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National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Genome India Project (GIP) and its significance for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM), Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC) important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for April 12, 2025 |
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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on April 12, 2025
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National Investigation Agency (NIA)
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international Significance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance
Context:
More than 16 years after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Tahawwur Rana, one of the key conspirators, was finally extradited to India from the US to face trial.
Read about:
What is the National Investigation Agency (NIA)?
What is the India-US extradition treaty?
Key takeaways:
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The India-United States extradition treaty, signed in June 1997, laid down a formal legal structure to facilitate the transfer of individuals accused or convicted of serious crimes in either nation.
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For an offence to qualify for extradition under this treaty, it must be punishable by more than one year of imprisonment in both countries.
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The treaty excludes political offences from extradition. However, certain acts—including the murder or intentional attack on a Head of State or their family, hijacking, sabotage in aviation, attacks on internationally protected persons, and hostage-taking—are explicitly not classified as political offences.
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By 2023, India had formal extradition treaties in place with 48 nations and extradition arrangements with 12 additional countries.
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Tahawwur Hussain Rana, an associate of Lashkar-e-Taiba operative David Coleman Headley, was taken into custody by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) immediately upon his arrival, following the completion of required legal procedures. A medical check was also conducted at the airport.
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Rana, a Pakistani-Canadian national and former member of the Pakistan Army Medical Corps, is accused of providing essential logistical support to the perpetrators of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. He had been arrested in Chicago in October 2009, nearly a year after the incident.
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The NIA stated that it had “successfully secured the extradition of Tahawwur Hussain Rana, one of the key planners behind the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks,” after years of coordinated and persistent efforts to ensure he faces justice in India.
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Rana’s extradition was announced two months after then-U.S. President Donald Trump, standing alongside Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the White House, declared: “Today, I am pleased to announce that my administration has approved the extradition of one of the plotters of the horrific Mumbai terrorist attack. He will now return to India to face justice.”
1.Which of the following statements regarding the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is/are correct?
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The NIA was established under an Act of Parliament in response to the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
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The NIA has the authority to investigate offences listed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), even outside India.
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The NIA functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (A)
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Genome India Project: Unveiling Genetic Diversity
- India has completed the first phase of its ambitious Genome India Project (GIP), which aims to map the country’s rich genetic diversity. In this initial stage, the complete genome sequences of 10,000 individuals from 83 distinct population groups have been compiled.
- Though the database is set to grow further, it already serves as a valuable resource with potential applications in healthcare, medical research, and beyond.
- This large-scale initiative, involving over 100 scientists across 20 Indian institutions, has had its preliminary findings published in Nature Genetics. While data analysis is still ongoing, a comprehensive report is expected next year.
Benefits in Health and Research
- The genome database could revolutionize medicine by enabling personalized treatments and more precise diagnostics. Additionally, it offers insights into the migration patterns and evolutionary adaptations of various Indian population groups over time.
- The genome mapping process involves decoding the exact sequence of around three billion nucleotide bases—adenine (A), thymine (T), cytosine (C), and guanine (G)—that make up an individual's DNA. These four nucleotides, paired with phosphate and sugar molecules, form the double-helix structure of DNA, which acts as the genetic instruction manual.
- Though more than 99.9% of the human genome is identical across individuals, the 0.1% variation—amounting to 3–4 million base pairs—is what makes each person unique, influencing physical traits and behavioral patterns.
- In isolated communities, genetic variation is typically limited, whereas more diverse populations exhibit greater genetic differences. Most of these variations are harmless, but a small percentage (about 1–2%) are medically significant, influencing disease susceptibility and physical characteristics—areas of high interest to researchers.
Understanding Germline Sequences
- The GIP focuses on collecting germline sequences—the DNA individuals are born with—primarily through white blood cells, which better retain the original sequence during replication.
- These sequences can help determine a person’s genetic predisposition to specific illnesses or why certain treatments may be less effective. This could lead to the development of personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to a patient's unique genetic profile.
- Certain population groups may also exhibit shared genetic traits that make them more vulnerable to specific diseases.
- For instance, the high incidence of diabetes among Indians could be linked to shared genetic factors. Such insights are crucial for designing population-specific therapies and public health strategies.
Tracing Population Histories
- Beyond healthcare, GIP offers a deeper understanding of human evolution and ancestry. Germline DNA, inherited from one’s parents, provides clues about ancestry. Common genetic traits across populations may indicate ancient origins, while rarer variations suggest recent mutations. DNA analysis of fossils or secluded tribal communities—which have undergone fewer genetic changes—can help fill gaps in this evolutionary puzzle.
- By studying genomes across generations and among various ethnic, linguistic, and regional groups, scientists can reconstruct migration patterns, social interactions through intermarriage, and environmental adaptations. These insights can help us answer enduring questions about human identity—our origins, movement, and development over time
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Answer (D)
Statement 1: Genome sequencing can be used to identify genetic markers for disease resistance and drought tolerance in various crop plants. Statement 2: This technique helps in reducing the time required to develop new varieties of crop plants. Statement 3: It can be used to decipher the host-pathogen relationships in crops. |
- The Government of India initiated the National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM) in 2025 to create a comprehensive and resilient framework to achieve self-sufficiency in the critical mineral sector. As part of this initiative, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has been assigned the responsibility of carrying out 1,200 mineral exploration projects between 2024–25 and 2030–31.
- Earlier, in November 2022, a specialized committee under the Ministry of Mines identified 30 minerals as critical. Out of these, 24 minerals were incorporated into Part D of Schedule I of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act).
- This inclusion empowers the Central Government with exclusive rights to conduct auctions for mining leases and composite licenses for these selected minerals.
- The committee also advocated for the establishment of a Centre of Excellence on Critical Minerals (CECM), which would be responsible for routinely reviewing the list of critical minerals and shaping policy and strategic direction accordingly.
- Given their indispensability in technologies such as solar power systems, wind turbines, electric vehicles, and advanced energy storage, critical minerals are pivotal to India’s clean energy ambitions.
- The NCMM was thus conceived to guarantee a steady, long-term supply of these minerals and support their processing and value addition domestically.
- Access to critical minerals is not just an economic necessity but also a matter of national security. Limited global availability and the concentration of these resources in a few countries create vulnerabilities in supply chains, which can have wide-ranging consequences.
Applications of Critical Minerals
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Solar Energy: Elements like silicon, tellurium, indium, and gallium are indispensable for manufacturing photovoltaic (PV) cells used in solar panels. India’s solar power infrastructure, currently at 64 GW, is significantly dependent on these materials.
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Wind Energy: Neodymium and dysprosium, two rare earth elements, are crucial for producing the permanent magnets that power wind turbines. India’s target to expand wind energy capacity from 42 GW to 140 GW by 2030 underscores the importance of a stable supply of these elements.
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Electric Vehicles (EVs): Lithium, cobalt, and nickel are vital for lithium-ion battery production. Under the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP), India aims to roll out 6–7 million EVs by 2024, which will drive up the demand for these critical minerals.
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Energy Storage: Advanced energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion batteries, depend heavily on lithium, nickel, and cobalt for efficient performance.
Goals of the National Critical Mineral Mission
The core objectives of the NCMM include:
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Ensuring the security of India’s supply chain for critical minerals through both domestic production and international sourcing.
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Enhancing the entire value chain by developing technological capabilities, improving regulatory frameworks, and offering financial support. This includes promoting innovation, skill development, and boosting India’s global competitiveness in the fields of mineral exploration, extraction, processing, and recycling
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Answer (C)
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The Indo-Pacific: A strategic arena for India’s global influence
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
Context:
As the Indo-Pacific region evolves into a key driver of the changing world order, India is poised to play a major role. But in what ways can India's involvement in the Indo-Pacific contribute to an inclusive, cooperative and sustainable regional order?
Read about:
What is Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs’ Conference (IPACC)?
Key takeaways:
The Indo-Pacific has become a crucial geopolitical and strategic zone, with India reaffirming its strong dedication to maintaining a free, open, inclusive, and resilient region. India's vision, as a key actor in the Indo-Pacific, prioritizes collaboration with regional partners to ensure maritime security, freedom of navigation, and adherence to a rules-based international order.
Initiatives like the “Quad-at-sea Ship Observation Mission,” aimed at enhancing cooperation and maritime safety, have further spotlighted the Indo-Pacific as a significant geopolitical, economic, and security construct, especially in a dynamic global landscape.
Understanding the Indo-Pacific’s rise as a strategic concept requires examining its regional framework, key players, and the factors behind its growing importance.
What is the Indo-Pacific?
- The Indo-Pacific covers the vast areas of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, as well as the nations bordering them, including essential maritime routes and resources. Critical chokepoints like the Strait of Malacca, Taiwan Strait, Bab-al-Mandeb, and the South China Sea are vital for global trade and energy supplies.
- However, the exact geographical boundaries of the Indo-Pacific differ by country. For instance, India views the Indo-Pacific as stretching "from the shores of Africa to the Americas," as articulated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 2018 Shangri-La Dialogue address.
- Meanwhile, the U.S. defines it as the region from India's western coast to the western U.S., and Australia’s Foreign Policy White Paper describes it as spanning from the eastern Indian Ocean to the Pacific, encompassing Southeast Asia, North Asia, and the U.S. Japan’s "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" vision also extends to the eastern African coast and ASEAN countries.
These diverse perspectives reflect each nation's strategic and economic priorities, shaping how they approach the Indo-Pacific as an arena for both cooperation and competition in the 21st century.
From Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific
The idea of the Indo-Pacific as a strategic region has evolved throughout the 21st century, especially in the last decade, as seen in various security strategies and defense white papers. This shift from the "Asia-Pacific" to the "Indo-Pacific" highlights a broader, more inclusive approach driven by national, regional, and global factors. Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was one of the early advocates for combining the Indian and Pacific Oceans into a single strategic space, which he discussed in his "Confluence of the Two Seas" speech at the Indian Parliament.
The U.S. policy shift, encapsulated in the "Pivot to Asia" strategy of 2011 under President Barack Obama, also marked the beginning of greater focus on the Indo-Pacific, aligning with the withdrawal from Afghanistan and the refocusing of U.S. interests toward the Pacific.
Shifting and Converging Strategic Interests
In recent years, shifting global priorities have required a change from the Asia-Pacific to Indo-Pacific framework. This has been crucial in addressing China’s growing assertiveness, threats to key maritime routes, and non-traditional security issues. India, as a rising power, has become integral to this strategy, particularly in collaboration with the U.S.
The convergence of India’s and the U.S.'s strategic interests, especially under former U.S. President Trump, further solidified the Indo-Pacific concept. The Trump administration's focus on a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” formalized this vision through the National Security Strategy of 2017 and the renaming of the U.S. Pacific Command to Indo-Pacific Command in 2018.
India’s SAGAR Policy
- As China's influence in the South China Sea grew, the need for a more comprehensive regional framework became apparent. India’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean allows it to play a crucial role in balancing Chinese power.
- Through its “Act East” policy, India has enhanced its partnerships across Southeast Asia, East Asia, and the Pacific, strengthening its role in the Indo-Pacific while countering Beijing’s influence.
- India’s Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, along with the shift from “Look East” to “Act East,” reflects this strategic vision. Prime Minister Modi has consistently emphasized an inclusive approach to the Indo-Pacific, ensuring that it remains open and not exclusionary, while recognizing ASEAN's centrality.
- Economically, the Indo-Pacific holds immense importance, contributing about 62% of global GDP and facilitating 50% of global trade. The region is also critical to India’s economy, with 90% of its trade and 80% of its strategic freight passing through these waters.
- The Indo-Pacific is not limited to addressing traditional security issues like military competition or territorial disputes. It also offers vast potential to tackle non-traditional challenges such as climate change, maritime piracy, illegal fishing, and cybersecurity threats.
- Moreover, the region is emerging as a hub for bilateral and multilateral engagements, encompassing economic, political, and security issues.
- Organizations like ASEAN, the Quad, and agreements such as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) underscore the Indo-Pacific’s role as a center for economic integration and cooperation.
- For India, the Indo-Pacific represents a critical strategic landscape. By actively engaging in Indo-Pacific affairs, India not only safeguards its interests but also contributes to building an inclusive, cooperative, and sustainable regional order as the global order continues to evolve
1.Consider the following statements regarding India's strategic approach towards the Indo-Pacific region:
- India's vision of the Indo-Pacific stretches from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas.
- The Indo-Pacific contributes approximately 62% of the global GDP and accounts for 50% of global trade.
- The Indo-Pacific region primarily addresses traditional security concerns such as military competition and territorial disputes, with limited focus on non-traditional security threats.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3
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Answer (a)
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After a strong start to goods exports in the first quarter of 2024-25, momentum has slowed down. Export values dropped by 1.5% in July, hitting an eight-month low, and the decline worsened to 9.3% in August. This decline coincided with a record-high import bill of $64.4 billion in August, resulting in a merchandise trade deficit of $29.7 billion, the second largest after the $29.9 billion gap in October 2023.
Reasons for the widening trade deficit:
- Although exports have declined over the past two months, imports have not followed suit, increasing by 7.5% in July and 3.3% in August. This pushed the trade deficit to a nine-month high of $23.5 billion in July, widening further by $6.2 billion in August.
- While several of India’s top export sectors, such as petroleum and gems and jewellery, experienced significant drops (oil exports fell by 22.2% in July and 37.6% in August, and jewellery exports shrank by over 20% in both months), imports continued to rise.
- In August, slower growth in sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics was observed. Additionally, with the slowdown in China’s economy, exports of certain goods such as stone, cement, and iron ore declined.
- However, as oil prices fell by $6 per barrel in August, India’s oil import bill dropped by a third to $11 billion, bringing the petroleum deficit to a three-year low, as noted by QuantEco Research economists.
- “The widening trade deficit was mainly driven by gems and jewellery, alongside smaller contributions from miscellaneous products and electronics,” the economists noted.
- While exports of gems and jewellery fell below $2 billion, India’s gold imports more than doubled in August to an unprecedented $10.1 billion.
- This contrasts with a 10.7% drop in gold imports in July and the $3 billion to $3.4 billion range seen since April. Trade officials attributed the surge to a reduction in the gold import duty from 15% to 6% in the Budget, rising gold prices, and jewellers stocking up for the festive season. Economists predict that the full effect of duty cuts on gold and other items will continue to impact the import bill in the coming months.
Could a wider trade deficit pose risks?
- “For a developing economy with high growth, the trade deficit should not be concerning as long as there are no foreign exchange issues,”
- Foreign capital inflows have remained positive in recent months, and India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record $675 billion as of August 2, which the Finance Ministry noted is enough to cover 11.6 months of imports.
- Although this coverage may decrease if imports stay above $60 billion, strong services exports, which increased by over 10% from April to August, offer some reassurance.
What about foreign trade in goods?
While global trade is expected to grow faster in 2024 compared to 2023, demand remains weak in most developed markets. In addition to geopolitical tensions, the upcoming U.S. elections and increased tariffs on Chinese goods, coupled with China’s struggling domestic economy, pose challenges for countries like India.
As China's import demand weakens, it may seek to offload products in non-U.S. markets at lower prices. Furthermore, these factors are likely to keep oil prices down, negatively impacting India’s oil exports. Overall, concerns about global demand are increasing, and although India aims to increase goods and services exports to a trillion dollars each by 2030, the path forward will likely be challenging
1.The term "Twin Deficit" in the context of an economy refers to which of the following?
- Fiscal deficit and Revenue deficit
- Fiscal deficit and Current account deficit
- Trade deficit and Revenue deficit
- Trade deficit and Primary deficit
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 3 only
(d) 4 only
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Answer (b)
The Twin Deficit refers to a situation where a country is facing both a fiscal deficit and a current account deficit. A fiscal deficit occurs when the government's total expenditures exceed the revenue that it generates, excluding money from borrowings. A current account deficit occurs when a country imports more goods, services, and capital than it exports. Both these deficits together can signify deeper economic issues, such as unsustainable borrowing or low competitiveness in international trade
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Who is an Overseas Citizen of India?
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance
Context:
In the wake of several Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders complaining about being reclassified as “foreigners”, the Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (September 28) said that there were no changes made to the OCI rules
Read about:
Who is Non Returning Indian (NRI)?
Who is Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)?
Person of Indian Interest
Key takeaways:
- The Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme, launched in August 2005, was designed for the registration of Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were either Indian citizens as of January 26, 1950, or became eligible to acquire Indian citizenship after that date. When introducing the bill, Home Minister LK Advani explained that the aim was to provide dual citizenship to the Indian diaspora.
- OCI cardholders, who generally hold foreign passports, are granted a multiple-entry, multi-purpose visa that allows lifelong visits to India without the need to register with the local police, regardless of the length of their stay.
- According to government data, by 2023, over 4.5 million OCI cardholders were registered across 129 countries. The United States had the highest number at 1.68 million, followed by the UK (934,000), Australia (494,000), and Canada (418,000).
- Initially, OCI cardholders were given the same status as Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in areas such as economic, financial, and educational rights, except in the ownership of agricultural or plantation property. NRIs are Indian citizens residing permanently abroad.
Recent Changes to OCI Rules
- On March 4, 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an updated notification with new rules for OCI cardholders, which are still in effect today. These updates mandate that OCI cardholders must obtain permission or permits to visit protected areas in India, similar to the rules that apply to foreign nationals visiting places like Jammu & Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh.
- Additionally, new restrictions were introduced, requiring OCI cardholders to secure special permits for conducting research, engaging in missionary or journalistic activities, or visiting any region classified as “protected,” “restricted,” or “prohibited.”
- The notification also aligned OCI cardholders with foreign nationals under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 2003, in terms of their rights in the economic, financial, and educational sectors. This marked a change from the previous position, where OCI cardholders enjoyed the same benefits as NRIs in these areas.
Previous Amendments to OCI Rules
- This 2021 notification replaced earlier amendments issued on April 11, 2005, January 5, 2007, and January 5, 2009. The 2005 order granted lifelong, multiple-entry visas and exempted OCI cardholders from registering with the FRRO, while also giving them NRI-like access to most economic, financial, and educational opportunities, excluding agricultural and plantation properties.
- In 2007, new clauses were added, allowing OCI cardholders to be treated like NRIs for inter-country adoptions, domestic airfare rates, and entry fees at wildlife sanctuaries.
- The 2009 amendments further extended parity with NRIs to entry fees at historical monuments, museums, and access to professions such as doctors, architects, and lawyers, as well as eligibility for national-level exams like PMT.
Restrictions and Ineligibility for OCI
- Certain individuals are ineligible for OCI cards. This includes anyone whose parents or grandparents were citizens of Pakistan or Bangladesh. However, a foreign-origin spouse of an Indian citizen or OCI cardholder, provided their marriage has been registered and has lasted for at least two years, can apply for an OCI card. Additionally, active or retired foreign military personnel are not eligible for OCI status.
- OCI cardholders do not have voting rights and cannot serve in the Indian Parliament or state legislatures.
- They are also ineligible for key constitutional positions, such as President, Vice President, or Judge of the Supreme Court or High Courts, and typically cannot hold employment in Indian government institutions
Follow Up Question
1.Consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
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Answer (D)
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| Subject | Topic | Description |
| Polity | Centre and State relations | Centre State and interstate relations |
| Environment & Ecology | Marine Ecosystem | Marine Ecosystem |
| Economy | Consumer Rights | Consumer Rights |
| Ancient History | Buddhism | Buddhism |
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