An Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is a maritime zone that extends beyond a country's territorial sea and is established by coastal nations according to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The EEZ provides a sovereign state with certain rights regarding the exploration and use of marine resources within that zone.

Key features of an EEZ include:

1. Resource Rights: The coastal state has the exclusive rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage natural resources found in the waters, seabed, and subsoil within the EEZ. This includes resources like fish, oil, gas, and minerals.

2. Sovereign Rights: The nation holds sovereign rights for the purpose of exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources, both living (like fish) and non-living (such as oil and gas) within the EEZ.

3. Jurisdiction: The coastal state has the authority to regulate various activities within the zone, including scientific research, environmental protection, and the construction of artificial islands or structures for economic purposes.

An EEZ typically extends up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from the coastline, but it can be modified based on specific geographical conditions or agreements between neighboring countries. It's important to note that while coastal states have rights within their EEZs, other nations have the freedom of navigation and overflight through these zones, as well as the right to lay submarine cables and pipelines in accordance with international law

3.Rights of the country in the EEZ

Within their Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), countries have specific rights granted by international law, primarily defined by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Some of these rights include:

• The coastal state has the exclusive right to explore and exploit natural resources, both living (like fish) and non-living (such as oil, gas, and minerals), within its EEZ
• Nations can conduct various economic activities, including fishing, mining, and the extraction of oil and gas, subject to their own regulations and in compliance with international agreements and environmental conservation principles
• Coastal states have the right to conduct scientific research and surveys related to marine ecosystems, resources, and environmental factors within their EEZ
• Countries are responsible for the conservation and management of the marine environment within their EEZ, ensuring that activities carried out do not harm the ecosystem or endanger marine life
• The coastal state has regulatory jurisdiction over the EEZ, allowing it to establish and enforce laws related to customs, immigration, sanitation, and other matters concerning economic activities and environmental protection within this zone
• Nations can construct artificial islands, installations, and structures for economic purposes within their EEZ, provided they comply with international regulations and environmental safeguards
• While coastal states have exclusive rights to the resources within their EEZ, other countries have the freedom of navigation and overflight through these zones for purposes like shipping, laying cables, and conducting military activities, as permitted by international law

Territorial Waters

The territorial waters of a nation encompass all water regions under its authority, consisting of internal waters, the territorial sea, contiguous zone, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and potentially extending to the continental shelf.

Territorial Sea

The territorial sea is a concept in international law that refers to the belt of coastal waters extending from a country's baseline (usually the low-water line along the coast) outwards for up to 12 nautical miles (22.2 kilometers), as recognized by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)

Contiguous Zone

The contiguous zone is an area of water that extends beyond a country's territorial sea, stretching up to 24 nautical miles (44.4 kilometers) from the baseline. In this zone, a coastal state can exert limited control for the purpose of preventing or punishing infringements of its customs, fiscal, immigration, or sanitary regulations within its territory or territorial sea. While it allows for certain enforcement measures, it doesn't grant full sovereignty, unlike the territorial sea

5. India and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

• India has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) that extends up to 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from its coastline.
• Within this zone, India holds exclusive rights for exploring, exploiting, conserving, and managing natural resources, both living and non-living, such as fish, oil, gas, minerals, and other marine resources.
• The EEZ of India is significant, offering opportunities for economic activities like fishing, offshore energy exploration, scientific research, and environmental protection.
• India exercises jurisdictional control over this zone, regulating various activities and safeguarding the marine environment in accordance with international laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
• Additionally, while India has exclusive rights to the resources within its EEZ, other nations have the freedom of navigation and overflight through these waters, respecting India's sovereign rights and complying with international laws and agreements.

Previous Year Questions   1.With reference to the United Nations Convention on the Law of Sea, consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2022) 1. A coastal state has the right to establish the breadth of its territorial sea up to a limit not exceeding 12 nautical miles, measured from baseline determined in accordance with the convention. 2. Ships of all states, whether coastal or land-locked, enjoy the right of innocent passage through the territorial sea. 3. The Exclusive Economic zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles from the baseline from which the breadth of the territorial sea is measured. 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 Answer (D)

 

Source: The Hindu

 

 

IMPEACHMENT OF A JUDGE

 

 

1.Context

 Justice Yashwant Varma, judge of the Allahabad High Court, who is facing impeachment proceedings over the alleged discovery of burnt cash from his Delhi residence last year, has resigned from office.

 

2. Impeachment of a Judge

 

• The impeachment of a judge is a formal process by which a judge is removed from office for misconduct or incapacity. It is a serious matter that requires a high degree of evidence and a rigorous legal process.
• In India, the impeachment process is governed by the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. The process can be initiated by either the Lok Sabha (lower house of Parliament) or the Rajya Sabha (upper house of Parliament). To initiate the process, a minimum of 100 members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha must sign a notice.
• Once the notice is received, a motion for impeachment is moved in the respective house. If the motion is passed by a special majority (two-thirds of the members present and voting), the matter is referred to a committee of inquiry. The committee investigates the allegations against the judge and submits a report to the respective house.
• If the committee finds the allegations to be true, the house can pass a resolution for the removal of the judge. The resolution must also be passed by a special majority in the other house. Finally, the President of India issues an order removing the judge from office.
• The impeachment process is a complex and lengthy one. It is designed to ensure that judges are held accountable for their actions, but also to protect them from frivolous or politically motivated attacks

 

3. Procedure for Impeachment

 

• Initiation:

  • A motion must be signed by:
    • 100 Members of Lok Sabha, or
    • 50 Members of Rajya Sabha.
  • The motion is submitted to the Speaker (Lok Sabha) or the Chairman (Rajya Sabha).

• Preliminary Inquiry:

  • The Speaker/Chairman decides whether to admit the motion.
  • If admitted, a three-member committee is constituted to investigate. This committee consists of:
    1. A Supreme Court judge.
    2. A High Court Chief Justice.
    3. A distinguished jurist.

• Investigation by the Committee:

  • The committee examines evidence and determines whether the charges are valid.
  • If charges are proven, the process continues in Parliament.

• Parliamentary Approval:

  • Both Houses of Parliament must approve the motion with a special majority:
    • A majority of the total membership of the House.
    • A majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting.

• Presidential Assent:

  • Once both Houses approve, the motion is sent to the President.
  • The President orders the judge's removal.

 

4. Instances of Judge Impeachment Process in India

 

Justice V. Ramaswami (Supreme Court Judge, 1993)

• Allegations:
  Misuse of office, including extravagant spending on official residence and irregularities in financial matters.
• Process:
  • An inquiry committee was set up, which found him guilty of several charges.
  • However, the impeachment motion in the Lok Sabha failed as the Congress Party abstained from voting, preventing the required special majority.
• Outcome:
  Justice Ramaswami was not removed but became the first judge against whom impeachment proceedings were initiated.

Justice Soumitra Sen (Calcutta High Court, 2011)

• Allegations:
  Misappropriation of funds while acting as a court-appointed receiver in 1993, prior to his appointment as a judge.
• Process:
  • An impeachment motion was passed in the Rajya Sabha with a majority.
  • Before the Lok Sabha could vote, Justice Sen resigned, making the impeachment process moot.
• Outcome:
  Justice Sen avoided impeachment by resigning.

Justice Dipak Misra (Chief Justice of India, 2018)

• Allegations:
  Misuse of authority, including irregularities in assigning cases and other charges.
• Process:
  • An impeachment motion was signed by 71 members of the Rajya Sabha and submitted to the Chairman.
  • The Rajya Sabha Chairman, Venkaiah Naidu, rejected the motion, stating it lacked substantial merit.
• Outcome:
  The impeachment did not proceed

 

5. Different Majority rules in the Indian Parliament

 

The Indian Parliament employs various majority rules to ensure that decisions are made with the necessary level of consensus and support. Here are the different types of majorities used:

 

Types of Majority Rules in Indian Parliament:

Simple Majority (50% + 1)

• Most common voting procedure
• Requires more than half of the members present and voting
• Used for:
  • Passing ordinary legislation
  • Routine parliamentary decisions
  • No-confidence motions
  • Most day-to-day parliamentary proceedings

Absolute Majority

• Requires support of more than 50% of the total membership of the house
• Includes members not just present, but the entire strength of the house
• Used for:
  • Passing money bills
  • Confidence motions
  • Electing the Speaker of Lok Sabha
  • Removing the Speaker from office

Special Majority (Special Majority Rules) a) Two-thirds Majority

• Requires support of two-thirds of members present and voting
• Used for:
  • Constitutional amendments
  • Impeachment of President
  • Declaring a national emergency
  • Passing certain critical resolutions

b) Special Majority in Rajya Sabha

• Requires a special majority for certain constitutional amendments
• Needs majority of total membership AND two-thirds of members present and voting

Qualified Majority

• Specific percentage of total membership required
• Often used in specific constitutional provisions
• Typically ranges between 50-66% depending on the specific constitutional requirement

Effective Majority

• Considers actual voting strength after subtracting abstentions
• Relevant in scenarios with multiple parties and complex parliamentary dynamics

Weighted Majority

• Less common, but used in some specific parliamentary procedures
• Gives different weights to votes based on certain predefined criteria

Important Considerations:

• Quorum requirements must be met for voting
• Voting can be by voice vote, division (counted vote), or ballot
• Electronic voting has been introduced in recent years
• Presiding officer has significant discretion in interpreting majority rules

 

 

 

For Prelims:  Article 368 (most amendments, except for a few requiring ratification by states)   For Mains: GS Paper II - Governance, Constitution, and Judiciary

 

Source: The Hindu

 

 

CONSTITUTIONAL MORALITY 

 

 

1. Context

 

 According to reports, the solicitor general, in submissions before the Supreme Court in the Sabarimala case, has expressed scepticism about the judicial use (constitutional morality) of the term in recent judgments.

 

2. What is Constitutional Morality?

 

Constitutional Morality refers to the adherence to the core principles and values enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that laws and governance align with democratic ideals, justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. It requires both the state and citizens to respect the spirit of the Constitution beyond just its literal provisions

Constitutional Morality ensures that democracy is not merely about electoral victories but about governance aligned with constitutional values. It plays a critical role in upholding constitutional supremacy over societal prejudices, ensuring progressive jurisprudence and inclusive governance

 

Key Aspects Rule of Law – Ensuring governance is conducted per constitutional provisions. Democratic Values – Respecting pluralism, secularism, and parliamentary sovereignty. Justice (Social, Economic, and Political) – Upholding individual rights and liberties. Liberty & Equality – Preventing discrimination and ensuring freedom for all. Fraternity & Tolerance – Promoting unity while respecting diversity.

 

 

3. Commitment and Criticism 

 

• This perspective on constitutional morality underscores that commitment to the Constitution must be unconditional and not contingent on whether it aligns with the values or beliefs of any specific group.
• In essence, it necessitates accepting outcomes that may significantly differ from what certain citizens might have anticipated. The strength of this framework lies in its ability to balance conflicting priorities—it upholds respect for constitutional structures while simultaneously allowing for their critique. It mandates adherence to established procedures while permitting their reassessment and reform.
• More importantly, it does not demand blind loyalty to the Constitution but rather views it as a mechanism for managing societal differences through agreed-upon principles. This stands in contrast to Jürgen Habermas’ concept of constitutional patriotism, which promotes political allegiance based on the norms and values of the Constitution.
• While constitutional morality highlights the role of moderate cultural nationalism in fostering inclusivity, constitutional patriotism often advocates a singular-identity democracy grounded in constitutional ideals.
• The process-driven nature of constitutional morality is particularly relevant in contemporary discourse. It illustrates how constitutional commitment can be upheld without veering into rigidity or dogmatism.
• By striking a balance between reverence and reform, continuity and change, it promotes a more evolved constitutionalism.
• It is also essential to recognize that the framers of the Constitution envisioned its adoption as an expression of commitment to constitutional principles and governance

 

4. Different Perspectives

 

• On November 4, 1948, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar referenced the concept of constitutional morality during his speech in the Constituent Assembly while discussing The Draft Constitution. He advocated for integrating the administrative framework within the Constitution and cited the classicist Grote in his remarks.
• Ambedkar, however, was more acquainted with an older interpretation of the term, rooted in its 19th-century origins.
• This interpretation defines constitutional morality as the set of norms and procedures that guide decision-making in situations where the Constitution is either silent or grants discretionary authority.
• In contrast, the contemporary understanding of constitutional morality often relates to the core values embedded within a constitution. From this viewpoint, adhering to constitutional morality entails upholding the broader ethical principles inherent in constitutional provisions.
• For example, the principle of non-discrimination is frequently regarded as a fundamental aspect of modern constitutional morality

 

5. Constitutional morality in the Indian Constitution

 

Although the term constitutional morality is not explicitly mentioned in the Indian Constitution, its essence is deeply embedded in various provisions:

• Preamble – It sets out the foundational values of Indian democracy, including justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

• Fundamental Rights – These provisions protect individuals from the arbitrary exercise of state power. Notably, the Supreme Court ensures their enforcement through Article 32.

• Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) – These principles guide the state in achieving the vision outlined by the Constitution’s framers, drawing inspiration from Gandhian, socialist, and liberal ideologies.

• Fundamental Duties – Citizens are not only entitled to rights but also bear responsibilities toward the nation.

• System of Checks and Balances – This includes mechanisms such as judicial review over legislative and executive actions, as well as legislative oversight of the executive, ensuring accountability.

 

6. Supreme Court Verdicts

 

 

• In the 2015 Krishnamoorthy case, the Supreme Court highlighted the significance of constitutional morality as a cornerstone of good governance.

• In Union of India vs. Government of the NCT of Delhi, the Court ruled that senior officials must uphold constitutional morality and adhere to the constitutional principles to prevent the arbitrary exercise of power.

• In the Government of NCT of Delhi case (2018), the Court compared constitutional morality to a "second basic structure doctrine," underscoring its role in restraining arbitrary authority.

• Likewise, in Navtej Singh Johar & Ors. vs. Union of India, the Supreme Court declared that Section 377 violated the rights of the LGBTQI community, as it was inconsistent with the fundamental principles of individual dignity and equality protected under Articles 14, 19, and 21 of the Constitution.

• In Justice K.S. Puttaswamy & Anr. vs. Union of India & Ors., the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Aadhaar with specific limitations, emphasizing the judiciary’s role in preventing executive overreach.

• In the Justice K.S. Puttaswamy case (2018), the Court reaffirmed its responsibility to safeguard constitutional morality by striking down any law or executive action that contradicts constitutional principles

 

7. Challenges

 

Ignoring constitutional morality can have serious consequences for democratic functioning. Several critical questions have emerged in this regard:

• To what extent can individuals be encouraged to uphold the ethical principles enshrined in the Constitution and fulfill their obligations responsibly?

• Are ruling authorities, as alleged by opposition parties, misusing law enforcement or investigative agencies to exert political pressure?

• How does the concentration of power impact the concept of constitutional morality in a parliamentary democracy?

• In cases such as the entry of menstruating women into the Sabarimala temple, what approach should be adopted to ensure a non-discriminatory and balanced resolution?

 

For Prelims: Basic Structure of Constitution, Preamble, Fundamental Rights, Fundamental Duties For Mains: GS II - Indian Polity & Governance

 

Source: The Hindu, Indianexpress

 

 

CONSUMER FOOD PRICE INDEX (CFPI)

 

 

1. Context

 

The ongoing war in West Asia has resulted in an LPG crisis in India. The disruption in supplies has led to higher prices, panic buying, long queues and black-marketing. Reports have also indicated a reduction in output of small industries reliant on LPG, and of migrant workers in cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Surat starting to return to their villages, reminiscent of the Covid lockdown.

 

2. What is Food inflation?

 

Food inflation refers to the rise in the prices of food items over a period of time. This increase in prices can occur due to various factors and has significant implications for both consumers and the economy as a whole.

Food inflation is usually measured using food price indices, which track the changes in prices of a basket of food items over time. In India, for example, food inflation is a significant component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI)

 

Causes of Food Inflation:

Supply-Side Factors:

• Poor Harvests: Bad weather conditions such as droughts, floods, or other natural disasters can lead to crop failures, reducing the supply of food items and driving up prices.
• Input Costs: Rising costs of inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and fuel can increase the cost of food production, which is then passed on to consumers.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Issues in transportation, storage, or distribution can reduce the availability of food in markets, leading to price increases

Demand-Side Factors:

• Population Growth: An increasing population leads to higher demand for food, which can drive up prices if the supply doesn't keep pace.
• Income Growth: As incomes rise, especially in developing countries, there is often a shift towards more expensive, protein-rich foods, which can lead to higher demand and prices

 

3. What is the consumer food price index (CFPI)?

 

• The Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) is a specific measure used to track the changes in the prices of food items consumed by households over time. It is a subset of the broader Consumer Price Index (CPI) and is particularly focused on food-related inflation
• The CFPI is designed to measure the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of food items. This index helps in understanding food inflation specifically, as opposed to general inflation
• The CFPI is calculated based on the prices of these food items collected from various regions and markets. The prices are then averaged and compared to a base year to determine the percentage change, which reflects food inflation.
• The weights assigned to different food categories in the CFPI are based on their importance in the average consumer’s food consumption basket
• Like the CPI, the CFPI is anchored to a base year, which is periodically updated to reflect changes in consumption patterns and economic conditions. The base year serves as a reference point for measuring price changes

 

Components: The CFPI includes various categories of food items, such as: Cereals and Products Vegetables Fruits Milk and Milk Products Meat and Fish Oils and Fats Sugar and Confectionery Spices Other Food Products In India, the CFPI is released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) as part of the monthly CPI data. It plays a significant role in understanding the dynamics of food inflation in the country, given the large population and significant share of food in household consumption

 

 

4. How is food inflation impacting the overall health of the economy?

 

Food inflation has a broad impact on the overall health of an economy, influencing both macroeconomic stability and the well-being of individuals. Here’s a detailed analysis of how food inflation affects different aspects of the economy:

Impact on Consumers and Households:

• As food prices rise, households have to spend a larger share of their income on food, leaving less for other essential goods and services. This reduction in purchasing power particularly affects low-income households, leading to decreased overall consumption.
•  Higher food prices can push more people into poverty, especially in developing countries where food constitutes a significant portion of household expenditures. This can exacerbate income inequality and social unrest.
•  Persistent food inflation can lead to malnutrition and food insecurity, as people may be forced to opt for cheaper, less nutritious food. This has long-term health implications, particularly for children, potentially leading to increased healthcare costs and lower productivity in the future.

Impact on Inflation and Monetary Policy:

• Food inflation is a key driver of overall inflation, particularly in economies where food prices have a significant weight in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). High food inflation can lead to higher headline inflation, affecting economic stability.
•  Central banks may respond to rising food inflation by tightening monetary policy (e.g., raising interest rates) to control inflation. While this can help curb inflation, it can also slow down economic growth by increasing borrowing costs and reducing investment.

Impact on Economic Growth:

• As more household income is diverted towards food, there is less spending on other goods and services, which can dampen overall economic growth. This reduction in demand can particularly hurt sectors like retail, entertainment, and durable goods.
• High food prices can lead to increased wage demands as workers seek to maintain their purchasing power. This can raise production costs across various sectors, potentially leading to reduced profitability and lower investment.
• While food inflation might benefit farmers in the short term through higher prices for their produce, it can also lead to higher input costs (e.g., for seeds, fertilizers, and transportation). Additionally, if inflation is driven by supply-side constraints like poor harvests, the overall output of the agricultural sector may decline, harming rural economies.

Impact on Government Fiscal Policy:

• To shield consumers from the effects of rising food prices, governments may increase subsidies on essential food items. While this can provide short-term relief, it can strain public finances and lead to higher fiscal deficits.
• Governments might need to increase spending on social welfare programs, such as food distribution schemes or direct cash transfers, to support vulnerable populations. This can further pressure government budgets.
• Persistent food inflation can lead to public discontent, protests, and political instability, especially in countries where food security is a major issue. Governments may face pressure to intervene in markets, which can sometimes lead to distortions and long-term inefficiencies.

Global Impact:

• Countries that rely heavily on food imports may experience worsening trade balances as food prices rise. This can lead to a depreciation of the national currency, further exacerbating inflation and reducing competitiveness in global markets.
• In an interconnected global economy, food inflation in one country can spill over into others, particularly in regions that share trade links or common agricultural markets.

 

5. Way Forward

 

Food inflation is the result of a interplay of supply and demand factors, global influences, and government policies. While some causes, like poor harvests or global price fluctuations, may be temporary, others, such as climate change and structural inefficiencies, are more persistent and challenging to address. Effective management of food inflation requires a multi-faceted approach, involving improvements in agricultural productivity, better supply chain management, and thoughtful government interventions

 

 

 

For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance   For Mains: GS III - Indian Economy

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2020) The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 only (c) 3 only  (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer (a)   The weightage of food in Consumer Price Index (CPI) is higher than that in Wholesale Price Index (WPI). This statement is correct. The CPI gives a higher weight to food items because it reflects the consumption patterns of households. In contrast, the WPI gives more weight to manufactured goods and is more focused on wholesale prices rather than retail prices. The WPI does not capture changes in the prices of services, which CPI does. This statement is correct. The WPI mainly tracks the prices of goods and does not include services. In contrast, the CPI includes both goods and services, making it a broader measure of inflation. Reserve Bank of India has now adopted WPI as its key measure of inflation and to decide on changing the key policy rates. This statement is incorrect. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) uses the CPI as the primary measure of inflation for monetary policy decisions, not the WPI. Mains 1.There is also a point of view that Agricultural Produce Market Committees (APMCs) set up under the State Acts have not only impeded the development of agriculture but also have been the cause of food inflation in India. Critically examine. (2014)

Source: Indianexpress

 

 

STRAIT OF HORMUZ

 

 

1. Context

 

Ajay Singh, an energy and shipping executive based in Tokyo, tells Anil Sasi that even if the ceasefire holds, restarting and stabilising production and exports from the Persian Gulf could possibly take weeks. Singh, who is a former Shell and Japan Petroleum Corporation executive with considerable experience of West Asia, also explains why the US and Venezuela cannot replace the Gulf as a supply source even in the long run.

 

2. What is the Strait of Hormuz?

 

• The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically significant and narrow maritime passage situated between Iran and Oman, serving as a link between the Persian Gulf, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) has labeled it as the world’s most vital oil transit chokepoint, through which nearly 20% of global liquid petroleum fuels and a substantial portion of LNG trade pass. In May, more than 45% of India’s crude oil imports were estimated to have transited through this strait. Given that India is the third-largest consumer of crude oil globally and imports over 85% of its oil needs, the strait plays a crucial role in its energy security.

• Data from the commodity analytics firm Kpler indicates that, as of June, India has been importing over 2.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil from Russia, which constitutes more than 41% of its total oil imports.

• While oil imports from the U.S. have shown a steady rise, supplies from West Asian nations such as Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait have remained relatively consistent. Many of these shipments were likely planned prior to the recent escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran, and therefore, may not reflect the impact of the current geopolitical developments.

• Over the past two to three years, India has notably adjusted its oil import strategy. Russia has emerged as India’s top crude supplier, overtaking traditional exporters from West Asia. Importantly, Russian oil bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, as it is mainly transported via alternative sea routes like the Suez Canal and Red Sea, and sometimes through the Cape of Good Hope or Pacific Ocean routes.

 

3. Why is the Strait of Hormuz strategically important for India?

 

• India’s current oil procurement approach already demonstrates a diversified and risk-mitigated strategy, especially in light of uncertainties in West Asian oil routes, with Russian crude now making up the largest share of India’s import basket.

• After recent U.S. air strikes targeting Iranian nuclear sites, Iran’s parliament passed a resolution on Sunday advocating the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil transportation. The final decision on this move now lies with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.

• Although Iran has repeatedly issued threats in the past to shut the strait, it has never acted on them. Even in the present context, industry analysts consider the likelihood of an actual blockade to be low. Nevertheless, the increased risk perception surrounding the potential closure is expected to trigger global alarm, including in India, by raising concerns over the security of oil and gas supplies and potentially driving up global energy prices.

 

4.How does the Israel-Iran conflict pose a threat to global oil and gas flows?

 

 

• The Israel-Iran conflict poses a significant threat to global oil and gas flows due to the geopolitical sensitivity and strategic location of the region. At the heart of this issue lies the Strait of Hormuz—a narrow but crucial maritime passage through which nearly 20% of the world’s petroleum and a substantial share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are transported.
• Iran borders this strait and has, over the years, repeatedly threatened to block it during periods of heightened tension, including in response to military actions or sanctions.
• When hostilities between Israel and Iran escalate—such as through air strikes, proxy conflicts, or cyber warfare—it increases the likelihood of retaliation from Iran that could involve disrupting maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
• Even if Iran does not fully close the strait, the mere threat or perception of such an action is enough to cause volatility in global energy markets. Tanker insurance rates rise, shipping routes are reconsidered, and countries heavily dependent on oil imports, like India, become increasingly vulnerable to supply disruptions and price shocks.
• Furthermore, any military conflict in this region risks damaging key infrastructure such as refineries, pipelines, or export terminals in the broader West Asian region.
• This would constrain oil production and distribution, affecting both the availability and price of crude oil and gas worldwide. Global markets respond quickly to these risks, often resulting in immediate spikes in prices due to concerns over supply security.
• In summary, the Israel-Iran conflict amplifies the risk to global oil and gas flows by potentially destabilizing a region that is central to global energy supply chains. It heightens fears of supply disruptions, increases market speculation, and threatens the economic stability of energy-importing countries, making it a matter of both geopolitical and economic concern

 

For Prelims: Strait of Hormuz,  Persian Gulf, Energy Information Administration (EIA), liquefied natural gas (LNG)   For Mains: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

 

Previous Year Questions   1.Which one of the following straits is nearest to the International Date Line? (UPSC CSE 2008) (a) Malacca Strait (b) Bering Strait (c) Strait of Florida (d) Strait of Gibraltar Answer (b) The International Date Line (IDL) roughly follows the 180° longitude, which lies in the Pacific Ocean, deviating slightly to accommodate international boundaries. The Bering Strait lies between Russia and Alaska, and it is very close to the 180° meridian, making it the closest strait to the International Date Line. Here's why the other options are incorrect: Malacca Strait – Lies between Malaysia and Indonesia, far west of the IDL. Strait of Florida – Lies between the U.S. (Florida) and Cuba, in the Atlantic Ocean. Strait of Gibraltar – Connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea, between Spain and Morocco, far from the IDL.

Source: Indianexpress