General Studies Paper-3 Context Union Minister of Science & Technology called for a wider public understanding and inclusive participation in India’s biotechnology mission, stating that every Indian is a stakeholder in the country’s bioeconomy. The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to realizing a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030. What is Bioeconomy? The bioeconomy is the use of renewable biological resources to produce food, energy and industrial goods, which supports sustainability and economic growth. Innovations like gene editing and bioprinting are driving progress, while integration across sectors strengthens long-term impact. By aligning biotechnology with digital tools and circular economy principles, the....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: India’s foreign trade dynamics have shifted significantly over the past two decades, with “invisibles”—exports of services and remittances from Indians abroad—now playing a more crucial role than physical goods. India’s Service Sector India’s services sector covers a wide variety of activities such as trade, hotel and restaurants, transport, storage and communication, financing, insurance, real estate, business services, community, social and personal services, and services associated with construction. The Economic Survey 2024-25, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, highlights the service sector as the ‘Old War Horse’ of India’s economy, driving growth both domestically and globally. Present....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context The Union Cooperation Minister laid the foundation stone for India’s first national-level cooperative university, ‘Tribhuvan Sahkari University’ (TSU), in Anand, Gujarat. He also said that cooperative societies have an important contribution in the economic development of the country. What are Cooperatives? A cooperative (or co-op) is an organization or business that is owned and operated by a group of individuals who share a common interest, goal, or need. These individuals, known as members, participate in the cooperative’s activities and decision-making process, typically on a one-member, one-vote basis, regardless of the amount of capital or resources each....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context The Indian government has notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its proposal to levy retaliatory tariffs amounting to nearly $724 million on the U.S.. About The move follows the United States’ decision to extend safeguard tariffs—amounting to a 25% ad valorem increase—on imports of passenger vehicles, light trucks, and certain automobile components from India. The proposed suspension of concessions by India or other obligations would take the form of an increase in tariffs on selected products originating in the US. Background of U.S. Tariffs Originally imposed in 2018 under President Trump, these tariffs targeted steel....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context On July 5, 2025, India marks both the fourth anniversary of its Ministry of Cooperation and the International Day of Cooperatives, during a year globally recognized as the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives. This convergence underscores the renewed relevance and strategic importance of the cooperative model in India’s development agenda, particularly within the Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India) vision. Contemporary Relevance The cooperative movement in India is the largest in the world, with over 8.4 lakh registered cooperatives and a membership base of nearly 29 crore citizens, reflecting deep roots in the country’s socio-economic fabric. The....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context Manufacturing has long been the backbone of economic growth, employment generation, and technological advancement for emerging economies. In this context, India’s ‘Make in India’ (2014) and China’s ‘Made in China 2025’ (MIC2025) (2015) represent ambitious policy frameworks aimed at repositioning their respective countries in the global manufacturing value chain. A comparative assessment of these initiatives provides valuable lessons for India as it seeks to catalyse its own industrial revolution. Objectives and Strategic Vision Made in China 2025 (MIC2025): Aim: Upgrade China’s manufacturing capabilities, reduce foreign dependence, and move up the global value chain. Focus: Ten strategic....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context: The Telangana Gig and Platform Workers’ Union (TGPWU)urged the State government to ensure minimum wages, legal recognition, and comprehensive welfare schemes, for gig and platform workers. Who are gig workers? The World Economic Forum defines the gig economy as short-term, task-based work facilitated by digital platforms connecting workers with customers. In India, gig workers are considered “self-employed,” with increasing female participation. Gig work includes web-based tasks like content writing and software development, and location-based services like driving and food delivery through platforms such as Ola and Zomato. Gig workers are paid per task, enjoying flexible work....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context India has completed eight years since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on July 1, 2017, a significant reform aimed at creating a “One Nation, One Tax” regime. Key Aspects of GST Destination-Based Indirect Tax: GST is a destination-based tax, meaning the tax revenue accrues to the State where the goods or services are consumed, not where they are produced. This is a key shift from the earlier origin-based taxation system. Dual GST Model: India has adopted a dual GST model, meaning both the Centre and States/Union Territories (UTs) levy taxes on the....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context India has, for the first time, secured a position among the top 100 countries in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Index. About The Sustainable Development Report (SDR) reviews progress made each year on the Sustainable Development Goals since their adoption by the 193 UN Member States in 2015. This edition also includes for the first time an assessment of which countries have made the most progress on the SDGs using a headline SDG Index (SDGi). Major Highlights Global Commitment through Voluntary National Reviews (VNRs): 190 out of 193 UN member states have participated in the VNR....Read More

General Studies Paper-3 Context Despite India’s rise as the world’s fourth-largest economy with a nominal GDP of $3.9 trillion, concerns persist over the lack of inclusivity in economic growth. The Illusion of Growth GDP vs. Per Capita Reality: Although India’s GDP has expanded significantly, the average per capita income stands at just $2,800 (₹2.33 lakh/year), far below countries like Vietnam ($4,300) and China ($12,500). Extreme Wealth Concentration: The top 1% of Indians own over 40% of the nation’s wealth. The top 5% control 62%. If their wealth is excluded, the effective per capita income for the rest falls to ₹5,600....Read More