecting a stock for investment, the ESG fund shortlists companies that score high on environment, social responsibility, and corporate governance, and then looks into financial factors. Points to Ponder: — How is ESG different from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? — What are the challenges associated with ESG compliance in India? — What initiatives have been taken by the Indian government to ensure compliance with ESG? Post Read Question: Assess the effectiveness of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in promoting sustainable investing practices, considering the various challenges that hinder their impact. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: Explained: What are ESG funds, big abroad, and now finding interest in India too Economy Spices Board inspecting MDH, Everest plants; efforts on to improve compliance UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance. Mains Examination: GS-II, GS-III: Issues Relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health. What’s the ongoing story- The Spices Board of India is carrying out inspections in several MDH and Everest processing plants in the country to ensure that spice exports meet the requirement in the respective export destination, senior government officials said on Monday, adding that corrective actions such as use of steam sterilisation technology and tracking of the food supply chain is being looked at to prevent future rejections. Prerequisites: — What is the spice board of India? — What is steam sterilisation technology? — What is Ethylene Oxide? — What is CODEX? Key takeaways: — In 2023-24, India’s spice exports totalled $4.25 billion against 3.7 billion in 2022-23. India’s exports account for a 12 percent share of the global spice exports. — The major spices exported from India include chilli powder, which topped the list with $1.3 billion in exports, followed by cumin at $550 million, turmeric at $220 million, cardamom at $130 million, mixed spices at $ 110 million, and spice oils and oleoresins at $1 billion. — Most of the countries have different MRLs (Minimum residue limits) for ethylene oxide (EtO). Countries fix their MRLs for pesticides based on their country-specific good agricultural practices and consumption patterns. For Your Information: — EtO is used by the spice industry as a fumigant to reduce microbial contamination, such as E. coli and Salmonella. It is a colourless, highly flammable and very reactive gas that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is an industrial chemical. Points to Ponder: — What are the challenges associated with food safety in India? — What is the impact of EtO on human beings? — Is it necessary to bring uniformity among experts to measure EtO? Post Read Question: Consider the following statements: 1. The Spice Board of India is a constitutional body constituted in 1987. 2. It is responsible for the overall development of the cardamom industry. How many of the above statements are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: UPSC Issue at a Glance | Food Safety : 5 Key Questions You Must Know for Prelims and Mains ‘Barriers to entry, platform neutrality, algorithm collusion key concerns’ UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: GS-III: Economy What’s the ongoing story- The control of digital platforms over large datasets can create barriers to entry for new players, compromise platform neutrality, and lead to algorithmic collusion, Ravneet Kaur, Chairperson of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), said Monday at the regulatory body’s annual day celebrations. Prerequisites: — What is data localisation? — What is India’s draft National e-commerce policy? — What is algorithm collusion? Key takeaways: — “Data is a very important resource. Companies that can collect, analyse, and leverage vast amounts of data can gain significant competitive advantages. This raises concern about data dominance where control over large datasets can create insurmountable barriers to entry.” — “Many digital markets are characterised by… data-based business models where a single entity controls access to a wide range of services. This raises issues of platform neutrality, especially when the platforms also compete with the businesses that rely on their infrastructure. There’s a growing concern that platforms potentially favour their own services or products.” — “Algorithms play an important role in digital markets from shaping user experiences to making pricing and product placement decisions. However, the opacity of algorithms can make it challenging to assess their impact on competition issues.” — India’s draft National E-Commerce Policy was shared for public consultation in 2019. In its initial iteration, the draft policy sought to bring in stricter consumer protections against unsolicited phone calls and emails. — It also sought to enforce data localisation rules that place restrictions on cross-border data flow and to give the government authority to demand disclosure of a company’s source code and algorithms. Points to Ponder: — Why there is a need for a national e-commerce policy? — What are the government initiatives related to the e-commerce sector in India? — What were the criticisms of the draft National e-commerce policy? Post Read Question: With reference to foreign-owned e-commerce firms operating in India, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC CSE 2022) 1. They can sell their own goods in addition to offering their platforms as marketplaces. 2. The degree to which they can own big sellers on their platforms is limited. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: Explained: The draft rules for e-commerce companies, and how it will impact online shoppers ‘Both competition and a level playing field key for EV sector’ UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development Mains Examination: GS-II, III: Government policies and interventions; Achievements of Indians in science & technology, Infrastructure. What’s the ongoing story- With 30 per cent of its sales volume coming from electric vehicles (EVs), MG Motor is among the leading players in India’s EV market. Prerequisites: — What is the FAME scheme? — What is the performance of the EV sector in India? — What is the difference between tier-1 and tier-2 cities? Key takeaways: — Gaurav Gupta, Chief Growth Officer of MG Motor India– You have the infrastructure shaping up– charging infrastructure being installed and made more reliable, generation of power from renewables, different price points for the customer– all of this is eventually going to propel the industry. — State provides subsidies–RTO benefits– for EVs. This benefits the sell of EV in a particular state. For Your Information: — China accounts for over half of the global electric vehicle (EV) sales, largely driven by its near dominance in battery production — a critical element for EV manufacturing. — A global shift from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs presents a massive opportunity for new entrants like India, vying to be a part of the global supply chain. However, India has a fragmented EV supply chain. Points to Ponder: — What are the issues related to Charging infrastructure in India? — What is the need for having EV policy for a nation? — What is the significance of technology transfer for EV battery localisation? Post Read Question: How is efficient and affordable urban mass transport key to the rapid economic development in India? (UPSC CSE 2019) Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: Not just Tesla, existing automakers to get duty benefit under new EV policy too Express Network SII ships first set of malaria vaccine doses to Africa UPSC Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: General Science, Current Events of National and International Importance Mains Examination: GS-II, III: Social Justice and International Relations; Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology, Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life What’s the ongoing story- Serum Institute of India (SII), the world’s largest manufacturer of vaccines by number of doses, marked a significant milestone on Monday with the shipment of the first set of R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine to seven-eight countries in Africa. Prerequisites: — What is malaria? — What are the major types of malaria? — What are the various issues associated with vaccination? Key takeaways: — The low-cost, high-efficacy R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine was developed by the University of Oxford and SII leveraging Novavax’s adjuvant technology. — The vaccine has demonstrated high efficacy with a reassuring safety profile. It is the second malaria vaccine to be authorised for use in children in malaria-endemic regions. — “…We are giving the vaccine at a very affordable price. This will be widely available and accessible to all the African countries and also the other lower-middle-income countries,” Adar Poonawalla, CEO, SII, said. — On a vaccine for India, Poonawalla pointed out that the particular parasite (found in Africa) was not in India. “Hence for India, it will take another five years for a malaria vaccine… We are working towards a dengue vaccine, clinical trials are underway and after two-three years we can expect a dengue vaccine in India,” Poonawalla said. — “We expect that this vaccine will not only reduce mortality in children but also dramatically shift the economic burden in a country facing the crisis,” Silvia Taylor, Executive Vice President, Chief Corporate Affairs and Advocacy Officer, Novavax, said. For Your Information: — The recently released World Malaria Report shows that the number of cases and deaths due to the mosquito-borne infection in India has continued to decline. — India’s downward trend was reflected in the larger WHO South East Asian region that remained on track to achieving the 2030 target of reducing cases and deaths by 90 percent, the report said. Points to Ponder: — What is adjuvant technology? — India’s role in the global fight against malaria — What is the relationship between health and economic development particularly for countries in Africa? Post Read Question: Widespread resistance of malarial parasite to drugs like chloroquine has prompted attempts to develop a malarial vaccine to combat malaria. Why is it difficult to develop an effective malaria vaccine? (UPSC CSE 2010) (a) Malaria is caused by several species of Plasmodium (b) Man does not develop immunity to malaria during natural infection (c) Vaccines can be developed only against bacteria (d) Man is only an intermediate host and not the definitive host Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: What the World Malaria Report says about India Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsnxUastCeM?si=v_C_HMmwtO14YP8m&w=560&h=315
