General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Recently, the Prime Minister of India, at the SEMICON India 2025 (4th Edition), unveiled an ambitious roadmap to position India as a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing.

Why Semiconductors Matter?

• Semiconductors are the backbone of modern electronics — powering everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to defense systems and space technologies.
• These have become central to economic security and strategic independence, as the world moves toward greater digitalization and automation.

India’s Semiconductor Sector

• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is the nodal agency responsible for implementing India’s semiconductor and display ecosystem strategy. Its goals include:
• Building a vibrant semiconductor design and manufacturing ecosystem;
• Attracting global investments and partnerships;
• Supporting startups and innovators through fiscal incentives.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): It is an Independent Business Division within Digital India Corporation. It has been working as nodal agency for the Schemes approved under SEMICON India Programme. Key schemes under ISM are:
• Semiconductor Fabs: Up to 50% of project cost;
• Display Fabs: Up to 50% of project cost;
• Compound Semiconductors & ATMP: 50% of capital expenditure;
• Design Linked Incentive (DLI): Support for 23 chip design startups and projects.

Recent Milestones

• SEMICON India Programme (2025): It was launched with an investment of ₹76,000 crore, implemented through the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM).
• Theme (2025): ‘Building the Next Semiconductor Powerhouse’.
  • Over 350 global companies participated in it, showcasing India’s growing influence in the sector;
  • The Union IT Minister presented the first ‘Made in India’ chip — developed by ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and the Semiconductor Laboratory in Chandigarh.
  • India launched its first Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) pilot line in Sanand, Gujarat.
• Approval of four major semiconductor projects: SiCSem, CDIL, 3D Glass Solutions Inc., and ASIP.
  • Fast-Tracking the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)
  • India approved five new semiconductor projects, bringing the total to ten, with a combined investment of $18 billion (₹1.5 lakh crore), in 2025 alone.
• India is working on the next phase of the India Semiconductor Mission to accelerate progress, which includes:
  • Faster approvals through the National Single Window System, integrating both central and state-level clearances;
  • A commitment to reduce the time from ‘file to factory’;
  • Support for long-term investments rather than short-term incentives.

India as a player in the Semiconductor Market

• The global semiconductor market is expected to reach USD 1 Trillion by 2030.
• India has the capacity to emerge as a key contributor to the 3 primary pillars of the semiconductor manufacturing supply chain:
• Equipment: Leveraging strong base of MSMEs to produce components for semiconductor equipment;
• Materials: India is a rich source of chemicals, minerals and gases which can be utilized by semiconductor supply chain companies; and
• Services: R&D, Logistics and supply chain, major talent in AI, big data, cloud computing and IoT.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) held its annual Heads of State Summit in Tianjin, China, in 2025.

• The summit deliberated on pressing regional and global challenges—terrorism, conflicts, UN reforms, AI governance, sustainable development, and institutional strengthening.

Key Highlights

• Regional Conflicts and Non-Proliferation: Rejected double standards in counterterrorism and emphasized preventing cross-border movement of terrorists.
  • Condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam (J&K).
  • Criticized military strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iran, highlighting West–Asia tensions.
• Sustainable Development & Social Agenda: Backed equal rights for all nations in AI development and usage, countering technological monopolies.
  • Endorsed India’s global vision of “One Earth, One Family, One Future” as a principle for inclusive growth.
• China’s Push for SCO Institutional Expansion: SCO members are permitted to use BeiDou satellite system (China’s GPS alternative).
  • China pledged $1.4 billion in loans over 3 years to SCO members.
  • Proposed the creation of an SCO Development Bank to fund infrastructure and development projects.
• UN Reform: Called for adapting the UN system to modern realities, particularly by expanding the representation of developing countries in governing bodies.
• SCO Plus Format: China chaired the SCO+ Summit, which included member states, observers, dialogue partners, honored guests, and heads of major international organisations, signaling an expanded role for SCO in global governance.

India’s Position at the Summit

• PM of India emphasized that the SCO rests on three pillars:
  • Security: Ensuring regional peace and counterterrorism cooperation.
  • Connectivity: Transforming SCO into a hub for cross-regional connectivity (digital, physical, and energy).
  • Opportunity: Promoting mutual growth and cooperation.

About Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

• Formation: 2001 (Shanghai Summit) by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan
• Membership: 10 member states, 2 observers, 15 dialogue partners (Laos latest entrant)
• Official Languages: Russian, Chinese
• Structure:
  • Council of Heads of State – apex decision-making body
  • Council of Heads of Government – second-highest body
• Headquarters: Beijing, China
• Permanent Bodies: Secretariat in Beijing, China & Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Challenges Ahead

• India–Pakistan rivalry dilutes consensus.
• China’s dominance may marginalize Indian interests.
• Balancing SCO commitments with QUAD, I2U2, and Indo-Pacific partnerships.
• Skepticism on feasibility of SCO Development Bank vis-à-vis BRICS Bank (NDB) and AIIB.

Way Forward

• India must leverage SCO as a regional security platform, especially for counterterrorism.
• Push for digital public infrastructure (DPI) partnerships within SCO to counter China’s BeiDou narrative.
• Balance multilateral alignments by engaging SCO without undermining Indo-Pacific strategies.
• Use SCO as a forum to strengthen ties with Central Asia, Russia, and Iran, countering the China-Pakistan axis.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Recently, in his latest Mann Ki Baat address, the Prime Minister of India renewed his call for citizens to adopt the mantra of ‘Vocal for Local’, emphasizing the importance of supporting indigenous products to build a self-reliant India.

About the ‘Vocal for Local’ Initiative

• It was launched by NITI Aayog under its Aspirational Blocks Programme in 2024. It emphasizes supporting locally made products, artisans, and industries to boost India’s economy and reduce dependency on imports.
• It draws inspiration from the Swadeshi Movement led by Mahatma Gandhi, but it is framed in the modern context of globalization and digital markets.
• Government platforms like india.gov.in, Government e-Marketplace (GeM), and Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) actively promote local procurement and showcase indigenous innovations.

Objectives: Why Vocal for Local?

• Economic Independence: By promoting Indian goods, the campaign strengthens domestic industries, MSMEs, and start-ups.
• Employment Generation: Local manufacturing creates jobs, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
• Cultural Identity: Encourages preservation of traditional crafts, handlooms, and indigenous practices.
• Reducing Import Dependency: Supports India’s vision of becoming a manufacturing hub while cutting reliance on foreign supply chains.
• Global Competitiveness: The aim is to make ‘local go global’ by building brands that represent India internationally.

Key Examples of ‘Vocal for Local’

• Khadi & Village Industries: Sales surged past ₹1.25 lakh crore, with Khadi becoming a symbol of national pride and emerged as a symbol of self-reliance.
• GI-Tagged Products: From Pochampally Ikat, Pashmina, Darjeeling tea to Madhubani paintings, traditional crafts are gaining global recognition.
• Handloom & Handicrafts – Schemes such as One District One Product (ODOP) and PM Vishwakarma Yojana encourage artisans and craftsmen.
• Digital India Products: UPI, RuPay, and Indian-made fintech apps are now widely adopted.
• Startups and MSMEs: Government schemes like Startup India and Make in India have helped thousands of local entrepreneurs scale up.
• Festival Campaigns – Citizens are urged during Diwali, Raksha Bandhan, and Holi to purchase locally produced diyas, sweets, and handicrafts.

Key Concerns

• Quality Standards: Local products often face criticism for inconsistent quality compared to global brands.
• Price Competitiveness: Imported goods, especially from countries like China, are sometimes cheaper, challenging Indian manufacturers.
• Digital Marketing Gap: Many local artisans and MSMEs lack access to modern e-commerce tools.
• Supply Chain Gaps: Infrastructure and logistics bottlenecks hinder local producers.
• Sustainability Issues: Over-commercialization of traditional crafts may risk authenticity and ecological balance.
• Global Trade Pressure: Protectionist approaches may create friction in international trade agreements.

Road Ahead

• For Vocal for Local to succeed long-term, India needs to invest in:
  • Skill development and innovation;
  • Digital infrastructure for small businesses;
  • Policy support for quality and competitiveness;
• Consumer education and brand storytelling:
• By making conscious choices, every Indian can contribute to a more resilient and self-sustaining economy.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• According to the Air Quality Life Index, India is the second most polluted country in the world.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI)

• The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) is developed by Professor Michael Greenstone and the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC).
• It translates air pollution levels into their impact on life expectancy, offering hyper-local data to help users see how much longer people could live if pollution met various standards.
• It supports EPIC’s Clean Air Program, which aims to inform policy and public action with high-quality pollution data.

Key Findings of recent report

• South Asia, including Bangladesh, India, Nepal, and Pakistan, remains the most polluted region.
• Bangladesh is the worst globally, with air 12 times dirtier than WHO limits.
• China, though still above WHO limits, has cut its pollution by 40.8% since 2014 through aggressive policies, including traffic restrictions, cleaner heating, and reduced coal use.
• North America saw major pollution spikes in 2023 due to wildfires, and Bolivia became the most polluted Latin American country.
• In Africa, pollution now poses a greater life expectancy threat than HIV/AIDS or malaria in countries like Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Status In India

• Air pollution is India’s most severe health threat, reducing average life expectancy by 3.5 years — nearly twice the impact of malnutrition and over five times that of unsafe water and sanitation.
• All 1.4 billion Indians live in areas exceeding the WHO’s safe PM2.5 limit (5 µg/m³).
• The worst-hit region is Northern India, especially Delhi-NCR, where residents could lose up to 8.2 years of life.
• Other states like Bihar (5.6 years), Haryana (5.3 years), and Uttar Pradesh (5 years) also show severe losses.
• 46% of Indians live in areas that exceed even India’s own weaker PM2.5 limit of 40 µg/m³.

Suggestions

• The AQLI 2025 highlights the urgent need for strong, evidence-based policies to combat air pollution .
• It stresses that cleaning the air is vital not just for the environment, but for extending human life.
• The report calls for expanding clean energy, stricter emission norms, and investment in green infrastructure, while promoting public awareness and policy action to address this growing health crisis.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• India possesses a demographic dividend, with over 65% of its population under the age of 35. This latent potential needs to be harnessed and transformed into tangible prosperity.

Role of India’s Youth: From Shram Shakti to Viksit Bharat

• Economic Transformation in the Last Decade: India has cemented its place in the global economic order, rising from the world’s 10th largest economy in 2014 to the 4th largest today.
  • At the core of this progress lies its Shram Shakti (Labour Power), driving growth through resilience and productivity.
• Job Creation and Formalisation: According to RBI-KLEMS (K: Capital, L: Labour, E: Energy, M: Materials and S: Services), while only about 2.9 crore jobs were created between 2004–2014, the following decade saw the creation of over 17 crore jobs.
  • It has been accompanied by a sharp rise in formalisation, as reflected in EPFO data, marking a structural shift in India’s labour market.
• Social Security Revolution: In 2015, just 19% of Indians were under at least one social protection scheme.
  • By 2025, this figure has risen to 64.3% — covering 94 crore beneficiaries.
  • With this, India now hosts the second-largest social security system in the world, a feat acknowledged by the International Labour Organization as one of the fastest expansions globally.
• Demographic Dividend: India stands at a demographic inflection point, with 65% of its population under 35.
  • India’s Yuva Shakti (youth power) provides a unique advantage, unlike ageing economies in the West.

Key Concerns & Challenges Facing India’s Youth

• Education & Skill Gaps:
  • Quality vs. Quantity: While enrollment rates have improved, many institutions struggle with outdated curricula and poor infrastructure.
  • Skill Mismatch: A large number of graduates lack industry-relevant skills, leading to underemployment.
  • Digital Divide: Unequal access to technology hinders learning, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
• Employment & Economic Participation:
  • Unemployment: Youth unemployment remains high, especially among educated urban populations.
  • Informal Sector Dominance: Many young workers are absorbed into low-paying, insecure jobs without benefits.
  • Job Market Absorption: The economy struggles to create enough formal jobs to match the growing youth population.
• Mental Health & Well-being:
  • Stress & Anxiety: Academic pressure, job insecurity, and social expectations contribute to rising mental health issues.
  • Limited Support Systems: Mental health services are scarce and stigmatized, especially in rural areas.
• Civic Engagement & Leadership:
  • Political Apathy: Despite being a large voting bloc, youth participation in governance and policy-making is limited.
  • Lack of Platforms: Few structured avenues exist for young people to express their views or influence decisions.
• Health & Nutrition:
  • Lifestyle Diseases: Sedentary habits and poor diets are leading to early onset of non-communicable diseases.
  • Substance Abuse: Rising addiction rates among youth are a growing concern, especially in urban centers.
• Social Inequality & Marginalization:
  • Gender Disparities: Young women face barriers in education, employment, and safety.
  • Caste & Regional Inequities: Youth from marginalized communities often lack access to opportunities and resources.

Related Government Efforts & Initiatives

• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY): It was launched in the Union Budget 2024–25. It aims to create 3.5 crore jobs over two years, with an unprecedented ₹1 lakh crore outlay.
• The PMVBRY integrates lessons from Make in India, the National Manufacturing Mission, and Production-Linked Incentives, while adapting to the changing global job landscape shaped by automation and supply-chain shifts.
  • It reflects a shared responsibility of workers and employers in nation-building.
• It ensures transparency and accelerates formalisation, by linking benefits to Direct Benefit Transfer and social security enrolment.
• Special emphasis on the manufacturing sector aligns with national priorities of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) and global manufacturing leadership.
• Dual Focus: Workers and Employers: It reduces entry barriers for workers while mitigating hiring risks for businesses, fostering competitiveness alongside employability.
  • Part A: Direct incentives to first-time employees (up to ₹15,000 in two installments).
  • Part B: Support for employers (up to ₹3,000 per new hire per month).

Other Initiatives & Efforts

• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): It offers industry-relevant training to youth to enhance employability and livelihood opportunities.
  • It includes certification and placement support across sectors like IT, manufacturing, and healthcare.
• National Youth Corps (NYC): It builds a cadre of disciplined and motivated youth volunteers to engage in nation-building activities.
  • Volunteers support community development, awareness campaigns, and disaster response efforts.
• Adolescence Education Programme: It aims to equip young people with age-appropriate, culturally relevant knowledge.
  • It focuses on life skills, health awareness, and responsible decision-making.
  • It is delivered through schools and youth organizations to promote holistic development.
• Assistance to National Sports Federations: It supports youth athletes through funding, infrastructure, and training.
  • It encourages participation in national and international competitions.
  • It promotes sports as a career and lifestyle among young Indians.
• Padhna Likhna Abhiyan: A literacy campaign involving youth volunteers from NCC, NSS, and NYKS.
  • Targets adult literacy and basic education in underserved communities.
  • Promotes youth-led social change through education.

Way Forward: Towards Viksit Bharat 2047

• Employment is not just an economic indicator — it is the essence of nation-building.
• Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY) is a national commitment to dignity in work and equality of opportunity.
• It lays the foundation for Viksit Bharat by 2047, by enabling every youth to access meaningful employment.

General Studies Paper-2

Context

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the SCO summit in Tianjin.

Key Outcomes of SCO Summit

• High-level Engagements: Both leaders met and welcomed the positive momentum in their ties.
  • Reaffirmed they are development partners, not rivals; differences must not turn into disputes.
• Border Issues: Leaders noted successful border disengagement in 2024 and maintenance of peace since then.
• People-to-People Ties: Agreed to expand exchanges through direct flights, visa facilitation.
  • Building on the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra resumption and tourist visas.
• Economic & Trade Cooperation: Recognized their economies’ role in stabilizing world trade.
• Multilateral Engagements: PM supported China’s SCO Presidency and Tianjin Summit.
  • Invited President Xi to India’s BRICS Summit 2026.

India-China Relations

• 2025 marks 75 Years of India-China diplomatic ties.
• Historical Tensions:
  • Strained since the 1962 Sino-Indian war, deepened by recent clashes and mistrust.
  • 2020: Post Galwan Valley clashes, India restricted Chinese investments, banned Chinese apps (e.g., TikTok), and halted flights to China.
• Trade Relations: China was India’s second-largest trading partner in FY2024–25. Out of total bilateral trade worth US$131.84 billion, India’s trade deficit increased to US$99.2bn.
• Ongoing Mechanisms: Despite tensions, mechanisms like the Special Representatives (SR) and Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) have been in place to address the boundary issue.
• Recent Developments:
  • 2024 Disengagement: India and China announced successful disengagement in eastern Ladakh.
  • 2024 BRICS Meeting: PM Modi and President Xi Jinping emphasized “mutual trust, mutual respect, and mutual sensitivity.”

Areas of Concern

• Ongoing Border Tensions:
  • The unresolved border dispute spans over 2,000 miles, marked by frequent clashes.
  • Incidents in Doklam (2017), Galwan Valley (2020), and northeastern states (Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh).
• Military Infrastructure: Both countries have heavily fortified their border with roads, railways, and airstrips for rapid troop mobilization.
• Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): India has expressed reservations about China’s Belt and Road Initiative, especially regarding the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which passes through the territory of India.
• Trade imbalance: While politically desirable, reducing trade dependence is complicated by China’s economic influence and India’s need for foreign investment.
• China’s growing presence in the Neighbouring Region:
  • Sri Lanka: China’s presence at Hambantota Port and investments in an oil refinery raise concerns in India.
  • Nepal: China’s investments in infrastructure (e.g., Pokhara airport) challenge India’s strategic position.
  • Bangladesh: China’s growing influence, including loan agreements, threatens India’s regional influence.
  • Myanmar: China’s deepening ties with Myanmar, including the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor, strengthen its presence in India’s backyard.

Way Ahead

• The Tianjin meeting reflects measured progress in restoring stability along the LAC since the 2020 Galwan clash.
• As India and China look to build mutual trust, sustained dialogue will be essential to better align India’s and China’s intentions vis-à-vis the Asian security order.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Recently, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) released its ‘Road Accidents in India 2023‘ report following a Supreme Court’s direction after several delays.

Key Findings of Report

• Surge in Road Crashes & Death: Road accidents in India grew 4.2% year-on-year in 2023, reaching 480,583 cases. These accidents claimed 172,890 lives – the highest ever recorded.
  • The number of deaths rose 2.6% compared to 2022, while 462,825 people were injured – a 4.4% increase.
• Surge in Fatal Accidents: Fatal road accidents increased from 1,55,781 in 2022 to 1,60,509 in 2023, marking a 3.04% growth.
  • These accounted for 33.4% of all accidents, with a fatal accident defined as one causing two or more deaths.
• Who’s Most at Risk?
  • Young Adults (18–45 years): Accounted for 66.4% of fatalities;
  • Working Age Group (18–60 years): Made up 83.4% of total deaths;
  • Two-Wheeler Users: Represented 44.8% of all fatalities;
  • Pedestrians: Nearly 20% of deaths;
  • Children: Over 9,489 lives lost in 2023 alone;

Key Causes of Road Accidents

• Overspeeding (68%): The leading cause of fatalities. Driving beyond speed limits reduces reaction time and increases impact severity.
• Driving on the Wrong Side (5.5%): Includes wrong-way driving on one-ways or overtaking from the left. Often leads to head-on collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Use of mobile phones, eating, or adjusting controls while driving contributes significantly to crashes.
• Drunk Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment, reflexes, and coordination, making it a persistent risk factor.
• Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, unmarked speed breakers, and lack of signage increase accident likelihood, especially in rural areas.
• Vehicle Defects: Brake failure, tire bursts, and other mechanical issues can trigger loss of control.
• Weather and Visibility: Fog, rain, and low light conditions reduce visibility and traction, leading to more accidents.
• Neglecting Safety Gear: Not wearing helmets or seatbelts drastically increases the risk of fatal injuries.

Key Efforts for Road Safety in India

• Road Safety as a Fundamental Right: The right to safe road travel is an essential component of the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
• Bharat New Car Assessment Programme (Bharat NCAP): It provides safety ratings for passenger cars, empowering consumers to make informed decisions.
• Vehicle Scrapping Policy: The government has implemented a vehicle scrapping policy, with 44 Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facilities operational across 15 states, to remove unsafe vehicles from roads.
• Electronic Enforcement Mechanisms: Speed cameras, CCTV surveillance, and automated traffic enforcement systems have been deployed to improve compliance with road safety regulations.
• Emergency Care Initiatives: The Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 introduced a cashless treatment scheme for accident victims during the golden hour, ensuring timely medical intervention.
• Targeted Interventions of Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH):
  • Rectification of over 5,000 black spots on highways;
  • Mandatory road safety audits to assess risk areas;
  • Stricter vehicle safety norms, including airbags and anti-lock braking systems;
  • Electronic enforcement mechanisms such as speed cameras and CCTV surveillance to improve compliance;
  • District-wide driving training and vehicle fitness centers to reduce accidents caused by unskilled driving;

Global Efforts

• Brasilia Declaration (2015): It defined the urgent measures needed to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s ambitious target (Target 3.6) to halve road traffic deaths by the end of this decade.
• United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety (2021–2030): It aims to halve deaths related to road accidents by 2030.
  • It aligns with the Stockholm Declaration (2020).
• World Bank Report (2020): It estimates that an additional $109 billion are required over the next decade to achieve a 50% reduction in road crash fatalities.

Key Committees & Policy Frameworks

• Sundar Committee on Road Safety and Traffic Management (2005):
  • It recommended the creation of a National Road Safety Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet in 2010.
  • It also proposed the establishment of a National Road Safety Board to oversee safety regulations and enforcement.
  • National Road Safety Council (NRSC): As an advisory body under MoRTH, to provide recommendations on policy measures, enforcement strategies, and infrastructure improvements.
• Working Group on Road Safety Education:
  • It focuses on driver training, public awareness campaigns, and school-level road safety education.
  • It advocates for stronger enforcement of traffic laws and integration of road safety into school curricula.
  • Supreme Court’s Committee on Road Safety: District Road Safety Committees for each district in the State, in accordance with The Motor Vehicle Act, 1988.
• It focuses on 4Es viz Engineering, Education, Enforcement & Emergency.

General Studies Paper-2

Context: At the 15th India–Japan Annual Summit (2025), both nations adopted a “Joint Vision for the Next Decade” along with multiple agreements covering economic, security, technological, and cultural cooperation.

• Japan also announced an investment target of 10 trillion yen (₹5.5 lakh crore) in India over the next 10 years.

Key Outcomes of the Summit

• Joint Vision for the Next Decade: Framework across eight pillars: economic partnership, economic security, mobility, innovation, defence, environment, multilateral cooperation, and cultural exchanges.
• Security & Defence Cooperation: Adoption of a Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, intensifying strategic ties.
  • Launch of economic security initiatives to safeguard supply chains, technology, and minerals.
  • Expanded defence exercises: Dharma Guardian (Army), Shinyuu Maitri (Air Force), JIMEX (Navy).
  • Logistics support under the Acquisition & Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) has been strengthened.
• Mobility & Human Resource Exchange:
  • Action Plan for Human Resource Exchange enables two-way mobility for 500,000 people in 5 years.
  • 50,000 Indian workers targeted for placement in Japan under the Next-Generation Mobility Partnership.
• Technology & Digital Cooperation:
  • Launch of India-Japan Digital Partnership 2.0, covering AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and cybersecurity.
  • Joint R&D through India-Japan AI Initiative boosts tech innovation.
• Sustainability & Environment:
  • Cooperation under the Joint Crediting Mechanism (JCM)—aimed at low-carbon technology and clean energy adoption.
  • Sustainable Fuel Initiative promotes clean hydrogen and ammonia.
  • Collaboration on wastewater management and renewable energy deployment.
• Space & Minerals:
  • Joint Lunar Polar Exploration Mission brings together ISRO and JAXA for moon exploration.
  • MoU signed for critical mineral resource cooperation.
• Cultural & People-to-People Ties:
  • Programs boost cultural exchanges, tourism, and education.
  • City–prefecture level partnerships deepen subnational ties.

Significance of India–Japan Relations

• Strategic Convergence: The partnership addresses shared concerns about assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific, aligning with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) strategy.
• Economic Ties: Japan is the 5th largest investor in India and key partner in infrastructure projects like the Delhi–Mumbai Industrial Corridor and Bullet Train.
  • Industrial Competitiveness Partnership builds resilient supply chains.
• Global Governance: Both countries advocate for UNSC reform, are Quad and G20 members, and support reformed multilateralism.
• Defence Cooperation: Regular joint exercises enhance interoperability, strengthening India’s Indo-Pacific role.

Way Forward

• Expand defence ties with maritime tech co-development.
• Upgrade CEPA to boost bilateral trade.
• Scale up hydrogen, ammonia, and renewable energy collaboration.
• Align skilling initiatives to match India’s workforce with Japan’s demographic needs.
• Promote resilient supply chains, digital infrastructure, and climate leadership in the Global South.
• This summit sharpens Indo-Japanese cooperation for regional stability, shared economic growth, and sustainable progress over the coming decade.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• Recently, two Indian ‘aquanauts’ travelled deep into the Atlantic Ocean as part of preparations for the upcoming Samudrayaan Project, under which India aims to send three humans to depths of 6,000 metres by 2027.

About the Samudrayaan Project

• It is a flagship initiative under India’s Deep Ocean Mission, approved by the Cabinet in 2021 with a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years. Key objectives include:
• Harness India’s 11,098 km-long coastline through a blue economy strategy.
• Explore untapped deep-sea minerals, fuels, and biodiversity resources.
• Protect and secure undersea telecommunication cables, vital for global connectivity.
• Place India among an elite group of nations — including the US, Russia, China, Japan, and France — with deep-sea human exploration capability.
• It operates as part of the Deep Ocean Mission under the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
• India is set to join an elite group of nations capable of manned deep-sea exploration, alongside the United States, Russia, China, Japan, and France with the launch of the Samudrayaan Project.

Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Sea Submersible

• India’s aquanauts aim to travel in the Matsya-6000, a made-in-India titanium submersible, and designed like a large fish, developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
• Capacity: 3 humans for 12 hours, emergency endurance up to 96 hours.
• Initial Tests: Steel sphere dives up to 500 metres (wet test off Chennai, February).

Key Challenges

• Vessel Development: Precise thickness of titanium alloy sphere is required, and even 0.2 mm deviation in thickness risks collapse.
  • Fabrication involves electron beam welding, with ISRO assisting in the process.
• Life Support Systems: Oxygen regulation and carbon dioxide scrubbing are critical.
  • Equipped with re-breather oxygen systems for emergencies, recycling exhaled air.
• Aquanaut Health: High physical fitness is essential, and limited food and water intake.
• Communication: Radio waves fail underwater, requiring acoustic telephones.
  • India developed its own system, though initial tests struggled with temperature and salinity effects. Later trials in the open ocean confirmed functionality.

Looking Ahead

• The Samudrayaan Project represents a leap forward for India’s blue economy ambitions and scientific innovation.
• India could soon stand alongside global leaders in deep-sea human exploration, unlocking vast resources while strengthening strategic and technological self-reliance with the successful deployment of Matsya-6000.

General Studies Paper-3

Context

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) has facilitated the transfer of five technologies developed by ISRO to five Indian companies.

About

• The transfers are aimed at driving commercialisation, strengthening self-reliance, reducing imports, and enabling wider applications of space technologies in sectors such as automotive, biomedical, and industrial manufacturing.

Technologies Transferred

• For Biomedical Use: The Low-Temperature Co-Fired Ceramic (LTCC) Multi-Chip Module, developed by the Space Application Centre (SAC), enables the integration of multiple semiconductor chips into a single, compact module.
  • This has been acquired for RT-PCR kits requiring high-volume production.
• For solar panel bonding: The RTV Silicone Single-Part Adhesive (SILCEM R9), developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), is a room-temperature curable adhesive.
  • It has been acquired for solar panel bonding.
• For industrial use: Another three technologies are transferred to three organisations for industrial use.

India’s share in the Space Industry

• India’s space economy stands at $8 billion, contributing 2-3% of the global space economy, and this is expected to rise to 8% by 2030 and further to 15% by the year 2047.
• With over 400 private space companies, India ranks fifth globally in the number of space companies.

Private players in the Space Industry

• The number of space startups in India increased to nearly 200 in 2024 from just one in 2022.
• The funding received by these start-ups reached a total of $124.7 Mn in 2023 from $67.2 Mn in 2021.
• Skyroot has launched India’s first privately built rocket, Vikram-S, into space, with plans to revolutionise satellite launches.

Regulation of the Private sector in the Space industry in India

• National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe): It is an autonomous and single window nodal agency in the Department of Space for the promotion, encouragement, and regulation of space activities of both government and private entities.
• NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL): Acts as the commercial arm of the Department of Space:
  • Commercialises space technologies developed by ISRO.
  • Manufactures and procures space assets.
• Serves both government and private sector clients on commercial terms.

Significance of the privatisation of the space sector

• Cost Reduction: Profit motive drives private companies to reduce costs in space missions and satellite launches.
• Competition & Innovation: Privatisation introduces competition, enhancing efficiency and fostering innovation.
• Commercialisation: Private players enable space applications in sectors like agriculture, disaster management, urban planning, navigation, and communication.
• Autonomy: Greater decision-making autonomy allows private companies to take on new projects more swiftly.
• Employment & Self-reliance: Privatisation generates jobs, supports modern technology adoption, and helps make the space sector self-reliant.

Challenges

• High Investment Costs: Space technology requires heavy investment, potentially leading to monopolisation by wealthy corporations.
• Specialised Expertise: Building and operating space tech demands specialised technical skills and resources.
• Protecting intellectual property rights (IPR): Safeguarding intellectual property rights is essential to encourage innovation and investment.
• International Competition: Indian private space companies face strong competition from established players like SpaceX and Blue Origin globally.

Steps Taken by the Government

• Space Sector Reforms (2020): The Government allowed private sector participation, defining the roles of IN-SPACe, ISRO, and NSIL.
• Space Vision 2047: Aims for Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian Moon landing by 2040.
  • Gaganyaan programme has entered its final phase, with the first human spaceflight now scheduled for the first quarter of 2027.
  • Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) first module by 2028.
  • Next Generation Satellite Launch Vehicle (NGLV) by 2032.
  • Chandrayaan-4 by 2027, to collect moon samples and demonstrate return technology.
  • Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) by 2028, to study Venus.
• Indian Space Policy, 2023: Ensures a level playing field for Non-Government Entities (NGEs) in space activities.
• Venture Capital Fund: 1000 crore fund for space startups under IN-SPACe over the next 5 years.
• SpaceTech Innovation Network (SpIN): SpIN is a one-of-its-kind public-private collaboration for start-ups and SMEs in the space industry.
  • Under the amended FDI policy,100% FDI is allowed in the space sector.
  • Up to 74% (Automatic route) for satellite-related activities; beyond that, government route.
  • Up to 49% (Automatic route) for launch vehicles and spaceports; beyond that, government route.
• 100% (Automatic route) for manufacturing components and sub-systems for satellites and ground/user segments.

Way Ahead

• Private entities are now actively involved in crucial aspects of research, manufacturing, and fabrication of rockets and satellites, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of innovation. It is expected to integrate Indian companies into global value chains.
• With this, companies will be able to set up their manufacturing facilities within the country, duly encouraging ‘Make In India (MII)’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives of the Government.