Why in the News?
India joined the BRICS Centre for Industrial Competencies (BCIC) on 4 February 2026 at an event organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in New Delhi.
About BCIC
- BCIC is a one stop integrated support platform for manufacturing companies and MSMEs across BRICS countries
- It focuses on strengthening Industry 4.0 competencies
- Launched in partnership with United Nations Industrial Development Organization
India’s Participation
- India’s participation formalised through a Trust Fund Agreement
- Agreement signed between Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and UNIDO
- BCIC engagement aligns with India’s manufacturing and MSME competitiveness goals
India Centre for BRICS Industrial Competencies
- National Productivity Council designated as India Centre for BCIC
- NPC operates under policy guidance of DPIIT
- Receives technical support from UNIDO
- Responsible for capacity building, productivity enhancement and advanced manufacturing adoption
Key Stakeholders Involved
- DPIIT under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
- Ministry of MSME
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Industry partner Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Significance for Prelims
- Strengthens India’s role in BRICS industrial cooperation
- Supports MSMEs in adopting Industry 4.0 technologies
- Enhances global manufacturing competitiveness
- Example of international institutional collaboration in industrial policy
| [2025] Consider the following statements with regard to BRICS:
I. The 16th BRICS Summit was held under the Chairship of Russia in Kazan II. Indonesia has become a full member of BRICS III. The theme of the 16th BRICS Summit was Strengthening Multiculturalism for Just Global Development and Security. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) I and II (b) II and III (c) I and III (d) I only |
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