International Energy Agency (IEA) – India’s Full Membership Bid Explained for UPSC

About IEA

• Founded: 1974 (after 1973 oil crisis)
• Purpose: Energy security, stable oil supply, emergency handling, climate transition
• 32 full members (OECD countries only)
• Associate members: India, China, Brazil (no voting rights)

Why India Wants Full Membership

• Decision-making rights
• Major global energy consumer
• Applied formally in October 2023
• Better access to energy data and policy support

Complication

• IEA charter allows only OECD countries as full members
• Needs:
  • Charter amendment OR
  • Special exception
• Brazil also applied

PRAHAAR – India’s National Counter Terrorism Policy & Strategy for UPSC

Context

India’s first National Counter Terrorism Policy & Strategy: PRAHAAR

Threat Profile

• Cross-border terror groups
• Cyberattacks (criminal hackers & hostile nation-states)
• Global terror outfits (Al-Qaeda, IS sleeper cells)
• Drones for logistics & attacks

Scope

• Threats across land, water, air
• Protect critical sectors:
  • Power
  • Aviation
  • Ports
  • Defence
  • Space
  • Atomic energy

Principles

• Terrorism not linked to religion/ethnicity/nationality
• India affected by “sponsored terrorism” from across border

Operational Framework

• Lists key agencies and roles
• Strengthens Centre–State coordination
• Focus on logistics, recruitment networks

Minimum Support Price (MSP) – Bhavantar Scheme & CACP Role for UPSC

Context

Madhya Pradesh plans to extend Bhavantar Yojana to mustard farmers (earlier for soybean). Expected to benefit ~80 lakh farmers.

Bhavantar Yojana

• Price-difference payment scheme
• If market price < MSP
• State pays difference to farmers

MSP (Minimum Support Price)

• Government-declared minimum guaranteed price
• Protects farmers from price crash

Who Recommends & Who Decides MSP?

• Recommends: Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
• Approves: Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM

Crops under MSP

Cereals: Paddy, Jowar, Bajra, Maize, Ragi, Wheat, Barley
Pulses: Gram, Tur, Moong, Urad, Masur
Oilseeds: Groundnut, Rapeseed–Mustard, Soybean, Sunflower, Sesamum, Nigerseed, Safflower
Commercial Crops: Cotton, Copra, Jute, Sugarcane

Previous Year Question (2018)

MSP announced for which crops?
Correct Answer: B

Green Hydrogen – Green Ammonia, SECI Auction & National Hydrogen Mission for UPSC

Context

India is promoting green hydrogen and green ammonia under the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
SECI conducted India’s Green Ammonia Auction to build a global-scale clean ammonia market.

Green Hydrogen

• Produced using renewable energy (solar/wind)
• No CO₂ emissions
• Used in industry, transport
• Feedstock for green ammonia

Green Ammonia

• Made by combining nitrogen + green hydrogen
• Clean alternative for fertilizers
• Can be used in shipping fuel and power
• Helps decarbonise heavy industries

India’s Green Ammonia Auction (SECI)

• 15 bidders → 7 winners
• 13 delivery contracts
• 3.7 lakh tonnes/year awarded
• Prices discovered: ₹49.75/kg – ₹64.74/kg
• Grey ammonia costs up to ₹51/kg → gap narrowing

Why Important

• Reduces fossil-fuel imports
• Helps carbon reduction
• Supports $1 trillion hydrogen market
• Ensures predictable fertilizer supply
• Encourages private investment

Previous Year Question (2023)

Green hydrogen:

1. Can be used directly as fuel
2. Can be blended with natural gas
3. Can run vehicles via fuel cell

Correct Answer: C (All three)

Sweet vs Sour Crude – Differences, Sulphur Content & UPSC GS3 Notes

Context

India’s trade delegation visit to the U.S. (Feb 23–25) for an Interim Trade Agreement was postponed. The deal would influence India’s import tariffs, including U.S. crude oil (≈10% of India’s oil imports).

Sweet vs Sour Crude

Sweet Crude

• Low sulphur content (<0.5%)
• Cleaner burning
• Cheaper to refine
• Usually costlier in market due to demand

Sour Crude

• High sulphur (>1%)
• Requires more refining
• Cheaper to buy but costly processing
• Contains more impurities

Previous Year Question (2011)

“Brent crude oil” refers to:

1. Major classification of crude oil
2. Sourced from North Sea
3. Does not contain sulphur

Correct Answer: B (1 and 2 only)