Daily Prelims Notes 9 March 2025

March 9, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

9 March 2025

Table Of Contents

1. 340 Alawite civilians killed by Syrian security forces, allies

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that over 300 Alawite civilians were killed by government and allied forces in recent clashes, which erupted after tensions in Latakia province.
These clashes, the deadliest since the ousting of President Bashar al-Assad, specifically targeted the Alawite minority, to which Assad belongs.

About Alawite community:

The Alawite community is a minority sect in Syria, primarily residing in the coastal regions, especially in Latakia and Tartus provinces.
They follow an offshoot of Shia Islam, with distinct religious beliefs and practices.
The community has historically been marginalized but rose to political prominence when Bashar al-Assad’s family, who are Alawites, took control of Syria.
However, the recent fall of Assad’s regime has left the Alawite community vulnerable, facing fears of retaliation and discrimination from Sunni Islamist rebels.

2. North Korea unveils nuclear-powered submarine in a first

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

North Korea has revealed the construction of its first nuclear-powered submarine, a significant development in its military capabilities.
The state media released photographs of what it described as a “nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine.”

Specifications:

The submarine is reportedly a 6,000-tonne or 7,000-tonne class vessel capable of carrying approximately 10 missiles.
Experts have indicated that the term “strategic guided missiles” suggests the submarine is designed to carry nuclear-capable weapons, making it a significant security threat to both South Korea and the United States.

Context of North Korea’s Military Expansion:

The nuclear-powered submarine is part of North Korea’s broader efforts to advance its military arsenal, as outlined by Kim Jong-un in 2021.
The leader pledged to develop a range of advanced weaponry to counter what he termed escalating S. led military threats.
Other weapons in development include solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, spy satellites, and multi-warhead missiles.
There are questions about how North Korea, a heavily sanctioned and economically impoverished nation, has been able to acquire the necessary resources and technology to build a nuclear-powered submarine.
Experts speculate that North Korea may have received technological assistance from Russia in exchange for support in Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine.

Security concerns:

A major concern with North Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine is its potential to launch missiles from underwater. Such capabilities are troubling because underwater missile launches are difficult to detect in advance, giving North Korea a significant strategic advantage.
This increases the risk of surprise missile attacks, complicating defence efforts by regional rivals such as South Korea and the U.S.

3. Muslim nations adopt an alternative to Trump’s plan of taking over Gaza

Sub : IR

Sec: Int Groupings

Context:

The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) adopted an Arab League counter-proposal to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan to take over Gaza and displace its residents.
This move came three days after the Arab League ratified the Egyptian-crafted counterproposal at a summit in Cairo.

Details of the Egyptian-Crafted Plan:

The Egyptian counterproposal aims to rebuild the Gaza Strip under the future administration of the Palestinian Authority, as opposed to Trump’s controversial plan to “take over” Gaza.
Trump’s proposal, which involved displacing Palestinian residents to Egypt or Jordan and transforming Gaza into a tourist hub, was widely condemned.
The OIC’s endorsement of the Egyptian proposal calls on the international community to support the reconstruction efforts for Gaza.
Despite the OIC’s endorsement, the Egyptian plan has faced opposition from both the United States and Israel.

Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC):

The Organisation for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states.
It is the collective voice of the Muslim world. It endeavours to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
It was established upon a decision of the historical summit which took place in Rabat, Kingdom of Morocco on the 25th of September 1969.
Headquarters: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
India is not a member of the OIC.

Arab League:

The Arab League is a union of Arabic-speaking African and Asian countries.
It was formed in Cairo in 1945to promote the independence, sovereignty, affairs, and interests of its member countries and observers.
The organization began with seven founding members: Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Syria, and now comprises 22 different member nations and four observer states.
The League is bound by a charter and has a council in place to ensure that its goals are met.
Each member state has one vote in the Council of the Arab League, and decisions are binding only for those states that have voted for them.

4. Why has India promised to buy more U.S. oil?

Sub : Eco

Sec: External sector

Context:

India has committed to increasing its oil and natural gas purchases from the U.S. following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. President Donald Trump in February.
The two leaders agreed to boost energy trade, with India’s energy purchases from the U.S. expected to rise from $15 billion last year to $25 billion in the near future.

Details:

The U.S. is being positioned as a leading supplier of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG) to India.
The agreement to ramp up trade in hydrocarbons, including ethane and petroleum products, is part of India’s strategy to diversify its sources of supply.
The two countries have also agreed to enhance investments in oil and gas infrastructure and strengthen cooperation between energy companies.

Need for secure Hydrocarbon supplies:

India, being the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer, relies on imports for over 85% of its crude oil requirements.
Securing stable and diversified sources of oil and natural gas is crucial for India’s energy security.
The commitment to purchase more oil and gas from the U.S. will bolster energy ties between the two countries and help achieve the goal of doubling bilateral trade to $500 billion over the next five years.

Trade Deficit with the U.S.

India’s trade with the U.S. is currently in India’s favour, with a trade deficit of $45.7 billion in 2024, which marks a 5.4% increase from 2023.
By increasing energy imports, India aims to balance the trade relationship and support its broader trade objectives.

India’s Oil and gas imports:

In 2023-24, India imported 234.26 million tonnes of crude oil, with an import dependence of 87.8%.
Domestic production met less than 13% of the country’s crude oil requirements.
The total oil import bill in 2023-24 was $133.37 billion, a decrease from $157.53 billion in 2022-23, primarily due to lower international oil prices.
India imported 80 billion cubic meters (bcm) of LNG in 2023-24, amounting to $13.405 billion. This was an increase from 26.30 bcm in the previous year.
The country is keen to increase the share of clean fuels, like LNG, in its energy basket.
The government aims to raise natural gas consumption to 15% from the current 6% as part of its strategy to meet future energy demands.

India’s Energy ties with Russia:

India has significantly increased its oil imports from Russia, particularly after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Russia now accounts for around 40% of India’s total crude oil imports, up from less than 1% before the war.
Despite strengthening energy ties with the U.S., India continues to engage with Russia, which has offered discounted crude oil amid global sanctions.

Global Energy Supply Dynamics:

The global energy market is experiencing shifts with new oil sources emerging from the Western Hemisphere, including the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, Suriname, and Canada.
These developments are beneficial for major oil-consuming countries like India.
Multiple sources of supply help mitigate risks related to price volatility and geopolitical disturbances.

5. Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geography

Why in News

The Rubber Board is set to launch the geo-mapping of rubber plantations in Kerala next week. This initiative aims to improve market access for growers and help them secure better prices for their produce.

Geo-Mapping of Rubber Plantations:

The Rubber Board is undertaking the digital mapping of plantations to document essential details such as land ownership, area, and plantation boundaries.
It aligns with the EUDR, which mandates that all commodities entering the EU market must be free from deforestation post-December 31, 2020, and comply with local environmental regulations.
The initiative includes supply chain mapping, development of a traceability system, and geo-mapping of plantations. These measures guarantee the origin of rubber and ensure compliance with international sustainability standards.
A due diligence certificate will be issued based on risk assessment and legality analysis.

Indian Sustainable Natural Rubber (iSNR) Certification:

The iSNR framework offers free certification to farmers and growers.
The iSNR certification ensures that natural rubber meets sustainability standards.
It is a mandatory requirement for rubber products to be marketed in compliance with the EUDR regulations.

About Rubber:

Polymer of isoprene, an organic compound obtained from latex of a tropical tree Hevea Brasiliensis.
Soil type: Well drained and well weathered soils, e.g. Laterite, alluvial and sedimentary type soils.
Evenly distributed rainfall with at least 100 rainy days, temperature range should be 20-34^oC.
Humidity of around 80%, 2000 hrs of sunshine and absence of strong winds.
World’s major producer: Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia.
- India: Kerala (.75% of total production), Tamil Nadu, Karnataka.
- Tripura, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa etc are some other rubber-producing States.
- India is the 3^rd largest producer and 4^th largest consumer of natural rubber in the world. India imports 40% of its total rubber consumption.
The first rubber plantations in India were set up in 1895 on the hill slopes of Kerala. However, rubber cultivation on a commercial scale was introduced in 1902.
Natural rubber is preferred over synthetic rubber due to its high tensile strength and vibration-dampening properties, along with tear resistance. This makes it important for the construction and automobile industries.
Rubber Board:
- Established: 1955
- HQ: Kottayam, Kerala
- Under: Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Rubber board is responsible for the development of the rubber industry in India.
Rubber Research Institute (RRI) is under the Rubber Board.

6. Emergency Procurement Route Facilitates Army’s Acquisition of Very Short-Range Air Defence Systems

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Army is utilizing the emergency procurement (EP) route to acquire man-portable Very Short-Range Air Defence (VSHORAD) systems after multiple unsuccessful attempts to finalize these critical acquisitions since 2020.

VSHORAD Systems:

VSHORAD systems are portable surface-to-air missile systems designed to engage low-altitude aerial threats, such as aircraft and helicopters, within a short range, typically up to 6 kilometres.
They provide immediate air defence capabilities to ground forces, acting as the last line of defence against enemy air attacks.
Igla-S VSHORAD Systems from Russia: The Igla-S, also known by its NATO designation SA-24 Grinch, is a Russian man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile system.
- Maximum velocity of 570 meters per second (approximately Mach 1.9).
- Utilizes dual waveband infrared homing for target acquisition and engagement.
Star streak Missiles from Thales UK & Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): Star streak is a British man-portable surface-to-air missile system developed to provide close air defence against high-speed aerial targets.
- Considered one of the fastest short-range surface-to-air missiles, with a velocity exceeding Mach 3.
- Laser-guided system that directs three tungsten darts to the target, increasing the likelihood of a successful hit.

Emergency Procurement (EP) Mechanism:

The EP route enables armed forces to procure weapons and equipment worth up to ₹300 crore on an urgent basis.
The procurement process does not require additional clearances, allowing faster acquisitions.
Deliveries must begin within six months and be completed within one year of the contract signing.
Since 2016, the EP route has been activated five times, with the latest iteration (EP-5) currently in progress.

7. India’s Rising Cotton Imports

Sub: Geo

Sec: Eco geography

Why in News

India is witnessing a significant surge in cotton imports due to declining domestic yields and falling international prices. The Union Budget 2024 has introduced a Cotton Mission aimed at improving productivity and ensuring the competitiveness of the Indian textile industry.

Rising Cotton Imports:

India’s cotton imports have sharply increased over the past seven months, indicating a growing reliance on foreign markets.
January 2025: $184.64 million (compared to $19.62 million in January 2024)

Cotton:

Cotton is a kharif crop which requires 6 to 8 months to mature. Its time of sowing and harvesting differs in different parts of the country depending upon the climatic conditions.
Cotton is the crop of tropical and sub-tropical areas and requires uniformly high temperature varying between 21°C and 30°C. The growth of cotton is retarded when the temperature falls below 20°C.
Cotton is a drought – resistant crop ideal for arid climates and requires an average annual rainfall of 50- 100 cm.
It requires at least 210 frost free days in a year.
It occupies just 2.1 % of the world’s arable land, yet it meets 27% of the world’s textiles need. In addition to its fibre used in textiles and apparel, food products are also derived from cotton like edible oil and animal feed from the seed.
India is the second largest producer of cotton in the world after China.

Cotton Corporation of India:

Cotton Corporation of India was established in 1970 under Companies Act 1956.
It’s a Government of India’s corporate agency, engaged in diverse activities related to trade, procurement, and export of cotton.
CCI is governed by Textile Policy 1985 issued by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India.
CCI operates in the following states as of now – Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharastra, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Orissa.
The major role of the CCI is to undertake price support operations, whenever the market prices of cotton falls below the minimum support prices (MSP).

Challenges Faced by Indian Cotton Farmers:

Low Productivity: India’s cotton productivity is approximately 450 kg per hectare, significantly lower than Brazil’s 1,800-2,000 kg per hectare.
Declining Prices and Financial Losses: Farmers report that the cost of production per quintal is ₹9,000, whereas the Minimum Support Price (MSP) is ₹7,235.
Weak International Prices: Global cotton prices remain low, making imports more attractive for mills compared to purchasing from domestic sources.

Government Initiatives:

Cotton Mission under Union Budget 2024: The mission aims to improve cotton productivity through research, better farming techniques, and high-yield varieties.
- The mission spans five years, with an allocation of ₹600 crore.
- Aiming to increase cotton yield from the current 450-500 kg per hectare to 1,000 kg per hectare.
- Promoting Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Varieties: Focusing on the cultivation of ELS cotton to reduce import dependence and boost the domestic textile industry.
- Alignment with 5F Vision: Integrating the mission with the “Farm to Fibre, Fibre to Factory, Factory to Fashion, Fashion to Foreign” framework to strengthen the entire cotton value chain.
Procurement by Cotton Corporation of India (CCI): The CCI has procured nearly 100 lakh bales since the new season began on October 1, 2024.
Extra Long Staple (ELS) cotton is now allowed duty-free imports, benefiting exporters.
Advance Authorisation Scheme enables duty-free cotton imports for exporters, helping the textile industry sustain its global market position.

8. Reduce tariff with U.S., suggest textile exporters

Sub : Eco

Sec : External sector

Significance of the U.S. Market for Indian Textile & Apparel (T&A) Exports

The U.S. is the single largest export destination for India’s textile and apparel sector.
28.5% of total Indian T&A exports (January–November 2024) were to the U.S. (CITI).
India is the third-largest supplier of T&A to the U.S. with a 10.8% market share (China: 25.6%).

Tariff Structure and Export Trends

The U.S. levies tariffs on textiles and apparel ranging from 2% to 32% (AEPC).
U.S. imports from China declined at a CAGR of 9.4% in the last five years, while imports from India grew at a CAGR of 9.1%.
In 2024, India’s T&A exports to the U.S. stood at $10.8 billion, whereas U.S. exports to India were only $0.41 billion.

Composition of Trade

India imports primarily fibre products from the U.S., with cotton making up 50.6% of total U.S. T&A exports to India.
Indian exports to the U.S. are dominated by apparel and home textiles (81.5%).

Suggestions by Export Bodies

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

Reduction in tariffs will not negatively impact Indian exporters (Mithileshwar Thakur, AEPC Secretary General).

Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI)

India should explore a zero-for-zero trade agreement with the U.S. with necessary safeguards for sensitive products.
Vietnam benefits from duty concessions, so tariff reduction will create a level playing field for India.
With reduced tariffs, India’s T&A exports to the U.S. could reach $16 billion in the next three years.

Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (Texprocil)

Tariffs should be reduced to match the U.S. tariff for T&A.
Trade balance is in India’s favour; Indian textiles can gain significantly from tariff reduction or a zero-for-zero agreement.
India is exploring a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the U.S., and further developments are awaited (Siddhartha Rajagopal, Texprocil Executive Director).

9. Decline of Butterfly Population in the US

Sub : Env

Sec: Species

Context:

A new study highlights the alarming decline of butterfly populations in the United States.
The study found that butterfly numbers have fallen by 22% since 2000 due to multiple environmental factors.
Findings were published in Science under the title “Rapid butterfly declines across the United States during the 21st century.”

Key Findings of the Study

The first systematic countrywide analysis of butterfly abundance was conducted.
Butterflies in the Lower 48 states have been declining at an average rate of 1.3% per year since 2000.
Scientists analyzed 76,957 surveys from 35 monitoring programs covering 12.6 million butterflies.
Monarch butterfly numbers have reached a near all-time low of fewer than 10,000, down from 1.2 million in 1997.
Many species have declined by 40% or more.

Why is this Data Considered ‘Catastrophic’?

The decline may not seem alarming immediately, but its long-term effects are severe.
David Wagner, an entomologist from the University of Connecticut, stated:
- “In just 30 or 40 years, we are talking about losing half the butterflies and other insect life across a continent!”

Implications for Humans

According to Cornell University expert Anurag Agrawal, the loss of butterflies is a warning sign for humans.
Butterflies indicate the overall health of ecosystems and biodiversity.
Their decline suggests wider environmental degradation that could impact humans.
Butterflies serve as pollinators for important crops like cotton.

Major Causes of Butterfly Decline

The study identifies three major factors responsible for the decline:
- Insecticides (considered the biggest cause).
- Climate Change (temperature rise affecting butterfly populations).
- Habitat Loss (destruction of natural habitats).
Driest and warmest areas witnessed the sharpest decline.
The Southwest region lost more than half of its butterflies in 20 years.

Possible Solutions and Conservation Efforts

Hope for Recovery: Habitats can be restored, leading to butterfly population recovery.
Community Action:
- Conservation efforts at individual, community, and state levels can improve the situation.
- Simple actions like creating butterfly-friendly spaces can contribute to recovery.