Carbon Cycle
Why in News?
A recent study suggests that the drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide through chemical weathering of rocks is maximized at moderate erosion rates. This research sheds light on the limitations of weathering-induced carbon dioxide removal and clarifies conflicting data on erosion's impact on the carbon cycle, which is crucial for understanding climate dynamics.
Carbon Cycle
A natural process where carbon is exchanged among the atmosphere, oceans, soil, plants, and animals on Earth, regulating the Earth's climate by controlling the concentration of carbon dioxide.
How this Cycle Works
- Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis, creating food and releasing oxygen.
- Animals eat plants, incorporating carbon into their bodies.
- Upon death, plants and animals decompose, releasing carbon back into the atmosphere or soil.
- Over millions of years, some carbon transforms into coal, oil, and natural gas.
- Burning fossil fuels for energy releases carbon dioxide.
Chemical Weathering
Chemical weathering is a gradual and ongoing process involving the interaction of rock with mineral solutions. The mineralogy of the rock adjusts to the near-surface environment through processes such as oxidation and hydrolysis, which are enhanced by geological agents like water and oxygen, as well as biological agents like acids produced by microbial and plant root metabolism.
Prelims Practice Question
Consider the following related to Biogeochemical cycles:
- Carbon cycle
- Nitrogen cycle
- Phosphorus cycle
- Sulfur cycle
How many of the following are examples of sedimentary cycles?
a) One
b) Two
c) Three
d) Four
13th Ministerial Conference of WTO
Why in News?
The recent WTO Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi aimed to set a reform agenda for the organization, focusing on preserving and strengthening the multilateral trading system. Key decisions included commitments to improve the dispute settlement system and enhance special treatment provisions for developing countries. Challenges to global trade include inward-focused policies in developed economies and conflicts disrupting supply chains. India's objectives at the conference included resolving concerns related to public stockholding for food security, fisheries subsidies, and customs duties on e-commerce. While progress was made in agriculture and fisheries, the continuation of the e-commerce customs duty exemption was disappointing for India.
Practice Question
Mains GS – III
Discuss the outcomes of the recent 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of World Trade Organization (WTO) and its impacts on India. (250 words, 15 marks)
Introduction
The 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization took place in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where ministers from diverse levels of development and varying geopolitical perspectives convened. The conference addressed crucial subjects such as food security, e-commerce, fisheries subsidies, WTO reform, domestic regulations of services, and investment.
Outcomes
- Endorsed the accession of two least-developed countries—Comoros and Timor-Leste.
- Renewed commitment to achieve a fully functional dispute settlement system.
- Extended the e-commerce moratorium until MC14 or 31 March 2026.
- Extended moratorium on “non-violation” and “situation”.
- Special rules not to be applied to compulsory licenses for the production of Covid-19 diagnostics.
Impacts on India
- No progress in negotiations concerning the reduction of agricultural and fisheries subsidies.
- Strong reservations about linking public stockholding for food security purposes to broader agricultural trade reforms.
- India’s proposal for allowing developing countries to extend subsidies within exclusive economic zones or up to 200 - challenged.
- India urged for a permanent solution to the public stockholding (PSH) – remains uncertain.
- India remains opposed to China-led Investment Facilitation for Development.
- Peace Clause, government programs started before 2013 and the Indian government wants programs started after 2013.
- Seeks to safeguard its ability to promote access to affordable medicines-faces criticism.
Conclusion
India, as a leader of the Global South, should form alliances with like-minded nations such as South Africa and small island states. Through this approach, India can offer alternative viewpoints and initiatives that better reflect the concerns and objectives of developing countries.
NIA: National Investigation Agency
Why in News?
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is tracking the suspect involved in the Bengaluru cafe blast. After tracing the suspect's movements, NIA teams have reached Kalaburagi, where the suspect boarded a KSRTC non-AC sleeper bus from Ballari on March 1. New CCTV images of the suspect have been released, urging citizens to provide any information. The suspect's last known location was Ballari, where he disembarked from a KSRTC bus, prompting NIA to investigate possible links to an IS-inspired terror module. The suspect then boarded a bus to Kalaburagi, with NIA gathering information from bus crew and CCTV footage.
NIA: National Investigation Agency
- National Counter-Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency of India.
- Created after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.
- Mandate to investigate and combat terrorism and other organized crimes with a national or international impact.
- Jurisdiction extends across the entire country and applies to Indian citizens outside the country.
CBI: Central Bureau of Investigation
- Established in 1963.
- Derives its powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.
- Functions under the Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances.
- Operates following the procedure prescribed by the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC).
- Requires prior consent of the concerned State for investigation.
- Headed by the CBI director, appointed by the central government based on the recommendations of a selection committee.
Practice Question Prelims
Consider the following statements:
- Investigation of cases related to terrorism and national security.
- Enforcement of laws related to economic offenses and corruption.
- Handling of cases pertaining to cybercrime and digital fraud.
- Investigation of cases involving organized crime and narcotics trafficking.
How many of the above-mentioned areas fall under the concurrent jurisdiction of both the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in India?
(a) One only
(b) Two only
(c) Three only
(d) All four
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