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SHAPING A RESPONSE TO THE U.S.’S RECIPROCAL TARIFFS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: INDIAN EXPRESS

The U.S. has announced new reciprocal tariffs on imports based on trade imbalances. These measures may affect India’s exports and raise concerns over global trade fairness and protectionism.

About the New Tariffs by the U.S.

  • The U.S. has launched a reciprocal tariff system targeting countries with which it has large trade deficits.
  • These are dual-layered tariffs—an existing base import duty and an extra country-specific tariff.
  • The new tariffs are temporarily limited to 10% and are paused for 90 days, except for one major trading country.

Exemptions from the New Tariffs

Some sectors are excluded from the additional duties, including:

  • Steel and aluminum
  • Automobiles and components
  • Copper, pharmaceuticals, and semiconductors
  • Lumber and energy-related items
  • Strategic minerals not found in the U.S.

These exemptions are meant to avoid harm to U.S. industries that rely on these imports.

Impact on Indian Exports

  • India’s exports to the U.S. have slowed down in recent years.
  • A 26% tariff will affect various Indian products, such as:
  • Electrical machinery
  • Mechanical appliances
  • Made-up textiles
  • However, some sectors like pharmaceuticals are exempt, and items like gems and jewellery may not face a major drop in demand due to their stable market.
  • Countries like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and China are also targeted, so India may remain relatively competitive.

India’s Strategic Response

  • Since India imports key goods like petroleum from the U.S., retaliating with high tariffs might hurt its own economy.
  • A balanced approach could involve increasing imports from the U.S. (e.g., oil), which would lower India’s reciprocal tariff rate to about 11.8%—closer to the minimum threshold of 10%.
  • This would adjust import patterns without widening the current account deficit.

Global Trade Concerns and WTO’s Role

  • Such aggressive tariffs risk escalating trade tensions and harming global growth.
  • In some cases, tariffs have gone as high as 145–245%, disturbing global markets.
  • There’s an urgent need to ensure fair, rule-based international trade with low barriers.
  • The World Trade Organization (WTO) must play a stronger role to maintain global trade order.
  • Meanwhile, countries may have to rely on regional trade agreements for smoother trade flows.

Conclusion

The U.S.’s reciprocal tariff policy marks a shift towards trade protectionism. While India must safeguard its export interests, its response should be strategic and balanced, focusing on diplomacy, economic realism, and global trade stability through multilateral efforts.

HOW CHINA IS FIGHTING U.S. TARIFFS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

The U.S. has adopted an aggressive “reciprocal tariff” policy as part of its “America First” approach, leading to rising trade tensions, especially with China, which has now taken strategic countermeasures.

U.S. Trade Policy Shift and Its Global Impact

  • The U.S. introduced a national-focused trade approach, using tariffs to pressure countries with trade surpluses.
  • These “reciprocal tariffs” were meant to fix perceived unfair trade practices.
  • A 90-day delay in enforcement was given to 57 nations (excluding China), likely to push them into bilateral trade talks.
  • The strategy aimed to cut U.S. trade deficits through pressure tactics.

Escalation into a Tariff War

  • China retaliated immediately, matching the new tariffs.
  • The tariff battle intensified with multiple hikes:
  • S. imposed a total of 104%,
  • China responded with 125%,
  • S. hit back with 145%.
  • Despite the hostility, essential electronic products (like semiconductors, phones) were exempted, highlighting U.S. dependency on these items.
  • Policy uncertainty was seen in the U.S., especially over whether to include electronics.

Strategic Delay and Bilateral Push

  • The 90-day pause was a calculated move to pressure nations into trade deals.
  • The U.S. centralized trade decision-making, reducing the role of its own trade agency.
  • This slowed down negotiations, as it involved dozens of countries and complex issues.
  • A recent review suggested major trade reforms were needed in these countries, adding to the challenge.

Effects on Developing Nations

Some developing nations faced tough demands, such as:

  • Opening agricultural markets
  • Cutting subsidies
  • Changing food distribution systems
  • Loosening patent laws (especially for medicines)
  • Relaxing data storage rules
  • Allowing GM food imports

These changes are seen as unreasonable and difficult to implement.

China’s Counter Strategy

  • China reduced its reliance on U.S. exports—from 19.2% in 2018 to 13.5% in 2025.
  • It strengthened trade ties with ASEAN and other global partners.
  • China holds two major assets:
  • 92% of global rare earth supply, vital for high-tech industries
  • Significant S. treasury bond holdings, which it has reduced since 2018

Need for Global Cooperation

  • Unilateral tariffs threaten global economic stability.
  • A coordinated effort is needed to strengthen multilateral trade systems.
  • International bodies like the WTO must be supported to prevent future disruptions.

Conclusion

China’s calculated and diverse response to U.S. tariffs highlights the importance of economic resilience, diversification, and strategic diplomacy. Going forward, nations must work together to promote fair trade practices and reduce dependency on unilateral decisions.

TYPE 5 DIABETES RECOGNIZED BY THE INTERNATIONAL DIABETES FEDERATION

TOPIC: (GS3) HEALTH: THE HINDU

The International Diabetes Federation (IDF) has officially classified Type 5 Diabetes as a separate disease. This condition, long neglected, mostly affects undernourished and lean youth in low- and middle-income countries.

What is Type 5 Diabetes?

  • It is a malnutrition-related form of diabetes, distinct from both Type 1 and Type 2.
  • Mainly impacts young adults with low BMI (below 18.5).
  • The disease is linked to poor nutrition during early life or even during the fetal stage.
  • Previously known as J-type diabetes in 1955 and later called Malnutrition-Related Diabetes Mellitus (MRDM) by WHO in 1985.
  • It was dropped from WHO classification in 1999 due to limited scientific evidence.
  • Now, in April 2025, it has been officially acknowledged again as a distinct diabetes type.

How It Differs from Other Types

  • Unlike Type 2, which involves insulin resistance, Type 5 involves low insulin production due to damaged pancreatic beta cells.
  • No autoimmune or genetic markers (seen in Type 1) are present.
  • People with this type show extremely low fat stores, and their diets lack protein and vital nutrients.
  • Liver glucose production is also lower than in Type 2 diabetics.
  • Often misdiagnosed due to its similarity with other diabetes forms and lack of classification.

Early-Life Causes and Historical Factors

  • Begins often in the womb – due to poor maternal nutrition during pregnancy.
  • Leads to incomplete development of the pancreas, reducing insulin secretion ability in adulthood.
  • Long-term undernutrition is often a result of colonial exploitation, food insecurity, and high physical labour, especially in regions like South Asia and Africa.

Treatment and Way Forward

  • Needs a nutritional approach, with high-protein diets and balanced intake of carbs and fats.
  • Treatment may include insulin or oral medication, but only after proper diagnosis.
  • Focus is on restoring healthy weight and improving body functions through nutrition.
  • The IDF is now forming diagnostic criteria, enabling proper identification and care.

What is Diabetes?

  • Diabetes mellitus is a chronic health condition where the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
  • Glucose is the main source of energy, and its levels are controlled by a hormone called insulin.

Hormone Involved: Insulin

  • Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas.
  • It helps move glucose from the blood into the body’s cells to be used for energy or stored.
  • Without enough insulin, or if the body doesn’t use insulin properly, blood sugar remains high, leading to diabetes.

Causes of Diabetes

  • Autoimmune reaction (body attacks insulin-making cells)
  • Insulin resistance (body doesn’t respond to insulin)
  • Genetics (family history of diabetes)
  • Unhealthy lifestyle:
  • Poor diet (high sugar/fat)
  • Lack of exercise
  • Obesity
  • Hormonal imbalances or diseases of the pancreas

Type 1 Diabetes

  • The body’s immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
  • Very little or no insulin is made.
  • Usually develops in children or young adults.
  • Needs insulin injections for life.
  • Cause: Autoimmune.

Type 2 Diabetes

  • The body doesn’t use insulin properly (insulin resistance), and later may not produce enough.
  • More common in adults, but now seen in younger people too due to poor lifestyle.
  • Managed with diet, exercise, tablets, and sometimes insulin.

Cause: Lifestyle + Genetics.

Conclusion

The formal recognition of Type 5 Diabetes is an important step in addressing health inequities linked to poverty and malnutrition. It brings long-overdue attention to vulnerable populations, helping design better diagnosis, treatment, and policy interventions.

Prelims Practice Question:

  1. With reference to Diabetes Mellitus, consider the following statements:
  1. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands to regulate blood sugar levels.
  2. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body destroys insulin-producing cells.
  3. Type 2 Diabetes is primarily caused by the body’s inability to use insulin effectively.
  4. Type 2 Diabetes can never be managed without insulin injections.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1, 3, and 4 only
  4. 2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

  • Insulin is produced by the pancreas, not the adrenal glands.
  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
  • Type 2 diabetes is due to insulin resistance.
  • Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with diet, exercise, and oral medication; insulin is not always needed.

FICTION OF BALANCED TRADE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU

The U.S., under Donald Trump’s leadership, began a global tariff war aiming to reduce trade deficits, which disrupted global markets. This move is affecting economies like India, bringing both risks and opportunities.

U.S. and Its Tariff Policy Shift

  • The U.S. under President Trump started a series of trade restrictions, raising tariffs on many imported items like steel, aluminium, and cars.
  • While some temporary relief was given, most high tariffs are still in place.
  • The goal was to reduce the trade gap by pushing for “balanced trade” with each partner.

Rising Global Trade Tensions

  • These protectionist steps led to major reactions from countries like China, sparking trade disputes.
  • The U.S. has moved from cooperative trade systems to a confrontational, bilateral approach.
  • Trade partnerships are weakening, and economic ties are becoming more uncertain.

Economic Instability and Recession Fears

  • Global markets have become unstable, with falling investor confidence due to shifting trade rules.
  • Businesses are facing rising costs and uncertain supply chains, affecting profits.
  • These factors have increased fears of a global economic slowdown.

Worrying Trends in U.S. Bond Markets

  • U.S. bond markets show signs of stress – yields are rising, indicating foreign investors may be pulling out of U.S. assets.
  • This rare trend signals global mistrust in U.S. economic stability.
  • Such pressure may have led the U.S. to pause some tariffs temporarily.

Misunderstanding Trade Deficits

  • The Trump administration treated trade deficits as economic weakness.
  • But economists say deficits can reflect strong investment or domestic demand.
  • Trying to force equal trade with every country overlooks the complex causes of trade imbalances.

Impact on India: Threats and Opportunities

India may face challenges like:

  • Falling global demand for exports.
  • Cheap Chinese goods entering Indian markets.

But benefits may include:

  • Lower global prices, easing inflation.
  • New investments as companies shift from China, especially in electronics.

Way Forward for India

  • Strengthen trade ties with the U.S. while protecting its service sector.
  • Offer strategic imports (like energy or defense) to reduce trade tension.
  • Use U.S. pressure to push agricultural reforms.
  • Expand trade with EU, ASEAN, and other blocs.
  • Lower its own import duties to promote competitiveness and reform.

Conclusion:

The global trade shift led by U.S. tariffs gives India a rare chance to reform its trade and economic systems. By acting smartly, India can strengthen its global position and boost long-term growth.

TURTLE 03233’S JOURNEY CHALLENGES OLIVE RIDLEY MIGRATION PATTERNS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU

An Olive Ridley turtle, tagged in Odisha in 2021, was found nesting 4,500 km away in Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, revealing a new migration path and nesting behavior for the species.

  • Turtle tagged as 03233 was originally from Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary on India’s east coast.
  • It was found nesting alone at Guhagar beach in Ratnagiri on the west coast.
  • Scientists believe it possibly swam around Sri Lanka to reach the new nesting site.
  • This is the first recorded case of such a long-distance migration for an Olive Ridley in India.

Scientific Importance

  • Traditionally, Olive Ridleys are known to return to eastern Indian beaches, like Odisha, in large groups (arribadas) to lay eggs.
  • The nesting in Maharashtra shows a wider breeding range than previously thought.
  • This challenges the belief that Olive Ridleys only nest on the east coast.

Tracking and Monitoring

  • Turtle 03233 had a flipper tag, which helps track movement only when the turtle is physically found again.
  • Satellite tags, though more accurate, are expensive and not widely used.
  • Inspired by this discovery, Maharashtra has started tagging turtles along the Konkan coast to better understand their routes.

Conservation and Community Role

  • The finding stresses the need to protect turtle nesting sites on both coasts of India.
  • More tagging and studies are needed to confirm if such long migrations are common.
  • Local conservation volunteers (kasav mitras) helped identify the turtle, showing how community participation is vital in wildlife protection.

Prelims Practice Question

  1. With reference to the Olive Ridley turtles, consider the following statements:
  1. The Olive Ridley turtles are known for their mass nesting called “arribada.”
  2. They are classified as “Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
  3. They primarily inhabit the coasts of the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
  4. The Olive Ridley turtles only nest along the coastlines of India and Sri Lanka.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2, and 3 only
  3. 2, 3, and 4 only
  4. 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: B

Explanation:

  • The Olive Ridley turtles are known for their mass nesting called “arribada,” where thousands of females gather to nest on the same beach.
  • The Olive Ridley turtle is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN (not “Endangered”), but the status can change depending on region and conservation efforts.
  • These turtles are found in both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Olive Ridley turtles nest along many other coasts, including Central America and Mexico, not just India and Sri Lanka.

MINIATURE LASER ON SILICON CHIP

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Researchers from the US and Europe have achieved a major milestone by growing miniature lasers directly on silicon chips, marking a breakthrough in silicon photonics. The results were recently published in the journal Nature.

What Is the Innovation?

  • Scientists have successfully created tiny lasers directly on silicon wafers.
  • Earlier, lasers were made separately and later attached to chips, which caused slow speed, high costs, and performance issues.
  • This technique now allows lasers to be grown on-chip using a scalable process, which is also compatible with CMOS technology — widely used in chip manufacturing.

Significance in Silicon Photonics

  • This development is crucial in silicon photonics, a field where light (photons) replaces electrons for carrying information.
  • Photons travel faster, consume less power, and offer greater bandwidth, making them better than traditional electronic signals.
  • This is especially important for data centres, optical sensors, and quantum computing.

Components of a Photonic Chip

A photonic chip typically includes:

  • A laser light source
  • Waveguides to direct light
  • Modulators to code and decode information
  • Photodetectors to turn light into electrical signals

Laser Design and Materials

  • Lasers work through stimulated emission, where electrons drop energy levels and release coherent light.
  • Silicon is not ideal for light generation due to its indirect bandgap.
  • Hence, materials like gallium arsenide (GaAs) and a protective layer of indium gallium phosphide were used in this innovation.
  • Electrical contacts were added to supply power to the laser.

Conclusion

This breakthrough bridges a key gap in silicon photonics and paves the way for faster, energy-efficient computing systems by enabling on-chip laser integration.

CREUTZFELDT-JAKOB DISEASE (CJD)

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU

Two individuals in the United States have reportedly died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) within a few months, bringing attention to this rare and fatal brain disorder.

What is CJD?

  • CJD is a rare neurological condition that leads to rapid mental decline and death.
  • It is a type of prion disease, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs).
  • Though symptoms may appear similar to Alzheimer’s disease, CJD progresses much faster.
  • The disease is very rare, with only about 1 to 2 cases per million people globally each year.
  • It commonly affects older adults.

Cause of CJD

  • The disease is caused by misfolded proteins called prions.
  • Normal prions are found mostly in the nervous system and are harmless.
  • When a prion becomes abnormal, it triggers other nearby prions to misfold.
  • These abnormal prions accumulate in the brain, causing nerve damage and cell loss.

Symptoms

  • Rapid loss of memory and dementia
  • Jerky muscle movements (myoclonus)
  • Poor coordination and trouble walking
  • Most patients die within a year after symptoms begin, mainly due to infections caused by immobility.

Treatment

  • There is no cure for CJD.
  • Treatment is supportive, focusing on easing symptoms.
  • Pain relief and antidepressants are used to manage discomfort and emotional distress.

Conclusion

CJD is a rapidly progressive and incurable brain disorder. Although extremely rare, it highlights the need for continued research on prion diseases and neurodegeneration.

TUTI ISLAND

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU

Tuti Island in Sudan has suffered severe damage due to ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The island now faces violence, occupation, and environmental threats.

About Tuti Island

  • Tuti Island lies at the meeting point of the Blue and White Nile rivers in Khartoum, Sudan.
  • It covers around 8 square kilometers and is one of the oldest inhabited areas of the city.
  • The island is well-known for its fertile land, making it a hub for farming and fishing, earning the title “Khartoum’s garden.”
  • It has cultural importance for the Mahas community, who have lived there since the 15th century.
  • Tuti Island reflects local traditions, indigenous identity, and a model of sustainable living.

Impact of War

  • Since the outbreak of civil war in April 2023, the island has experienced occupation, destruction, and displacement of locals.
  • According to UN reports, the wider conflict has:
  • Killed tens of thousands,
  • Displaced over 13 million people,
  • Pushed around 100,000 into famine in Khartoum alone.
  • Tuti’s strategic location has made it vulnerable to both military presence and looting.

Climate and Environmental Challenges

  • Climate change has worsened the situation by affecting the natural flow of the Nile.
  • Irregular flooding and rising temperatures have led to droughts, flooding, and desertification.
  • These environmental shifts threaten agriculture, water supply, and traditional practices.

Conservation Efforts: HEART Project

  • The HEART Project (Heritage Empowered Action for Risk in Tuti) was launched to:
  • Protect local heritage,
  • Document the Taya irrigation system, and
  • Preserve community knowledge from being lost due to war and climate stress.

Conclusion

Tuti Island represents the tragic intersection of conflict, cultural loss, and climate change. Immediate steps are needed to protect both its people and heritage.