Context

Switzerland has stepped in to organize a peace conference between Ukraine and Russia, after two years into the war. 

Switzerland led Peace Conference

• Switzerland’s Efforts: Switzerland is making a special effort to broaden global consensus on the war by enlisting those who have not joined the western coalition thus far.
• India’s Involvement: India’s invitation to the peace summit is significant due to its strategic partnership with Russia, leadership in the BRICS and SCO groupings, and role in the Global South.
  • Recent visits by Swiss and Ukrainian officials underscore the priority given to India’s participation at the highest level.
• Participants of the Peace Summit: Out of 160 countries invited to the conference in Lucerne on June 15-16, about 50 have confirmed attendance. These include EU nations, NATO members, G-7 countries, and U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia.
  • Brazilian President Lula declined to attend, and South Africa cited its May 29 general elections to formally decline the invitation.
• Absence of Russia: Russia has not been invited to the peace talks.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Objectives of the Switzerland led Peace Conference

• Developing a Roadmap for Peace: The summit aims to create a framework for achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.
• Addressing Humanitarian Issues: Discussions will cover vital humanitarian concerns such as ensuring food security, freedom of navigation, and nuclear safety.
• Mitigating Risks from the Conflict: The conference will focus on reducing the risks associated with Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, rather than solely aiming to end the war. 
  • This involves efforts to isolate Russia economically and politically to mitigate aggression​​.
• Engaging Global Stakeholders: The summit emphasizes the inclusion of diverse global perspectives, particularly from the Global South, to ensure broad-based support for the peace​​.

Challenges for the Peace Talk

• Issue of Neutrality: Although Switzerland prides itself on neutrality, its decision to impose sanctions on Russia may affect its perceived impartiality. This could make it difficult to convince countries to participate in a platform perceived as biased towards Ukraine​.
• Exclusion of Russia: Without Russia’s participation, meaningful progress in peace talks is unlikely. Both parties to the conflict need to be present for effective negotiations​.
• Military Stalemate: Both Russia and Ukraine may be reluctant to negotiate if they believe they can still make or consolidate gains on the battlefield. A true negotiation usually begins when military options are exhausted.
• Broad Participation Challenges: Securing the participation of a wide range of countries, including those from the Global South, is crucial but challenging. The success of the summit depends on inclusive dialogue and contributions from diverse international stakeholders​.

Conclusion

Switzerland’s peace summit aims to build a comprehensive roadmap for peace in Ukraine, addressing humanitarian issues and mitigating conflict risks. Despite challenges like ensuring neutrality and Russia’s absence, the summit emphasizes global cooperation and inclusive dialogue to achieve lasting peace and address the war’s global impacts.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Four billion years ago, Venus had enough water to cover its surface with an ocean 3 km deep.  Presently, planet retains only enough water for this ocean to be a mere 3 centimeters deep.

Venus Water Mystery

Explanation of Loss of Water on Venus: A team of researchers in the U.S. has achieved a critical breakthrough in understanding this phenomenon.

• The team’s findings, reported in a paper in Nature could bridge the gap between the amount of water that satellite observations indicate Venus has likely lost over the past 4.5 billion years and what scientists had previously predicted.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Reasons for Loss of Water on Venus

• Harsh Atmosphere: One primary factor contributing to Venus’s harsh conditions is its infernal atmosphere, a consequence of its high concentration of carbon dioxide, which induces a potent greenhouse effect. 
  • With surface temperatures exceeding the boiling point of water, reaching 450 degrees Celsius, water can only exist in Venus’s atmosphere as vapor.
• Proximity to Sun: The intense heat and ultraviolet radiation from the Sun interacted to break down water molecules into their component hydrogen and oxygen atoms within Venus’s ionosphere.
  • Ionosphere is the uppermost layer of the atmosphere characterized by high-speed movement of charged atoms, molecules, and electrons.
  • However, the rates at which these processes occurred remain unknown. 

Theories Related to Loss of Water on Venus

• Thermal Process:  Known as hydrodynamic escape, involves the expansion of Venus’s outer atmosphere due to heating from the Sun, enabling hydrogen gas to escape into space. 
  • This phenomenon persisted until the outer atmosphere sufficiently cooled, around 2.5 billion years ago.
• Non-thermal process: The research has been focused on the present-day mechanism of water loss, specifically through a non-thermal process. 
• Their study centered on the escape of hydrogen atoms from Venus into space, leading to a reduction in water levels as the oxygen atoms remaining have fewer hydrogen atoms available to form water molecules.

Key Findings from the Study

• HCO+ Reaction in Venus’ Upper Atmosphere: On Venus, the team found that a particular reaction, called the HCO+ dissociative recombination reaction (DR) occurs in bulk at an altitude of about 125 km, above the clouds made of sulphuric acid.

• • Noting the similarities between the upper atmospheres of Venus and Mars, the same fundamental reactions were modeled in Venus’ ionosphere.
• Impact of HCO+ DR: The team built models to simulate the influence of this reaction on the upper atmosphere, and found that it accelerated water decline once the hydrodynamic escape of hydrogen gas ended.
  • Specifically, the researchers found HCO+ DR could have doubled the rate at which Venus lost water by hydrogen escape.
  • This means if Venus had oceans in the past, they could have lasted longer than expected — because the faster rate of hydrogen escape means the planet could have lost more water in the same amount of time.
• Long-Term Water Depletion on Venus: The model predicted that the amount of water on Venus would have stayed roughly the same from nearly 2 billion years ago. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

• • This is because, as a non-thermal process, the HCO+ DR reaction would’ve gone on indefinitely and drained all the water. (The thermal process was time-bound because the upper atmosphere returned to thermal equilibrium). Yet Venus still has some water today.
• The Missing Molecule: There is no evidence confirming the presence of HCO+ ions in Venus’s atmosphere.
• Neglecting Search for HCO+ ions: Previous space missions had overlooked the search for HCO+ ions, and the orbiters sent to Venus were unable to detect the chemical signatures of HCO+ DR from a distance. 
  • There would have needed to be a clear link between HCO+ DR and water loss on Venus for scientists to prioritize this investigation.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, India-born aviator and commercial pilot Gopi Thotakura was among the six space tourists who undertook a short recreational trip to space.

Space Tourism

Space tourism is a part of the aviation industry that offers people the chance to experience space travel for fun, relaxation, or business.

• Growth of Space Tourism: Space tourism has rapidly expanded in recent years. In 2023, the market was valued at $848.28 million, and it is projected to soar to $27,861.99 million by 2032.
• Cost of Spaceflight: According to Space.com, a journey on a Virgin Galactic spacecraft, costs about $450,000 (about Rs 3.75 crore). 
• Recent tourism space flights: Virgin Galactic, founded by British entrepreneur Richard Branson in 2004, saw Branson and five others take a brief trip to the edge of space on the VSS Unity spaceship in July 2021.
  • Blue Origin, established by Jeff Bezos in 2000, successfully completed its first human spaceflight with four private citizens aboard the reusable New Shepard rocket on July 20, 2021. The flight reached an altitude of about 107 km.
  • SpaceX’s Inspiration4 marked the debut of SpaceX’s tourism business in September 2021. The Falcon 9 rocket launched a Crew Dragon spacecraft with four civilians, the first all-civilian space flight, to an altitude of 575 km.
• Types of Space Tourism: Space tourism can be categorized into two main types: sub-orbital and orbital.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Sub-Orbital Trips

Suborbital flights lack the speed needed to enter orbit. Without sufficient energy to reach orbit, they follow a parabolic trajectory, ascending and then descending. This is known as a suborbital space mission or suborbital flight. These flights may be short, but they offer passengers amazing views of Earth and a few minutes of weightlessness, which can be a big draw for space tourists. Example: New Shepherd mission of Blue Origin

• Sub-orbital Spacecraft: The sub-orbital spacecraft carries passengers slightly beyond the Kármán line, which is located approximately 100 kilometers above mean sea level. This line is recognized as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

Importance of Suborbital Flights

• Microgravity Research: Suborbital flights offer valuable opportunities for microgravity research, as they provide conditions where people or objects seem weightless. 
  • They could serve as an alternative to the parabolic flights conducted by space agencies to simulate zero gravity.
  • Zero Gravity, or Zero-G, refers to the state of weightlessness.
• Enhanced Flight Access for Innovation: Increased access would result from high projected flight rates, allowing for more opportunities for design innovation and experimental manipulation.

Orbital Space Flight

• About: An orbital spacecraft must reach orbital velocity, Orbital velocity is the speed an object needs to stay in orbit around a planet. To orbit 125 miles (200 kilometers) above Earth, a spacecraft must travel at 17,400 mph (28,000 km/h).
  • The orbital spacecraft transports passengers well beyond the Kármán line.
• Extended Duration: Typically, passengers can spend anywhere from a few days to over a week at an altitude of nearly 1.3 million feet.
  •  For instance, in September 2021, SpaceX’s Falcon 9 transported four passengers to an altitude of 160 km, where they orbited the Earth for three days.

About Karman Line

The Kármán line, an imaginary boundary separating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space, is located 100 km (62 miles) above sea level. Named after aerospace pioneer Theodore von Kármán, the concept was established in the 1960s by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). An aircraft that crosses the Kármán line is designated as a spaceflight, and anyone who crosses this line is considered an astronaut.

• Flight Dynamics Across the Kármán Line: Below the Kármán line, flight is governed primarily by aerodynamic principles, while above it, orbital mechanics take precedence.
• Challenges at the Kármán Line for Aircraft: At the Kármán line, the atmosphere becomes extremely thin. Conventional aircraft, which depend on wings to generate lift by pushing against air, cannot operate effectively at these high altitudes.
• Spacecraft Propulsion: Beyond the Kármán line, spacecraft require their own propulsion systems to maintain trajectory and counteract the remaining atmospheric drag, albeit minimal.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

A new study has uncovered the origins of baobabs,  the distinctive tall deciduous trees often found on the island of Madagascar.

• The study (‘The rise of baobab trees in Madagascar’) from researchers in the UK, China and Africa was published in Nature. 

Baobab Trees

The trees belong to the genus Adansonia, which comprises eight distinct species. Adansonia digitata found in continental Africa, Adansonia gregorii in Northwestern Australia, and six other species endemic to Madagascar.

• Origin of Lineage: According to DNA studies, the trees first arose in Madagascar 21 million years ago. 
  • Their seeds were later carried on ocean currents to Australia and also to mainland Africa, evolving into distinct species.

• Characteristics: Baobabs are known for their great heights, with some extending up to 50 metres, and exceptionally long lifespans going up to 2,000 years. 
  • In India too, a few baobab trees exist, including one near the Golconda Fort in Andhra Pradesh that is believed to be more than 400 years old.
• Keystone Species:  It is a Keystone Species which provide “essential resources, such as food or shelter, for a guild of animals in return for which the guild of animals provides an essential service, or mobile links, such as pollination or diaspore dispersal.” 
  • The absence of keystone species can have destabilising effects on entire ecosystems, given their centrality to them.
• Significance: In local cultures, the trees are revered because of the multiple uses their parts have, with the fruits and seeds being edible, the seed oil used for cooking and the bark fibre for clothing.
  • They are also called “upside down” trees because their tops resemble an uprooted plant turned upside down. 
  • The baobabs play an important biological role in the conservation of ecosystems of which lemurs, sunbirds and hawk moths are important constituents.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Findings of the Study

• Risks of Extinction: Three baobab species native to Madagascar are at risk of extinction, as indicated by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
  • According to the IUCN, these include residential and commercial development, livestock farming and ranching, which require clearing land.
  • The remaining three are listed under the Least Concern category, meaning they do not face significant threats. 
  • However, their population is declining indicating that more rigorous conservation strategies are needed. For this, a detailed understanding of the genetics of baobabs is needed.
• Vulnerability Assessment: The study highlighted that climate change will pose “severe threats” leading to its extinction before 2080.”
• • An evaluation of Adansonia suarezensis and Adansonia grandidieri indicated significant recent inbreeding. 
  • This suggests that due to their unique ecological niche and limited genetic diversity, they are likely to exhibit “reduced resilience to ecological perturbations and habitat fragmentation.”

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, The 26th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-26) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held at Nairobi, Kenya.

26th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific Technical and Technological Advice (SBSTTA-26) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)

• The body recommended full implementation of the The Biodiversity Plan, which was  adopted at Montreal in December 2022.
• The recommendations would be discussed upon further at the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP16). 
  • COP16 will be held in the Colombian city of Cali from October 21-November 1, 2024.  
• CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Implementation (SBI):The delegates of the scientific Body will also become a part of the meeting of the  CBD’s Subsidiary Body on Implementation.
  • Main Focus: Review of implementation, including updating of national biodiversity strategies and action plans; resource mobilization and financial mechanism; capacity building and development, technical and scientific cooperation, and knowledge management; cooperation with other conventions and international organizations.
• An expert group was also created to inform on the risks of living, modified fish.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Issues Discussed at the Meeting

• Scientific and technical needs to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
• Monitoring framework for the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: The work on monitoring Framework was advanced which would be used to track national, regional and global progress against the targets for 2030.
• Detection and identification of living modified organisms: The need for vigilance in detecting and identifying living modified organisms was re-emphasised with concerns being flagged about GM insect
• Risk assessment and risk management : New voluntary guidelines are recommended in the field of biosafety and biotechnology for risk assessment regarding engineered gene drives to strengthen transparency and scientific rigor of the process.
• Synthetic biology: Parties agreed on the need for capacity-building, technology transfer and knowledge-sharing to address the issue of equity in developing countries’ participation in the field of Synthetic Biology, where traits are deliberately introduced in the genetic material of organisms.
• Ecologically or biologically significant marine areas (EBSA): Setting the stage for a potential agreement to define EBSA and Conservation & sustainable use of marine and coastal biodiversity
  • The decision is likely to be reached at COP16.
• Biodiversity and Health: It includes  an updated version of the draft global action plan to mainstream biodiversity and health linkages into national policies.

The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)

• Adoption: It was adopted during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP 15) 2022.
• Aim: The Framework sets an ambitious pathway to reach the global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050 with  key elements being the 4 goals for 2050 and 23 targets for 2030. 
  • This Framework supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and builds on the Convention’s previous Strategic Plans.
• Mechanism for Implementation: The Plan will include a monitoring framework for the GBF,  an enhanced mechanism for planning, monitoring, reporting and reviewing implementation, the necessary financial resources for implementation, strategic frameworks for capacity development and technical and scientific cooperation, as well as an agreement on digital sequence information on genetic resources.
• Global Stocktake: At the COP16, There will be a global stocktake of the targets and commitments that have been set.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Stellar Nucleosynthesis

Nucleosynthesis is the process by which stars create elements within their cores. The sole exception is hydrogen, the most abundant and lightest element in the universe, which originated in the immediate aftermath of the Big Bang.

• Extreme Conditions in Stellar Cores: The cores of stars experience immense pressures and temperatures. 
  • For instance, the temperature in the Sun’s core reaches approximately 15 million degrees Celsius. Under these extreme conditions, atomic nuclei undergo nuclear fusion.
• Fusion Process in Hydrogen: The hydrogen nucleus consists of a single proton. In the stellar core, these nuclei fuse to create helium nuclei, which contain two protons and two neutrons. This fusion process is known as the proton-proton (p-p) chain. 
• Nucleosynthesis in Massive Stars: However, in more massive stars, stellar nucleosynthesis follows a different route due to the higher energy available. These stars have hotter cores where the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle operates. 
  • In this cycle, the nuclei of carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen interact in various ways to form elements starting from helium.Iron production: When a star runs out of nuclei to fuse, its core contracts, leading to an increase in temperature that reignites nuclear fusion. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

• • This cycle of contraction and fusion continues until the star begins producing iron in its core. Iron is the lightest element for which fusion requires more energy than it releases.
  • Elements heavier than iron can only be synthesized outside a star when it goes supernova.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

A new study has shed light on the usage of tools by marine mammals such as sea otters. 

Otters, Especially Females, Use Tools To Survive a Changing World

• There are other animals who use different techniques to feed and  Survive.
• Chimpanzees: Use stones to crack nuts and sticks to get termites.
• Dolphins: Use sponges to protect their beaks while foraging.
• Galapagos Islands Finch: Uses cactus spines to dig grubs out of holes.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About Sea Otters

• Scientific name:  Enhydra lutris
• These are intelligent mammals.
• Otters are not just strong swimmers, they are resourceful problem solvers. 
  • They can utilize objects in their environment, including human trash, to access food.
  • These marine mammals use rocks and other objects to break open hard prey. 
  • This behavior helps them access food that would be difficult to eat otherwise. 
• Conservation Status:
  • The U.S. Endangered Species Act lists the California sea otter as “threatened” 
  • IUCN lists most otter species as “endangered” or “vulnerable”.
• Legal Protection: 
  • International treaties like CITES and the International Fur Seal Treaty regulate trade and hunting to protect otters.
  • The Marine Mammal Protection Act protects otters from harm and harassment in U.S. waters.
  • Zoological parks play a role in raising awareness, rehabilitation, and research for otters.
• Feeding Behavior
  • Floating Feeding Position: Otters float on their backs while feeding.
  • Tools Used: Rocks, shells, discarded bottles.
  • Methods: Use tools as hammers or anvils to smash open hard-shelled prey; also bash prey onto docks and boats.
  • Common Prey: Sea urchins, abalone, crabs, mussels, clams, snails, fat innkeeper worms.

Benefits of Tool Use

• Access to Larger Prey: Using tools allows otters to eat certain larger prey that would otherwise be inaccessible.
• Reduced Tooth Damage: Tool use reduces the amount of direct biting on hard shells, thus protecting their teeth from damage.
• Survival technique: Tools are Essential for survival in environments with limited resources.

Main threats to Sea Otters

• Disease
  • Parasitic Infections: Intestinal worms and other parasites contribute to significant otter mortality.
  • Infectious Diseases: Protozoal diseases are especially lethal for marine mammals.
• Oil Spills
  • Major Threat: Oil contamination poses the greatest threat to sea otters.
  • Effects of Oil: Oil disrupts the insulating properties of their fur, causing hypothermia, and leads to ingestion or inhalation of toxic substances.
  • Prevention: Preventing oil spills is essential to protect sea otters.
• Habitat Loss
  • Kelp Forests: The loss of kelp forests impacts sea otters by reducing their shelter and food sources.
• Pollution
  • Pathogens and Contaminants: High levels of pollution in coastal waters expose otters to infectious diseases.
• Human Activities
  • Direct Conflicts: Sea otters face threats from human activities such as shootings, entanglements in fishing gear, and boat strikes.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Recently, the FSSAI has published a comprehensive guidance document titled “Artificial Ripening of Fruits- Ethylene gas a safe fruit ripener” suggesting the Food Business Operators to follow the procedure for artificial ripening of fruits. 

FSSAI Warns Against Use of Calcium Carbide for Ripening

• Action against Violators: FSSAI is also advising Food Safety Departments of States /UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 and Rules/Regulations made thereunder. 
• Further, the Central Insecticides Board and Registration Committee (CIB & RC) has approved Ethephon 39% SL for the uniform ripening of mangoes and other fruits.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About Calcium Carbide

• Manufacturing: It is produced by heating lime and carbon mixture to 2000-2100°C in an electric arc furnace.
• Use: It is commonly used for ripening fruits like mangoes.
• Concern: It releases acetylene gas which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. 
  • These harmful substances, also known as ‘Masala’, can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers, etc. 
  • Acetylene gas is also equally hazardous to those handling it. There are chances that calcium carbide may come in direct contact with fruits during application and leave residues of arsenic and phosphorus on fruits.
• Regulations by the FSSAI: 
  • Ban: Due to these dangers, the use of calcium carbide for ripening fruits has been banned under Regulation 2.3.5 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Regulations, 2011. 
  • Permitted Safety Limits: Considering the issue of rampant use of banned calcium carbide, FSSAI has permitted the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for fruit ripening in India. 
    • Ethylene gas can be used at concentrations up to 100 ppm (100 μl/L), depending upon the crop, variety and maturity. 

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

In the United States, the renewal of the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), which offers economic incentives to developing countries through tariff reductions, is currently stalled.

• The U.S. Generalized System of Preferences program, which needs periodic renewal by Congress, has been stuck since it expired in 2020, despite support from both parties.

Background of  Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

• Introduction of Preferential Tariff Rates: The idea of providing preferential tariff rates to developing countries was introduced during the inaugural UNCTAD conference in 1964.
  • Generalized System of Preferences was approved at the UNCTAD conference in New Delhi in 1968 and put into effect in 1971.
• Present Programs: Thirteen national GSP schemes have been notified to the UNCTAD secretariat.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

The Generalized System of Preferencesis the oldest and largest U.S. trade preference program, aimed at promoting economic development by allowing duty-free entry for thousands of products from designated beneficiary countries. It encompasses the majority of preferential trade schemes offered by industrialized nations to developing countries.

• Goal of Generalized System of Preferences: To offer development assistance to economically disadvantaged countries by encouraging their exports to developed nations.
  •  It fosters sustainable development by assisting beneficiary countries in expanding and diversifying their trade with the United States.
• Tariff Reductions and Duty-Free Access: It includes reduced Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariffs or duty-free entry for eligible products exported by beneficiary countries to the markets of donor countries.
• Granting Nations: GSP preferences are provided by 15 countries, including Armenia, Australia, Belarus, Canada, the European Union, Iceland, Japan, Kazakhstan, New Zealand, Norway, the Russian Federation, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Non-Reciprocal Support: Historically, the GSP has been granted on a non-reciprocal basis to support development in beneficiary countries.
• U.S. GSP Policy: Nevertheless, the U.S. has connected GSP with market access and tariff reduction, departing from its traditional non-reciprocal approach.
• Periodic Renewal of GSP Benefits: GSP benefits undergo periodic renewal by the legislative bodies of implementing countries, like the U.S. Congress.
• GSP Criteria: GSP criteria commonly involve standards for labor, the environment, and intellectual property rights protection.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

The recent death of Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash in the Dizmar forest in East Azarbaijan Province comes at an explosive moment in world affairs, with domestic and global implications.

About Ebrahim Raisi

• Birth: Raisi was born on December 14, 1960 in a clerical family in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest city. 
• Education: He was educated in Islamic law and jurisprudence.
• Career: 
  • 1985: He became the deputy prosecutor in Tehran (capital of Iran)  when he was only 25.
  • 1989-2016: He held several senior positions in Iran’s government during these years; Tehran’s prosecutor from 1989 to 1994, First Deputy Chief Justice of Iran from 2004 to to 2014, Attorney-General of Iran from 2014 to 2016.
  • 2017: He stood for presidency, presenting himself as an anti-corruption fighter but failed.
  • 2019: He was appointed to the high- profile job of judiciary chief. He was also elected deputy chairman of the Assembly of Experts, the 88-member clerical body responsible for electing the next Supreme Leader.
  • 2021: He contested the 2021 Presidential election and secured a victory.
• Contribution: 
  • Ties with Russia & China: He shifted focus from the west developing links with China and Russia. 
    • He visited China in 2023 and met the Chinese President. Iran has backed Russia in its war in Ukraine, supplying drones and participating in the creation of new shipping and rail routes, seeking to weaken sanctions.
  • Relations with Saudi Arabia: Iran resumed diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a seven-year rift, in a deal brokered by China. 
  • Support to Palestine: The Gaza war led to Iran launching hundreds of missiles and rockets directly at Israel in April 2023 and Raisi emphasised Iran’s support for Palestinians, a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

• Allegations Faced: 
  • Raisi was sanctioned by the US in 2019, which cited his role in human rights violations.
  • In 2018, Amnesty International accused him of being a member of a “death commission” that forcibly disappeared and executed thousands of political dissidents in the late 1980s.
  • His presidency witnessed a crackdown on mass protests after the 2022 killing of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, strict implementation of women’s dress codes, increased uranium enrichment, and escalating military conflicts with Israel and the West.

India-Iran Relations during Ebrahim Raisi’s Years in Power

• Connectivity Projects: 
  • He was key to the conclusion of India’s major investments on Iran’s Chabahar Port, and key to India’s connectivity ambitions with Russia through Central Asia. 
  • Recent deal signed for India to operate Chabahar Port for the next 10 years is a major geoeconomic breakthrough for the two countries.
• Geo-economic Significance: 
  • Iran recognises India’s geo-economic significance and it is this exact recognition that has driven the two sides closer during Raisi’s years in power.
• India’s Support: 
  • India had been Iran’s key supporter for joining the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
  • Prior to that, in India’s corridors of power, Iran’s support to the India-led Voice of the Global South summits was widely acknowledged. 
  • India secured a waiver from the US in 2018 for investments related to Chabahar Port despite US opposition.

Ebrahim Raisi’s Death & Impact on World

• More Immediate Ramifications:
• • Constitutional Provisions: There are specific constitutional provisions for handling such a situation. Mohammad Mokhber, Iran’s First Vice President under Raisi, has already been appointed as acting President by Khamenei.

• • • An election will be held within 50 days. The establishment will attempt to effect a smooth transition, and avoid any major conflict. 
    • Raisi’s death is not a political crisis for Iran, it is more of a tragedy, which Iran is well placed to overcome. The real crunch in Iran will come when a vacancy arises in the Supreme Leader’s office.
• Global Implications: 
  • Iran’s domestic and foreign orientations, including towards South Asia, are unlikely to change. Thus, Iranian support to India on the Chabahar port is not going to be endangered. 
    • However, Raisi recently visited Pakistan to balance its South Asian policy and a new President will follow that course too. 
  • The traditional unease between Iran and the Arab states will continue despite the seeming rapprochement between Iran and Saudi Arabia.
  • Gold prices hit a new high at $2,450 per ounce during the day. The news of Raisi’s death caused gold prices to reach a record high, along with factors of US rate cut expectations, China’s stimulus measures and more. 
  • Iran continues to struggle under Western sanctions. 
    • Notably, since 1995 to present, the US has issued ten executive orders to declare sanctions on various parts of Iran’s economy citing, among other things, Iran’s pursuit to attain nuclear power. 
    • Between August 2021 till April 25, 2024, the US State Department has issued a total of 65 orders to declare sanctions on a number of Iran-linked entities i.e., religious, economic, radical, etc., of several kinds. 
• Impact on India:
• • Chabahar Port: With Raisi’s death, the port development could slow as Iran takes time to focus on its internal matters. 
  • Impact on Economy: There could also be some impact on the global oil markets given Iran is an important producer. Any increase in the price of oil could affect the Indian economy.
    • Brent crude price fluctuations affect India, as the country imports most of its oil requirements. Iran is the third biggest oil producer in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) grouping. 
      • Brent crude oil has risen 8% in 2024, mainly due to supply cuts by oil-producing countries. But prices have declined by 3% this month.
    • If Iran finds any Israeli hand in the president’s death, then the tensions in West Asia could worsen and would impact India too, but that is not yet established, barring some speculation. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

The Current Balance of Power in Iran

• Conservatism in Iran: Since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, Iran’s politics has developed between conservatives and reformists and this tussle has been the central theme in Iranian politics.
  • Conservatives: On the one side are the conservatives who want to strictly adhere to the tenets of Twelver Shi’ism, Iran’s state religion, and want to implement its religious codes across society. 
    • They frame the Revolution as a radical assertion against Western imperialism, and enjoy massive support, especially among the poorer sections of the population.
  • Reformists: On the other side are the so-called ‘reformists’ who, while remaining loyal to the Revolution, want more flexibility both in domestic and international matters. 
    • They support greater rights for women, strengthening civil society and human rights and also want free elections and more conciliatory relations with the West.
• Currently, and for most of Iran’s post-Revolution history, the conservatives have been dominant. 
  • The conservatives have maintained a firm grip despite Iran’s worsening economic situation due to western sanctions, which triggered a wave of protests last year. 

About India-Iran Relations

• Historical Relation: India and Iran share a millennia-long history of interactions. The contemporary relationship draws upon the strength of these historical and civilisational ties, and continues to grow further marked by high-level exchanges, commercial and connectivity cooperation, cultural and robust people-to-people ties.
  • Relations back to the ancient times of Indus Valley civilization and trade between the coast of southern Iran and India through the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea. 
• Political Relations: India and Iran signed a friendship treaty on 15th March 1950. 
  • Both have signed the Tehran Declaration in April 2001 and the New Delhi Declaration in 2003  and the two documents identified areas of cooperation and set the strategic vision for the India-Iran partnership.
  • In May 2016 “Civilizational Connect, Contemporary Context” was issued, and 12 MOUs/Agreements were signed. 
    • The Trilateral Agreement on Trade, Transport and Transit between India, Iran and Afghanistan was also signed. 
  • In February 2018, a joint statement titled “Towards Prosperity Through Greater Connectivity” was issued. The two sides signed 13 MOUs/Agreements.
  • The Indian Prime Minister and Iranian President met for the first time on the sidelines of the SCO Heads of State Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan in September 2022, during which both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to bilateral cooperation, especially in trade and connectivity. 
    • The two leaders also met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in August 2023.
  • The two countries have in place several Bilateral Consultative Mechanisms at various levels including the Joint Committee Meeting (JCM), Foreign Office Consultations (FOC), Security Consultations at the level of National Security Advisers and Deputy National Security Advisers, and the Joint Consular Committee Meeting (JCCM). 
  • Both also have Joint Working Groups to facilitate cooperation in various sectors of mutual interest.
• Connectivity: India and Iran signed a MoU in 2015 to jointly cooperate on the development of the Shahid Beheshti Port at Chabahar, Iran. 
  • Geo-Strategic Location: India continues to cooperate closely with Iran in realizing the vision of Chabahar Port as a major regional and international hub in the movement of humanitarian and commercial goods.
    • Iran’s unique geographical position provides India access to Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Eurasia markets.
• Trade Relations: India and Iran are important trade partners. India has been among Iran’s five largest trade partners in recent years. 
  • Major Indian exports to Iran: It includes rice, tea, sugar, pharmaceuticals, man-made staple fibres, electrical machinery, artificial jewellery etc. 
  • Major Indian imports from Iran: It consists of dry fruits, inorganic/organic chemicals, glassware, etc.
• Cultural Cooperation and People to People Relations: Civilizational links between India and Iran continue to be the source of robust people to people and cultural ties. 
  • The Indian Cultural Centre established in 2013 and renamed the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC) in 2018 is helping further these cultural ties. 
  • India recently decided to include Farsi as one of the nine classical languages under the New Education Policy.
  • The major tourist destinations in India and Iran continue to attract tourists of all ages from both countries.
• Energy Security: Iran ranks 2nd globally in terms of gas reserves, presenting an opportunity for fuel diversification, decarbonization and share of gas in India’s energy mix until 2030. 
• Economic Ties: Bilateral trade was US$2.5 bn in 2022, reflecting an increase of 48% from 2021.
  • Indian Exports: Sugar, man-made staple fibers, electrical machinery and artificial jewelry. 
  • Indian Imports: Dry fruits, chemicals and glassware.
  • Iran included India in the list of countries whose citizens will not require a visa to travel.

Significance of Iran for India

• A Traditional Partner: Being a traditional partner, Iran has assumed increased importance in recent times, which will continue to remain valid even in the future. 
  • This relationship therefore needs to be nurtured and sustained. 
• Oil Supplier: Iran has been one of the major suppliers of crude — which has suffered setbacks due to US sanctions. 
• Shared Common Concern of Terrorism: Besides, both countries have shared concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan.
• Chabahar Port: Iran has gained strategic importance for India wherein India is operationalising Iran’s Chabahar Port as part of a Tripartite agreement between Iran, Afghanistan, and India. 
  • It acts as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia — since Pakistan denies land transit to Indian goods. 

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Conclusion

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s death in a tragic helicopter crash is not seen as having a big impact on the domestic markets unless it leads to any escalation in geopolitical tensions.

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

Delhi High Court has protected the personality and publicity rights of actor Jackie Shroff while restraining various entities like e-commerce stores, AI chatbots, social media accounts etc. from misusing the actor’s name, image, voice, and likeness without his consent

Delhi High Court Passes Order Protecting Jackie Shroff’s Personality Rights

• Background: Actor Jackie Shroff petitioned the court against the unauthorized use of his name and persona, seeking protection against various individuals and entities utilizing and misusing his identity without permission.
• High Court’s Order:
  • Defendant Entities: The defendant entities included e-commerce stores selling merchandise such as posters, mugs and T-shirts using the actor’s image, AI chatbots etc.
  • Refusal to take down video: The court refused to direct a take down of a video titled Jackie Shroff is Savage, Jackie Shroff Thug Life posted on a YouTube channel. The video had artistic expression and “more critically, it could set a precedent that stifles freedom of expression.
  • Notice to restaurant: The court issued notice to a restaurant named ‘Bhidu’ and others alleged to be infringing on Shroff’s personality rights and misusing his persona.  term ‘Bhidu’ — of which the actor has a registered trademark
  • AI-Generated Deep Fake Concerns: The court also noted that the proliferation of AI-generated deep fake videos has exacerbated concerns for celebrities.
    • The case marks the first instance of a court restraining an unlicensed Chatbot.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

About Personality Rights

Personality rights, pertains to the rights associated with the personality of a well-known individual, primarily applicable to celebrities whose names, images or voices are prone to misuse for profit. 

• Principle behind Personality Rights: The underlying concept is that only the owner or creator of the unique attributes of the personality, has the right to derive monetary benefits from them.
  • Unique personal attributes that can be protected include name, nickname, stage name, picture, likeness, image and any identifiable personal property, such as a distinctive race car.
• Registration of Names: It is necessary for renowned personalities/celebrities to register their names to save their personality rights, because their personality traits could be used for misleading advertisements.
• Registered Trademarks: Many celebrities even register some aspects as a trademark to use them commercially. 
  • For example, Usain Bolt’s “bolting” or lightning pose is a registered trademark.

Difference Between Personality and Publicity Rights

Here is a table describing the differences between Personality and Publicity Rights;

Judicial Precedents Relating to Personality Rights in India

• Amitabh Bachchan Case (2012 & 2022): 
  • HC Injunction: The Delhi High Court issued an injunction to prevent the unauthorized use of Amitabh Bachchan’s personality rights, including variations of his name like “Big B” and his unique expressions such as “Computer ji” and “lock kiya jaye.”
  • Precedent of 2012 High Court Order: The HC based its decision on a 2012 order involving Bachchan, where Titan Industries sued a jewelry store for using his images from a Tanishq ad.
• Rajnikanth’s Case (2015): 
  • Celebrity Personality Rights Established: The Madras HC, in a case involving actor Rajnikanth, stated that personality rights are vested in celebrities. This was during Rajnikanth’s lawsuit against the producers of “Main Hoon Rajnikanth” for using his name, image, and dialogue style. 
  • “Rajnikanth” Not a Common Name: The court noted that the movie title would lead the public to associate it solely with the actor, and the producers, having acknowledged his high reputation, couldn’t claim “Rajnikanth” as a common name.
• Anil Kapoor’s Case (2023)
  • Ex-Parte Omnibus Injunction: Delhi HC granted an ex-parte, omnibus injunction restraining 16 entities from using Kapoor’s name, likeness, image, using technological tools like Artificial Intelligence, face morphing and even GIFs for monetary gain or commercial purpose.
    • Ex-parte injunction is when relief is granted to a party without hearing the other side. 
    • Omnibus injunction refers to an injunction granted against any unauthorized use- even those that are not mentioned in the plea.
  • Use of Personality Traits for Commercial Gain: Kapoor had petitioned the court, stating that several parties were using aspects of his personality, including popular terms from his dialogues, without his permission to make profit.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Legal Provisions for Personality Rights in India

• Fundamental Rights: Laws regarding personality rights are still evolving, with courts deriving principles from Article 19(1)(a) (freedom of speech and expression) and Article 21 (protection of life and personal liberty).
• Statutory Provisions: Other statutory provisions protecting personality rights include the Copyright Act, 1957.
  • The Act grants moral rights to authors and performers, including actors, singers, musicians, and dancers. These rights include receiving credit for their work and preventing others from damaging it.
• Trade Marks Act, 1999: This act also protects personal rights under Section 14, which restricts the use of personal names and representations.
• Judicial Pronouncements: 
  • Auto Shankar case: In 1995, the Supreme Court recognised a person’s right to control the commercial use of one’s identity in the R Rajagopal vs. State of Tamil Nadu case, commonly known as the Auto Shankar case.

• • Personality Rights on Internet: Delhi HC in its judgment in Arun Jaitley vs Network Solutions Private Limited and Ors Case (2011) observed that the popularity or fame of an individual will be no different on the internet than in reality.
    • The court had also stated that the name also falls in the category wherein besides it being a personal name it has also attained distinctive indicia of its own.
  • ICC Development (International) Ltd. Case: The right of publicity has evolved from the right of privacy and any effort to take away this right from the individuals would be violative of Articles 19 and 21 of the Constitution of India.
  • K.S Puttaswamy judgment on Privacy: The 2017 judgment in Justice K. S. Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India elevated personality rights to constitutional status, recognizing the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. 
    • The ruling allows individuals to prevent others from using their image, name, and personal identity for commercial purposes without consent.

Reasons for moving to Court to protect Personality Rights 

• Unfair Commercial Gain: The court was also informed that third parties were unfairly benefiting commercially from the sale of merchandise featuring his pictures and voice for ringtones.
• Defamation: Most alarming was the online circulation of fake pornographic images and videos of the actor with other actresses.
• Protection of Public Image and Reputation: Misuse of a celebrity’s persona can harm their public image and reputation.
• Setting Legal Precedents: Legal actions have set precedents for personality rights in India. Cases against unauthorized use of his persona for lotteries and advertisements have reinforced the need for legal safeguards to protect celebrity rights.
• Creating Deterrence: The move to courts and consequent judicial pronouncements create deterrence towards unauthorized usage of Personality rights to make commercial gains. 

Way Forward

• Legislative Reforms: There is an urgent need to update existing legislation or create new laws specifically addressing personality rights in the digital age.
• Enhanced Enforcement Mechanisms: Strengthening enforcement mechanisms is crucial to combat the misuse of celebrities’ personas effectively. 
• International Cooperation: Given the global nature of digital content, international cooperation and agreements could help standardize protections and enforcement measures across jurisdictions, making it harder for infringers to exploit legal loopholes in different countries.
• Technological Solutions: Leveraging technology, such as digital watermarking and advanced AI detection tools, can help identify and prevent unauthorized use of personal attributes more efficiently.
• Public Awareness and Education: Increasing public awareness about the importance of personality rights and the legal repercussions of violating them can deter potential infringers and promote respect for these rights.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

DOWNLOAD PDF

Context

The Prime Minister fed cows of the Punganur cow breed of Andhra Pradesh on the occasion of Pongal/ Makar Sankranti.

About Punganur Cow Breed 

The Punganur cow is an indigenous breed native to the Punganoor, Vayalapadu, Madanapalli, and Palamaneer talukas of Chittoor district in the Rayalaseema region of southern Andhra Pradesh. 

Characteristics and features of the Punganur cow

The Punganur cow breed is named after the town of Punganur in the Chittoor district, located in the south-eastern part of the Deccan Plateau. These Punganur cows are white and light grey in color with a broad forehead and short horns. They are small, with an average height of 70–90 cm and a weight of 115–200 kg. The cows produce an average of 3 to 5 liters of milk per day and eat about 5 kg of food daily. They are very good at surviving in dry conditions and can live on dry fodder alone.

Some features of the Characteristics and features of the Punganur cowbbreed include:

• Color: White and light grey
• Forehead: Broad
• Horns: Short
• Height: 70–90 cm
• Weight: 115–200 kg
• Milk Production (Average Yield): 3 to 5 liters per day

• Smallest Breed: Punganur cows are considered to be the world’s smallest humped cattle. 
• Population Data: According to the  20th Livestock Census conducted in 2019, the total number of Punganur was recorded at 13,275, which included 9,876 pure and 3,399 graded heads of cattle.
• Highest Population States in Pure Breed Category: Andhra Pradesh (8,806), followed by Telangana (977), Karnataka (66), Kerala (15), Maharashtra (6), and Tamil Nadu (6). 
• Highest Population States in the graded category:  Andhra Pradesh (2,725), followed by Telangana (399), Karnataka (351), Tamil Nadu (10), and Kerala (4).

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

Conservation Efforts For Punganur Cows

• Financial Support: The Andhra Pradesh government has provided financial support through its budget for the promotion of the Punganur cow breed.
  • The Centre has sanctioned funds for the establishment of Gokul Gram at the P V Narasimha Rao Telangana Veterinary University, Hyderabad for the promotion of Punganur and other indigenous breeds of cattle in Telangana.
• National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC): The NKBC for the southern region has been established at Chintaladevi, Nellore, in Andhra Pradesh.

Also Read: Indigenous Cattle Breeds of India: Why They Are Preferred to Exotic Breeds?

DOWNLOAD PDF