• Recently, the government is considering reviving a concept shelved in 2021 to integrate the knowledge economy as a supplementary metric alongside gross domestic product (GDP).
• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently held a session on the “Conceptual Framework of GDKP Measurement.”
• The Gross Domestic Knowledge Product (GDKP) concept was initially proposed by Umberto Sulpasso of the University of Southern California and Prof. Jeff Cole.
• GDKP is a proposed metric designed to measure the knowledge generated and utilized within an economy, complementing GDP.
• It evaluates a nation’s growth and future prospects based on four key pillars: Knowledge Items (Ki), the Country’s Knowledge Producing Matrix (CKPM), the Country’s Knowledge User Matrix (CKUM), and the Cost of Learning.
• This initiative aims to quantify the role of knowledge, innovation, and intellectual assets in shaping India’s economic and social landscape.

• The recent discovery of the Crocodile Catfish in the Bahini River, located in the Basistha locality of Guwahati, has raised alarm over potential ecological disruptions.
• Bahini-Bharalu river is mostly popular as Bharalu river.
• The Bharalu River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam.
• The Bharalu River originates in the Khasi Hillsof Meghalaya and flows through the heart of Guwahati before its confluence with the Brahmaputra River.
• Bharalu river is one of the most polluted riversin the state of Assam.

• India’s advanced BrahMos cruise missile is set for a major upgrade, with the development of the BrahMos NG (Next Generation) missile system in its final stages. The missile is expected to make its first flight run in 2026, promising enhanced capabilities.”
• BrahMos NG is an advanced supersonic cruise missile developed through the India-Russia joint venture.
• It is a lighter and smaller version of its predecessor, the BrahMos Block III.
• The BrahMos NG retains the same 290 km range and Mach 3.5 speed as the Block III but is lighter (1.6 tonnes vs. 3 tonnes) and smaller (6m vs. 9m), making it more adaptable to various platforms, such as the Sukhoi-30MKI and Tejas fighter aircraft.
• The missile will feature a domestically developed AESA radar (Active Electronically Scanned Array), with the first test flight expected sometime between in 2025-26.
• India delivered the first batch of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to the Philippines in 2024 under a $375 million deal signed in 2022.
• Advanced negotiations are underway with Indonesia for a $450 million deal. Additionally, several countries in Africa and West Asia have shown interest in acquiring the BrahMos NG.

• According to a report by German watch an environmental think tank, India ranks as the sixth-most affected country globally between 1993 and 2022, with 80,000 fatalities and economic losses totaling around USD 180 billion.
• This highlights the growing urgency of addressing climate change and its significant impact on vulnerable regions.”
• The Climate Risk Index (CRI)ranks countries based on their vulnerability to extreme weather events.
• It assesses the human and economic losses due to climate-induced disasters.
• The countries most impacted by climate change include Dominica, China, and Honduras, which ranked as the worst-affected nations. India, Myanmar, Italy, and Vanuatu are also among the top 10 most impacted countries
• The report stresses the disproportionate effects on nations in the Global South, where data collection often lacks comprehensiveness, hindering a full understanding of the crisis.”

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron recently paid tribute to the Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the world wars, at the Mazargues War Cemetery in Marseille, France.
• The Mazargues War Cemetery, which honors soldiers who died in both World War I (1914-18) and World War II (1939-45), contains 1,487 graves from World War I and 267 from World War II.
• In July 1925, Field Marshal Sir William Birdwood unveiled the Indian Memorial at the cemetery, which spans 9,021 square meters.
• Among the World War I burials, there are 993 Indian soldiers and 465 soldiers from the UK, while World War II burials include 199 from the UK, 43 from Canada, and others from various countries.
• Over 1.3 million Indian soldiers served during World War I, with around 138,000 deployed in Europe, where they fought valiantly in key battles such as the First Battle of Ypres and the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle.”

• World Whale Day is observed annually on the third Sunday in February. In 2025, it will be celebrated on Sunday, February 16th.
• It was founded in 1980 in Maui, Hawaii, to recognize humpback whales.
• The day was started by Greg Kauffman of the Pacific Whale Foundation.
• Its purpose is to raise awareness about the threat of extinction faced by humpback whales.

General Studies Paper -2

Context: India and France share a robust strategic partnership based on mutual respect, shared values, and cooperation on global challenges, reaffirmed during PM Modi’s recent visit to France.

India-France Relationship

Historical Background:

• Diplomatic ties between India and France date back to 1947 when France recognized India’s independence.
• The relationship transformed significantly, culminating in the establishment of a strategic partnership in 1998.
• France was among the first Western nations to support India after its nuclear tests, recognizing it as a responsible nuclear power.

Trade and Economic Partnership:

• France is India’s 11th largest trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade exceeding $12 billion in 2023.
• French companies like Airbus, Dassault, Renault, and Michelin have significant operations in India, while Indian IT firms like TCS, Infosys, and Wipro maintain a strong presence in France.
• At the 14th India-France CEOs Forum, PM Modi emphasized increasing investments in digital technology, green energy, and artificial intelligence.

Defense Cooperation:

• Defense Industrial Roadmap: Aimed at co-designing and co-developing military hardware.
• Advanced Artillery & Technology Transfer: Collaboration on advanced weaponry, joint military exercises (e.g., Varuna), and defense technology sharing.
• France-India Defence Startup Excellence (FRIND-X): Initiative under HORIZON 2047 and the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap.
• Rafale Fighter Jets: India procured 36 Rafale jets under a 2016 deal, with a recent agreement for Rafale-M jets to operate from India’s aircraft carriers, set for delivery by 2029.
• Scorpène-Class Submarines: France assisted India in building Scorpène-class submarines and plans integration of Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) under Project 75, along with a possible Integrated Combat System (ICS) in future P75-AS submarines.

Space Collaboration:

• ISRO and CNES collaborate on satellite launches and joint research, enhancing space technology applications.

Strategic & Geopolitical Cooperation:

• Shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific; strengthened naval collaboration to counter China’s influence.
• France supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council (UNSC) seat and its membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): A MoU signed at the G20 Summit to facilitate European market access, technological collaboration, and counter China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Energy & Climate Cooperation:

• International Solar Alliance (ISA): Co-founded by India and France in 2015 to promote solar energy worldwide.
• Collaboration on nuclear energy projects including nuclear reactors at Jaitapur, Maharashtra.
• Agreements for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMRs).
• France supports India’s renewable energy ambitions by investing in hydrogen energy and sustainable urban development.
• India-France Indo-Pacific Triangular Development Cooperation: Supports climate and SDG-focused projects in third countries in the Indo-Pacific.

Counterterrorism & Financial Security:

• Joint efforts against terrorism through designations of UN-sanctioned individuals and organizations.
• Commitment to Financial Action Task Force (FATF) standards and participation in No Money for Terror (NMFT) initiatives.

Health Infrastructure:

• Cooperation in digital health, antimicrobial resistance, and exchange of health professionals under the Indo-French Life Sciences Sister Innovation Hub.
• Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) collaboration for biotech innovation.

Cultural & Educational Exchanges:

• France remains a popular destination for Indian students, with over 10,000 currently studying there.
• Opening of the Consulate General of India in Marseille to strengthen cultural and business ties.
• Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under the India-France Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA).

Concerns in India-France Relations

• Trade & Economic Frictions:
• Lack of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA): France supports an ambitious EU-India trade deal, but differences over tariffs, labor laws, and environmental clauses have delayed progress.
• Agricultural & Dairy Disputes: France sees India’s protectionist policies as a hurdle, particularly regarding dairy and wine market access. India seeks fewer restrictions on IT services and skilled labor mobility.
• Digital Taxation & Data Protection: France’s digital tax policies affect Indian IT firms, while India’s data localization rules raise concerns for French businesses.
• Technology Transfer Issues:
  • Barriers to Technology Transfer: India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat push for technology transfer, while France remains cautious, particularly in military technology.
  • Delays in Project Implementation: Indo-French defense projects, especially naval collaborations, have faced delays, raising concerns over cost escalations.
• Geopolitical Challenges:
  • Russia-Ukraine War: India’s neutral stance contrasts with France’s pro-Western approach, impacting defense trade and energy security.
  • Multilateral Cooperation Issues: Divergences on UNSC reforms, climate change policy, and energy transitions require negotiation.
  • Rise of Protectionism & Visa Issues: Stricter work and study visa rules affect business mobility.
  • China Factor & Indo-Pacific Strategy: France balances ties with China, sometimes conflicting with India’s deepening QUAD and AUKUS engagements.

Conclusion & Way Forward

• While India and France share a strong, time-tested relationship, geopolitical divergences, defense technology issues, and trade frictions require diplomatic foresight and pragmatic solutions.
• Strengthening defense collaboration, economic cooperation, and multilateral coordination is crucial.
• Both nations are well-positioned to play a key role in regional and global stability.

• “PETA India recently unveiled Asia’s first hyper-realistic, life-sized animatronic elephant, Ellie, at St. Joseph’s School in Bengaluru. The initiative, led by PETA, aims to raise awareness about animal welfare and the plight of elephants in captivity.”
• UN Secretary-General Advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals and UN Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador, actress Dia Mirza, lent her voice to Ellie as part of a unique PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals India) initiative to foster empathy among children.
• Since May 2023, Ellie has reached over 165,000 children across India, visiting private, public, and international schools.
• Through these visits, PETA India aims to raise awareness about ethical treatment of elephants and combat practices that involve animal cruelty.
• PETA was founded in 1980 by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco. It is headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, USA.
• PETA India was established in 2000. It is one of the most prominent animal rights organizations in India.

• “The Karnataka government unveiled the Karnataka Industrial Policy 2025-30, aiming to make the state a leading destination for high-technology manufacturing investments in Asia. The policy focuses on attracting sectors like aerospace, electronics, and biotechnology to boost innovation and economic growth.”
• The policy will establish 12 new investment zones across 30,000 acres, adding to over 200 existing industrial areas.
• ₹3,800 crore has been allocated for clean water supply to these zones, supporting the broader strategy of enhancing production efficiency and reducing costs.
• Investors will have the option of capital subsidies or production-linked incentives, with a strong focus on green initiatives and aligning with global sustainability goals.
• The policy also emphasizes the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

• Recently India and France reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC), which was launched during the G20 Summit in Delhi in September 2023.
• The project, involving Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, faced delays due to the Gaza conflict, but both countries emphasized its importance for regional trade and economic growth and pledged to work together more closely on its implementation.
• The India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) is a connectivity project aimed at enhancing trade between India, the Arabian Peninsula, the Mediterranean, and Europe by developing infrastructure such as ports, railways, roads, sea routes, and pipelines.
• Announced in 2023 during the G20 Summit in New Delhi, it involves India, the US, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the European Union.
• IMEC consists of two corridors: the eastern corridor connecting India to the Arabian Gulf, and the northern corridor linking the Gulf to Europe, with a cross-border railway network, maritime routes, and additional infrastructure like electricity grids, fiber optics, and hydrogen pipelines.
• The project aims to reduce costs, enhance regional supply chains, promote economic cooperation, and lower emissions, supported by the US-led Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII).