General Studies Paper-2

Context: India’s trade relations with Türkiye and Azerbaijan are expected to come under strain due to Ankara and Baku backing Islamabad and condemning India’s recent strikes on terror camps in Pakistan.

Background

• India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in retaliation for the Kashmir’s Pahalgam terror attack on April 22.
  • All subsequent retaliations for Pakistani offensives were carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’.
  • During the conflict, Pakistan used Turkish drones in its failed attempt to target Indian military installations.
• India and Pakistan announced reaching an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea.

India’s Trade relationship with Türkiye and Azerbaijan

• A bilateral trade agreement was signed in 1973, followed by a pact on setting up an India, Turkiye Joint Commission on Economic and Technical Cooperation in 1983.
• India’s exports to Türkiye stood at USD 5.2 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 6.65 billion in 2023-24.
  • It accounts for only about 1.5 per cent of India’s total exports of USD 437 billion.
• India’s imports from Türkiye was USD 2.84 billion during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 3.78 billion in 2023-24. It accounts for only about 0.5 per cent of India’s total imports of USD 720 billion.
• India’s exports to Azerbaijan stood at only USD 86.07 million during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 89.67 million in 2023-24. It accounts for a meagre 0.02 per cent of India’s total outbound shipments.
  • Imports from Azerbaijan were USD 1.93 million during Apr-Feb 2024-25 as against USD 0.74 million in 2023-24.
  • It accounts for a meagre 0.0002 per cent of India’s total inbound shipments.
• India has a trade surplus with both nations.

Major products traded between these countries

• India’s exports to Türkiye include: Mineral fuels and oil (USD 960 million in 2023-24); electrical machinery and equipment; auto and its parts; organic chemicals; pharma products; tanning and dyeing items; plastic, rubber; cotton; man-made fibres and filaments, iron and steel.
  • Imports: Different types of marbles (blocks and slabs); fresh apples (about USD 10 million), gold, vegetables, lime and cement; mineral oil (USD 1.81 billion in 2023-24); chemicals; natural or cultured pearls; iron and steel.
• India’s exports to Azerbaijan : Tobacco and its products (USD 28.67 million in 2023-24); tea, coffee; cereals; chemicals; plastic; rubber; paper and paper board; and ceramic products.
  • Imports include: Animal fodder; organic chemicals; essential oils and perfumery; and raw hides and skins and leather (USD 1.52 million during Apr-Feb 2024-25). In 2023, India was the third-largest destination for Azerbaijan’s crude oil.

People-to-people ties

• There are currently around 3,000 estimated Indian nationals in Türkiye, including 200 students.
• Similarly, the Indian community in Azerbaijan comprises more than 1,500 people.
• As per estimates, about 3 lakh Indian tourists visited Türkiye in 2023 and over 2 lakh to Azerbaijan.

Emerging Issues

• Türkiye and Azerbaijan may come under strain because the two countries have criticised India’s strike on terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
  • Islamabad has also used Turkish drones in the conflict.
• India witnessed a surge in calls to boycott both countries.
  • This led to mass cancellations of travel bookings, withdrawal of tour promotions by Indian operators, and the suspension of academic MoUs by institutions like IIT Bombay and JNU.
• In fact, Indian traders too have started boycotting Turkish products such as apples and marble.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: India’s decision to establish a direct link between the Northeast and Kolkata via Myanmar, bypassing Bangladesh, marks a strategic shift in regional connectivity.

Key Aspects of India’s Northeast & Myanmar

• India shares a 1,643 km land border with Myanmar, connecting Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram.
• Myanmar serves as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia, making it vital for trade and connectivity.

Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP)

• It aims to link Kolkata to Mizoram via Sittwe Port (Myanmar) and Paletwa inland waterways.
• It enables multi-modal cargo flow (sea, river, road).
• It reduces distance and time compared to the ‘Chicken’s Neck’ corridor (Siliguri).
• It connects with India’s East-West industrial corridor plans.
• Phases:
  • Kolkata to Sittwe (Sea) – 539 km (Completed)
  • Sittwe to Paletwa (River) – 158 km (Completed)
  • Paletwa to Zorinpui (Road) – 108 km (Partially completed, delayed due to armed conflict in Rakhine State).
  • Zorinpui to Aizawl & Shillong (Road Extension): Underway through the Shillong-Silchar-Zorinpui corridor, approved by MoRTH.

Why is the Northeast-Kolkata Link via Myanmar significant?

• Shift in Connectivity Strategy: Historically, the Northeast has relied on Bangladesh for transit access to Kolkata and other parts of India.
  • India has invested in major connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (expected to be completed by 2030).
  • These projects aim to boost trade, tourism, and regional integration between India and ASEAN nations.
• Geopolitical Considerations: The decision to bypass Bangladesh comes after Bangladesh’s interim government remark related to Northeast India as ‘landlocked’ and dependent on Dhaka for ocean access.
  • India’s response was to strengthen alternative routes, ensuring trade independence.
• Economic and Strategic Benefits:
  • Reduced Dependency on Bangladesh: The new route eliminates transit fees and bureaucratic hurdles associated with Bangladesh.
  • Boost to Northeast’s Economy: Improved connectivity will enhance trade, tourism, and industrial growth in the region.
  • Strengthening India’s Act East Policy: The Myanmar route aligns with India’s broader strategy to deepen ties with Southeast Asia.
• Security Implications:
  • India’s investments in Myanmar infrastructure also help counter Chinese influence.
  • Presence in western Myanmar contributes to border stability, especially in conflict-prone Chin and Rakhine regions.

Challenges with Myanmar Route

• Insurgency threats (e.g., Arakan Army operations).
• Slow construction progress due to terrain and security issues.
• Chinese infrastructure competition in the same region (Kyaukpyu port, CMEC).

Curbing Bangladeshi Exports via Land Ports

• Ban on Ready-Made Garments via Land Ports: India has barred Bangladeshi ready-made garments from entering through land ports in Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.
  • These goods must now be shipped via Kolkata and Mumbai sea ports, where they will undergo mandated inspections.
• Retaliation Against Bangladesh’s Restrictions: Bangladesh had earlier stopped Indian yarn exports through land ports, allowing imports only via sea routes.
  • India’s response aims to counterbalance trade policies that disadvantage Indian exporters.
• Impact on Trade & Economy: Around 93% of Bangladesh’s garment exports to India previously passed through land ports.
  • The new restrictions will likely increase costs for Bangladeshi exporters and shift trade dynamics in the region.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The government is likely to move two crucial amendments in the laws governing the country’s atomic energy sector in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament.

Legal Reforms Underway

• Easing Nuclear Liability Law (Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010): Its objective is to limit the liability of equipment vendors in case of a nuclear accident. Key Proposed Changes:
  • Monetary Cap: Liability may be capped to the original contract value.
  • Time Limit: Introduce a statute of limitations for how long liability applies.
  • Amendment to the Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Its objective is to allow private and foreign players to enter nuclear power generation.
  • Current Restriction: Only state-owned entities like NPCIL and NTPC Ltd can operate nuclear plants.
  • Proposed Change: Permit minority equity participation by foreign/private entities in upcoming projects.

Need for the Changes

• NPCIL: India’s nuclear sector is governed by the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, under which only government-owned entities such as NPCIL can generate and supply nuclear energy.
  • There has been no private sector involvement in India’s nuclear power sector so far.
• Foreign companies like GE-Hitachi, Westinghouse, and Framatome have avoided India due to open-ended liability concerns.
  • Amending this is crucial to attract foreign investment and technology.
• These moves aim to unlock the potential of the Indo-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, signed nearly two decades ago.
  • India intends to package these reforms as part of a wider trade and investment framework with the U.S., potentially leading to a trade pact.

Recent U.S. Regulatory Breakthrough

• Recently, the U.S. Department of Energy granted Holtec International a specific authorisation (SA IN2023-001) under 10CFR810.
  • Implication: Holtec can now transfer unclassified SMR technology to Indian partners like Tata Consulting Engineers and L&T.
  • This clears the path for design and manufacturing of small modular reactors (SMRs) in India.
• Significance: Positions India to co-develop and manufacture nuclear components domestically.

India’s Need to Increase its Nuclear Capacity:

• Nuclear Capacity: India’s plans to increase its nuclear power capacity from the current 8,180 MW to 22,480 MW by 2031-32 and eventually 100 GW by 2047.
• Energy Demand Growth: India’s electricity demand is expected to increase 4-5 times by 2047, and nuclear power will help meet base-load demand alongside renewables.
• India’s Targets: To reduce the emission intensity of its GDP by 44% by 2030 from the 2005 level.
  • To achieve 50% cumulative electric power installed capacity from non-fossil fuel-based energy resources by 2030.
• Roadmap for 100 GW: A roadmap is being developed with stakeholders, and while challenges remain, achieving the 100 GW target is seen as both ambitious and achievable

Conclusion

• These developments reflect a historic shift in India’s nuclear policy. By addressing legal and regulatory obstacles, India is poised to:
  • Unlock foreign investment and advanced technology.
  • Expand its clean energy portfolio through nuclear power.
  • Reinforce strategic alignment with the U.S. under the civil nuclear framework.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: Union Minister for Environment addressed the 1st Sagarmatha Sambaad in Nepal, presenting a five-point global action plan to protect fragile mountain ecosystems, with a focus on the Himalayas.

Key Highlights From the Address

• “Sagarmatha”, meaning ‘Head of the Sky’, symbolizes both the majesty and responsibility of protecting mountain ecosystems. Sambaad (dialogue) is named after the world’s tallest mountain Sagarmatha (Mt. Everst).
• He emphasized the shared cultural and ecological bonds between India and its Himalayan neighbours.
• South Asia houses 25% of the global population, contributing only 4% to historical CO₂ emissions. Yet, developing countries like India bear disproportionate impacts of climate change.
• And, developed countries are falling short on climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.
• He called for transboundary cooperation under the International Big Cats Alliance for species like snow leopards, tigers, and leopards & also reiterated India’s progress under Project Snow Leopard.

Five-Point Global Action Plan Proposed by India

• Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Strengthening research collaboration, and monitoring cryospheric changes, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity.
• Building Climate Resilience: Investing in climate adaptation measures, early warning systems for disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and climate-resilient infrastructure in mountain areas.
• Empowerering Mountain Communities: Ensuring that the welfare, needs and aspirations of local communities are at the heart of policy-making and their benefit from green livelihoods and sustainable tourism. Their traditional knowledge is an invaluable resource.
• Providing Green Finance: Making available adequate and predictable climate finance as per the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement for mountain Nations to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively.
• Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of mountain ecosystems are suitably featured in global climate negotiations and sustainable development agendas.

Importance of Himalayas

• Climate Regulator: The Himalayas act as a barrier against cold Central Asian winds and influence the Indian monsoon, ensuring rainfall across northern plains.
• Water Source: They are the origin of major rivers like the Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, supporting water and food security for over a billion people.
• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species like the snow leopard and red panda.
• Cultural Significance: Sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism, the region hosts many pilgrimage sites like Amarnath, Badrinath, and Kailash Mansarovar.
• Strategic Importance: Serving as a natural frontier with China, Nepal, and Bhutan, the Himalayas are vital to India’s national security.

Initiatives Taken to Protect Himalayas

• National Mission on Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE): Part of India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC), it focuses on sustainable development, glacier monitoring, and biodiversity conservation in the Himalayan region.
• Secure Himalaya Project: Launched with UNDP support, it promotes conservation of high-altitude biodiversity and supports sustainable livelihoods in Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Ladakh
• Project Snow Leopard: Aims to protect snow leopards and their habitat through community-based conservation and scientific research in five Himalayan states.

International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA): India-led initiative to foster global cooperation in protecting big cats like snow leopards and tigers across transboundary Himalayan regions.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: President Droupadi Murmu sought the Supreme Court’s advisory opinion under Article 143 on whether the President and governors need to follow timelines to decide on state bills.

Background

• Recently, the Supreme Court verdict laid down a timeline for the President and governors to decide on state bills.
• Though, the Governor is not bound by any time limit to act on a Bill.
• This creates a situation where the Governor can simply not act on a Bill indefinitely this is referred to as a “Pocket Veto”, although the term is not officially used in the Constitution.
• The Supreme Court ruled that Governors cannot delay or withhold assent to Bills indefinitely once they are passed or re-passed by the state Assembly.
• The ruling set a timeline for the Governor to act on Bills:
• One month for re-passed Bills.
• Three months if the Bill is withheld contrary to Cabinet advice.
• It raises questions about the scope of judicial authority under Article 142, and whether the courts can enforce accountability on constitutional functionaries like Governors and the President.

What is Article 142?

• Article 142 of the Indian constitution is a provision that empowers the Supreme Court to pass any decree or order necessary for doing complete justice in any case or matter pending before it.
• It also makes such decree or order enforceable throughout the territory of India.
• The importance of Article 142 lies in the following aspects:
  • It enables the Supreme Court to exercise executive and legislative functions in certain situations, such as issuing guidelines, directions, or orders to the government or other authorities.
  • It allows the Supreme Court to intervene in matters of public interest, human rights, constitutional values, or fundamental rights, and to protect them from any violation or infringement.
  • It enhances the Supreme Court’s role as the guardian of the constitution and the final arbiter of the law.
• Criticism: It may encroach upon the principle of separation of powers and the domain of the executive and the legislature, and may invite criticism of judicial overreach or activism.

Article 143 – Power of President to consult Supreme Court

• Article 143(1): The President can refer any question of law or fact that is of public importance to the Supreme Court for its advisory opinion.
  • The Court may choose to answer or decline.
  • The opinion is not binding, but is highly respected.
• A similar power to make references was granted to the Federal Court of India under Section 213 of the Government of India Act, 1935.
• Article 145(3) requires any such reference to be heard by five judges, after which the SC returns the reference to the President with the majority opinion.
• Need for the Article: Under the Constitution, the President acts on the aid and advice of the Cabinet.
• The advisory jurisdiction allows her the means to seek independent advice to act on certain constitutional matters.
• It is a power that the President has invoked on at least 15 occasions since 1950.

Conclusion

• In essence, this development is not merely a legal inquiry but a crucial test of India’s federal structure, with implications for the balance of power between the Centre and the States, judicial oversight, and constitutional morality.
• The outcome could redefine how delays in Bill assent are addressed and reaffirm the judiciary’s role in safeguarding democratic processes.

General Studies Paper-3

Context: The latest Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) data, released by the Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation (MoSPI), shows that India’s unemployment rate stood at 5.1% in April 2025.

Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)

• About: It is conducted by the MoSPI to assess employment and unemployment trends in India.
• It provides key labour market indicators, including the Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), and Unemployment Rate (UR).
• Features:
  • Revamped Sampling Design (2025): The survey now includes monthly estimates for both rural and urban areas, improving data accuracy.
  • Current Weekly Status (CWS) Approach: Measures employment status based on activity in the last seven days preceding the survey.
  • Expanded Coverage: The sample size has increased to 22,692 First Stage Units (FSUs), covering both rural and urban sectors.
  • Earlier, 12,800 FSUs surveyed in PLFS up to December, 2024.
  • Annual Reports: PLFS results are now released based on the calendar year, ensuring timely updates.

Key Findings of the PLFS Report

• Unemployment Rate: It is defined as the percentage of persons unemployed among the persons in the labour force.
  • Overall (persons aged 15 years and above): 5.1%
• Male:2%; Female: 5.0%
• Rural:5%; Urban: 6.5%
  • Youth among urban females (15-29 years): 23.7%
• Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): It is defined as the percentage of persons in the labour force (i.e. working or seeking or available for work) in the population.
  • For persons aged 15 years and above: 55.6%
  • Rural:0%; Urban: 50.7%
  • Male:0% (rural areas); 75.3% (urban areas)
  • Female: 38.2% (rural areas); 25.7% (urban areas)
  • Worker Population Ratio (WPR): It measures employed persons as a percentage of the total population.
  • Overall:8%
  • Rural WPR:4%; Urban WPR: 47.4%
  • Female WPR:8% (rural areas); 23.5% (urban areas)

Significance of the Findings

• The rise in female labour force participation, particularly in rural areas, signifies increasing economic engagement.
• However, high youth unemployment among urban females raises concerns about gender disparities, job availability, and skill gaps.
• The revamped PLFS model provides monthly employment estimates, but timely implementation of corrective measures remains a challenge.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Union Defence Minister questioned the security of Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and called for its supervision by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

About

• Pakistan has tried to leverage its nuclear status against India.
• While India follows a no-first-use policy when it comes to nuclear weapons, Pakistan doesn’t have any such stated policy of restraint.

Pakistan’s Nuclear Arsenal

• Pakistan first tested nuclear weapons in 1998 in response to nuclear tests by India.
• Pakistan has vastly expanded its nuclear forces and remains outside the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) regime; the country is also a major source of proliferation concern.
• It is believed to possess an arsenal of about 170 nuclear warheads.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

• It is an international organization that promotes the peaceful use of nuclear energy while working to prevent its use for military purposes, including nuclear weapons.
• It was established in 1957.
  • Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
  • Membership: 180 (as of 15 November 2024).
  • Motto: “Atoms for Peace and Development”.
  • Main Objective: Promote Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.
• IAEA Safeguards are embedded in legally binding agreements.
• These safeguards are accepted by the states after the conclusion of such agreements with the agency.
• In 2005, the IAEA and its Director General, Mohamed ElBaradei, were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work for a safer and more peaceful world.
• Role:
  • Nuclear Safeguards and Verification: Monitors nuclear programs of member states to ensure they are not diverted to weapons programs, especially under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
  • Nuclear Safety and Security: Assists countries in strengthening nuclear safety standards, responding to emergencies, and preventing nuclear terrorism.
  • Technical Cooperation: Provides technical assistance to developing countries to use nuclear technology for sustainable development.
  • Role in Global Affairs: Works closely with the United Nations (UN) (it reports to the UN General Assembly and Security Council).
  • Plays a critical role in non-proliferation diplomacy, such as inspecting Iran’s nuclear program.

India and Its Nuclear Safety Commitments

• In 2014, India ratified the Additional Protocol (AP), which granted the IAEA greater access to India’s civil nuclear programme.
• India has signed an item-specific safeguards agreement under the IAEA along with Pakistan and Israel.
• They are nuclear-power states that are not a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
• India also changed its export laws to line up with the NSG, MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement, and Australia Group — the four key nuclear control regimes.

India-Pakistan Nuclear Installation Agreement

• Signed in 1988 and brought into force in 1991, Non-nuclear aggression agreement (NAA) commits the two countries to abstain from attacking each other’s civilian nuclear facilities.
• It requires an annual exchange of the exact locations by latitude and longitude of power plants, enrichment labs, isotope separation units, and any site holding a significant quantity of radioactive material.
• The goal is to avoid triggering a nuclear catastrophe. However, the agreement does not mandate detailed disclosures about the nature or activities of these facilities.
• India has repeatedly proposed expanding the agreement to include a pledge not to target civilian and economic infrastructure, but Pakistan has consistently rejected such proposals.

Conclusion

• Pakistan’s lack of a declared no-first-use nuclear policy, in contrast to India’s commitment to such a doctrine, contributes to strategic instability in South Asia, raising the risk of escalation in the event of a conflict.
• Pakistan uses its nuclear capability to counter India’s conventional military edge, but its unrestrained doctrine highlights the need for confidence-building, dialogue, and regional arms control to maintain long-term peace and stability.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The annual crude birth rates for Tamil Nadu, Delhi and Kerala are declining at twice the rate of the national average.

About

• The data from the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, was released by the Registrar General of India.
• The SRS is the largest demographic survey in the country, meant to provide annual estimates on fertility and mortality indicators such as birth rates, death rates, etc.
• The crude birth rate (CBR) is a demographic measure that indicates the number of live births per 1,000 people in a population during a specific time period, usually a year.

Major Findings

• India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has remained constant at 2.0 in 2021, the same as in 2020.
• The average number of children born to a woman during her childbearing years.
• A TFR of 2.1 is considered the replacement level needed to maintain a stable population.
• All-India crude birth rate was 19.3 in 2021, dropping at a rate of 1.12% every year from 2016 to 2021.
• The birth rate for Tamil Nadu has been declining at a rate of 2.35% every year, Delhi’s has been declining at a rate of 2.23% and Kerala’s is dropping at a rate of 2.05%.
• Birth rates were seen declining faster than the national average for Maharashtra (1.57%), Gujarat (1.24%), Odisha (1.34%), Himachal Pradesh (1.29%), Haryana (1.21%), and Jammu and Kashmir (1.47%).
• The slowest rate of decline in birth rate was seen in States such as Rajasthan (0.48%), Bihar (0.86%), Chhattisgarh (0.98%), Jharkhand (0.98%), Assam (1.05%), Madhya Pradesh (1.05%), West Bengal (1.08%), and Uttar Pradesh (1.09%).
• Rise in the number of registered births were seen in about 11 States and union territories: Bihar, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland.
• Total fertility rate (TFR): States such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh had a TFR higher than the national average.
  • The TFR measures the average number of children expected to be born per woman during her entire span of reproductive period.
• Gross reproduction rate (GRR): The GRR for India stood at 1, meaning that on an average, each woman in India is having one daughter who survives to reproductive age and has children of her own.
  • In Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh the GRR was significantly higher than the India average.

Concerns

• Uneven Decline in Birth Rates Across States: Some states (e.g., Bihar, UP, MP, Rajasthan) show slow or minimal decline in birth rates, contributing to regional population imbalances.
• These high-birth-rate states may continue to drive overall population growth, putting pressure on resources, infrastructure, and services.
• Demographic Divergence Between Regions: Southern and western States are moving toward or below replacement-level fertility, while northern and eastern States remain above it.
  • This creates policy and planning complexity — a “two-speed” demographic transition in the country.
• Aging Population Risk in Low Fertility States: States with low TFR (e.g., Kerala, West Bengal) risk aging population challenges shrinking labor force, increased burden on healthcare and pensions, and need for revised economic and social policies.
• Persistent High Fertility in Some States: Despite national TFR at 2.0, states like Bihar (TFR 3.0) and UP (TFR 2.7) still report high fertility.
  • Indicates gaps in education, healthcare, and awareness, particularly in rural and underserved areas.

Way Ahead

• Enhance Family Planning Services: Expand access to contraception and reproductive health, especially in high-fertility states.
• Promote Female Education: Focus on girl child education and awareness to delay marriage and childbirth.
• Improve Data Quality: Align and strengthen SRS and CRS systems; expedite the delayed Census for accurate planning.
• Prepare for Aging Population: In low-fertility states, build systems for elderly care, healthcare, and pensions.
• Address Regional Imbalances: Promote development in high-growth regions through jobs, education, and infrastructure.
• Policy Coordination: Ensure Centre-State collaboration and flexible funding for population control programs.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: Colombia formally agreed to join China’s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative.

About Belt and Road Initiative

• Genesis: Launched in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping under the initial name One Belt One Road (OBOR).
• Aim: To enhance regional integration, boost trade, and stimulate economic growth by developing infrastructure and connectivity across Asia, Africa, and Europe.
• Key Components:
  • Silk Road Economic Belt: Overland routes connecting China to Central Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
  • 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: Sea routes connecting China’s eastern coast to Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa, and Europe.

China’s Economic Influence & US Concerns

• China is now the largest trading partner of several Latin American countries (Brazil, Chile, Peru).
• China is expanding its footprint through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), while the U.S. views Chinese presence near strategic locations like the Panama Canal as a national security threat.
• The U.S. accuses China of trapping countries in unsustainable debt for geopolitical leverage.

India’s Concerns with BRI

• Sovereignty Concerns: A major point of contention for India is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the BRI, which passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), a territory India claims as its own.
• Security Threats: Like Nepal formally joined the BRI in 2017 and China’s increasing infrastructure projects in Nepal, particularly those close to the border (like the Chinese-funded airport in Pokhara), are seen as potentially compromising India’s security
• Erosion of Regional Influence: BRI projects in Nepal and other South Asian nations (Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh) reflect China’s growing political-economic footprint, diluting India’s traditional sphere of influence.
  • Part of the broader “String of Pearls” strategy — perceived Chinese effort to encircle India with pro-China regimes or strategic assets.
• Debt Trap Diplomacy: India is wary that China might use its economic leverage through the BRI to ensnare smaller neighboring countries like Nepal in debt traps.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The recently signed India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is expected to enhance exports, create jobs, and strengthen supply chains, with India’s textile sector being a key beneficiary.

About the Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• It is a bilateral or multilateral trade pact that eliminates or reduces tariffs, quotas, and trade barriers between participating countries, fostering economic cooperation and market access.

Key Points in the India-UK FTA

• Zero-Duty Access for Indian Exports: The deal eliminates import tariffs on over 99.3% of animal products, 99.8% of vegetable/oil products, and 99.7% of processed foods, making Indian goods more competitive in the UK market.
• Expanding Trade Partnership: The UK currently imports goods worth $815.5 billion, primarily from China (12%), the US (11%), and Germany (9%).
  • India holds about 1.8% share ($15.3 billion) in UK imports, ranking as the UK’s 12th largest trading partner.
• India-UK Trade Goals for 2030: As of 2024, India-UK trade in goods amounted to $23.3 billion, with $8.06 billion in UK exports to India.
  • The FTA sets an ambitious target of reaching $120 billion in trade by 2030.
  • UK Export From India: Pearls, nuclear reactors, spirits, and vehicles.
  • UK Import From India: Machinery, mineral fuels, pharmaceuticals, apparel, and footwear.
• Strategic Trade Partnerships: The agreement strengthens the India-UK Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering trade, investment, innovation, and job creation.
  • India is negotiating FTAs with the EU and the US, targeting duty-free access to high-value markets.

India’s Advantage: India-UK FTA

• India’s textile and apparel industry, employing over 45 million people, stands to gain greater access to high-end UK markets.
• The FTA eliminates tariffs on apparel exports, making Indian products more price-competitive.
• Current India’s Market Share With UK: The UK imports $26.9 billion worth of Textile & Apparel products annually, with $19.6 billion dedicated to apparel.
  • China dominates the market (25% share, $4.9 billion), followed by Bangladesh (20%, $3.9 billion).
  • India holds a modest 6% share ($1.19 billion), leaving significant room for expansion post-FTA.

Structural Challenges Facing India’s Textile & Apparel Sector 

• Fragmented Manufacturing Base: Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operate in silos across multiple states, limiting efficiency and coordination.
• Disjointed Value Chain: Cotton is grown in Gujarat and Maharashtra, yarn is spun in Tamil Nadu, fabric is processed elsewhere, and garments are stitched at different locations.
  • It raises logistics costs and causes delays—India’s order-to-delivery cycle takes 63 days, compared to 50 days in Bangladesh.
• Policy Limitations on MMFs: India’s MMF segment lags behind global preferences, hindered by an inverted GST structure where fibre inputs are taxed higher than finished products, making Indian MMF garments globally uncompetitive.

Policy Interventions Needed for Growth

• Swift Operationalization of PM MITRA Parks: Government-backed PM MITRA parks, particularly in Navsari (Gujarat) and Virudhunagar (Tamil Nadu), must be expedited to boost textile exports.
• Simplification of Export Compliance: Streamlining complex regulatory processes and eliminating compliance-heavy hurdles can significantly improve trade efficiency.
• Rationalizing GST Duty Structure in MMFs: A revised GST framework is crucial to level the playing field, allowing Indian MMF apparel to be price-competitive internationally.
• Strategic Trade Negotiations Beyond the UK: While the India-UK FTA offers zero-duty access, India must secure duty-free entry into the EU ($193.6 billion apparel market) and the US ($83.6 billion apparel market).
  • Bangladesh and Vietnam enjoy duty-free access to the EU, whereas the US has significantly reduced Chinese dominance through high reciprocal tariffs—offering India a rare opportunity to capture market share.

Closing the Gaps

• High-Value Apparel Design: Indian manufacturers must focus on premium designs to appeal to UK buyers.
• Supply Chain Efficiency: Enhancing production speed and quality control will increase export volumes.
• Sustainable and Ethical Standards: Adapting to UK regulations on environmental sustainability and fair labor practices will improve market acceptance.

Enhancing Practices and Product Innovation

• Meeting Global Fashion Aesthetics and Compliance Standards: The EU’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), set for 2029, will require Indian suppliers to adopt ESG compliance, traceability, and green audits.
• Compliance with UK Standards: Indian exporters need to align with UK regulations on sustainability and ethical sourcing.
• Scaling Up Value-Added Textile Segments: India needs to focus on activewear, athleisure, and technical textiles, which dominate the global MMF market.
• Investing in functional and performance fabrics will allow Indian firms to integrate into premium retail supply chains.

Conclusion

• The India-UK FTA presents a transformative opportunity for India’s textile sector, offering tariff benefits, employment growth, and stronger trade partnerships.
• Timely adaptation to market trends and sustainability standards will ensure long-term success for Indian textile exports.