General Studies Paper-2

Context

• British PM Keir Starmer’s visit to India, new EFTA trade pact, and EU trade negotiations indicate Europe’s growing role in India’s diplomacy.

Triggers for Western Pluralism:

• US Policy Shifts under Trump: “America First” nationalism questioned alliances and security commitments.
• It undermined the global institutions and trade norms.
• Internal Divisions within the West: The western countries have disagreements on various global issues such as Russia, China, trade, and technology.
• Europe itself begins to develop its own geopolitical act rather than remain a mere extension of the US within the so-called “collective West.”
• Europe’s Response: It has called for strategic autonomy and continental sovereignty.
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that “Europe must be prepared to stand on its own feet — economically, technologically, and militarily.

India-EU Relations

• Political cooperation: India-EU relations date to the early 1960s, and a cooperation agreement signed in 1994 took the bilateral relationship beyond trade and economic cooperation.
  • The first India-EU Summit, in 2000, marked a landmark in the evolution of the relationship.
  • At the 5th India-EU Summit at The Hague in 2004, the relationship was upgraded to a ‘Strategic Partnership’.
• Economic cooperation: India’s bilateral trade in goods with the EU was USD 137.41 billion in 2023-24, making it the largest trading partner of India for goods.
  • EU is India’s largest trading partner for goods, 17% of India’s exports go to the EU and 9% of EU exports come to India.
• India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations:
  • Negotiation Resumption: Talks resumed in 2022 after an 8-year hiatus .
  • Objective: To finalize a comprehensive trade agreement covering goods, services, investments, and geographical indications.
  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission President agreed to seal the deal by the end of this year.
• Other areas of cooperation:
  • The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, aims to enhance technological, scientific, and policy frameworks in water management.
  • In 2020, there was an agreement for research and development cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the European Atomic Energy Community and the Government of India.
  • India and the EU established the Trade and Technology Council (TTC) in 2023. The TTC is a forum for the two parties to collaborate on trade, technology, and security. The TTC’s goals.
• India’s Two Levels of Engagement
  • EU as a bloc: Regular summits, strategic dialogues on trade, tech, security, foreign policy.
  • Bilateral with major EU members: Deepening ties with France, Germany, Nordic and Eastern European countries.

Factors Shaping India-Europe Relations:

• Geopolitical Shifts and Strategic Autonomy: Return of war in Europe (Russia–Ukraine) and the global erosion of multilateralism.
  • Europe seeking greater strategic autonomy from the US especially post-Trump era.
  • India aims to maintain a multipolar world order while diversifying its partnerships beyond the US, Russia, and China.
• Trade and Economic Cooperation: EU is one of India’s largest trade and investment partners.
  • India and EU are keen on concluding India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Investment Agreement.
  • IMEC (India–Middle East–Europe Corridor) provides opportunities for strategic connectivity and trade.
• Technology and Digital Sovereignty: Both have the shared interest in promoting digital technologies as public goods.
  • India can benefit from Europe’s strengths in deep tech, semiconductors, and digital manufacturing.
• Defence and Strategic Cooperation: Europe is a key arms supplier to India.
  • India seeks joint development, co-production, and technology transfer.
  • Europe is rearming due to the Ukraine war; India is pursuing Atmanirbharta (self-reliance).
  • Indo-Pacific and Maritime Strategy: Europe increasingly views the Indo-Pacific as a strategic priority.
  • India is working with France, Germany, and others to promote free and open Indo-Pacific.

Challenges in the India – EU Relations

• India’s Stand on Ukraine War: Europe expects India to be more critical of Russia; India maintains strategic neutrality.
• EU’s Stand on Pakistan and Terrorism: India expects the EU to hold Pakistan accountable for state-sponsored terrorism.
• Slow Progress on Trade Agreements: The India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations have faced multiple deadlocks.
  • Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposed by the EU creates additional trade barriers for India.
• Human Rights and Normative Pressure: EU often adopts a prescriptive stance on India’s internal matters (e.g., Kashmir, CAA, farm laws).
  • India views this as interference in domestic affairs, causing diplomatic friction.
• Regulatory and Standards Barriers: EU’s strict regulations on data privacy, digital taxation, environmental standards, and labour laws are hurdles for Indian exporters and tech firms.
  • Media stereotypes and limited public awareness in Europe with respect to India hinder people-to-people ties.

Way Ahead

• Fast-Track Trade and Investment Agreements: Conclude the long-pending India–EU Free Trade Agreement and Investment Protection Agreement.
• Deepen Strategic and Defence Cooperation: Move beyond buyer-seller relationship to joint development and co-production of defence technologies.
• Expand Mobility and Education Partnerships: Finalise a comprehensive mobility agreement for skilled professionals, students, and researchers.
• Build Resilient Supply Chains: Diversify away from China by promoting trusted, transparent supply chains.
• Leverage initiatives like IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor) for logistics, energy, and trade.
• Enhance People-to-People and Cultural Ties: Promote tourism, media engagement, and cultural exchanges to break stereotypes and deepen mutual understanding.

Conclusion

• The evolving Western pluralism, marked by Europe’s rearmament and diversified trade creates both opportunities and challenges for India.
• It expands India’s diplomatic space while demanding faster domestic adaptation to leverage economic and strategic advantages in a more multipolar world.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• India is positioning itself as a global leader in climate action with ambitious targets for renewable energy, green hydrogen, and decentralized power systems.
• However, it is threatened by a persistent and widening climate finance gap.

India’s Clean Energy Transition

• India is rapidly shifting from coal-dominated power generation to a diversified mix of solar, wind, hydro, bioenergy, and nuclear with a target of achieving 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030.

Growth in Renewable Energy

• India’s non-fossil fuel installed capacity reached 213.70 GW by late 2024.
• India added 24.5 GW of solar energy capacity, ranking third globally—behind only China and the United States in 2024.
• India stands alongside Brazil and China as a leading developing economy advancing large-scale solar and wind deployment, recognised by the UN Secretary-General’s 2025 Climate Report.
• Wind Energy: Installed capacity grew to 47.96 GW, with total wind capacity (including pipeline projects) at 74.44 GW.
• Hydro and Bioenergy: Combined capacity from small and large hydro projects exceeded 72 GW, while bioenergy reached 11.34 GW.
• Nuclear Energy: Installed capacity rose to 8.18 GW, with total capacity including pipeline projects at 22.48 GW.
  • India contributed nearly 5% to India’s GDP growth, supporting over one million jobs, including 80,000 in off-grid solar in 2023.
  • IRENA projects India could achieve 2.8% average annual GDP growth through 2050 under a 1.5°C-aligned pathway.

Growth of Green and Sustainable Finance

• Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-linked (GSS+) debt issuance totalled $55.9 billion, marking a 186% rise since 2021.
• Green bonds accounted for 83% of this, with cumulative investments surpassing $45 billion in 2025, with sustainable finance targets set at $100 billion by 2030.
• Key enablers include:
  • Sovereign green bonds and SEBI-regulated social bonds;
  • Solar Park Scheme auctions that attract private capital;
  • Growing investor confidence in India’s sustainable finance frameworks;

Financial Gap Behind the Growth

• India requires between $1.5 trillion and $2.5 trillion in climate investments by 2030, according to IRENA and India’s Ministry of Finance, to stay on a 1.5°C pathway. These funds are needed for:
  • Expanding renewable capacity;
  • Strengthening power grids;
  • Scaling battery storage and green hydrogen;
  • Supporting sustainable transport and agriculture;
• Most Green Bonds have been driven by large private firms, which accounted for 84% of total green bond issuance.
• Expanding access to MSMEs, agri-tech innovators, and local developers remains critical.
• Carbon-intensive Sectors in India: ‘India’s Climate Finance Requirements: An Assessment’ highlighted that India needs to mobilise USD 467 billion in climate finance by 2030 to put its four most carbon-intensive sectors — power, steel, cement, and transport — on a low-carbon trajectory.

Way Forward

• Diversifying Climate Finance Strategy: India needs to broaden and deepen its climate finance approach. Public finance needs to play a catalytic role in leveraging private investment through fiscal incentives and de-risking tools. Blended finance offers a pragmatic pathway:
  • Partial guarantees and subordinated debt can enhance investor confidence.
  • Performance or loan guarantees can mobilize funds for mid-sized clean projects in Tier II and III cities.
  • Institutional capital—from pension funds, insurers, and sovereign wealth funds—must be mobilized for green investments.
  • Regulatory reforms are essential to enable institutional investors to commit a portion of their portfolios to ESG-aligned projects.
• Unlocking Carbon Markets and Innovation: The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme(CCTS) presents another opportunity to generate climate finance if implemented with transparency and equity.
  • Simultaneously, India must prioritize financing for climate adaptation and loss & damage, areas often overshadowed by mitigation.
• Blended Finance Models: Combining concessional and commercial capital to de-risk investments and support MSMEs, agri-tech innovators, and decentralized energy developers.
• Climate Finance Taxonomy: The Finance Ministry’s draft taxonomy aims to guide investments toward sustainable projects and prevent greenwashing, aligning with India’s Net Zero by 2070 goal.
• India needs to focus on technology-driven solutions such as:
  • Blockchain for transparent climate finance tracking;
  • AI-powered risk assessments for green portfolios;
  • Customised blended finance models adapted to India’s socio-economic context;

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Recently, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace proposal, dubbed as ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aimed at ending the protracted war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Core Elements of the Gaza Peace Plan Announced By Trump

• Hamas Disarmament and Amnesty: The Plan demands disarmament and surrender of Hamas and relinquish control of Gaza.
  • Members pledging peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza will receive safe passage to countries such as Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, or Iran.
• International Stabilization Force (ISF): A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), supported by the US, Arab partners, Jordan, and Egypt, will replace Israeli troops in Gaza.
  • The ISF aims to secure borders, prevent arms smuggling, and train vetted Palestinian police. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw, maintaining only a ‘security perimeter presence’ until full stability is ensured.
• Transitional Governance: Governance of Gaza will shift to a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, supervised by an international ‘Board of Peace’ led by Trump itself.
• Humanitarian Relief and Reconstruction: The plan allows unrestricted humanitarian aid, focusing on infrastructure rehabilitation, hospitals, food supply chains, and road clearance.
  • Aid will be delivered via the UN and Red Crescent without interference.
• Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: All hostages must be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
  • In exchange, Israel will release 250 life-term prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained post-October 7, including all women and children.
  • Remains of hostages will be exchanged at a ratio of 1 Israeli to 15 Palestinians.
• Regional and International Guarantees: Eight countries — Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — have welcomed the plan.
  • China and Russia expressed support.
  • Guarantees will be provided to ensure Gaza remains free from future militant threats.

Challenges to Implementing Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• Hamas’s Reluctance to Disarm and Cede Power: Hamas’s deep-rooted presence, ideological stance and role in armed resistance in the region are seen as the most formidable hurdle.
• Regional Opposition to Forced Resettlement: Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians could be relocated outside Gaza was swiftly rejected by key regional players like Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
  • These nations emphasized the right of Palestinians to remain in Gaza, opposing any form of displacement.
• Security and Sovereignty Concerns: The proposed plan for International Stabilization Force (ISF) until Gaza is deemed safe could be interpreted as a de facto Israeli occupation, undermining Palestinian sovereignty and fueling distrust.
• Clarity and Operational Details: The plan lacks timelines, maps, and enforcement mechanisms, raising doubts about its feasibility.
  • Trump did not take questions during the announcement, leaving many aspects of the plan ambiguous.

Political Implications of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• Israel’s Political Calculus: The plan demands Hamas’s complete disarmament and exclusion from Gaza’s future governance, a stance that could deepen internal Israeli debates over long-term strategy.
• Palestinian Governance Shift: Gaza would be governed by an apolitical Palestinian committee under international oversight, sidelining both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority until reforms are complete.
• The plan hints at a ‘credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination’, a politically sensitive proposition that could reignite debates over a two-state solution.
• Regional Diplomacy and Realignment: Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar are expected to facilitate Hamas’s safe exit and support reconstruction, signaling a shift toward more active Arab mediation.
  • The plan implicitly sidelines Iran, which backs Hamas, potentially altering the balance of influence in West Asia.
• For Trump: The plan could boost Trump’s legacy and ambitions for a Nobel Peace Prize, reminiscent of the Oslo Accords, if successful.
  • However, it carries a business dimension, with opportunities for large-scale reconstruction projects in Gaza.

Implications on India

• Diplomatic Alignment and Global Standing: India welcomed the plan, calling it a ‘viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace’ in West Asia.
  • India’s endorsement reflects its balanced diplomacy—maintaining ties with both Israel and Arab nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
• Strategic and Security Interests: The plan’s emphasis on counterterrorism and deradicalization aligns with India’s own security concerns, especially regarding cross-border extremism.
  • Israel noted that the plan reflects shared values between India and Israel, including the fight against terrorism.
• Economic and Infrastructure Opportunities: India’s expertise in infrastructure development could play a key role in Gaza’s reconstruction.
  • Peace in West Asia would boost India’s ambitions for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, facilitating trade and connectivity.
• Regional Stability and Diaspora Welfare: West Asia hosts over 9 million Indians, making regional stability crucial for their safety and economic well-being.
  • The region supplies about 80% of India’s oil, so peace could stabilize energy prices and ensure uninterrupted supply chains.
  • However, Pakistan’s prominent role in the Gaza plan raises concerns for India.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• The South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a transformative force in global development in shifting geopolitical landscapes, widening inequalities, and dwindling development aid.

About the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

• Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), 1978 enshrined principles of mutual respect, shared learning, and solidarity, far from being a transactional model among developing nations.
• Nairobi Outcome Document (2009): It was negotiated in the UN High-Level Conference on South-South Cooperation in Nairobi, Kenya and adopted by the UNGA.
• It defined the principles guiding how cooperation among developing countries (South-South cooperation) operates, expanding beyond technical assistance to encompass political, institutional, and infrastructural cooperation.
• The South-South Cooperation (SSC) is defined as a process where two or more developing countries pursue individual or shared capacity development objectives through knowledge exchange, skills, resources, and technical know-how.
• It involves governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
• It acts as a complement, not a substitute, to North-South cooperation.
• Triangular Cooperation is defined as ‘Southern-driven partnerships between two or more developing countries, supported by a developed country or multilateral organization’.
• It provides financial, technical, and experiential support to strengthen Southern partnerships and promote regional integration.

Key Principles of South-South Cooperation

• Common endeavor based on shared experiences, solidarity, and objectives.
• Respect for national sovereignty, ownership, and priorities.
• Partnerships among equals, free from conditionalities.
• Mutual accountability and transparency, aligned with development projects on the ground.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement: NGOs, private sector, civil society, academia.
• Theme (2025): ‘New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC’

Contemporary Relevance of SSTC

• A Response to Global Challenges: Over 800 million people still live in extreme poverty, and many developing nations spend more on debt servicing than on essential services like health and education.
  • SSTC provides homegrown, scalable solutions tailored to local realities—from climate-smart agriculture to digital finance and health innovations.
• Empowerment Through Solidarity: SSTC is built on mutual respect, shared learning, and sovereignty, unlike traditional aid models that often come with conditions.
  • It fosters self-reliance and resilience, enabling countries to co-create solutions rather than depend on external prescriptions.
• Catalyst for the SDGs: SSTC is a key engine for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially as traditional aid flows decline.
  • It’s transforming sectors like agriculture, health, education, and technology through locally owned, cost-effective innovations.

Key Concerns and Challenges in SSTC

• Fragmentation and Lack of Coordination: Diverse political systems, economic priorities, and historical contexts often lead to fragmented efforts and difficulty in forming unified positions on global issues.
  • It can dilute the impact of SSTC initiatives and hinder the creation of cohesive platforms for collaboration.
• Limited Institutional Capacity: Many developing countries lack the technical, financial, and institutional capacity to implement and sustain SSTC projects.
  • Fiscal constraints and evolving geopolitical dynamics pose serious challenges to collective action.
• Funding and Resource Gaps: SSTC often relies on trust funds and voluntary contributions, such as the India-UN Development Partnership Fund or the IBSA Fund.
  • These mechanisms are not always predictable or sufficient to meet growing development needs.
• Political Will and Follow-Through: There are concerns about inconsistent follow-through on commitments, while countries like India have shown strong rhetorical support for SSTC.
  • For example, the India-Africa Forum Summit has been overdue since 2015, raising questions about sustained engagement.
• Triangular Cooperation Complexities: Involving developed countries or multilateral organizations adds value but introduces power asymmetries and bureaucratic hurdles.

Role of United Nations (UN) & UNDP

• The United Nations commemorates SSTC on September 12, recognizing its role in fostering inclusive partnerships and sustainable development.
• UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC): It supports coherence and coordination of SSC and TrC initiatives.
• UNDP incorporated SSTC as a core working approach in its Strategic Plan (2014–2017).
• It serves as an operational arm to support SSTC at global, regional, and country levels.
• UNDP acts as Knowledge Broker, Capacity Development Supporter, and Partnership Facilitator.

India’s Role and Philosophy

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family): India’s evolution from a food-deficit to a food-surplus economy — underpinned by one of the world’s largest food safety nets — illustrates the power of indigenous solutions.
• Its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) aligns with SSTC’s values of inclusion and cooperation.
• India has emerged as a hub for cost-effective, locally relevant innovations in digital transformation, climate resilience, health systems, and sustainable financing.
• Key Contributions:
  • Hosting the Voice of the Global South Summits;
  • Securing permanent membership for the African Union during its G20 presidency;
  • Establishing the Development Partnership Administration;
  • Scaling the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in 160+ countries;
  • Launching the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and sharing digital innovations such as Aadhaar and UPI globally.
• India-WFP Partnership: India and the World Food Programme (WFP) have co-created solutions with global relevance for more than six decades. It piloted innovations such as:
  • Annapurti (Grain ATMs);
  • Supply chain optimisation in food distribution;
  • Women-led Take-Home Ration programme;
  • National rice fortification project;

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• The Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), launched in 2015 under the National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, has emerged as a flagship initiative to promote organic farming in India.

What is Organic farming?

• Organic farming is a sustainable agriculture system that excludes synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
• It relies on natural resources like crop residues, farmyard manure, and compost to maintain soil health and manage pests and diseases.

Organic farming in India

• India ranks at 4th place in terms of certified area globally as per the report published by International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Statistics 2022.
• Madhya Pradesh has the largest area under organic certification followed by Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Karnataka.
• Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state, with implementing organic practices on around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land.
• India ranks first globally in terms of number of farmers practicing organic farming.
• The exports of India’s organic products stood at $708 million in 2022-23 and considering the global market size of around $138 billion, there is a tremendous scope to increase the organic exports in the near future.

Advantages of Organic farming

• Healthier Food Products: Organic farming results in food products that are free from harmful chemical residues with higher levels of essential nutrients.
• Enhanced Soil Health: Organic farming methods focus on building and maintaining soil health by increasing organic matter content, microbial activity, and nutrient cycling.
• Economic Opportunities: Organic farming provides economic benefits to farmers through premium prices for organic products, access to niche markets, and reduced input costs over the long term.
• Climate Change Mitigation: Organic farming practices such as composting and organic soil management contribute to carbon sequestration in the soil, helping to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Organic farming practices support biodiversity by creating habitats for beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife.

Organic certifications systems in India

• National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP): It is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry for development of the export market.
• It is a third party certification programme where the production and handling of activities at all stages such as production, processing, trading and export requirements for organic products is covered.
• Participatory Guarantee System for India (PGS-India): Operated under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, this is a farmer-centric, community-based certification.
  • Farmers and producers collectively participate in decision-making, peer inspections, and mutual verification of practices, ultimately declaring the produce as organic.
  • Food Safety Regulation has made it mandatory for organic products to be certified under NPOP or PGS for being sold in the domestic market under the Jaivik Bharat logo.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

• The schemes stress on end-to-end support to farmers engaged in organic farming i.e. from production to processing, certification and marketing and post-harvest management.
• The objective of the PKVY is to advance a scalable model of eco-agriculture that integrates low-cost, chemical-free techniques with farmer-led collectives, enhancing food safety, income generation, and environmental sustainability.
• Cluster Model: Farmers are mobilised in groups of 20 hectares to collectively adopt organic practices, ensuring uniform standards and cost-effectiveness.
• Under the scheme farmers adopting organic farming practices are being assisted with ₹31,500 per hectare for a three-year period.

Other Initiatives for Organic Farming

• Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER): The scheme is being implemented exclusively in the NE States to support farmers engaged in organic farming.
• Jaivik Kheti portal is a one stop solution for facilitating organic farmers to sell their organic produce and promoting organic farming and its benefits. This portal caters various stakeholders like local groups, individual farmers, buyers and input suppliers.
• In 2020–21, the Government launched the Large Area Certification (LAC) programme to fast-track certification in regions where chemical farming has never been practiced (tribal belts, islands, eco-preserved zones).
• The LAC reduces the conversion period from 2–3 years to a few months.

Way Ahead

• Scale up PKVY from small clusters to large, connected organic belts that create rural hubs of sustainable farming.
• Invest in region-specific research, farmer training, and grassroots innovations to make organic practices more practical and profitable.
• Encourage rural youth to turn into “green entrepreneurs” through organic processing, eco-tourism, and start-ups linked to organic value chains.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has released draft rules for online gaming.

About

• They are intended to operationalise the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming (PROG) Act, 2025.
• It bans real money gaming (RMG) platforms such as online poker, rummy and fantasy sports while permitting only social games and e-sports.

Major Provisions

• Online Gaming Authority of India: It proposes the creation of the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI) as a dedicated regulator to oversee online gaming.
  • The authority will have quasi-judicial powers, including summoning individuals, examining evidence, and issuing binding orders.
  • Composition: Chairperson and 5 members from different ministries.
  • Functions: To decide whether a game is an “online money game”.
    • It will register online games.
    • Impose penalties and issue directions.
    • Cancel registration if a game changes its model to involve betting or wagering.
• Scope of the Act: It includes all forms of online money games e.g., poker, fantasy sports, betting.
  • It allows only “online social games” and e-sports — games meant for recreation, education, or skill development.
• Registration: Both e-sports and social games will require compulsory registration with the authority. A certificate of registration will be valid for up to five years.
• Regulation: Companies must register their games with the Authority.
  • They must provide details of revenue model and user safety features.
  • Proof that revenue comes from ads, subscriptions, or access fees — not from wagers or stakes.
• Penalties and Offences: Offering online money gaming services may attract up to three years’ imprisonment and fines of up to ₹1 crore.
  • Advertising such platforms could lead to two years’ imprisonment and fines up to ₹50 lakh.
  • Violations are non-bailable offences and entire company staff can be held liable for facilitating breaches.
• Penalty Depends on: The gain from violation, loss to users and repetition of offence.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism (Three-tiered): Internal mechanism of the game company.
  • Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) — under IT Rules, 2021.
  • Online Gaming Authority of India — final appeal.
• The Role of Various Authorities: E-sports will fall under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, while social games will be regulated by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
  • MeitY will hold overall regulatory responsibility.
  • The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) will issue codes of practice and guidelines for classifying online social games (recreational, educational, skill-based, etc.).

Significance

• It will establish a uniform and national-level legal framework in the public interest.
• It will protect the country’s youth from predatory online Real Money Gaming apps which manipulate them through misleading monetary return promises.
• It seeks to curb gambling, addiction, and financial risks, while promoting ethical, skill-based gaming.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Russia and India have significantly advanced their 25-year strategic partnership amid a changing global landscape.

Background

• In 2000, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee signed the declaration on strategic partnership, which opened a new chapter in bilateral relations.
• In December 2010, the Strategic Partnership was upgraded to a “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership.”
• Multiple institutional dialogues, including the Intergovernmental Commission and 2+2 Dialogue, ensure strong cooperation across politics, defense, trade, science, and culture.

Leadership-level engagements

• The India-Russia Annual Summit is the highest dialogue mechanism, with 22 meetings held alternately in both countries.
• The summit in July 2024 in Moscow resulted in joint statements on partnership and economic cooperation until 2030, alongside 9 signed MoUs.
• The Indian PM received Russia’s highest honor, the Order of Saint Andrew.
• The leaders maintain regular contact through frequent phone calls to discuss bilateral and global issues.
• India and Russia maintain regular ministerial contacts, with frequent meetings between the External Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov and other key ministers.

Multilateral engagement

• India and Russia closely cooperate in multilateral forums like the UN, G20, BRICS, and SCO.
• In 2023, during India’s G20 and SCO presidencies, both countries engaged in multiple high-level meetings.
• Russia supports India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
• Russia chaired BRICS in 2024, hosting extensive events including the Leaders’ Summit in Kazan, with India actively participating.

Trade & Economic relations

• India and Russia aim to boost bilateral trade to $100 billion by 2030 and investment to $50 billion by 2025.
• In FY 2023-24, trade hit a record $65.7 billion, with India exporting pharmaceuticals and machinery, and importing oil, fertilizers, and minerals from Russia.
• Services trade remains stable, and investments are strong in oil, gas, petrochemicals, banking, railways, and pharmaceuticals.

Defence & Security Cooperation

• India and Russia have strong defence cooperation under the IRIGC-M&MTC, including joint military exercises like INDRA and Vostok.
• Key projects include S-400 systems, T-90 tanks, Su-30 MKI jets, MiG-29 and Kamov helicopters, INS Vikramaditya, AK-203 rifles, and BrahMos missiles. Cooperation has evolved from buyer-seller to joint research and development.

Science & Technology Cooperation

• India and Russia have strong science and technology cooperation, including joint work in spaceflight, nanotech, quantum computing, and nuclear energy (Kudankulam plant).
• Guided by a 2021 roadmap, their collaboration focuses on innovation, technology commercialization, and joint projects, coordinated through regular working group meetings.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• The South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a transformative force in global development in shifting geopolitical landscapes, widening inequalities, and dwindling development aid.

About the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC)

• Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA), 1978 enshrined principles of mutual respect, shared learning, and solidarity, far from being a transactional model among developing nations.
• Nairobi Outcome Document (2009): It was negotiated in the UN High-Level Conference on South-South Cooperation in Nairobi, Kenya and adopted by the UNGA.
• It defined the principles guiding how cooperation among developing countries (South-South cooperation) operates, expanding beyond technical assistance to encompass political, institutional, and infrastructural cooperation.
• The South-South Cooperation (SSC) is defined as a process where two or more developing countries pursue individual or shared capacity development objectives through knowledge exchange, skills, resources, and technical know-how.
• It involves governments, regional organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
• It acts as a complement, not a substitute, to North-South cooperation.
• Triangular Cooperation is defined as ‘Southern-driven partnerships between two or more developing countries, supported by a developed country or multilateral organization’.
• It provides financial, technical, and experiential support to strengthen Southern partnerships and promote regional integration.

Key Principles of South-South Cooperation

• Common endeavor based on shared experiences, solidarity, and objectives.
• Respect for national sovereignty, ownership, and priorities.
• Partnerships among equals, free from conditionalities.
• Mutual accountability and transparency, aligned with development projects on the ground.
• Multi-stakeholder engagement: NGOs, private sector, civil society, academia.
• Theme (2025): ‘New Opportunities and Innovation through SSTC’

Contemporary Relevance of SSTC

• A Response to Global Challenges: Over 800 million people still live in extreme poverty, and many developing nations spend more on debt servicing than on essential services like health and education.
  • SSTC provides homegrown, scalable solutions tailored to local realities—from climate-smart agriculture to digital finance and health innovations.
• Empowerment Through Solidarity: SSTC is built on mutual respect, shared learning, and sovereignty, unlike traditional aid models that often come with conditions.
  • It fosters self-reliance and resilience, enabling countries to co-create solutions rather than depend on external prescriptions.
• Catalyst for the SDGs: SSTC is a key engine for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, especially as traditional aid flows decline.
  • It’s transforming sectors like agriculture, health, education, and technology through locally owned, cost-effective innovations.

Key Concerns and Challenges in SSTC

• Fragmentation and Lack of Coordination: Diverse political systems, economic priorities, and historical contexts often lead to fragmented efforts and difficulty in forming unified positions on global issues.
  • It can dilute the impact of SSTC initiatives and hinder the creation of cohesive platforms for collaboration.
• Limited Institutional Capacity: Many developing countries lack the technical, financial, and institutional capacity to implement and sustain SSTC projects.
  • Fiscal constraints and evolving geopolitical dynamics pose serious challenges to collective action.
• Funding and Resource Gaps: SSTC often relies on trust funds and voluntary contributions, such as the India-UN Development Partnership Fund or the IBSA Fund.
  • These mechanisms are not always predictable or sufficient to meet growing development needs.
• Political Will and Follow-Through: There are concerns about inconsistent follow-through on commitments, while countries like India have shown strong rhetorical support for SSTC.
  • For example, the India-Africa Forum Summit has been overdue since 2015, raising questions about sustained engagement.
• Triangular Cooperation Complexities: Involving developed countries or multilateral organizations adds value but introduces power asymmetries and bureaucratic hurdles.

Role of United Nations (UN) & UNDP

• The United Nations commemorates SSTC on September 12, recognizing its role in fostering inclusive partnerships and sustainable development.
• UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC): It supports coherence and coordination of SSC and TrC initiatives.
• UNDP incorporated SSTC as a core working approach in its Strategic Plan (2014–2017).
• It serves as an operational arm to support SSTC at global, regional, and country levels.
• UNDP acts as Knowledge Broker, Capacity Development Supporter, and Partnership Facilitator.

India’s Role and Philosophy

• Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family): India’s evolution from a food-deficit to a food-surplus economy — underpinned by one of the world’s largest food safety nets — illustrates the power of indigenous solutions.
  • Its philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) aligns with SSTC’s values of inclusion and cooperation.
  • India has emerged as a hub for cost-effective, locally relevant innovations in digital transformation, climate resilience, health systems, and sustainable financing.
• Key Contributions:
  • Hosting the Voice of the Global South Summits;
  • Securing permanent membership for the African Union during its G20 presidency;
  • Establishing the Development Partnership Administration;
  • Scaling the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme in 160+ countries;
  • Launching the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and sharing digital innovations such as Aadhaar and UPI globally.
• India-WFP Partnership: India and the World Food Programme (WFP) have co-created solutions with global relevance for more than six decades. It piloted innovations such as:
  • Annapurti (Grain ATMs);
  • Supply chain optimisation in food distribution;
  • Women-led Take-Home Ration programme;
  • National rice fortification project;

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Recently, US President Donald Trump unveiled a 20-point peace proposal, dubbed as ‘Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict’ aimed at ending the protracted war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Core Elements of the Gaza Peace Plan Announced By Trump

• Hamas Disarmament and Amnesty: The Plan demands disarmament and surrender of Hamas and relinquish control of Gaza.
  • Members pledging peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty, while those wishing to leave Gaza will receive safe passage to countries such as Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, or Iran.
• International Stabilization Force (ISF): A temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF), supported by the US, Arab partners, Jordan, and Egypt, will replace Israeli troops in Gaza.
  • The ISF aims to secure borders, prevent arms smuggling, and train vetted Palestinian police. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will gradually withdraw, maintaining only a ‘security perimeter presence’ until full stability is ensured.
• Transitional Governance: Governance of Gaza will shift to a technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee, supervised by an international ‘Board of Peace’ led by Trump itself.
  • Humanitarian Relief and Reconstruction: The plan allows unrestricted humanitarian aid, focusing on infrastructure rehabilitation, hospitals, food supply chains, and road clearance.
  • Aid will be delivered via the UN and Red Crescent without interference.
• Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: All hostages must be returned within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance.
  • In exchange, Israel will release 250 life-term prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained post-October 7, including all women and children.
  • Remains of hostages will be exchanged at a ratio of 1 Israeli to 15 Palestinians.
• Regional and International Guarantees: Eight countries — Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt — have welcomed the plan.
  • China and Russia expressed support.
  • Guarantees will be provided to ensure Gaza remains free from future militant threats.

Challenges to Implementing Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• Hamas’s Reluctance to Disarm and Cede Power: Hamas’s deep-rooted presence, ideological stance and role in armed resistance in the region are seen as the most formidable hurdle.
• Regional Opposition to Forced Resettlement: Trump’s suggestion that Palestinians could be relocated outside Gaza was swiftly rejected by key regional players like Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.
  • These nations emphasized the right of Palestinians to remain in Gaza, opposing any form of displacement.
• Security and Sovereignty Concerns: The proposed plan for International Stabilization Force (ISF) until Gaza is deemed safe could be interpreted as a de facto Israeli occupation, undermining Palestinian sovereignty and fueling distrust.
• Clarity and Operational Details: The plan lacks timelines, maps, and enforcement mechanisms, raising doubts about its feasibility.
  • Trump did not take questions during the announcement, leaving many aspects of the plan ambiguous.

Political Implications of Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

• Israel’s Political Calculus: The plan demands Hamas’s complete disarmament and exclusion from Gaza’s future governance, a stance that could deepen internal Israeli debates over long-term strategy.
• Palestinian Governance Shift: Gaza would be governed by an apolitical Palestinian committee under international oversight, sidelining both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority until reforms are complete.
  • The plan hints at a ‘credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination’, a politically sensitive proposition that could reignite debates over a two-state solution.
• Regional Diplomacy and Realignment: Egypt, Jordan, and Qatar are expected to facilitate Hamas’s safe exit and support reconstruction, signaling a shift toward more active Arab mediation.
  • The plan implicitly sidelines Iran, which backs Hamas, potentially altering the balance of influence in West Asia.
• For Trump: The plan could boost Trump’s legacy and ambitions for a Nobel Peace Prize, reminiscent of the Oslo Accords, if successful.
  • However, it carries a business dimension, with opportunities for large-scale reconstruction projects in Gaza.

Implications on India

• Diplomatic Alignment and Global Standing: India welcomed the plan, calling it a ‘viable pathway to long-term and sustainable peace’ in West Asia.
  • India’s endorsement reflects its balanced diplomacy—maintaining ties with both Israel and Arab nations like Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt.
• Strategic and Security Interests: The plan’s emphasis on counterterrorism and deradicalization aligns with India’s own security concerns, especially regarding cross-border extremism.
  • Israel noted that the plan reflects shared values between India and Israel, including the fight against terrorism.
• Economic and Infrastructure Opportunities: India’s expertise in infrastructure development could play a key role in Gaza’s reconstruction.
  • Peace in West Asia would boost India’s ambitions for the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, facilitating trade and connectivity.
• Regional Stability and Diaspora Welfare: West Asia hosts over 9 million Indians, making regional stability crucial for their safety and economic well-being.
  • The region supplies about 80% of India’s oil, so peace could stabilize energy prices and ensure uninterrupted supply chains.

However, Pakistan’s prominent role in the Gaza plan raises concerns for India.