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GS Paper: GS2

  • Obesity in India and Budget 2026 Expectations  

    Why in the News?

    India has emerged as the third most obese country in the world after the US and China, according to the World Obesity Federation. The Economic Survey 2026 flagged obesity as a rising public health challenge across age groups, raising expectations from Union Budget 2026 to make healthy living affordable.

    Key Findings on Obesity in India

    • Global ranking: India is the third most obese country globally
    • Social spread:
      • 76 percent Indians report at least one obese person in their close social circle
      • 42 percent report four or more obese individuals around them
    • Associated diseases:
      • 56 percent obese individuals also suffer from lifestyle diseases like diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, fatty liver

    Causes of Rising Obesity

    • Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
    • High consumption of fatty and ultra processed foods
    • Urbanisation and screen based work culture
    • Poor dietary diversity and nutrition awareness

    Official Data  

    • National Family Health Survey 5:Overweight or obese adults:
      • Women: 24 percent
      • Men: 23 percent
      • Children under 5 with excess weight: Increased from 2.1 percent (2015–16) to 3.4 percent (2019–21)

    Health Implications

    • Higher risk of non communicable diseases like: Diabetes, Heart disease and Hypertension
    • Increased long term healthcare burden
    • Reduced productivity and quality of life

    Budget 2026 Expectations

    Citizens expect Budget 2026 to:

    • Reduce taxes on healthy food options
    • Improve affordability of fitness and preventive healthcare services
    • Discourage consumption of ultra processed foods through fiscal measures
    • Promote lifestyle based prevention over drug dependent solutions
    [2017] Which of the following are the objectives of ‘National Nutrition Mission’? 1. To create awareness relating to malnutrition among pregnant women and lactating mothers

    2. To reduce the incidence of anaemia among young children, adolescent girls and women

    3. To promote the consumption of millets, coarse cereals and unpolished rice

    4. To promote the consumption of poultry eggs

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1, 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 4 only (d) 3 and 4 only

  • Why have the new UGC regulations been stayed

    Why in the News?

    On January 29, the Supreme Court stayed the University Grants Commission (UGC) Equity Regulations, 2026 due to unclear provisions on caste-based discrimination. The regulations had been notified only weeks earlier to replace the 2012 framework that had guided campuses for over a decade. The stay is unusual, as equity regulations are rarely halted at the initial stage, and it reflects judicial concern that protections may have been weakened. Protests by student groups across the country highlight the continued seriousness of caste discrimination in higher education.

    What Are the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026?

    1. Regulatory Framework: The University Grants Commission (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026 notified in January 2026.
    2. Definition of Caste-Based Discrimination: Limits caste discrimination to actions “only on the basis of caste or tribe” against SC, ST, and OBC students.
    3. Scope of Discrimination: Defines discrimination as unfair, differential, or biased treatment, explicit or implicit, on grounds including religion, race, caste, gender, place of birth, or disability.
    4. Institutional Mechanism: Establishes Equal Opportunity Centres, Equity Committees, and Equity Squads in institutions and departments.
    5. Accountability Provision: Introduces penalties for institutions violating equity norms.

    Why Were the New Regulations Introduced?

    1. Judicial Origin: Emerged from Supreme Court hearings following the suicides of Rohith Vemula (2016) and Payal Tadvi (2019).
    2. Petitioner’s Argument: Contended that the 2012 UGC regulations failed to address “rampant caste discrimination” in higher education.
    3. Expert Committee: UGC constituted a committee under Prof. Shailesh N. Zala to revise the 2012 framework.
    4. Regulatory Outcome: Committee submitted revised equity regulations, which were notified as the 2026 regulations.

    How Did the 2026 Regulations Depart from the 2012 Framework?

    1. Definition Gap: 2012 regulations did not separately define caste-based discrimination; the 2026 rules narrowly define it.
    2. Grievance Redressal: 2012 regulations mandated grievance redressal mechanisms including SC/ST Cells and anti-discrimination officers.
    3. Complaint Coverage: 2012 framework explicitly covered denial of admissions, social interactions, and campus life aspects.
    4. Missing Provisions: 2026 regulations omit several specific safeguards present in the 2012 regulations.
    5. Continuity Clause: 2012 regulations provided consequences for non-implementation; 2026 rules dilute enforcement clarity.

    Why Were the Regulations Said to Be Biased?

    1. General Category Concern: Protesters argued regulations discriminate against general and upper-caste students.
    2. False Complaints Clause: Provision for punishment of “false complaints” seen as discouraging genuine reporting.
    3. Presumption Issue: Upper-caste students argued regulations presupposed them as perpetrators.
    4. Ambiguity Critique: Supreme Court noted vagueness in defining caste-based discrimination.
    5. Institutional Risk: Fear of misuse of ambiguous provisions against faculty and students.

    What Did the Supreme Court Hold?

    1. Judicial Finding: Found prima facie vagueness in the regulations.
    2. Interim Relief: Stayed implementation of the 2026 regulations.
    3. Status Quo Direction: Allowed UGC to revert to the 2012 regulations during pendency.
    4. Hearing Timeline: Scheduled detailed hearing after petitions are heard fully.
    5. Judicial Signal: Emphasised need for clarity and enforceability in equity regulations.

    Conclusion

    The stay on the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 underscores the constitutional sensitivity of caste-based discrimination in higher education. By halting a framework perceived to dilute existing safeguards, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that regulatory reform must strengthen, not weaken, substantive equality. The episode highlights the centrality of precise definitions, enforceable grievance mechanisms, and institutional accountability in addressing social discrimination on campuses.

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2023] Though the Human Rights Commissions have contributed immensely to the protection of human rights in India, yet they have failed to assert themselves against the mighty and powerful. Analyzing their structural and practical limitations, suggest remedial measures.

    Linkage: The Supreme Court’s stay on the UGC Equity Regulations, 2026 mirrors concerns raised in GS-II 2023 regarding the inability of statutory bodies to effectively protect vulnerable groups due to structural and design weaknesses. In both cases, diluted mandates and weak enforcement necessitated judicial intervention to uphold substantive equality.

  • Menstrual Health and MHM

    Why in the News?

    The Supreme Court of India ruled on January 30, 2026 that menstrual health and access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM) in schools are integral to the Right to Life and Dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

    What the Court Held

    • Right to menstrual health is part of Article 21, covering dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy.
    • Lack of MHM facilities exposes girls to stigma, humiliation, and exclusion.
    • Menstrual poverty violates right to education by causing absenteeism and dropouts.

    Key Constitutional Dimensions

    • Dignity: Girls must manage menstruation without humiliation.
    • Privacy and Bodily Autonomy: Choice cannot be dictated by lack of facilities.
    • Equality in Education: Gender-specific barriers defeat free and compulsory education.

    Important Observations

    • MHM goes beyond sanitation to include decisional freedom.
    • Unsafe practices or forced absenteeism undermine a dignified existence.
    • Impairment of education has long-term social and economic consequences.

    Directions Issued by the Court

    • Functional gender-segregated toilets in all schools, government and private.
    • Free-of-cost oxo-biodegradable sanitary napkins, preferably via vending machines in toilets.
    • Creation of MHM corners with spare innerwear, uniforms, disposable bags, and essentials.
    • Sensitisation of male teachers and students to prevent harassment and invasive questioning.

    Accountability Mechanism

    • Government schools held accountable for non-compliance with Section 19 of the RTE Act.
    • Private schools face de-recognition and penalties for violating prescribed norms.
    [2024] Under which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, has the Supreme Court of India placed the Right to Privacy? (a) Article 15 

    (b) Article 16 

    (c) Article 19 

    (d) Article 21

  • National Legal Services Authority 

    Why in the News?

    The Minister of State, Ministry of Law and Justice, informed the Rajya Sabha about the establishment of district legal services clinics by the National Legal Services Authority to expand access to justice.

    About National Legal Services Authority

    • Established under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
    • Objective is to provide free and competent legal services to the poor and marginalised sections
    • Ensures implementation of Article 39A of the Constitution

    Organisational Structure

    • NALSA is housed in the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi
    • State Legal Services Authorities in every State
    • High Court Legal Services Committees in every High Court
    • District Legal Services Authorities at district level
    • Taluk Legal Services Committees at taluk level

    Free Legal Services Include

    • Payment of court fees, process fees, and other legal charges
    • Legal representation by lawyers
    • Supply of certified copies of judgments and documents
    • Preparation of appeals, paper books, translation, and printing of documents
    [2020] In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens? 

    1. Person with an annual income of less than ₹ 1,00,000 

    2. Transgender with an annual income of less than ₹ 2,00,000 

    3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than ₹ 3,00,000 

    4. All Senior Citizens 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1 and 4 only

  • PAIMANA Portal

    Why in the News?

    The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has operationalised the PAIMANA portal for mandatory monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above.

    About PAIMANA Portal

    • PAIMANA stands for Project Assessment, Infrastructure Monitoring and Analytics for Nation-building.
    • It is a flagship digital initiative of MoSPI aimed at strengthening monitoring, transparency and data driven governance in infrastructure development.

    Objectives

    • Create a centralised national repository of major infrastructure projects
    • Enable evidence based decision making using analytics
    • Improve data accuracy, operational efficiency and project oversight

    Key Features

    • Centralised Project Monitoring: Single window system for ministries, departments and implementing agencies to upload, track and review project data
    • Real Time Dashboards: Interactive dashboards with drill down options to monitor progress across sectors, states and timelines
    • Advanced Data Analytics: Includes reporting tools, query modules, review cases and identification of data gaps
    • Role Based Access: Different user roles for data entry, validation and monitoring to ensure accountability
    • Integration: Integrated with Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade’s Integrated Project Monitoring Portal (IPMP or IIG PMG) through APIs
    • Coverage: Mandatory monitoring of Central Sector Infrastructure Projects worth ₹150 crore and above
    [2022] In India, what is the role of the Coal Controller’s Organization (CCO)? 

    1. CCO is the major source of Coal Statistics in Government of India

    2. It monitors progress of development of Captive Coal/Lignite blocks

    3. It hears any objection to the Government’s notification relating to acquisition of coal-bearing areas

    4. It ensures that coal mining companies deliver the coal to end users in the prescribed time. 

    Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

    (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 3 and 4 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 4

  • [30th January 2026] The Hindu OpED: India-Arab League: bridging cultures, creating opportunities

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] The question of India’s energy security constitutes the most important part of India’s economic progress. Analyze India’s energy policy cooperation with West Asian countries.

    Linkage: Energy security remains central to India’s economic progress, with West Asia continuing as India’s largest source of crude oil and LPG.  The article shows how India-Arab League engagement strengthens institutional energy cooperation.

    Mentor’s Comment

    India’s engagement with the Arab League marks a calibrated shift from transactional diplomacy to structured regional partnership. At a time of escalating conflicts in West Asia and intensifying great-power contestation, India’s outreach to the Arab League reflects both strategic necessity and diplomatic maturity. This article analyses the significance, pillars, and implications of this engagement.

    Why in the News?

    India hosted the 2nd India-Arab League Meeting in New Delhi on January 30-31, 2026, with participation from ministers and delegates of 22 Arab League members. The meeting assumes significance amid ongoing conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and Yemen, persistent US military build-up, and shifting regional power equations.

    How Has India-Arab League Engagement Evolved Institutionally?

    1. Institutional Framework: Formal engagement initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (2002) to establish structured dialogue.
    2. Multilateral Integration: India granted Permanent Observer status to the Arab League in 2023.
    3. Summit Diplomacy: India-Arab Summit (2016, Bahrain) and India-Arab Partnership Investment Summit institutionalised economic engagement.
    4. Diplomatic Continuity: Regular ministerial visits and dialogues indicate sustained political commitment.

    What Are the Core Pillars of the India-Arab League Partnership?

    1. Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade exceeds USD 240 billion, with India targeting USD 200 billion investment inflows by 2030.
    2. Energy Security: Arab states supply over 50% of India’s crude oil imports and 60% of LPG requirements.
    3. Diaspora Linkages: Millions of Indian workers contribute to remittances and act as socio-economic bridges.
    4. Strategic Dialogue: Expanding engagement on security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability.

    How Does Strategic Convergence Shape the Relationship?

    1. Vision Alignment: Overlap between Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Centennial 2071, Kuwait Vision 2035, and India’s Vision 2047.
    2. Resilience Test: Partnership endured disruptions such as COVID-19 and regional conflicts.
    3. Logistics Connectivity: Majority of India’s trade passes through Suez Canal, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden.
    4. Economic Corridors: India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) enhances connectivity and supply chain resilience.

    What Is the Scale of Economic and Investment Engagement?

    1. Major Investors: UAE (USD 75 bn), Saudi Arabia (USD 100 bn), Qatar (USD 10 bn).
    2. Infrastructure Focus: Investments in ports, logistics, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure.
    3. Trade Expansion: Trade through the region crossed USD 2.5 trillion, enabling export growth and market diversification.
    4. FTA Momentum: CEPA with UAE and ongoing talks with Oman indicate institutional trade deepening.

    How Is Technology and Digital Cooperation Expanding?

    1. FinTech Integration: UPI linkage with UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar enhances cross-border payments.
    2. Digital Infrastructure: Emphasis on transaction transparency and cost efficiency.
    3. Knowledge Economy: Collaboration in fintech, cybersecurity, and data-driven governance.

    What Is the Emerging Security and Defence Dimension?

    1. Counter-Terrorism: Shared condemnation of terrorism, including incidents like Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama, and Pahalgam.
    2. Defence Exports: Indian platforms such as Tejas fighter aircraft, BrahMos missiles, artillery systems attract interest.
    3. Maritime Security: Cooperation to counter piracy and secure sea lanes.
    4. Future Domains: Growing engagement in cyber, space, and drone technologies.

    Why Does This Engagement Matter for India’s West Asia Strategy?

    1. Strategic Autonomy: Enables India to maintain balanced relations with competing regional actors.
    2. Energy and Economic Stability: Ensures reliable access to hydrocarbons and investment flows.
    3. Geopolitical Relevance: Positions India as a credible stakeholder in West Asian stability.
    4. Diplomatic Leverage: Allows quiet engagement on sensitive issues such as Palestine-Israel.

    Conclusion

    India-Arab League engagement reflects a transition from episodic diplomacy to sustained strategic partnership. Anchored in economic interdependence, energy security, and shared security concerns, this relationship strengthens India’s role as a stabilising power in West Asia while safeguarding its long-term national interests.

  • Jal Shakti Minister interacts with WaSH Warriors

    Why in the News?

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Paatil interacted with WaSH Warriors and school students in New Delhi and inaugurated 25 JALAJ Livelihood Centres, highlighting Jan Bhagidari in water conservation and river rejuvenation.

    Key Initiatives Highlighted

    • WaSH Warriors and Jan Bhagidari
      • Grassroots change makers working on Ganga cleanliness, plastic reduction, biodiversity conservation, and water source protection
      • Promote community driven riverbank cleanliness, plantation, and awareness campaigns
      • Strengthen people’s participation in environmental governance
    • Jal Jeevan Mission Impact
      • Participants highlighted benefits of Jal Jeevan Mission
      • Har Ghar Jal improved health, dignity, and quality of life, especially in rural areas
    • JALAJ Livelihood Centres
      • 25 centres inaugurated
      • Joint initiative of National Mission for Clean Ganga and Wildlife Institute of India
      • Linked to Namami Gange Mission
      • Objective is river conservation linked with sustainable livelihoods
      • Special focus on women participation and community ownership
      • Implemented in the Ganga river basin
    • Youth for Ganga Youth for Yamuna
      • Educational outreach by Eco Roots Foundation
      • Engages students and youth in Ganga and Yamuna conservation
      • Expansion planned across Delhi NCR schools
      • Builds emotional, cultural, and environmental connect with rivers

    Role of Institutions

    • National Mission for Clean Ganga acknowledged for improving cleanliness and ecological health of the Ganga
    • Jal Prahari initiative strengthens monitoring and awareness at the community level
    [2016] Which of the following are the key features of ‘National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)? 

    1. River basin is the unit of planning and management

    2. It spearheads the river conservation efforts at the national level

    3. One of the Chief Ministers of the States through which the Ganga flows becomes the Chairman of NGRBA on rotation basis

    Select the correct answer using the code given below

    (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026  

    Why in the News?

    The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, replacing the SWM Rules, 2016. The rules will come into force from April 1, 2026.

    About Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026

    • Focus on Circular Economy, Extended Producer Responsibility, and scientific waste management
    • Strengthen compliance through the Polluter Pays Principle
    • Emphasis on source segregation, decentralised processing, and digital monitoring

    Key Provisions

    • Four stream segregation at source
      • Mandatory segregation into Wet Waste, Dry Waste, Sanitary Waste, and Special Care Waste
      • Wet Waste to be processed through composting or bio methanation
      • Dry Waste to be sent to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) for recycling
      • Sanitary and Special Care Waste to be collected by authorised agencies
    • Environmental compensation
      • Imposed for non compliance, false reporting, forged documents, or operating without registration
      • Guidelines issued by Central Pollution Control Board
      • Compensation levied by State Pollution Control Boards or Pollution Control Committees
    • Bulk Waste Generators and EBWGR
      • Bulk Waste Generators defined as entities generating 100 kg waste per day, or area above 20,000 sq m, or water use above 40,000 litres per day
      • Includes government offices, PSUs, institutions, commercial establishments, and housing societies
      • Introduction of Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility (EBWGR)
      • Mandatory on site wet waste processing where feasible
      • Bulk generators account for nearly 30 percent of total solid waste
    • Online monitoring and land allocation
      • Creation of a Centralised Online Portal for tracking waste generation, collection, transport, processing, disposal, and legacy waste remediation
      • Online registration, authorisation, and reporting made mandatory
      • Graded buffer zone norms for waste processing facilities above 5 tonnes per day
    • Material Recovery Facilities and local bodies
      • Formal recognition of MRFs for sorting of solid waste
      • Local bodies responsible for collection, segregation, and transportation
      • MRFs may act as collection points for e waste, sanitary waste, and special care waste
      • Local bodies encouraged to generate Carbon Credits
    • Refuse Derived Fuel usage
      • Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) defined as fuel from high calorific non recyclable waste
      • Cement plants and waste to energy plants mandated to use RDF
      • Fuel substitution target raised from 5 percent to 15 percent over six years
    • Landfills and legacy waste
      • Landfilling restricted to inert and non recoverable waste only
      • Higher landfill fees for unsegregated waste
      • Mandatory mapping, biomining, and bioremediation of legacy dumpsites
      • Annual landfill audits by SPCBs with District Collector oversight
    • Hilly areas and islands
      • Levy of User Fees on tourists
      • Regulation of tourist inflow based on waste handling capacity
      • Decentralised wet waste processing by hotels and restaurants
      • Designated collection points for non biodegradable waste
    [2019] As per the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 in India, which one of the following statements is correct? 

    (a) Waste generator has to segregate waste into five categories

    (b) The Rules are applicable to notified urban local bodies, notified towns and all industrial townships only

    (c) The Rules provide for exact and elaborate criteria for the identification of sites for landfills and waste processing facilities

    (d) It is mandatory on the part of waste generator that the waste generated in one district cannot be moved to another district.

  • [29th January 2025] The Hindu OpED: The new logic of Chinese economy

    PYQ Relevance

    [UPSC 2017] Account for the failure of the manufacturing sector in achieving the goal of labour-intensive exports rather than capital-intensive exports. Suggest measures for more labour-intensive rather than capital-intensive exports.

    Linkage: The PYQ remains relevant as India continues to struggle with jobless growth and weak performance in labour-intensive manufacturing exports. The article contrasts this with China’s success based on industrial scale, integrated supply chains, and demand-driven manufacturing, highlighting structural gaps in India’s manufacturing sector.

    Mentor’s Comment

    This article is important because it clearly explains China’s shift from an export- and investment-driven economy to one led by domestic consumption, innovation, and high-end manufacturing. At a time when China is often accused of “overcapacity” and “dumping,” the article presents a data-based counter-view, with clear implications for India-China trade, global manufacturing patterns, and the changing world economic order.

    Why in the News

    China’s economy crossed ¥140 trillion (~$20 trillion) GDP in 2025, registering 5% annual growth despite a weak global trade environment. Its contribution to global economic growth is projected at ~30%, underscoring systemic relevance. The article is notable because it rejects the Western “overcapacity” thesis, highlights domestic consumption as the primary growth engine (52%), and presents China-India trade touching a historic $155.6 billion. This marks a shift from earlier export-heavy narratives to a consumption-innovation-led framework, with explicit outreach to India for economic cooperation.

    What Is Driving China’s Economic Growth Today?

    1. Domestic Consumption: Contributed 52% of GDP growth in 2025, establishing consumption as the primary growth driver.
    2. Price Competitiveness: Lower prices of goods and services reflect efficiency, not suppressed consumption.
    3. Physical Consumption Indicators:
      1. Mobile phones: 1.28 per person, among the highest globally.
      2. Protein intake: 124.6 grams per day, higher than the US and Japan.
      3. Vegetable consumption: 109.8 kg annually, highest globally.

    How Have Exports Sustained Growth Amid Global Uncertainty?

    1. Export Contribution: Accounted for 32.7% of economic growth in 2025.
    2. High-tech Manufacturing: Growth driven by servers, industrial robots, and advanced equipment.
    3. Market Diversification: Stable export growth to ASEAN and the EU, offsetting volatility elsewhere.
    4. Industrial Chain Depth: Ensures resilience despite an unfavourable global trade environment.

    Why Is China Shifting Its Growth Model?

    1. Capital Formation Slowdown: Contributed 15.3% to growth, signalling limits of investment-led expansion.
    2. Growth Engine Transition: Shift towards domestic demand-led growth, with exports and innovation as supplementary drivers.
    3. Technological Breakthroughs: Advances in AI, quantum technology, and brain-computer interfaces indicate qualitative upgrading.
    4. Green Industries: Rapid growth in renewable electricity and clean energy manufacturing.

    Is China Facing an Export ‘Overcapacity’ Problem?

    1. Capacity Utilisation: Industrial utilisation at 74.4%, comparable to the US and EU.
    2. Supply-Side Logic: Production capacity responds to global demand, not artificial surplus creation.
    3. Competitiveness Factors:
      1. High R&D intensity
      2. Robust domestic competition
      3. Comprehensive industrial ecosystem
    4. Rejection of Dumping Narrative: Competitiveness stems from productivity, not subsidies.

    How Does China View Global Industrialisation and Demand?

    1. Developing Country Demand: Infrastructure expansion and energy transition have increased demand for high-quality Chinese equipment.
    2. Technology Transfer Role: Facilitates industrial upgrading in partner countries.
    3. Global Manufacturing Integration: Positions China as both producer and technology supplier.

    How Are India-China Trade Relations Evolving?

    1. Trade Volume: India-China trade reached $155.6 billion in 2025, a historic high.
    2. Import Composition: Indian imports largely consist of raw materials and components, supporting domestic production.
    3. Export Growth: Indian exports to China reached $19.7 billion, growing 9.7% year-on-year.
    4. Late-2025 Momentum: Monthly export growth reached 90% and 67% in the last two months of 2025.
    5. Trade Intent: China denies pursuing deliberate trade surpluses and supports balanced trade.

    What Policy Signals Does China Send to Global and Indian Businesses?

    1. Tariff Regime: Maintains 7.3% average tariff, aligned with international standards.
    2. Market Access: Negative list for foreign investment continues to shorten.
    3. Visa Policy: Expanded visa-free access to encourage business mobility.
    4. Domestic Demand Priority: Central Economic Work Conference identifies expanding domestic demand as top 2026 priority.
    5. Market Scale: Population over 1.4 billion, including 400+ million middle-income consumers.

    Conclusion

    The article presents China’s economy as transitioning toward a consumption-driven, innovation-intensive, and green-oriented model, rejecting the overcapacity narrative. It highlights China’s centrality to global growth, sustained manufacturing competitiveness, and a pragmatic approach to India-China economic cooperation. The underlying logic is not export domination but systemic industrial strength and demand-led expansion.

  • India–EU Cooperation on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy

    Why in the News?

    European Union and India committed to collaboration on peaceful uses of nuclear energy at the 16th India–EU Summit held on January 27, 2026 in New Delhi

    Nuclear Cooperation Framework

    • Cooperation to be undertaken under the Euratom agreement
    • India and the EU signed the India–Euratom Agreement in July 2020
    • Focus on research and development in nuclear science and technology

    Key Areas of Nuclear Cooperation

    • Advanced materials for nuclear detectors
    • Radiation safety and nuclear security
    • Non power applications of atomic energy
    • Cooperation on radio pharmaceuticals
    • Strengthening collaboration in ITER
    • ITER is the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor

    Research and Innovation Cooperation

    • Deepening collaboration under Horizon Europe
    • Horizon Europe is the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation

    Priority sectors

    • Energy, Water, Agri food, Health, Semiconductors, Biotechnology and Advanced materials

    Prelims Pointers

    • Euratom deals with civil nuclear research, not nuclear weapons
    • ITER focuses on nuclear fusion, not fission
    • Horizon Europe is a research funding programme, not a trade agreement
    • CBAM is a climate linked trade measure, not a free trade tool
    [2018] In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the ‘Additional Protocol’ with the ‘International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)’? 

    (a) The civilian nuclear reactors come under IAEA safeguards

    (b) The military nuclear installations come under the inspection of IAEA 

    (c) The country will have the privilege to buy uranium from the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)

    (d) The country automatically becomes a member of the NSG