UPSC Key: Iran protests, Merz-Modi meet, and Zehanpora stupas

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the causes behind the recent protests in Iran?

— United States and Iran bilateral relations-Know in detail.

— Understand India’s relationship with countries in West Asia. What is India’s Middle East policy?

— How is India’s relations with the USA and Iran?

— What are the areas of cooperation between India and Iran?

(Thought Process: Read about the International North South Transport Corridor, and the Chabahar port.)

— Map Work: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.

Key Takeaways:

— Mr. Trump has not made a final decision, but the officials said he was seriously considering authorizing a strike in response to the Iranian regime’s efforts to suppress demonstrations set off by widespread economic grievances. The president has been presented with a range of options, including strikes on nonmilitary sites in Tehran, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss confidential conversations.

— Violence surrounding the protests challenging Iran’s theocracy has killed at least 538 people so far, and even more are feared dead, activists said Sunday, the news agency AP reported. Over 10,600 people have been detained over the two weeks of protests, it said, quoting the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency.

— With the internet down in Iran and phone lines cut off, gauging the demonstrations from abroad has grown more difficult. The Iranian government has not offered overall casualty figures for the demonstrations.

— Amid Trump’s threat, Iran’s Parliament Speaker warned Sunday that the US military and Israel would be “legitimate targets” if the US strikes the Islamic Republic. “In the event of an attack on Iran, both the occupied territory and all American military centres, bases and ships in the region will be our legitimate targets… We do not consider ourselves limited to reacting after the action and will act based on any objective signs of a threat,” he said.

— The demonstrations in Iran began in late December in response to a currency crisis, but they have since spread and grown in size as many Iranians have called for wholesale changes to the country’s authoritarian government. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said Friday that the government would “not back down” in the face of large-scale protests. 

— Trump has repeatedly threatened to use lethal force against the Iranian government for its efforts to suppress demonstrations, and on Friday, he said that Iran “is in big trouble”.

— US officials said any military action would have to balance how to fulfil Trump’s promise to punish the government in Tehran if it cracked down on the protesters with not making the situation worse. Trump is considering attacking Iran again little more than six months after he ordered strikes against three of its nuclear sites last June. 

— In that attack, which the military called Midnight Hammer, six B-2 bombers dropped 12 bunker-buster bombs on a mountain facility at Fordo, and Navy submarines fired 30 cruise missiles at the nuclear facilities in Natanz and Isfahan. One B-2 also dropped two bunker-buster bombs on Natanz. Iran responded with missile barrages of its own, as well as offers to resume negotiations over its nuclear development programme, which Iranian leaders say is purely for civilian use.

Do You Know:

— Chabahar is a deep water port in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchistan province. It is the Iranian port that is the closest to India, and is located in the open sea, providing easy and secure access for large cargo ships. The port is also part of the proposed INSTC. 

— Chabahar is of strategic importance for India. It offers New Delhi an alternative route that bypasses Pakistan, which does not allow India land access for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asia.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Explained: Iran’s latest protests, where Trump said the US was ‘locked and loaded’

📍Death toll in Iran crosses 500, say activists amid crackdown on nationwide protests

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(1)Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? ( UPSC CSE 2016)

(a) Iran

(b) Saudi Arabia

(c) Oman

(d) Kuwait

(2) What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (UPSC CSE 2017)

(a) India’s trade with African countries will increase enormously.

(b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.

(c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.

(d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

Defence to skill, slew of pacts on table as Merz and Modi meet today

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

What’s the ongoing story: India and Germany are set to seal a slew of pacts on semiconductors, critical minerals, a defence and security roadmap, and skill development as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad Monday, The Indian Express has learnt.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the status of India-Germany relationship?

— What are the major areas of cooperation between both the nations?

— Understand the increased interaction between India and the Europe in the current geopolitical situation.

— What is the significance of Germany for India?

— What are the challenges in the India-Germany relationship?

— What do you understand about the Strategic Partnership?

— Read about the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations.

Key Takeaways:

— This is Chancellor Merz’s first bilateral visit to India since assuming office last May. He is accompanied by a 25-member delegation of CEOs, including the top executives of a leading submarine manufacturer, indicating that strong defence ties would be part of the agenda.

— The two sides will unveil a defence and security roadmap, which will also strengthen the defence manufacturing network base in India, and firm up plans to set up a skill development centre in Hyderabad.

— Significantly, Chancellor Merz’s visit sets the ball rolling for a lengthy engagement between India and the European Union, with EU leaders in India for the Republic Day celebrations, followed by the arrival of French President Emmanuel Macron in February for the Artificial Intelligence Impact summit in Delhi.

— Later this year, Prime Minister Modi is expected to travel to Germany for inter-governmental consultations with a delegation of top Cabinet ministers.

— According to sources, the bilateral strategic partnership will be the overarching focus of the conversation. There is a “high degree of mutual trust and confidence” that has guided political and defence ties between the two countries over the past 25 years, sources said. German technology being made available to India for its defence preparedness will also be part of the conversation, they said.

— The two leaders are also expected to discuss the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, which are expected to be finalised by the time EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen, a former German Defence minister, and Antonio Costa, the former Portuguese PM, visit Delhi for the Republic Day parade and the India-EU summit on Jan 26-27.

— According to sources, the bilateral conversations will be based on four pillars:

1. Germany and Make in India: Over 2,000 German companies are active in India. “More German companies are keen to join the Make in India programme. The Green and Sustainable Development Partnership is contributing to national projects including Green Hydrogen Mission, Sustainable Urban Mobility, Metro projects and Solar Rooftop projects,” sources said.

2. Germany and Skill India: Germany is a leading international partner for skilling people.

3. Germany and Green India: German companies have established a presence in the Indian renewable energy, next-generation green infrastructure and related sectors. There will be growing collaboration in green hydrogen and its derivatives.

4. Next-gen technology partnership: Germany is an important source for high technology products after having liberalised their export controls, and a key partner in areas such as AI, semiconductor, digital, quantums, etc.

— The two leaders will discuss UN reforms, too, as both countries are part of the G-4 grouping — including Japan and Brazil – that is lobbying for inclusion in the UN Security Council.

Do You Know:

— The German Chancellor’s visit sets the stage for a deeper engagement with the EU as its top leaders and French President Macron travel to India weeks later. With India and Europe viewing the Russian aggression in Ukraine differently, both sides will work on reducing their divergences.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍C Raja Mohan writes: In German chancellor’s India visit, a chance for deeper ties with Berlin

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) ‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and (UPSC CSE 2017)

(a) European Union

(b) Gulf Cooperation Council

(c) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

(d) Shanghai Cooperation Organization

 

THE IDEAS PAGE

The task ahead: Embracing creative destruction, managing its consequences

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance and economic development.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization, of resources, growth, development and employment.

What’s the ongoing story: Prachi Mishra writes- “Despite historic uncertainty, global growth proved resilient in 2025. The critical question is whether this momentum can continue amid shifts in technology, trade, and policy.”

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is meant by the ‘Goldilocks period’ of the economy?

— What is the significance of monetary easing and fiscal consolidation in maintaining macroeconomic stability in India?

— What are the challenges faced by the Indian economy?

— What are the reasons behind the regional economic disparities in India? 

— What is the National Monetisation Pipeline and its significance?

Key Takeaways:

— “Markets have raced ahead of fundamentals, fueled by AI enthusiasm and a weaker dollar, raising overvaluation concerns. While AI’s employment impact may be limited for now, its transformative potential is undeniable. The Nobel Prize in Economics reminded us that innovation alone cannot explain growth. Three prerequisites matter: Useful knowledge combining prescriptive instructions and scientific understanding, skilled professionals and societal openness to change.” 

— “Global growth and trade reconfiguration should continue through 2026 and beyond, characterised more by reallocation than recession, yet remaining underwhelming compared to pre-pandemic standards. India presents a more encouraging picture, in a “Goldilocks” phase, as the RBI Governor described. By December 2025, the RBI had reduced the repo rate by a cumulative 125 basis points to 5.25 per cent and complemented this with liquidity support and regulatory easing. Bank balance sheets strengthened further, with gross non-performing assets expected to bottom out at 2.3-2.5 per cent by March 2026.”

— “The Centre continued fiscal consolidation, while implementing the first National Monetisation Pipeline. S&P’s rating upgrade validated this progress, acknowledging policymakers’ commitment to macroeconomic and financial stability, signalling that markets were taking note.”

— “Despite global uncertainty, India’s external situation remains comfortable. The services sector has served as a shock absorber, while the rupee has become more market-determined. Even as certain sectors face challenges, the overall current account deficit remains manageable. Yet risks persist. Overall output level remains more than 3 per cent below pre-pandemic trends, as declining underlying inflation indicates.”

— “Important reforms are underway. Labour codes have been streamlined. Infrastructure investment continues at an impressive pace, with strides in reducing cargo release times and improving logistics. A quiet data revolution is occurring, with increased speed and frequency of data releases, combined with a fundamental change in governance philosophy.”

— “Policy credibility, regulatory predictability, and confidence in future demand matter as much as interest rates or incentives. Without addressing these softer constraints, even well-designed incentives risk falling short of delivering sustained private investment and jobs. Structural challenges persist in health, education, and urban development. India ranks as the world’s third most polluted country. The economic costs are well documented, yet clean air hasn’t become a major political priority.”

— “Regional disparities present another challenge. Bihar exemplifies this starkly. Home to 9 per cent of India’s population, the state contributes less than 2 per cent to the national GDP. Yet Bihar has made progress, with economic output more than tripling over two decades, driven by services and high-value agriculture. With over 60 per cent of its population under the age of 25, Bihar possesses structural advantages that are waiting to be optimally exploited: Low-cost labour, fertile soil, and rich heritage.”

— “The deeper challenge lies in the technology-demography interactions. As a labour-abundant country with an expanding working-age population, basic economics suggests emphasising labour-intensive production. Yet paradoxically, India increasingly adopts capital-intensive technologies, both for domestic production and exports. We must adapt technologies to our context.”

— “We must also find greater market access for Indian goods and services. A slew of FTAs is creating an enabling framework that must be supplemented by other enabling measures for MSMEs and other sectors.”

— “Sustained prosperity requires more than innovations. It demands institutional frameworks to harness creative destruction while protecting those it displaces. This means adapting technology to local conditions, prioritising labour-absorbing sectors, financing expansion through long-term capital, and building institutions that protect workers without freezing economic change.”

Do You Know:

— Recently, while announcing the monetary policy, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said that inflation at a benign 2.2 per cent and growth at 8 per cent during the first half of FY2026 present a “rare Goldilocks period”.

— A Goldilocks period in economics refers to a phase when the economy is “just right” — neither overheating nor slowing down. It is characterised by steady growth, low inflation and manageable interest rates.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:

(4) A “rare goldilocks period” refers to a situation that marks:

(a) a phase of rising government spending accompanied by widening fiscal deficits

(b) a period of economic stagnation combined with rising unemployment

(c) high economic growth and exceptionally low inflation

(d) a situation where inflation rises despite falling economic output (stagflation)

 

EXPLAINED 

What Zehanpora stupas shed light on: Kashmir’s rich Buddhist past

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: History of India and Indian National Movement.

Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times.

What’s the ongoing story: For many years, locals in Zehanpora assumed that the mounds of earth they saw running for acres were part of the landscape. Spread over 10 acres in a small village in Baramulla, North Kashmir, the mounds have only recently been discovered to be man-made, and estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

Key Points to Ponder:

— Know about the history and origin of Buddhism.

— What is the role of Kushan-period in the spread of Buddhism?

— When did Buddhism enter Kashmir, and how did the region become an early centre of Buddhist learning?

— What was Ashoka’s role in the spread of Buddhism?

— What role did Kashmir play in the evolution and spread of Buddhism?

— What are the major Buddhist sites in Kashmir?

— Read about Kalhana’s Rajatarangini.

— Know about Mahayana Buddhism.

— Where was the Fourth Buddhist Council held and what were the major outcomes?

Key Takeaways:

— Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi mentioned the site in his Mann ki Baat address, highlighting the cultural legacy of Jammu and Kashmir.

— The director of the archeological excavation at the site, Dr Mohamad Ajmal Shah, told The Indian Express that the structures date back to the Kushan era.

— This site has found mention in passing references by writers on Kashmir. No one had really taken a deep dive into it. It was like a conspicuous archeological site but remained unexplored. It looks like a man-made plateau, similar to the structure of a stupa. The mounds have been reduced through the ages but still stand out in the landscape. Since the 1970s, a canal has divided the site.

— In October last year, our team of researchers from the Centre of Central Asian Studies at the University of Kashmir, along with the J&K Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, began mapping the site. The team had been looking for ways to begin excavating the site for the past two years. There is evidence at the site of a wooden super-structure that perhaps rose above the mounds.

— The site will take longer than the stipulated three years because of the size of the plateau, but will be a significant addition to the knowledge of trade routes that passed through Kashmir as well as the Buddhist influence in the region. No archeological site in the region matches the scale of the Zehanpora site. There are some distinct mounds that are undisturbed, and will go a long way in explaining the history of this region.

— As per popular belief, Buddhism was introduced to Kashmir during the Mauryan King Ashoka’s reign. However, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini tells us that Buddhism was prevalent in Kashmir much before Ashoka’s time. As per another source, Mahavamsa, Ashoka invited Buddhist scholars of Kashmir for the Buddhist council he convened at Pataliputra.

— Through philosophical deliberations among the different sects of Buddhism and the patronage of Kushan rulers, especially Kanishka, Buddhism got a stronghold in Kashmir. Many monasteries, viharas and stupas were established in Kashmir.

— The evolution of Buddhism can be traced from the references in Rajatarangini, when king Surendra is believed to have constructed many monasteries in Kashmir. The Indo-Greek ruler Menander and Buddhist monk Nagasen’s dialogue on Buddhism was held in the Kashmir region. This would have further strengthened Buddhism across the region.
— Later periods saw a rise in Buddhist practices, which was supported by Kushan kings. A new sect of Buddhism Mahayana is considered to have established its roots in Kashmir. The same sect later became an established form of Buddhism and spread across China and Central Asia by the missionary monks of Kashmir.

— From textual sources to the archaeological record, the Buddhist legacy of Kashmir is widely visible across the length and breadth of Kashmir. Dozens of archaeological sites have been reported in Kashmir with strong Buddhist material evidence.

— The northern part of Kashmir has many known sites with Buddhist affiliations, like Kanispora, Ushkur, Zehanpora, and Parihaspora, while Harwan represents a major Buddhist complex in Srinagar in central Kashmir.

— South Kashmir is dotted with archaeological sites like Semthan, Hutmur, Hoinar and Kutbal with strong Buddhist affiliations. These sites collectively represent Kashmir’s Buddhist heritage in the form of structural and artistic evidence, and need more research and conservation efforts from the departments concerned.

Do You Know:

— The Fourth Buddhist Council was convened by Kanishka in Kashmir which was presided over by the scholar Vasumitra, with Ashvaghosha among its luminaries. 

— This council was decisive in the systematisation and spread of Mahayana Buddhism, a form that emphasised compassion, the Bodhisattva ideal, and universal liberation.

	Place	Patronage
First Buddhist Council	Rajgir	Ajatashatru
Second Buddhist Council	Vaishali	Kalashoka
Third Buddhist Council	Patliputra	Ashoka
Fourth Buddhist Council	Kashmir	Kanishka

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Knowledge Nugget: How Zehanpora excavation reveals Kashmir’s Buddhist past for your UPSC exam

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(5) In which one of the following regions was Dhanyakataka, which flourished as a prominent Buddhist centre under the Mahasanghikas, located? (UPSC CSE 2023)

(a) Andhra

(b) Gandhara

(c) Kalinga

(d) Magadha

Could Trump’s credit card rate cap nudge policy change in India?

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance and economic development.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions,Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, growth. 

What’s the ongoing story: On January 10, US President Donald Trump called for a one-year cap on credit card interest rates at 10 per cent, to take effect from January 20, 2026. He positioned the proposal as a consumer-protection measure aimed at reducing the burden of high credit card borrowing costs, strongly criticising issuers that routinely charge annual percentage rates (APRs) of 20–30 per cent or even higher. Trump said such steep rates amounted to “ripping off” the American public.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is a credit card system, and how does it function in an economy?

— What is the rationale behind imposing a cap on credit-card interest rates?

— What are the advantages and disadvantages of credit cards?

— What are the possible benefits of an interest-rate ceiling on credit-card dues for consumers?

— Who monitors the credit cards segment in India?

Key Takeaways:

— The proposal has been welcomed with interest by Indian cardholders as well, many of whom face interest rates of up to 42 per cent per annum on outstanding balances. The announcement has also sparked a broader question in India: could the country consider a similar move to rein in credit card interest rates?

— Analysts say that imposing a rigid cap on interest rates could limit access to credit, particularly for higher-risk borrowers, as lenders may become more selective or scale back credit card issuance altogether. They also warn that such a cap could lead to a reduction in card benefits and rewards as issuers look to offset lower interest income, and may even drive some borrowers toward costlier and less regulated lending options.

— However, an interest-rate ceiling would meaningfully ease the burden on heavily indebted card holders by sharply reducing borrowing costs and offering much-needed relief from persistently high credit card interest rates.

— In India, the credit-card landscape and regulatory context are quite different. There is no 10 per cent cap on credit-card interest and Indian lenders typically charge much higher APRs, often in the 36–48 per cent range annually, depending on the card and issuer. 

— A Supreme Court decision in late 2024 clarified that banks can charge more than 30 per cent interest on credit-card dues, overturning an earlier consumer-protection decision that would have capped rates.

— What have lured customers to the credit card segment are incentives like rewards on higher spending, loan offers and lounge benefits. 

— In India, the credit cards segment is monitored by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). “It has allowed freedom to banks to fix the interest rates on credit card spending. Banks are charging high interest rates on card outstandings claiming that there’s no collateral on card spends,” said an observer. So Trump’s move in US is unlikely to have any impact in the Indian markets for now. However, experts feel that it could trigger some decision making across other geographies including India as it is a customer centric decision.

Do You Know:

— Credit-card use in India has been rapidly increasing, with outstanding debt, spending, and overdue balances rising significantly in recent years. RBI data shows credit-card spending and balances climbing, and rising delinquencies highlight increasing financial stress for cardholders. — Unlike the US political debate over caps, India’s regulatory focus is more on consumer awareness, risk management and overall financial stability, rather than imposing strict APR ceilings. This reflects differing market structures, regulatory priorities, and credit behaviours in the two countries.

UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:

(6) In India, the credit cards segment is monitored by the:

(a) Securities and Exchange Board of India

(b) Reserve Bank of India

(c) Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India

(d) Financial Stability and Development Council

The weed threat to mustard, and need for new solutions

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development-Sustainable Development, Poverty, Inclusion, Demographics, Social Sector Initiatives, etc.

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country.

What’s the ongoing story: It is India’s largest indigenous edible oil source farmed in nearly nine million hectares – mainly Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and West Bengal. But mustard is also a crop increasingly susceptible to infestation by Orobanche aegyptiaca. This is a parasitic weed that attaches to the roots of mustard plants and extracts nutrients, carbon and water from them. By depriving the host crop of these, it causes wilting, yellowing and stunted growth of the plants and, thereby, lower mustard seed yields.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What is the significance of mustard for India’s edible oil security?

— What is Orobanche aegyptiaca?

— How does herbicide-tolerant mustard help in managing Orobanche infestation?

— What is glyphosate and concerns associated with it?

— What is Genetically Modified (GM) mustard?

— What is the difference between non-GM herbicide-tolerant crops and GM herbicide-resistant crops?

— What are the advantages and risks of adopting herbicide-resistant crops in Indian agriculture?

Key Takeaways:

— According to Bhagirath Choudhary, director of the Jodhpur (Rajasthan)-based South Asia Biotechnology Centre (SABC), Orobanche has become the “No. 1 hidden threat” in the major mustard-growing areas of Haryana and Rajasthan.

— The “hidden” threat is due to the weed’s underground location and its establishing connection with the host plant’s roots to steal nutrients and water. By the time the parasite’s shoots appear above the ground and become visible, the damage to the crop from diversion and undernourishment would have already occurred.

— SABC conducted a field-based survey, including one-to-one interactions with 51 representative farmers, in Haryana’s Sirsa and Bhiwani districts to assess the severity and spread of the Orobanche infestation this season. The survey, undertaken between mid-December and first week of January, revealed heavy and uniform weed emergence in many fields. “The parasite density was markedly higher in repeatedly cultivated mustard fields,” informs Choudhary.

— The reason is simple: A single Orobanche shoot produces 40-45 purple-coloured flowers, each further containing 4,000-5,000 very minute seeds. These remain viable in the soil for up to 20 years and disperse by wind and water to other fields. Once a strong seed bank is built, it creates conditions for rapid infestation. Farmers usually give the first irrigation for mustard 25-30 days after sowing. The soil moisture from that is, however, also conducive for the germination of the Orobanche seeds, followed immediately by their underground establishment and attachment to the mustard plant roots.

— Mustard, as the accompanying table shows, is India’s biggest edible oil-yielding crop, accounting for over 4 million tonnes (mt) out of its 10.5-10.6 mt annual indigenous production.

— Mustard is, moreover, a target crop for yield improvement to reduce the country’s roughly 16 mt per year of edible oil imports (mostly palm, soyabean and sunflower), valued at $15.9 billion in 2023-24 and $18.3 billion in 2024-25.

— The mustard crop’s growing susceptibility to Orobanche and other pathogens – pests (especially aphids) and fungal diseases (white rust, leaf blight, stem rot and powdery mildew) – is, hence, a matter of concern. 

— The damage potential of Orobanche has gone up with the development of viable seed banks facilitating early emergence.

— One solution may be to apply herbicides such as glyphosate. But glyphosate is a non-selective chemical that does not distinguish between crop and weed. It works by inhibiting the ‘EPSPS (5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase)’ enzyme. This enzyme is essential for all plants, including weeds, to produce aromatic amino acids that are the building blocks of proteins crucial for growth. Inhibiting EPSPS causes the plants to wither and die.

— Glyphosate and similar broad-spectrum non-selective herbicides (like glufosinate, paraquat and imazapyr) cannot be used on normal mustard plants to control Orobanche, as they would kill the standing crop along with the weed. The current recommended spraying levels of glyphosate are too low for its absorption by either the crop or weed and blocking the EPSPS enzyme.

— That’s where breeding for herbicide resistance comes. Out of the six acres on which Kokchand Sahu has planted mustard, two acres are under ‘Pioneer-45S42CL’. This is a hybrid mustard developed by Corteva Agriscience that can “tolerate” the application of imidazolinone herbicides, including imazapyr and imazapic. These herbicides would, then, only kill the Orobanche weeds and not the mustard plants.

— Mustard is generally sown from mid- to late-October and harvested after 130-150 days. Meanwhile, scientists at Delhi University’s Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants led by its former vice chancellor, Deepak Pental, have developed GM mustard lines containing a ‘cp4 epsps’ and a double-mutant ‘als’ gene to control Orobanche. These confer resistance to glyphosate as well as imidazolinone and sulfonylurea herbicides.

— Given mustard’s importance as an oilseed and the growing threat from weeds, India’s policymakers would have take a considered decision on allowing GM breeding and crop cultivation. And it will have to be based more on science and farm economics than ideology.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Why the Supreme Court couldn’t agree on environmental release of GM mustard

ALSO IN NEWS
US to push for quicker action on rare earths	U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will urge Group of Seven nations and others to step up their efforts to reduce reliance on critical minerals from China when he hosts a dozen top finance officials on Monday, a senior U.S. official said. Together, the grouping accounts for 60% of global demand for critical minerals. Aside from Japan, which took action after China abruptly cut off its critical minerals supplies in 2010, G7 members remain heavily dependent on critical minerals from China, which has threatened to impose strict export controls. China dominates the critical minerals supply chain, refining between 47% and 87% of copper, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earths, according to the International Energy Agency. These minerals are used in defense technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy components, batteries and refining processes.
Plans for four agile Army battle groups in the east gather pace	The Indian Army’s plans to establish Integrated Battle Groups (IBGs), which will be self-contained, agile, brigade-sized fighting units, have gathered pace and may be implemented soon, starting with the Panagarh-based XVII Corps, the country’s first mountain strike corps (MSC) that faces the frontier with China.The XVII MSC is one of the Army’s four strike corps — the other three are the Mathura-based I Corps, the Ambala-based II Corps, and the Bhopal-based XXI Corps. Before 2021, the XVII MSC had one division, but after that, it was equipped with an additional division from an existing corps to arm it further for its role in the eastern theatre.
Fogged out: How Railways and airlines tackle fog-induced disruptions in winter	Every winter, Indian travellers packing up for the holiday season face a familiar challenge — fog. Both airlines and the Indian Railways are hit by frequent operational disruptions such as delays and cancellations owing to the low visibility during this time, particularly in northern India. The type of fog that affects flight and train operations the most in northern India is radiation fog — which forms under clear winter nights when the ground cools rapidly, moisture condenses and stagnant winds trap it. It can occur frequently and can cause extremely low visibility conditions. Smog adds to the fog’s severity, making it denser and dragging it closer to the ground level. When visibility falls drastically due to fog, airports start operating under Low Visibility Procedures (LVP). These procedures involve specialised operations such as Low Visibility Take-Off (LVTO) and Instrument Landing System (ILS) CAT IIIB landings.The winter season always remains a challenge for the Indian Railways in northern India. Trains can be delayed for more than 12 hours in many cases. To overcome this problem, Railways has been taking up multiple measures, including the provisioning of fog safety devices (FSD) in trains and deployment of Automatic Train Protection System.The Railways is also implementing its ambitious Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system — Kavach — in the select sections of the network. This system will ensure that locomotive pilots can maintain their train’s speed even during dense fog. They would not even have to look outside the cabin for a signal as the relevant information is flashed on the dashboard installed inside the locomotive. Kavach also applies brakes automatically in case a pilot fails to do so.
Govt to merge agri schemes, link funds to state reforms	In a significant restructuring exercise that could push reforms at the state level, the Union Ministry of Agriculture has proposed to merge three separate ongoing schemes with its flagship Pradhan Mantri-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY), with an outlay of Rs 1.75 lakh crore over the next five years, The Indian Express has learnt. The schemes to be merged with PM-RKVY, which was launched to accelerate growth and improve farmers’ income, are Krishonnati Yojana (KY) to boost farmers’ income, National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) and National Bee and Honey Mission (NBHM). PM-RKVY, KY and NMNF are Centrally sponsored with implementation done by the state governments using funds jointly provided by both, while NBHM is a Central sector scheme that is funded and implemented by the Centre.

 

PRELIMS ANSWER KEY

1. (a)  2. (c)  3. (a)   4. (c)  5. (a)  6. (b)

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