MONKEYPOX
1. Context
A new variant of human mpox has claimed the lives of approximately 5% of people with reported infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 2023, many of them children
2. What is mpox?
- Mpox, also known as monkeypox, is an uncommon zoonotic disease (a disease transmitted from animals to humans) caused by the monkeypox virus, which is part of the Orthopoxvirus genus within the Poxviridae family.
- This family of viruses also includes those responsible for diseases like smallpox and cowpox.
- The mpox virus spreads to humans through physical contact with an infected person, such as through direct exposure to infected blood, bodily fluids, or lesions on the skin or mucous membranes.
- Additionally, mpox can be transmitted via contact with contaminated objects, bites or scratches from infected animals, or through activities like hunting, handling, or consuming infected animals.
- There are currently two genetic groups, or clades, of mpox: clade I, primarily found in central and eastern Africa, and clade II, which is associated with more cases in western Africa.
- Although the exact source of mpox is still unclear, small mammals such as squirrels and monkeys are believed to be potential carriers
3. Symptoms
- In humans, the mpox virus typically manifests as rashes, which can progress into fluid-filled blisters that may be itchy or painful. Other symptoms include fever, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Individuals who are infectious can transmit the virus to others until all sores have healed and a new layer of skin has formed.
- Symptoms of mpox generally appear within a week of infection but can start anywhere from 1 to 21 days after exposure.
- The symptoms usually last between 2 to 4 weeks. While most people experience milder symptoms, some may develop more severe illness and require medical care.
- Children, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of contracting the virus
4. Treatment
- At present, there is no specific treatment for mpox. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests supportive care, such as using medication to manage pain or fever when necessary, but symptoms generally resolve on their own.
- Individuals with mpox are encouraged to stay hydrated, eat well, get sufficient rest, avoid scratching their skin, and care for their rash by cleaning their hands before and after touching lesions, keeping the affected skin dry, and leaving it uncovered.
- An antiviral called tecovirimat, originally developed for smallpox, was approved by the European Medicines Agency in January 2022 for treating mpox under exceptional circumstances, though experience with its use is limited.
- Three vaccines — MVA-BN, LC16, and OrthopoxVac — initially developed for smallpox, are also approved for preventing mpox. However, vaccination is recommended only for individuals at risk, and WHO does not advise mass vaccination against mpox
5. Current Outbreak
- Mpox infections have been reported closer to home, with Pakistan confirming three cases, as announced by the health department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on August 16. Additionally, Sweden recently reported the first case of the clade I variant of mpox outside Africa.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 15,600 cases and 537 deaths have been recorded this year, with the outbreak impacting 116 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and its neighboring countries have been the hardest hit. In June 2024, 19% of reported cases were in the Americas, while 11% were in Europe.
- The WHO has elevated the global mpox outbreak to an acute grade 3 emergency, the highest level under the WHO Emergency Response Framework. A grade 3 emergency demands a significant to maximum response from the WHO.
- A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is declared for extraordinary events involving the international spread of disease, potentially necessitating a coordinated global response.
- The PHEIC, the highest alert level issued by the WHO, aims to mobilize immediate international action to prevent the event from escalating into a pandemic
6. Difference between Smallpox, monkeypox, chickenpox
| Characteristic | Smallpox | Chickenpox | Mpox |
| Causative Virus | Variola virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) | Varicella-zoster virus (Herpesvirus family) | Monkeypox virus (Orthopoxvirus genus) |
| Mode of Transmission | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, contaminated objects | Direct contact, respiratory droplets, airborne particles | Direct contact with infected animals or humans, contaminated materials |
| Incubation Period | 7-17 days | 10-21 days | 1-21 days |
| Initial Symptoms | High fever, fatigue, severe headache, back pain | Mild fever, fatigue, headache, body aches | Fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, swollen lymph nodes |
| Rash Progression | Begins on face and spreads; lesions progress uniformly | Starts on face/trunk, spreads; lesions at different stages | Begins on face and extremities; lesions progress uniformly |
| Lesion Characteristics | Deep, firm, round vesicles; develop into pustules | Superficial, itchy blisters | Fluid-filled blisters; can be itchy or painful |
| Severity | Often severe, high mortality rate (up to 30%) | Generally mild, can be severe in adults | Typically mild to moderate, can be severe in vulnerable populations |
| Complications | Scarring, blindness, arthritis, death | Bacterial infections, pneumonia, encephalitis | Pneumonia, sepsis, encephalitis, death (rare) |
| Vaccine Availability | Yes, smallpox vaccine (eradicated globally) | Yes, Varicella vaccine | Yes, smallpox vaccines (MVA-BN, LC16, OrthopoxVac) for prevention |
| Global Status | Eradicated (last case in 1977) | Common worldwide | Endemic in some regions, outbreaks reported globally |
| Treatment | No specific treatment; supportive care, antiviral (Tecovirimat) for severe cases | Antivirals (Acyclovir), supportive care | Supportive care, Tecovirimat under special circumstances |
7. Way Forward
The recent surge in mpox cases worldwide, including in regions previously unaffected, underscores the urgent need for global vigilance and coordinated public health efforts. The WHO's classification of the outbreak as a grade 3 emergency and the declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern highlight the severity of the situation. While cases have been reported in various countries, with significant impacts in regions like the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the spread to other areas, such as Pakistan and Sweden, signals that mpox remains a global health challenge. It is crucial for governments, healthcare providers, and the public to continue monitoring the situation, promote preventive measures, and ensure preparedness to mitigate the potential for further spread and escalation
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For Prelims: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains: GS III - Science & technology
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Previous Year Questions
1.The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (UPSC CSE 2021) (a) genes introduced in the genetically modified plants (b) development of India’s own satellite navigation system (c) radio collars for wildlife tracking (d) spread of viral diseases Answer (d) 1.Which of the following are the reasons for the occurrence of multi-drug resistance in microbial pathogens in India? (UPSC CSE 2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 3 and 4 (d) 2, 3 and 4 Answer (b) Mains 1.Critically examine the role of WHO in providing global health security during the Covid-19 pandemic. (2020) |
Source: The Hindu
GAZA-100 YEARS HISTORY
1. Context
Saudi Arabia hosted a summit of leaders from Arab and Islamic countries last week to discuss the Palestine question. The summit demanded an immediate end to Israel’s military aggression on Gaza and Lebanon.
2. Hafia-Gaza
- Ten months before Haifa, the lancers and Gurkha riflemen had played a key role in another battle, fought south of Haifa in a land hugging the same Mediterranean coastline. The Third Battle of Gaza in November 1917 became the turning point in the Palestine campaign.
- The Indians fought alongside the Empire forces against the Ottomans under German General Kress von Kressentstein and the Yildirim Army Group led by Erich von Falkenhayn, who had been the Prussian Minister of War and Chief of the German General Staff. This Ottoman unit contained elements of the German Asia Corps.
- The Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade cut through Gaza and advanced up to the north-east end of the Gaza Strip. Intense maneuvers and engagements later, the Ottoman forces retreated.
3. Gaza Patti
- Indians call the Gaza Strip the Gaza Patti. And it is just that — a sliver of land between Israel and Egypt, the Mediterranean to its west, home to more than 20 lakh Palestinians in an area barely 365 sq km in size, one of the most densely populated regions on the planet.
- The Gaza Strip and West Bank constitute the State of Palestine, and India became one of the first countries to grant it recognition in 1988. Eight years later, India opened a representative office in Gaza, which was shifted in 2003 to Ramallah, a city in the West Bank and the de facto capital of the State of Palestine.
- Occupied by the British in 1918 after the defeat of the Ottomans in the Great War, Gaza passed into Egyptian hands following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War at the end of the British Mandate for Palestine
- An All-Palestine Government functioned as an Egyptian puppet regime, but that pretence ended in 1959 when it was dissolved by Gamal Abdel Nasser and Cairo’s military rulers seized control of the Strip
- In June 1967, threatened by a coalition of Arab states, Israel launched preemptive airstrikes against Egyptian airfields and military facilities. Its ground troops overran the Gaza Strip and Sinai Peninsula, seizing it from the Egyptians.
- It also took the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, from the Jordanians and the Golan Heights from the Syrians. The Six-Day War ended in a decisive Israeli victory.
4. Realisations after War
- The Yom Kippur War of October 1973, in which Israel again defeated the Arab coalition after being surprised on the Jewish holy day, was to shape the course of the present. There was realisation even in Israel that a state-of-war preparedness could not go on forever.
- As the Egyptians moved out of the Soviet constellation, efforts were stepped up to negotiate a peace process
- The Camp David Accords of 1978 changed politics in the region — Israel agreed to pull out of Sinai if Egypt were to establish diplomatic ties
- Part of the framework of the Accords was to recognise the rights of the Palestinian people and the formation of an autonomous governing body in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.
- The Accords led to the Nobel Peace Prize for President Anwar Sadat of Egypt and Prime Minister Menachem Begin of Israel in 1978
- The Egypt-Israel peace treaty followed next year, which agitated the Palestinians and prompted the Arab League to suspend Egypt.
- In 1981, Sadat was assassinated by the Egyptian Islamic Jihad as he watched a military parade to mark eight years of the crossing of the Suez by the Egyptians during the Yom Kippur War.
- The Oslo Accords of 1993 and 1995 led to the creation of the Palestinian National Authority with the Fatah-controlled administration controlling parts of the West Bank and, until 2006, the Gaza Strip.
- That year, Hamas, the militant Palestinian organisation founded in 1987 with the aim of armed resistance to Israeli occupation, won the elections.
- A year later, they ousted Fatah — which was co-founded by Yasser Arafat in 1959 and which is now led by President Mahmoud Abbas — from Gaza, and took full control of the Strip.
5. Gaza Exit Plan
- Two years before Hamas seized control, the government of Ariel Sharon unilaterally dismantled 21 Israeli settlements in the Gaza Strip and four in the West Bank, an action that generated considerable heat and talk inside and outside Israel
- In August 2005, Netanyahu, who was Sharon’s main challenger in the Likud Party, resigned from the government as it gathered to approve the first phase of the pullout, saying he could not be part of any unilateral plan that offered nothing in return
- Under the disengagement plan, Israeli settlements were dismantled, some 9,000 settlers were evicted, and the troops pulled out.
- Palestinians were told that under the Oslo agreements, Israel would continue to control the airspace over Gaza and the territorial waters
- The Strip had seven border crossings for movement of goods and people. Following a blockade in 2007, only the crossings at Rafah on the Egyptian end, and Erez at the Strip’s northern end with Israel, can be used by people.
- Israel has rejected criticism that it has turned the Strip into an open-air prison.
6. Way forward
The Hamas raids inside Israel, the killings and the rocket barrage over the weekend, have turned the spotlight on Netanyahu and his government. While Israeli aircraft have been carrying out strikes in Gaza as troops and armour mass, what remains to be seen is how far the Israel Defense Forces go.
Source: indianexpress
COP 29
1. Context
In the run-up to the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), it was touted as “the finance COP”, while the ‘New Quantified Climate Goal (NQCG)’ was among the key priority issues to be discussed therein
2.Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
- A significant milestone in COP history was the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988, a collaborative effort between the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- The IPCC's primary role is to produce comprehensive assessment, special, and methodological reports that review scientific data on climate change and propose potential responses.
- Today, the IPCC is recognized as a critical boundary organization at the science-policy interface, but during the 1980s, climate science faced considerable uncertainty, skepticism, and limited data. The release of the IPCC's first report in 1990 was pivotal, prompting global calls for a climate change treaty
- The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an international organization founded in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
- It was created to provide a clear, scientific view of the current state of knowledge on climate change, its potential impacts, and possible response options.
- The IPCC does not conduct its own research; rather, it assesses and synthesizes the work of thousands of scientists worldwide to deliver objective and transparent reports.
- These assessment reports are widely used by policymakers to inform climate-related decisions and international negotiations, such as those under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- The IPCC’s work is structured around producing major assessment reports, special reports on specific issues, and methodologies to assist nations in compiling greenhouse gas inventories.
- Its first report, published in 1990, was instrumental in bringing global attention to climate change and laid the groundwork for the formation of international climate treaties, including the UNFCCC.
- Over time, the IPCC has become a critical link between scientific research and policy action, helping shape the global response to climate change
3.Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
- The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was a key body established to develop and negotiate international agreements on climate change. Formed in response to the growing urgency to address climate issues, the INC's most significant achievement was drafting the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which was finalized and adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
- The INC consisted of representatives from various countries and was tasked with creating a framework for global cooperation on climate action. This involved negotiating the responsibilities of countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, adapt to the impacts of climate change, and promote sustainable development practices.
- The work of the INC laid the foundation for subsequent climate treaties and protocols, including the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement, establishing a path for international collaboration on climate change mitigation and adaptation.
- The committee’s work concluded once the UNFCCC was adopted, and its ongoing functions were transferred to the Conference of the Parties (COP), which now convenes annually to review progress and negotiate further commitments
4. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a foundational international treaty adopted at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992.
- Its primary goal is to address climate change by stabilizing greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere to prevent dangerous human-induced interference with the climate system. The UNFCCC serves as the main framework guiding global efforts to mitigate climate change, adapt to its impacts, and promote sustainable development.
- Under the UNFCCC, countries agreed to collaborate on climate action, with developed nations taking the lead in reducing emissions, recognizing their historical contributions to greenhouse gas levels.
- The convention established a process for ongoing negotiations, known as the Conference of the Parties (COP), where member states meet annually to review progress, set goals, and negotiate commitments.
- Key agreements, such as the Kyoto Protocol in 1997 and the Paris Agreement in 2015, were formed under the UNFCCC framework, enabling countries to establish legally binding or voluntary emissions reduction targets and adaptation strategies.
- The UNFCCC remains a crucial platform for international cooperation on climate change, involving over 190 countries in efforts to address one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century
5. Conference of Parties (CoP)
- The UNFCCC established ambitious goals for tackling climate change, yet it became clear that additional processes were necessary to support and expand the convention's objectives.
- Over time, the Framework Convention led to the creation of various institutions, processes, and structures to foster global collaboration.
- Among these was the establishment of the Conference of the Parties (COP), which serves as the convention's primary governing body.
- Each year, the COP gathers representatives from the parties—countries that have ratified the UNFCCC—to review progress, negotiate further actions, and strengthen commitments.
- The COP is unique as the world’s only multilateral forum where nearly all nations come together to jointly craft and implement climate policies. Currently, the UNFCCC includes 198 parties (197 countries and the European Union).
- The first COP took place in Berlin, Germany, in 1995, where the Berlin Mandate was introduced. This milestone emphasized the need for legally binding commitments specifically for developed countries, marking a significant advancement in international climate action
6. Kyoto Protocol
- The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty that was adopted in 1997 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and came into effect in 2005.
- It was the first legally binding agreement to set specific greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for developed countries, recognizing their historical responsibility for climate change.
- The protocol’s primary objective was to reduce global emissions by at least 5% below 1990 levels during its first commitment period, from 2008 to 2012.
- One of the protocol's innovative features was its market-based mechanisms, including emissions trading, the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), and Joint Implementation (JI).
- These mechanisms allowed countries to meet part of their targets through investments in emission-reducing projects, either within their own borders or in other nations, especially developing countries.
- While the Kyoto Protocol marked a major step forward in international climate policy, it faced challenges. Some key nations, such as the United States, opted not to ratify it, and developing countries were not required to reduce emissions under the agreement, leading to criticism about its fairness and effectiveness.
- Despite its limitations, the Kyoto Protocol set the foundation for future climate agreements, including the Paris Agreement, which took a more inclusive approach to emission reductions
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For Prelims: COP29, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Paris Agreement, Fossil Fuel, Loss and Damage Fund, carbon dioxide, Methane, Glasgow conference
For Mains:
1. Examine the key outcomes of COP28, focusing on the measures aimed at transitioning away from fossil fuels and mitigating methane emissions. Assess the effectiveness of the agreements in catalyzing immediate climate actions. (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions 1. The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has announced which country to host the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in 2023? (SSC CGL 2023) A. UAE B. US C. UK D. Russia
2. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is an international treaty drawn at (UPSC 2010) A. United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, Stockholm, 1972 B. UN Conference on Environment and Development, Rio de Janeiro, 1992 C. World Summit on Sustainable Development, Johannesburg, 2002 D. UN Climate Change Conference Copenhagen, 2009
3. UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) entered into from - (Sr. Teacher Gr II NON-TSP G.K. 2018) A. 21 March 1994 B. 5 June 1992 C. 12 May 1991 D. 5 June 1993
4. The 'Paris Agreement' adopted in Conference of the Parties (COP 21) in December 2015 will be effective provided the document is signed by: (UPSC CAPF 2016) A. 51 UNFCCC parties accounting for at least 51% of global greenhouse gas emission
B. 51 UNFCCC parties accounting for at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emission
C. 55 UNFCCC parties accounting for at least 55% of global greenhouse gas emission
D. 75 UNFCCC parties accounting for at least 51% of global greeenhouse gas emission
5. The term ‘Intended Nationally Determined Contributions’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of (UPSC 2016) (a) pledges made by the European countries to rehabilitate refugees from the war-affected Middle East
6. With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answers: 1-A, 2-B, 3-A, 4-C, 5-B, 6-B Mains1. ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC 2017) 2. Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC 2021) |
Source: The Indian Express
KYOTO PROTOCOL
1. Context
Carbon trade, being relied upon to accelerate emission cuts around the world, has been largely ineffective till now, and only a very small number of projects have resulted in real emissions reductions, a new study published in Nature journal has found.
2. What is Kyoto Protocol?
- The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement that aimed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and the presence of greenhouse gases (GHG) in the atmosphere.
- The essential tenet of the Kyoto Protocol was that industrialized nations needed to lessen the amount of their CO2 emissions.
- The protocol was adopted in Kyoto, Japan in 1997, when greenhouse gases were rapidly threatening our climate, life on the earth, and the planet.
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Other agreements like the Doha Amendment and Paris Climate Agreement address global warming.
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Ongoing talks in 2021 with complex issues of politics, money, and lack of consensus.
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U.S. withdrew from the agreement, citing unfair mandates and economic impact.
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Paris Climate Agreement of 2015 replaced the Kyoto Protocol.
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Paris Agreement includes commitments from major GHG-emitting countries to reduce pollution.
3. Understanding Kyoto Protocol
- The Kyoto Protocol mandated that industrialized nations cut their greenhouse gas emissions at a time when the threat of global warming was growing rapidly.
- The Protocol was linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It was adopted in Kyoto, Japan on Dec. 11, 1997, and became international law on Feb. 16, 2005.
- Countries that ratified the Kyoto Protocol were assigned maximum carbon emission levels for specific periods and participated in carbon credit trading.
- If a country emitted more than its assigned limit, then it would be penalized by receiving a lower emissions limit in the following period.
4. Major Tenets
- Developed, industrialized countries made a promise under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce their annual hydrocarbon emissions by an average of 5.2% by the year 2012.
- This number would represent about 29% of the world's total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Targets depended on the individual country. As a result, each nation had a different target to meet by that year.
- Members of the European Union (EU) pledged to cut emissions by 8%, while the U.S. and Canada promised to reduce their emissions by 7% and 6%, respectively, by 2012.
5. Responsibilities of Developed Vs. Developing Nations
- The Kyoto Protocol recognized that developed countries are principally responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the atmosphere as a result of more than 150 years of industrial activity.
- As such, the protocol placed a heavier burden on developed nations than on less-developed nations.
- The Kyoto Protocol mandated that 37 industrialized nations plus the EU cut their GHG emissions.
- Developing nations were asked to comply voluntarily, and more than 100 developing countries, including China and India, were exempted from the Kyoto Agreement altogether.
6. Particular function for Developing Countries
- The protocol separated countries into two groups: Annex I contained developed nations, and Non-Annex I referred to developing countries.
- The protocol placed emission limitations on Annex I countries only. Non-Annex I nations participated by investing in projects designed to lower emissions in their countries.
- For these projects, developing countries earned carbon credits, which they could trade or sell to developed countries, allowing the developed nations a higher level of maximum carbon emissions for that period.
- In effect, this function helped the developed countries to continue emitting GHG vigorously.
- The United States, which had ratified the original Kyoto Agreement dropped out of the protocol in 2001.
- The U.S. believed that the agreement was unfair because it called only for industrialized nations to limit emissions reductions, and it felt that doing so would hurt the U.S. economy.
The Kyoto Protocol established three different mechanisms to enable countries additional ways to meet their emission-limitation target. The three mechanisms are:
- The International Emissions Trading mechanism: Countries that have excess emission units permitted to them but not used can engage in carbon trading and sell these units to countries over their target.
- The Clean Development Mechanism: Countries with emission-reducing or limiting commitments may implement emission-reducing projects in developing countries to earn certified emission-reduction credits.
- The Joint Implementation mechanism: Countries with emission-reducing or limiting commitments to earn emission-reducing units from a project in another party.
- In December 2012, after the Protocol's first commitment period ended, parties to the Kyoto Protocol met in Doha, Qatar, to adopt an amendment to the original Kyoto Agreement.
- This so-called Doha Amendment added new emission-reduction targets for the second commitment period, 2012-2020, for participating countries.
- The Doha Amendment had a short life. In 2015, at the sustainable development summit held in Paris, all UNFCCC participants signed yet another Pact, the Paris Climate Agreement, which effectively replaced the Kyoto Protocol.
- The Paris Climate Agreement is a landmark environmental pact that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change and its negative effects.
- The agreement includes commitments from all major GHG-emitting countries to cut their climate-altering pollution and to strengthen those commitments over time.
- A major directive of the deal calls for reducing global GHG emissions to limit the earth's temperature increase in this century to 2 degrees (Preferring a 1.5-degree increase ) Celsius above preindustrial levels.
- The Paris Agreement also provides a way for developed nations to assist developing nations in their efforts to adopt climate control, and it creates a framework for monitoring and reporting a country's climate goals transparently.
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For Prelims: Kyoto Protocol, Paris Climate Agreement, Doha Amendment, European Union (EU), Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Green House Gas (GHG) emissions, Carbon credit Trading, UNFCCC (United Nations framework convention on climate change),
and Clean Development mechanism.
For Mains: 1. What were the main goals and objectives of the Kyoto Protocol? Explain Why did the United States withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol, and what were the reasons cited? (250 words).
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Previous year Question
Consider the following pairs: (UPSC 2016)
Terms have sometimes been seen in the news Their origin
1. Annex-I Countries Cartagena Protocol
2. Certified Emissions Reductions Nagoya Protocol
3. Clean Development Mechanism Kyoto Protocol
Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer C
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Source: Investopedia
INDIA- CANADA
1. Context
- The recent diplomatic crisis between India and Canada has the potential to create significant political and geopolitical consequences.
- It all began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made a startling allegation in Parliament, suggesting the Indian government's involvement in the murder of a Khalistani separatist in Canada.
- The situation escalated rapidly, with both countries taking drastic diplomatic measures.
2. Canada's Allegation
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusation that Indian security agencies might be linked to the murder of a Canadian citizen, Hardeep Singh Nijjar, sent shockwaves through diplomatic circles.
- Such a serious charge by a foreign leader against another nation before conclusive proof is rare and demands a thorough investigation.
- Canada's Foreign Minister Melanie Joly has emphasized the need for cooperation between the two countries in the investigation.
3. Diplomatic Escalation
- Canada took the initial step in the escalation by expelling an Indian diplomat in Ottawa, identified as the head of the Indian intelligence agency.
- In response, India expelled a Canadian diplomat based in New Delhi.
- India also issued travel advisories for its citizens in Canada, raising concerns about their safety. Visa services were suspended, affecting various categories of travellers.
4. About the Khalistan movement
- The Khalistan movement is a Sikh separatist movement that seeks to create an independent Sikh state called Khalistan in the Indian state of Punjab.
- The movement began in the 1970s and has been marked by violence and political unrest.
- The Khalistan movement is based on the belief that the Sikhs are a distinct people with their own unique culture and history.
- Sikhs believe that they have been persecuted by the Indian government, and they demand an independent state where they can govern themselves.
- The Khalistan movement has been supported by some Sikhs in India and abroad.
- However, it is opposed by the Indian government, which considers it to be a threat to national security.
4.1. Khalistan Problem Resurfaces
- This crisis has brought the long-standing issue of Khalistan back into India-Canada relations.
- While the relationship faced challenges in the past, including Canada's criticism of India's nuclear tests in 1998, the current issue centres around Canada's perceived support for separatist Khalistani groups.
- Canada's Liberal Party has been accused of pandering to these groups for votes, particularly in constituencies where Khalistani sympathies hold sway.
4.2. Khalistan and Canadian Politics
- Jagmeet 'Jimmy' Dhaliwal, associated with Canada's New Democratic Party, is viewed with suspicion by the Indian establishment due to his pro-Khalistan sympathies.
- Canada's hosting of events attended by individuals linked to pro-Khalistan outfits, like Jaspal Atwal, during Trudeau's visit in 2018, further strained relations.
- The Khalistan "referendum," encouraged by Pakistani intelligence agencies, has been a significant irritant in recent years.
5. Social and economic indicators between India and Canada
Canada's FDI in India: Canada accounts for a modest 0.56% of India's total Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Out of the $645,386.0884 million in FDI equity inflow into India between April 2000 and June 2023, Canada contributed 0.5644% ($3,642.5243 million).
Indian Diaspora in Canada: Canada is home to a significant portion of overseas Indians. Of the 3,21,00,340 overseas Indians, 5.26% (16,89,055) reside in Canada. This includes 1,78,410 Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and 15,10,645 Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs).
Indian Students in Canada: Canada is a popular destination for Indian students. In 2022, out of an estimated 13,24,954 Indian students studying abroad, 13.83% (1,83,310) were enrolled in Canadian institutions, according to data from the Ministry of External Affairs.
Canada's Role in Indian Tourism: Canada is the fourth-largest source of tourists visiting India, based on 2021 figures. Canadian tourists accounted for 5.3% (80,437) of Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) in India during that year. Notably, a significant portion of these tourists (72.6%) were members of the Indian diaspora.
Bilateral Trade: India's bilateral trade with Canada amounted to $8,161.02 million in the financial year 2022-23, making up only 0.70% of India's total trade of $1,165,000.88 million. Despite its modest size, India maintains a trade surplus with Canada, with exports surpassing imports by $58.45 million.
Trade Highlights
India's major exports to Canada during 2022-23 included medicines, vannamei shrimp, smartphones, gold-set diamond jewellery, basmati rice, iron pipes for oil/gas pipelines, coaches powered by external electricity, diamonds, and cotton t-shirts.
Key imports from Canada included coking coal, potassium chloride, lentils (masur dal), newsprint, wood pulp (mechanical and chemical pulp processes), and copper ores and concentrates.
5.1. Top Indian Imports from Canada
Coking Coal: Coking Coal was the most valued item India imported from Canada during 2022-23. At 28.96 lakh tonnes, Canada was the fifth largest supplier of coking coal to India after Australia, the US, Singapore, and Russia.
Potassium Chloride: Canada is India’s biggest source of potassium chloride. During 2022-23, India imported 11.43 lakh tonnes of the chemical from Canada. The other countries that supplied potassium chloride to India were Israel, Jordan, Belarus, Turkmenistan, and Russia.
Lentils: Canada is the biggest supplier of ‘masur’ dal to India. During 2022-23, India imported 4.85 lakh tonnes of lentils from Canada. The other countries exporting lentils to India are Australia, the Netherlands, the UAE, and Sri Lanka.
News Print: Canada is a major source of newsprint. During 2022-23, India imported 2.5 lakh tonnes of ‘Other Newsprint’ (under HSN code 48010090) from Canada, which was the highest from any country. The other countries that supplied the newsprint to India were Russia, Korea, Malaysia, and the UAE.
Wood Pulp: Canada is also a major source of wood pulp obtained by a combination of mechanical and chemical pulp processes. During 2022-23, India imported 2.06 lakh tonnes of wood pulp from Canada. The other countries that supplied wood pulp to India last year were New Zealand, Sweden, Estonia, the US, and the Netherlands.
6. Diplomatic Complexity
- Diplomats familiar with Canada's foreign policy assert that the country is often influenced by immigrant interests.
- Pro-Khalistan elements, though a minority in the Canadian Sikh community, control several influential gurdwaras and can exert political influence in key constituencies.
- This small but influential group shapes Canada's policy towards India.
7. Geopolitical Implications
- Canada holds a significant role in global geopolitics, being part of the G7 and sharing intelligence within the Five Eyes alliance.
- This diplomatic standoff poses a challenge for Western powers, including the US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, and Japan, as they maintain strategic partnerships with both Canada and India.
- Balancing these relationships becomes crucial in the wake of this crisis.
8. Conclusion
- The India-Canada diplomatic crisis underscores the importance of addressing each other's concerns and conducting a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations.
- Both nations must work to de-escalate tensions and find a way forward while considering the broader geopolitical implications of their actions.
- This crisis serves as a lesson for Canada and its partners on how to handle the sensitive issue of Khalistan in diplomatic relations.
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For Prelims: India-Canada, Khalistan, Foreign Direct Investment, Tourism, Bilateral Trade, Geo-politics, Wood Pulp, News Print, Lentils, Potassium Chloride, Coking Coal
For Mains:
1. Examine the resurgence of the Khalistan movement in India-Canada relations. How has Canada's perceived support for Khalistani groups affected bilateral ties? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. In the context of bilateral trade negotiations between India and the European Union, what is the difference between European Commission and European Council? (UPSC 2010)
1. European Commission represents the EU in trade negotiations whereas the European Council participates in the legislation of matters pertaining to economic policies of the European Union.
2. European Commission comprises of the Heads of State or government of member countries whereas the European Council comprises of the persons nominated by European Parliament.
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
Answer: D
2. With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic? (UPSC 2020)
A. It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
B. It is a largely non-debt creating capital flow.
C. It is the investment which involves debt-servicing.
D. It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Answer: B
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Source: The Indian Express
