25 March | Daily Current Affairs : India imposes anti-dumping duty on Chinese goods for up to 5 years And More

GS PAPER 1

International Relations

A high-level U.S. trade delegation, led by Brendan Lynch, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for South and Central Asia, has begun a five-day visit to India. The visit is crucial as it precedes the announcement of reciprocal tariffs by the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s administration.

• The discussions are expected to revolve around reducing India’s import duties and expanding market access for American agricultural products, a traditionally sensitive area for India.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Agricultural Market Access

• S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik’s remarks about India not purchasing American corn highlight U.S. demands for greater access to India’s agricultural market.
• The U.S. is likely to push for the export of corn, soybeans, cotton, rice, pulses, and dairy products, in addition to nuts and apples already being imported.
• India has traditionally protected its farmers through tariffs and subsidies, making agricultural imports a politically sensitive issue.

Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)

• The visit is expected to lead to the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) between India and the U.S.
• A more comprehensive trade deal beyond an “item-by-item” approach is being considered.

Tariffs and Trade Balance

• India maintains a trade surplus of $45 billion with the U.S.
• The U.S. argues that India’s high tariffs (U.S. claims an average of 50%, though WTO data suggests 17%) restrict U.S. exports.
• President Trump has threatened a 25% tariff on imports from countries buying Venezuelan oil, which could impact India as it resumed Venezuelan oil imports in December 2023.

Upcoming High-Level Visits

• National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance will visit India next month ahead of Trump’s visit for the Quad Summit.
• These meetings will lay the groundwork for deeper trade, economic, and strategic ties.

Implications for India

• Economic: Increased imports of American agricultural products could impact Indian farmers, requiring policy adjustments. However, better access to U.S. markets for Indian goods could benefit certain sectors.
• Strategic: Strengthening Indo-U.S. trade ties aligns with India’s efforts to integrate into global supply chains and counter China’s dominance.
• Political: With elections approaching in both countries, leaders may use trade negotiations to showcase economic and diplomatic achievements.

Conclusion

• While the U.S. seeks greater market access for its agricultural products, India will have to balance trade liberalization with protecting domestic farmers. The success of the trade talks will shape the future of India-U.S. economic relations, influencing both global trade dynamics and domestic policies.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques:India and the U.S. are deepening their trade relations through negotiations on a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA). Discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with such an agreement. (250 words)

GS PAPER 2

Environment & Disaster Management

A recent study, published in Remote Sensing Applications: Society and Environment, highlights the alarming extent of permafrost melting in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Kashmir and IIT-Bombay, underscores the environmental and infrastructural risks posed by thawing permafrost in the Indian Himalayas.

Key Findings of the Study

• Extent of Permafrost in J&K and Ladakh
  • Covers 64.8% of the total geographic area.
  • 7% is continuous (permanently frozen).
  • 8% is discontinuous (partially frozen).
  • 3% is sporadic (intermittently frozen).
  • Ladakh plateau has the highest permafrost coverage (87%).
  • Jammu’s foothill plains, Shigar Valley, and Siwaliks do not have permafrost.
• Risks Identified
  • Threat to Infrastructure: 193 km of roads, 2,415 households, and 8 hydropower projects are vulnerable.
  • Impact on Water Bodies: 903 alpine lakes and 332 proglacial lakes in J&K, with 65 lakes at risk of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
  • Contribution to Climate Change: Thawing permafrost releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), exacerbating global warming.

Causes of Permafrost Degradation

• Climate Change
  • Rising global temperatures are causing surface temperature increases in the Himalayas.
  • This leads to glacial retreat and permafrost degradation.
• Human-Induced Factors
  • Infrastructure development (dams, roads, real estate expansion).
  • Deforestation and land-use changes.
  • Tourism activities increase surface temperature and disturb fragile ecosystems.
• Natural Factors
  • Seismic activity (frequent earthquakes cause permafrost instability).
  • Rock-Ice Avalanches: The Chamoli disaster (2021) and South Lhonak Lake GLOF (2023) serve as recent examples.

Implications of Permafrost Thawing

• Environmental Impacts
  • Increased methane emissions accelerate climate change.
  • Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) threaten thousands of alpine lakes.
  • Water availability may decline as permafrost degradation affects groundwater recharge.
• Socio-Economic and Infrastructure Risks
  • Threats to road networks and hydropower projects due to unstable terrain.
  • Vulnerability of households (especially in Ladakh’s steep permafrost slopes).
  • Risks to military infrastructure, which is crucial for India’s strategic interests in border regions.

Way Forward & Mitigation Strategies

• Scientific Monitoring and Research
  • Establish in-situ monitoring stations to track permafrost changes.
  • Use data loggers to calibrate satellite imagery and improve accuracy.
• Policy and Planning
  • Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) must include permafrost-related hazards.
  • Restrict construction in ecologically fragile zones.
  • Incorporate permafrost mapping into infrastructure planning (especially for roads and dams).
• Disaster Risk Reduction
  • Develop early warning systems for GLOFs and landslides.
  • Increase awareness and community participation in disaster preparedness.
• Sustainable Development
  • Implement climate-resilient infrastructure projects.
  • Promote eco-tourism to reduce human-induced pressure on permafrost regions.

Conclusion

• The permafrost thawing in J&K and Ladakh is a silent but severe environmental crisis. Urgent policy interventions, scientific monitoring, and sustainable development strategies are needed to mitigate its impact. This issue must be integrated into India’s climate action plan and disaster preparedness strategies to safeguard infrastructure, local communities, and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :Permafrost thawing in the western Himalayas poses severe risks to hydropower projects, roads, and settlements. Discuss the infrastructural challenges and suggest measures for sustainable development in these fragile regions.(250 words)

GS PAPER 3

Environment & Disaster Management

• Glaciers worldwide are melting at an unprecedented rate, with the UNESCO report highlighting the largest glacial mass loss on record in the last three years. The loss of 9 trillion tonnes of ice since 1975 has significantly contributed to sea level rise, affecting millions globally. This crisis is primarily driven by climate change, rising temperatures, and human-induced environmental degradation.

Key Findings of the UNESCO Report

• Accelerated Ice Loss:
  • Since 1975, 9 trillion tonnes of ice have melted.
  • In 2024 alone, glaciers lost 450 billion tonnes of ice.
  • Five of the last six years recorded the largest glacial mass loss in history.
• Contribution to Sea Level Rise:
  • Melting glaciers have caused an 18 mm rise in global sea levels from 2000 to 2023 (about 1 mm per year).
  • Every 1 mm rise in sea level exposes up to 300,000 people to annual flooding.
• Impact on Freshwater Resources:
  • Glaciers and polar ice sheets hold about 70% of the world’s freshwater.
  • 1 billion people in mountain communities rely on glaciers for drinking water, agriculture, and hydroelectric energy.
  • Rapid melting is leading to water shortages and regional conflicts.
• Increased Frequency of Natural Disasters:
  • Rising temperatures increase the severity and frequency of avalanches, landslides, flash floods, and Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
  • Rwenzori Mountains in Africa are projected to lose all glaciers by 2030, intensifying water-related conflicts.
• Geopolitical and Socio-Economic Consequences:
  • Loss of glaciers can destabilize food production, impact livelihoods, and displace populations.
  • Coastal and island nations are particularly vulnerable to climate migration due to sea-level rise.

India-Specific Implications

• India, with its Himalayan glaciers, faces significant risks due to glacial melt:
• Threat to Water Security: Rivers like Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus depend on Himalayan glaciers. Their rapid melting could lead to seasonal water scarcity.
• Disasters like GLOFs: The Kedarnath floods (2013) and the Chamoli disaster (2021) highlight the dangers of glacial melt.
• Impact on Agriculture: Depleting glacier-fed rivers could disrupt irrigation and impact food security.
• Military & Infrastructure Risks: Melting glaciers threaten strategic roads, military bases, and hydroelectric projects in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh.

Mitigation Strategies & Policy Recommendations

• Strengthening Climate Policies:
  • Achieving Net Zero Emissions: India has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2070. Implementing strict carbon reduction policies is crucial.
  • Reducing Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Enhancing renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro) can lower carbon emissions.
• Improving Glacier Monitoring & Early Warning Systems:
  • Deploying data loggers and remote sensing to monitor glacier movements and predict GLOFs.
  • Strengthening disaster management systems in Himalayan states.
• Sustainable Infrastructure Development:
  • Limiting unregulated tourism and construction in eco-sensitive zones.
  • Ensuring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) before road and dam projects.
• International Cooperation:
  • Strengthening India’s role in global agreements like the Paris Climate Accord and Glasgow Climate Pact.
  • Collaborating with Himalayan and Arctic nations for climate resilience strategies.

Conclusion

• Glacier melting is not just an environmental issue, but a global humanitarian crisis. Immediate action is needed to mitigate its effects on water security, disaster management, and climate resilience. India, being home to the Himalayan glaciers, must prioritize sustainable development, early warning systems, and international cooperation to protect its people and resources from this escalating crisis.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques :Discuss the impact of rapid glacial melting on global sea levels and its socio-economic consequences.250 words)

GS PAPER 4

Indian Society

• India is undergoing rapid urbanisation, with its urban population expected to become the largest globally. However, urban policies and plans are often designed at the central level, far from the actual urban realities, raising concerns about their effectiveness.

Key Issues in India’s Urbanisation Strategy

• Role of the Centre in Urban Development
  • Urban development is a State subject under the Constitution. However, successive Union governments have significantly influenced urbanisation through centrally sponsored schemes such as:
    • Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM)
    • Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
    • Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT)
    • Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM)
    • Metro rail projects
  • These schemes have helped in urban development, but they often follow a top-down approach, leaving limited flexibility for States and cities to prioritise their needs.
• Central Control Over Finances and Its Impact
  • The Union government retains significant control over urban finances, influencing the development trajectory.
  • The 15th Finance Commission placed conditions on grants to cities, such as requiring property tax reforms.
  • Centrally driven financial policies often lead to uniformity in urban policies, ignoring regional variations.

Why a Decentralised Approach is Necessary?

• Urbanisation is Region-Specific
  • Different States experience different urbanisation trends:
  • Southern States (Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu): More rural-urban continuum, requiring different infrastructure needs.
  • Gujarat: Urbanisation driven by industry and migration, with wealthier populations moving to the peripheries.
  • Northern States: High labour outmigration and different housing needs.
  • A one-size-fits-all approach does not work, as some cities may not require mass housing projects like PMAY but may need better sanitation, mobility, or infrastructure.
• Financial Devolution for Better Planning
  • A 70:30 model is proposed for financial devolution, where:
  • 70% of Union Budget funds should be directly transferred to States and city governments.
  • 30% can be allocated by the Centre for national priorities like climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Cities should have the power to prioritise mobility, sanitation, housing, water, and waste management according to their specific needs.
• Avoiding Poorly Planned Infrastructure
  • Centrally designed urban schemes often lead to misallocation of resources.
  • Example: Smart Cities Mission
  • In many cities, funds remained unutilised or were used hastily, resulting in poor-quality infrastructure that lacked local demand.
  • A local governance-driven approach would ensure better utilisation of resources.

Conclusion

• A decentralised and localised approach is crucial for sustainable urban development in India. While the Centre can provide strategic guidance, State and local governments must have greater autonomy over urban finances to cater to regional and city-specific needs effectively.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Ques : Discuss the role of the Union government in shaping urbanisation in India. How can financial decentralisation improve urban governance?(250 words)

 In News :Black Sea

US-Russia Talks in Saudi Arabia on Ukraine War and Black Sea Ceasefire.

Why in the News?

• US and Russian officials are engaged in diplomatic talks in Saudi Arabia to advance a broader ceasefire in Ukraine and negotiate a Black Sea maritime ceasefire.
• US President Donald Trump has intensified efforts to broker peace, holding prior discussions with Ukrainian officials in Riyadh.
• The Black Sea ceasefire agreement aims to restore free navigation for shipping, although it has not been a major military flashpoint in recent months.
• The talks are taking place amid continued Russian missile strikes on Ukraine, including a recent attack on Sumy that injured 65 people, including 14 children.

About the Black Sea

• Location: A large inland sea situated at the southeastern extremity of Europe.
• Type: One of the marginal seas of the Atlantic Ocean.
• Area: Covers approximately 436,000 square kilometers (168,000 square miles).
• Bordering regions:
  • West: Balkan Peninsula (Southeastern Europe).
  • East: Caucasus Mountains.
  • North: East European Plains (Russia & Ukraine).
  • South: Anatolia (Turkey, Western Asia).
• Bordering countries:
  • Russia and Ukraine (North).
  • Turkey (South).
  • Bulgaria (West).
  • Georgia (East).
  • Romania also has access to the Black Sea.

Key features:

• The Crimean Peninsula extends into the Black Sea from the north.
• Russia has the longest coastline (2,300 km), followed by Turkey (1,329 km) and Ukraine (1,282 km).
• It connects to the Aegean Sea (Mediterranean) via the Bosporus Strait, the Sea of Marmara, and the Dardanelles Strait.
• The Kerch Strait links it to the Sea of Azov.
• The Black Sea has lower salinity than the world’s oceans due to isolation from the Mediterranean.
• Major rivers flowing into it include the Danube, Dnieper, Southern Bug, Rioni, and Dniester.

Environmental and Strategic Importance of the Black Sea

• World’s Largest Meromictic Basin: The movement of water between upper and lower layers is rare, leading to unique ecological conditions.
• Anoxic zones: One of the largest anoxic basins, meaning low dissolved oxygen in deeper layers, affecting marine biodiversity.

Strategic Geopolitical Importance:

• Crucial for global trade, particularly for Russia and Ukraine’s grain and energy exports.
• NATO and Russia frequently conduct naval operations in the region.
• Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed in Sevastopol, Crimea, making the region highly militarized.
• Key Islands: Snake Island (Ukraine); Giresun Island (Turkey); St. Ivan Island (Bulgaria).

GS PAPER 5

Editorial Analysis

Context :

• The United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report (FWIR) 2024 highlights a pressing global issue: 1.05 billion tonnes of food wasted in 2022, with India ranking second only to China. This problem is not just about resource mismanagement; it has severe economic, environmental, and social implications.

Key analysis

• Understanding Food Wastage and Loss
  • Food Wastage: Includes edible and inedible parts discarded from manufacturing, retail, restaurants, and households.
  • Food Loss: Happens at earlier stages due to poor storage, transportation, and handling.
  • India’s Per Capita Household Food Waste: 55 kg per year (compared to the U.S.: 73 kg).
  • Total Waste in India: 78 million tonnes per year, while over 20 crore Indians face hunger.
• Causes of Food Wastage in India
  • Households: Over-purchasing, improper meal planning, lack of storage, cultural habits.
  • Retail & Markets: Poor refrigeration, short shelf life of products.
  • Supply Chain Issues: Inefficiencies from farm to consumer.
• Environmental Impact
  • Food waste contributes 10%-12% of municipal waste in India, generating methane (CH₄), a potent greenhouse gas.
  • Global food waste contributes 8%-10% of total GHG emissions (third-largest emitter after China & U.S.).
  • Climate Change and Food Waste:
    • Rising temperatures, erratic monsoons, and natural disasters reduce agricultural yield.
    • Wasting food increases demand for scarce resources.
  • Social and Economic Consequences
    • Contradiction: India is among the world’s largest food producers, yet food insecurity persists.
    • Hunger and Malnutrition: Widespread food wastage prevents essential food from reaching the needy.
    • Violation of SDGs:
      • SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Wastage prevents equitable food distribution.
      • SDG 12.3: Calls for reducing food waste at consumer and retail levels.
    • Solutions and Policy Interventions
      • Individual-Level Actions
        • Smart Shopping & Meal Planning: Buy only what is needed, use shopping lists.
        • Proper Storage: Refrigerate perishables correctly, use airtight containers.
        • Composting: Convert food scraps into compost instead of discarding them.
        • Leftover Management: Repurpose leftovers into new meals.
        • Donations: Distribute excess food to charities and food banks.

Systemic Reforms

• Government Interventions
  • Cold Storage & Infrastructure: Improve transport and storage to reduce spoilage.
  • Subsidies for Refrigeration & Preservation: Encourage farmers and retailers to store food properly.
  • Food Redistribution Networks: Support apps that connect surplus food with needy populations.
  • Business & Corporate Responsibility
  • Sustainable Practices: Retailers and restaurants should redistribute unsold food.
  • Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiatives: Invest in food-saving programs.
• Educational Awareness
  • School & College Campaigns: Promote responsible food consumption.
  • Public Awareness Drives: Highlight the economic and environmental costs of wastage.
• Notable Initiatives
  • “Save Food Share Food” Programme: A large-scale Indian initiative to redistribute surplus food.
  • Zero Hunger Initiatives: Programs targeting hunger reduction through better resource management.

Conclusion:

• Food wastage is a multi-dimensional issue affecting economy, environment, and society.
• India faces a paradox: high food production yet severe hunger.
• Policy changes, infrastructure improvements, and individual responsibility are key to addressing this crisis.
• A shift from increasing food production to better management is necessary for sustainable development.