UPSC Key: Sanctions on Russian oil, weight-loss drugs, and Saranda forest

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’s oil imports from Russia, its biggest supplier, may fall sharply following the imposition of sanctions by the US on Russian oil majors Rosneft and Lukoil, industry insiders and experts told The Indian Express on Thursday (October 23).

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the reasons for the US sanction on Russian oil?

— What is the status of India’s import of oil from Russia?

— How is the recent ban by the US going to impact Indian refineries?

— What are secondary sanctions?

— How the narrowing discounts on Russian crude are reshaping India’s oil procurement strategy

— How U.S. tariff threats have influenced India’s decisions on oil import diversification?

— What is “shadow fleet” of tankers?

Key Takeaways:

— While it is still too early to estimate the actual impact of the US sanctions, industry sources said that government-owned refiners are already evaluating compliance risks in a bid to ensure that whatever Russian oil they buy henceforth is not being sourced directly from Rosneft, Lukoil and their numerous arms.

— Private sector refining giant Reliance Industries (RIL), which alone accounts for around half of India’s Russian oil imports and sources a bulk of its Russian oil purchases from Rosneft under term deal, could see a massive cut in its oil imports from Moscow.

— Sources indicated that the company would be looking to attune its Russian oil imports with the view the Indian government takes on the issue. So far this year, Russian oil has accounted for over 35 per cent of India’s oil imports.

— This move by the Trump administration — it had so far not imposed direct sanctions on Russian oil majors even as it pressured New Delhi to cut oil imports from Moscow — is being seen as a major escalation in its bid to force Russia’s hand into ending the war in Ukraine.

— The sanctions effectively mean that companies and financial institutions doing transactions with the sanctioned entities run the risk of attracting secondary sanctions from Washington. Historically, India has avoided oil imports from countries like Iran and Venezuela, whose oil was sanctioned by the US.

— Oil, Russia’s biggest source of revenue, is a lever that the Trump administration believes it can use to force Moscow to end the war in Ukraine. New Delhi is the second-largest buyer of its oil after Beijing, and is in the midst of sensitive trade pact negotiations with Washington.

— It was clear that India did not want to compromise on its strategic autonomy and was unwilling to be dictated to by the US on whom it should be doing business with, particularly when it came to Russia, an old and key strategic partner.

— The sanctions now offer India far more headroom to quickly taper off Russian crude, which would have otherwise been difficult under the current circumstance despite the diminishing economic tradeoff.

— The discounts on Russian oil have contracted considerably from three years ago when India started lapping up Russian barrels, and the current oil price environment is also far more benign, which means that the loss of Russian barrels, while still a hit for Indian refiners, may not be too significant.

— On its part, the Indian government has consistently maintained that the country will buy oil from wherever it gets the best deal, as long as the oil is not under sanctions. There are no sanctions on Russian oil; it is only subject to a price cap imposed by the US and its allies that applies if Western shipping and insurance services are used for transporting the oil.

— When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Moscow’s share in New Delhi’s oil imports was less than 2 per cent. With much of the West snubbing Russian crude following the invasion, Russia began offering discounts on its oil to willing buyers.

— Indian refiners were quick to avail the opportunity, leading to Russia—earlier a peripheral supplier of oil to India—emerging as India’s biggest source of crude with a commanding market share, displacing the traditional West Asian suppliers.

GOVT & POLITICS: How US, EU sanctions on Russian oil could impact India’s imports

— The US and the EU’s latest round of sanctions on Russia goes against Delhi’s policy position on sanctions that have been imposed unilaterally and that impact India’s economic interests and energy security.

— Politically, Delhi has always been opposed to unilateral sanctions, since it has been subjected to similar sanctions in the past — 1974 and 1998 when it tested nuclear weapons. Delhi has always said it abides by the sanctions imposed by the UNSC, and not country-specific unilateral sanctions.

— Russia has also adopted new ways for circumvention in response to sanctions, particularly those relating to its global trade in oil and gas. Russia has been exploiting international procurement networks and has made extensive use of a growing “shadow fleet” of tankers to transport Russian crude oil around the globe and/or circumvent the oil price cap instituted by the G7.

Do You Know:

— Under international law, secondary sanctions are viewed as coercive measures that penalise third states or their entities for maintaining relations with a sanctioned actor. Unlike primary sanctions, which regulate a state’s own nationals and territory, secondary sanctions target external actors to influence their dealings with the primary target.

— They operate by altering access to the sanctioning state’s market or financial system, creating indirect pressure on third parties to conform to the sanctioning state’s policy objectives.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Can US sanctions on 2 Russian oil cos hurt Moscow?

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(1) With reference to furnace oil, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2021)

1. It is a product of oil refineries.

2. Some industries use it to generate power.

3. Its use causes sulphur emissions into environment.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

 

EXPRESS NETWORK

2006 Act restores livelihoods, dignity of forest communities, Govt tells SC

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

What’s the ongoing story: In a strong defence of the landmark Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA) has sharply rebutted a plea which has challenged before the Supreme Court (SC) the legal validity of the 2012 Rules, made under the law, The Indian Express has learnt.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the key features of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006?

— Which ministry is responsible for its implementation?

— What was the objective behind enacting this Act?

— Know about Baiga and Santhal tribes

— What are minor forest produce?

— How are the rights of tribes protected?

— What are the challenges in implementing the FRA?

Key Takeaways:

— In a counter affidavit filed before the SC, the Centre has not only defended the legal validity of the Act but also stressed that the law goes beyond mere land ownership regularisation and aims to restore dignity, livelihoods, and cultural identity of forest-dependent communities.

— It has also rebutted assertions that FRA violates the wildlife and forest protection laws, and has termed as misguided the view that rights of forest-dwelling communities conflict with wildlife and forest conservation.

— It cited the examples of indigenous communities such as Baiga and Santhal and said they have lived harmoniously with wildlife, nurturing and preserving them through traditional practices.

— Enacted in 2006, the FRA seeks to recognise and vest forest rights in forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have lived on such lands for generations but whose rights were never formally recorded.

— The Act and the Rules enunciate the process of submitting claims, recognition of individual and community forest rights, including rights over forest resources, evidence that can be submitted for claims, among others provisions.

— The petitioner has raised questions over legal validity of certain provisions of the 2012 Rules in the IA, including how ‘community rights’ are defined, disposal of minor forest produce, vesting of rights to communities other than ST’s, and pushing for use of technology to verify forest title claims.

— The Centre has countered the charge that allowing forest right title holders to meet livelihood needs, including through sale of surplus produce, was leading to “commercial” and “large scale” extraction of minor forest produce.

— Non-timber forest produce including bamboo, brush wood, cocoons, honey, wax, lac, tendu or kendu leaves are included in the definition of minor forest produce.

— About 100 million tribals and other forest dwellers directly depend on minor forest produce for their subsistence and livelihood and including indirect dependence, the number is higher.

— On the petitioner’s claim that the term ‘community’ is undefined, leading to misuse by those who are ineligible to exercise forest rights, the Centre said that the Act was clear on what constitutes a community. It pointed out that a claimant of forest rights can be an individual, group of individuals, or community, under the law.

— It cited the 2013 Niyamgiri judgment that recognised the cultural, religious and community rights of the Dongria Kondh tribe over Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha, and reaffirmed that Gram Sabha has the final authority to decide on community rights or cultural affiliations.

Do You Know:

— According to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006 recognizes the rights of the forest dwelling tribal communities and other traditional forest dwellers to forest resources, on which these communities were dependent for a variety of needs, including livelihood, habitation and other socio-cultural needs.

— It recognizes the symbiotic relationship of the STs with the forests, reflected in their dependence on the forest as well as in their traditional wisdom regarding conservation of the forests.

— The Act further enjoins upon the Gram Sabha and rights holders the responsibility of conservation and protection of bio-diversity, wildlife, forests, adjoining catchment areas, water sources and other ecologically sensitive areas as well as to stop any destructive practices affecting these resources or cultural and natural heritage of the tribals.

— The Gram Sabha is also a highly empowered body under the Act, enabling the tribal population to have a decisive say in the determination of local policies and schemes impacting them.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Exclusive: Centre urges states to clear Forest Rights Act backlog; 15% claims remain pending

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(2) At the national level, which ministry is the nodal agency to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006? (UPSC CSE 2021)

(a) Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

(b) Ministry of Panchayati Raj

(c) Ministry of Rural Development

(d) Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Cipla seals deal to take Mounjaro, weight-loss drug, across country

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

What’s the ongoing story: Indian pharma giant Cipla on Thursday announced an agreement with US pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly, acquiring the rights to distribute its blockbuster weight-loss drug Mounjaro. The drug, which was launched in India in March, will be sold by Cipla under a different brand name, Yurpeak, across the country.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are the weight-loss drugs?

— How does it work inside the human body?

— What is semaglutide?

— What are the concerns related to type 2 diabetes and obesity in India?

— What are generic medicines?

— What is the difference between semaglutide and tirzepatide?

Key Takeaways:

— The partnership is significant, as it allows Eli Lilly’s weight-loss drug to leverage Cipla’s extensive distribution footprint — reaching beyond the traditional large metros where Mounjaro is currently available.

— The company has described the agreement as “strategic,” coming just months before the primary patent for Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide (Wegovy) — a rival to tirzepatide (Mounjaro) — is set to expire in India in March next year. This expiry could pave the way for the launch of generic versions of semaglutide at significantly lower prices in the Indian market.

— Significantly, this is not Eli Lilly’s first strategic tie-up with Cipla, India’s third largest pharma company. The US pharmaceutical giant has previously collaborated with the Indian firm on two of its diabetic products: Humalog and Trulicity.

— Tirzepatide is approved for chronic weight management in adults. It is indicated for individuals who are either obese (body mass index [BMI] of 30 or more) or overweight (BMI of 27 or more) and have at least one weight-related health condition, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or type 2 diabetes.

— This class of drugs is composed of polypeptides, small proteins that enhance naturally occurring hormones in the body. Tirzepatide works by increasing glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels, which regulate weight through effects on the brain and digestive tract.

— Higher GLP-1 levels, released in the gut, stimulate neurons that slow gut function and create a sense of fullness. At the same time, GLP-1 activates neural pathways in the brain that trigger satiety—the feeling of being satisfied after eating. The drugs also help manage glucose levels, making them effective for diabetes treatment.

— Significantly, tirzepatide not only targets GLP-1 receptors but also enhances a second hormone: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This regulates weight through receptors in the brain and fat cells, and its combined action with GLP-1 amplifies the effects of both hormones, according to the company.

Do You Know:

— Both semaglutide and tirzepatide belong to a new class of medicines called GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists. They are prescribed for the management of type-2 diabetes and obesity.

— These drugs mimic certain naturally-occurring gut hormones called incretins (GLP-1 is one such incretin) produced in the small intestine, and are hence also known as incretin mimicker.

— They work by:

(a) improving the secretion of insulin that allows more of the glucose in the bloodstream to enter cells where it can be used for energy;

(b) inhibiting the secretion of the hormone glucagon that stimulates the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream;

(c) slowing down the emptying of the stomach so that the glucose levels in the bloodstream doesn’t spike; and

(d) reducing appetite by signalling to the brain that one is satiated.

— Semaglutide and tirzepatide both mimic the action of GLP-1. Tirzepatide additionally also mimics the action of another hormone called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍GLP-1 drugs & weight loss

📍How ‘smart insulin’ promises to revolutionise diabetes treatment

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(3) Which of the following statements regarding insulin harmone is correct? (UPSC CAPF 2018)

(a) Insulin is a protein hormone which is not produced in human body.

(b) Insulin is a steriod hormone which is produced in human body.

(c) Insulin is a cholesterol-driven hormone given to human

(d) Insulin is a protein hormone which is produced in human body.

Govt clears defence purchase proposals worth Rs. 79,000 crore

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.

Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

General Studies-III: Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology

What’s the ongoing story: In a bid to boost the combat capabilities of the military, India on Thursday cleared proposals to procure weapons and military hardware worth Rs 79,000 crore, including Nag missiles, amphibious warfare ships and electronic intelligence and surveillance systems. The procurement proposals were cleared at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are Nag missiles?

— What are steps taken by the Indian government for self-sufficiency in the defence sector?

— What is the role and function of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)?

— What are the challenges in the ‘Make in India’ push in the defence sector?

— How has modern warfare changed and how India is adapting to it?

Key Takeaways:

— It is the second major decision on procurement after Operation Sindoor. Procurement projects worth Rs 67,000 crore were approved on August 5. The DAC approved proposals amounting to nearly Rs 79,000 crore, the Defence Ministry said.

— For the Indian Navy, approval was granted for the procurement of Landing Platform Docks (LPDs), 30-mm Naval Surface Guns (NSGs), Advanced LightWeight Torpedoes (ALWTs), the Electro Optical Infra-Red Search and Track System and Smart Ammunition for 76-mm Super Rapid Gun Mount.

— The procurement of the 30-mm NSGs will enhance the capa-bility of the Navy and the Coast Guard to carry out low-intensity maritime operations and take anti-piracy measures. For the Army, approval was accorded for the procurement of the Nag mi-sile system (Tracked) Mk-II (NAMIS), the ground-based mo-bile ELINT (electronic intelligence system) and high-mobility vehi-cles (HMVs).

— The NAMIS procurement will enhance the Army’s capability of neutralising the enemy’s combat vehicles, bunkers and other field fortifications, whereas the GBMES will provide round-the-clock electronic intelli-gence of enemy activities, it said.

— The DAC approved the procurement of Collaborative Long Range Target Saturation/Destruction System (CLRTS/DS) for the Indian Air Force (IAF). It also cleared some other procure-ment proposals of the IAF.

Do You Know:

— The goal of a Viksit Bharat (developed India) by 2047 requires the defence sector to be more resilient and self-reliant. The transformation underway in the defence industrial complex has set the stage for multiple stakeholders to rally and promote domestic technological innovation while cementing strategic partnerships around the world.

— LPDs are amphibious warfare ships that are used to transport heavy equipment and land troops. The ministry said the integrated sea capability provided by LPDs will also help the Navy undertake peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, disaster-relief measures.

— The Nag missile has been developed to strike and neutralise highly fortified enemy tanks. It also has night strike capabilities. It has a minimum range of 500 metres and maximum range of four kilometres. A third-generation fire and forget category system, Nag uses an imaging infra-red seeker to lock on to the target before launch.

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍India’s atmanirbhar defence sector 

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(4) Which of the following is correctly matched? (UPPSC 2012)

(a) Trishul – Surface to surface missile

(b) Prithivi – Surface to air missile

(c) NAG – Anti – tank missile

(d) Pinaka – Light combat aircraft

 

EXPLAINED

‘Sanctuary’ status for forests of Saranda: Why this matters, case before SC

Syllabus:

Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance

Mains Examination: General Studies-III: Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

What’s the ongoing story: A Supreme Court Bench headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) on October 10 ordered the Jharkhand government to give an undertaking to notify a new wildlife sanctuary in Saranda, home to one of the most verdant Sal forests in the country.

Key Points to Ponder:

— What are biodiversity hotspots?

— Which are biodiversity hotspots in India?

— What are the threats of illegal mining in biological hotspots?

— What is forested habitat?

— What is the role and function of the National Green Tribunal?

— Who has the power to declare wildlife sanctuaries?

— What is the ecological importance of Saranda?

Key Takeaways:

— The Supreme Court’s verdict has put a spotlight on this forested habitat, which has seen illegal mining in the past, and is a biodiversity hotspot at the junction of south-west Jharkhand and Odisha.

— The Supreme Court directed the Jharkhand government to notify an area of 314 sq km as a wildlife sanctuary while hearing a plea, which sought compliance with a July 2022 judgment of the National Green Tribunal’s eastern zone Bench. The plea before the NGT sought a declaration of an eco-sensitive zone in Saranda/Sasangada Sanctuary in West Singhbhum district.

— The petitioner had argued that the large forested area was already declared as a “game sanctuary” in 1968, in undivided Bihar. It was underlined before the NGT that under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, any sanctuary and national park declared by a state government under any Act, before the 1972 Act, shall be “deemed” as a sanctuary or national park.

— Even as the NGT did not find anything on record to show that the Saranda Forest Division was ever notified as a game sanctuary, it ordered the Jharkhand government to consider whether the area needed to be declared as a sanctuary.

— A Supreme Court Bench on November 20, 2024, took on record the NGT’s directions and directed the Jharkhand government to come out with a positive response on the declaration of a sanctuary.

— The Hemant Soren government has argued in the Supreme Court that while it supports the declaration of the sanctuary, the rights of tribals and other forest dwellers must be protected, and has also pointed out high revenue from mineral extraction. The Saranda region accounts for 26% of the country’s iron ore reserves.

— It argued that sanctuary notification risks criminalising subsistence activities, thereby violating provisions of the Forest Rights Act, Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas), 1996.

— Controversies around mining and the threat it poses to the rich biodiversity of Saranda are also not new. Under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, a commission of inquiry led by Justice M B Shah had probed illegal mining in Jharkhand.

— The Shah Commission had exposed that iron ore of an approximate value of 14,403 crores and manganese of Rs 138 crore were extracted illegally. As part of the action taken on Justice Shah Commission’s recommendation, the Union Environment Ministry prepared a sustainable mining plan for iron mining in Saranda.

Do You Know:

— Saranda, meaning seven hundred hills, forest division in West Singhbhum district covers about 856 sq km, and 816 sq km is a reserved forest, and the rest is a protected forest. In its assessment of the biological and ecological significance of the Saranda landscape, the Wildlife Institute of India has underlined that the area is historically recognised for its rich biodiversity.

— It presently harbours elephants, four-horned antelope, and sloth bear, and is experiencing habitat degradation and fragmentation and is home to three elephant corridors, providing connectivity with other neighbouring forests.

— A reserve forest is given the highest level of protection under the Indian Forest Act, 1927, in which hunting, grazing, and logging are prohibited except when expressly permitted. Reserve forests are designated by state governments and are key to conserving and preserving habitats and wildlife.

— As per 1972 Wildlife Protection Act a Sanctuary is defined as: “The State Government may by notification declare any area to be a sanctuary if it considers that area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural, or zoological significance for the purpose of protecting propagating or developing wildlife or its environment”

Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:

📍Large part of Southern Ridge will be declared reserve forest

📍Rapid development, shrinking green cover: Why forest conservation cannot wait

Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:

(5) The most important strategy for the conservation of biodiversity together with traditional human life is the establishment of (UPSC CSE 2014)

(a) biosphere reserves

(b) botanical gardens

(c) national parks

(d) wildlife sanctuaries

Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:

What are the consequences of illegal mining? Discuss the ministry of environment and forests’ concept of “GO AND NO GO” zones for coal mining. (UPSC CSE 2013)

ALSO IN NEWS

Gangotri, Kedarnath and Yamunotri close for winter as Char Dham season winds down

With three of the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimage centres closing for winter, Uttarakhand’s biggest religious tourism run this year has neared its end. The state government has been promoting the winter char dham circuit at the seats of these presiding deities, where they are carried down to a lower altitude for six months. The idols were taken from the winter seats and brought to these shrines. Mukhba in Uttarkashi is the winter seat of Gangotri Dham; Kharsali, also in Uttarkashi, is the winter seat of Yamunotri Dham; Kedarnath’s winter abode is the Omkareshwar temple in Rudraprayag’s Ukhimath; and Badrinath’s is at Pandukeshwar in Chamoli.

 

PRELIMS ANSWER KEY

1. (d)   2. (d)   3. (d)   4. (c)   5. (a)

Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X.

🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for October 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at manas.srivastava@indianexpress.com🚨