The Government of India recently clarified in the Lok Sabha that no final decision has been taken regarding the updation of the National Population Register (NPR) during the upcoming Population Census 2027.
What is the National Population Register (NPR)?
Overview: NPR is a register of “usual residents” in India—individuals who have lived in an area for 6 months or intend to stay for the next 6 months.
Conducted by: Office of the Registrar General of India (RGI), Ministry of Home Affairs.
Legal Basis: Prepared under the Citizenship Act, 1955 and Citizenship Rules, 2003.
Mandatory Nature: Registration in NPR is compulsoryfor all usual residents.
Exclusion:Assam is excluded as it has completed the National Register of Citizens (NRC) process.
Historical Background:
First Created: In 2010 during the House Listing phase of Census 2011.
Updated: Again in 2015–16 via door-to-door survey.
Database Size: Contains data of around 119 crore residents.
Aadhaar Link: Biometric data collection is linked to Aadhaar; however, ration card data collection was dropped in the 2020 plan.
Current Status: NPR update plans (2020) are on hold. NPR’s priority has reduced due to Aadhaar’s expanded utility in benefit delivery.
Scope and Data Collected:
Coverage Levels: Conducted at local, sub-district, district, state, and national levels.
Demographic Data: Includes name, age, gender, relationship, marital status, etc.
Biometric Data: Sourced via Aadhaar enrolment—fingerprints, iris scan, and photo.
NPR vs National Register of Citizens (NRC):
Feature
National Population Register (NPR)
National Register of Citizens (NRC)
Purpose
Record of all usual residents
Register of Indian citizens
Coverage
Includes citizens and non-citizens
Only Indian citizens
Legal Basis
Citizenship Act, 1955 & Rules (2003)
Citizenship Rules (2003)
Primary Use
Welfare schemes, demographic data
Citizenship verification
Mandatory?
Yes
Not uniformly across India
[UPSC 2009] Consider the following statements:
1. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the density of the population of India has increased more than three times.
2. Between Census 1951 and Census 2001, the annual growth rate (exponential) of the population of India has doubled.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2*
The proposal to expand the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve by 1,100 sq km has received clearance from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and awaits approval from National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
About Sundarbans Tiger Reserve (STR):
Location: Situated in South and North 24-Parganas districts, West Bengal; lies at the southern tip of the Gangetic Delta.
Area: Presently 2,585.89 sq km; expansion to 3,629.57 sq km under proposal.
Status: Notified as a Tiger Reserve, National Park, Biosphere Reserve; part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Unique Feature: World’s only mangrove forest with a viable tiger population.
Tiger Count: Over 100 tigers – 80 in core area, 21 in adjoining forests.
Landscape: Interconnected estuaries, tidal creeks, and 105 mangrove-covered islands.
Flora: Dominated by mangrove species like Avicennia, Rhizophora, Heritiera.
Fauna: Includes Royal Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cats, Estuarine Crocodiles, Irrawaddy Dolphins, King Cobras, and endangered reptiles and birds.
[UPSC 2024] Explain and distinguish between Lok Adalats and Arbitration Tribunals. Whether they entertain civil as well as criminal cases ?
Linkage: The article states that Lok Adalats, for instance, have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases between 2021 and March 2025, including pre-litigation and pending court cases. This question directly addresses Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, which are highlighted in the sources as a “promising way forward to ease the burden on traditional courts and deliver quicker, more affordable, and citizen-friendly justice.
Mentor’s Comment: India’s judicial delays have come under sharp focus due to the enormous case backlog—over 5 crore cases pending across the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts. This crisis undermines the public’s trust in the legal system, as highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu’s reference to the ‘black coat syndrome’. The issue has resurfaced in light of systemic problems such as judicial vacancies, ineffective case management, and poor infrastructure, especially at the district level, where civil cases face the longest delays. The situation has sparked urgent calls for reform, improved judge strength, and the expansion of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms like Lok Adalats, which have successfully resolved over 27.5 crore cases since 2021.
Today’s editorial analyses India’s judicial delays. This topic is important for GS Paper II (Indian Polity) in the UPSC mains exam.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Recently, India’s problem of slow court cases has gained attention because more than 5 crore cases are still waiting to be heard in the Supreme Court, High Courts, and district courts.
Why is timely justice vital for public trust?
Maintains faith in the rule of law: When justice is delivered promptly, people believe that the system works and protects them. Eg: The Jessica Lal murder case initially led to public outrage due to delays, but the eventual conviction in a fast-tracked appeal restored some public confidence.
Deters future crimes: Swift punishment sends a strong message that wrongdoing will not go unpunished, discouraging potential offenders. Eg: Fast-track courts for sexual assault cases post-Nirbhaya have increased deterrence and quicker resolution.
Reduces prolonged trauma for victims: Delayed trials prolong emotional and mental stress for victims and their families. Eg: In the 2002 Gujarat riots cases, delayed justice caused continued trauma to survivors; timely convictions like in the Best Bakery case brought some closure.
Prevents misuse of legal loopholes: Delays allow the accused to manipulate evidence, threaten witnesses, or use legal tricks to avoid punishment. Eg: In the Bhopal gas tragedy case, delay of over two decades led to very mild punishments, causing loss of trust in the judiciary.
What causes structural delays in courts?
Judicial Vacancies: A shortage of judges leads to an overwhelming case burden on existing judges, slowing down the process. Eg: As of 2024, over 30% of High Court posts remain vacant across India, increasing pendency.
Procedural Inefficiencies: Outdated procedures, frequent adjournments, and lengthy documentation cause unnecessary delays. Eg: In civil suits, routine adjournments under Order XVII of CPC often delay hearings for years.
Inadequate Infrastructure: Lack of proper courtrooms, digital tools, and support staff hampers smooth functioning. Eg: Rural courts often lack basic IT infrastructure, affecting e-filing or virtual hearings.
Pending Government Cases: A large number of cases are filed by or against the government, clogging the judicial pipeline. Eg: Government is the biggest litigant, responsible for nearly 50% of pending cases.
Lack of Case Management Systems: Courts often don’t follow structured timelines or track progress systematically. Unlike fast-track courts, regular trial courts lack proper scheduling, leading to indefinite extensions.
Why are civil cases slower in district courts?
Frequent Adjournments Requested by Parties: Parties often misuse the provision of adjournments to delay proceedings unnecessarily. Eg: In a property dispute in Uttar Pradesh, the defendant sought over 20 adjournments in 5 years, delaying the verdict significantly.
Insufficient Judicial Strength: A shortage of judges leads to excessive caseloads, slowing the pace of case disposal. Eg: In Madhya Pradesh, one district judge was handling over 2,000 cases, making timely resolution nearly impossible.
Delay in Filing and Responding to Documents: Government departments and advocates often delay submitting necessary replies or documents. Eg: In a civil suit against a municipal corporation in Maharashtra, a delay of 18 months occurred because the civic body failed to file its written statement on time.
What role does ADR play in reducing pendency?
Eases Burden on Courts: ADR mechanisms like mediation, arbitration, and conciliation help resolve disputes outside the formal court system, thus reducing the number of cases pending in courts. Eg: In Delhi, the mediation centre at Tis Hazari Courts has resolved over 2 lakh cases since 2005, significantly easing judicial workload.
Faster and Cost-Effective Resolution: ADR offers a quicker, less expensive, and more flexible approach compared to traditional litigation, encouraging parties to settle early. Eg: In commercial disputes, arbitration under the Indian Arbitration and Conciliation Act often concludes within 12–18 months, unlike civil suits which may take years.
How effective are Lok Adalats in clearing backlogs?
High Volume Disposal: Lok Adalats are effective in disposing of a large number of cases quickly, especially compoundable civil and petty criminal cases. Eg: In the National Lok Adalat held in November 2023, over 1 crore cases were settled in a single day, significantly reducing court backlog.
Reduced Litigation Time & Cost: They offer speedy and cost-free resolution, which encourages litigants to settle disputes without lengthy trials, thus clearing cases that would otherwise clog lower courts.
Binding and Final Awards: The decisions are legally binding, and there is no appeal, which ensures that the disposed cases do not re-enter the judicial system, helping in permanent reduction of pending cases.
Focus on Pre-litigation Cases: Lok Adalats also take up pre-litigation matters, preventing disputes from entering the formal court system, and thereby curbing future backlog.
However, they are less effective for complex or non-compoundable cases (like serious criminal or constitutional matters), so their impact is limited to specific case types.
What are the differences between ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) and Lok Adalat?
Scope and Types: ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) is a broad umbrella that includes various methods like mediation, arbitration, negotiation, and conciliation. Lok Adalat is a specific type of ADR, institutionalized under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Legal Status and Binding Nature: In ADR, some methods like arbitration are legally binding, while mediation/conciliation may not be. In Lok Adalat, the award is final, binding, and enforceable as a court decree with no appeal.
Formality and Cost: ADR mechanisms can range from formal (arbitration) to informal (mediation) and may involve fees. Lok Adalats are informal, cost-free, and designed for speedy resolution of civil and compoundable criminal cases.
Way forward:
Institutional Strengthening and Legal Awareness: Strengthen infrastructure and ensure regular training for mediators and conciliators. Promote legal literacy to make citizens aware of ADR mechanisms and Lok Adalats as effective alternatives to litigation.
Digital Integration and Monitoring: Introduce e-Lok Adalats, expand online dispute resolution (ODR), and use data-driven monitoring to track disposal rates and identify bottlenecks in the system for continuous improvement.
A recent controversy on X (Twitter) between a hepatologist and an Indian chess Grandmaster has reignited the long-standing debate over whether practitioners of traditional medicine (such as Ayurveda and Unani) can legitimately claim the title of “doctor” and prescribe modern medicine.
What are the concerns with Ayurvedic doctors prescribing modern drugs?
Lack of scientific training: Ayurvedic doctors often lack formal training in modern pharmacology and diagnostic methods, which may result in inappropriate prescriptions. For instance, there have been cases where Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed steroids or antibiotics without understanding their side effects or dosage.
Violation of legal norms: According to the Supreme Court judgment in Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case, non-MBBS practitioners are not permitted to prescribe allopathic medicines. However, several states have passed conflicting executive orders, creating legal ambiguity.
Consumer deception and litigation: When Ayurvedic doctors prescribe modern drugs, patients may assume they are consulting an MBBS-qualified doctor, leading to misrepresentation. This has led to consumer lawsuits, such as a case in Delhi where the doctor’s qualification was challenged in court.
Endangerment in critical care: Some private hospitals employ Ayurvedic doctors in emergency wards to cut costs, risking patient safety. There have been cases where treatment by BAMS doctors during emergencies led to worsened outcomes due to delayed or incorrect interventions.
Undermining rational drug use: The unregulated prescription of allopathic drugs by Ayurvedic doctors contributes to antibiotic resistance and irrational drug use. A Uttar Pradesh health audit found significant instances where AYUSH doctors prescribed modern medicines without oversight.
How has traditional medicine regulation evolved in India?
Establishment of AYUSH systems: Post-independence, India formally recognized traditional systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH). The Department of Indian Systems of Medicine and Homeopathy (ISM&H) was established in 1995, later upgraded to the Ministry of AYUSH in 2014 to promote and regulate these practices.
Legal and institutional frameworks: The Indian Medicine Central Council Act, 1970 set up the Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) to regulate education and professional standards. This was later replaced by the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) under the NCISM Act, 2020, to enhance transparency and accountability.
Integration with mainstream healthcare: Over time, traditional medicine has been increasingly integrated into public health policies, like the National Health Policy (2017), and programs such as AYUSH Health and Wellness Centresunder Ayushman Bharat. This reflects a shift toward pluralistic healthcare governance while ensuring regulation and quality control.
Why is Rule 2(ee) of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules debated?
Rule 2(ee) defines “registered medical practitioners” who may prescribe modern drugs. It allows State governments discretion to include non-MBBS practitioners under certain conditions. This loophole is used to let Ayurvedic and Unani doctors prescribe modern medicine.
The Supreme Court judgment (Dr. Mukhtiar Chand case) clarified this as unconstitutional, yet many states persist. The Indian Medical Association frequently contests such misuse in courts.
What is the impact of AYUSH on public health insurance?
Inclusion in Ayushman Bharat: The AYUSH systems have been included under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), allowing beneficiaries to access treatments in AYUSH hospitals. This expanded the coverage of services, particularly in rural and underserved areas where traditional medicine is widely trusted.
Cost-effective care delivery: Treatments under AYUSH are often less expensive than allopathic interventions. For instance, Panchakarma therapy for lifestyle disorders or Ayurvedic treatments for arthritis are cost-efficient, thus reducing the financial burden on insurance providers and the government.
Increased utilisation and trust: With AYUSH covered under insurance, more people are opting for traditional medicine. This has led to higher utilisation rates of AYUSH healthcare facilities and promoted medical pluralism, contributing to a broader public health reach in India.
Way forward:
Strengthen Evidence-Based Integration: Establish an independent regulatory body for traditional medicine that ensures scientific validation, clinical trials, and safety monitoring before public endorsement or inclusion in health schemes. This helps maintain credibility and public trust.
Depoliticise Health Governance: Formulate traditional medicine policies through expert-driven committees with representation from all health systems, free from political interference. This ensures balanced development, equitable support, and harmonised integration into the national health framework.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2024] In a crucial domain like the public healthcare system, the Indian State should play a vital role to contain the adverse impact of marketisation of the system. Suggest some measures through which the State can enhance the reach of public healthcare at the grassroots level.
Linakge: The article highlights the consequences for public health when state governments allow registered Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners to prescribe modern medicine or perform surgeries, leading to friction with modern medical associations. This question directly addresses the role of the state in the public healthcare system and enhancing its reach at the grassroots level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu during the Aadi Thiruvathirai festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram drew attention due to its subtle political messaging and focus on the legacy of the Chola dynasty, especially Rajendra Chola I.
How can the Chola administration guide modern local governance?
Land and Revenue Management: They conducted detailed land surveys and classified land for fair taxation. Eg: Modern use of digital land records and GIS mapping can improve urban planning and property tax collection.
Sustainable Infrastructure: Built durable public works with advanced engineering. Eg: The Brihadisvara Temple shows disaster-resilient design, relevant for today’s urban infrastructure.
Grassroots Democratic Traditions: The Chola Sabhas and Ur assemblies practiced local self-governance, aligning with the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments on decentralisation.
Efficient Local Administration: Chola-era institutions handled tax collection, infrastructure upkeep, and dispute resolution, offering a model for accountable and participatory governance today.
Why is Chola water management relevant today?
Sustainable Water Use: The Cholas built tanks, canals, and reservoirs for rainwater harvesting and year-round irrigation. Eg: Tamil Nadu can adopt tank rehabilitation for climate-resilient agriculture.
Integrated River Management: They managed the Cauvery delta through coordinated water channel planning. Eg: Programs like Namami Gange can apply holistic watershed development inspired by Chola methods.
Community-led Water Governance: Local communities maintained water systems, ensuring efficiency and accountability. Eg: Panchayati Raj Institutions can empower village water user associations for decentralised water management.
What can temple architecture teach about seismic safety?
Broad Base & Tapering Design: Chola temples had a wide foundation and pyramid-like structure to distribute weight and resist earthquakes. Eg: Brihadisvara Temple has survived centuries of seismic activity.
Interlocking Stone Technique: Used granite blocks without mortar, allowing flexible movement during tremors. Eg: Airavatesvara Temple stones fit precisely, boosting durability.
Seismic-Sensitive Construction: Built with awareness of local geology and fault lines for quake resilience. Eg: Southern temples remain structurally stable despite past earthquakes.
How does invoking the Chola legacy shape modern politics?
Cultural Nationalism & Historical Pride: Celebrating the Chola dynasty boosts national pride and showcases India’s ancient global influence. Eg: Leaders highlight Chola maritime trade and temple architecture to project a strong civilisational legacy.
Regional Outreach & Political Messaging: Invoking Chola heritage appeals to Tamil identity, aiding political connect with southern states. Eg: PM’s visit to Gangaikonda Cholapuram during Aadi Thiruvathirai signaled a move to gain regional goodwill.
Conclusion: The legacy of the Chola dynasty offers enduring lessons for contemporary India across governance, infrastructure, water management, architecture, and politics. Their grassroots democratic institutions, efficient local administration, and innovative land and water management practices provide a valuable blueprint for strengthening decentralised governance, promoting sustainable development, and enhancing climate resilience.
Mains PYQ:
[UPSC 2022] Discuss the main contributions of Gupta period and Chola period to Indian heritage and culture.
Linkage: This question is directly related to your query as it broadly asks about the “main contributions” of the Chola period to “Indian heritage and culture.” This scope allows for a comprehensive discussion that goes beyond just art and architecture (grand temples). It provides an opportunity to elaborate on the administrative acumen of the Cholas, their water management systems, tax and land revenue collection, and democratic processes, which are highlighted in the sources as significant “mundane facets…of modern relevance” and key aspects of their legacy.
India and the United Kingdom (UK) announced the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) after three years of formal talks. Both countries also agreed to negotiate a reciprocal Double Contributions Convention (DCC).
DCC is a type of Social Security Agreement. o It will support business and trade by ensuring that employees moving between both countries and their employers, will only be liable to pay social security contributions in one country at a time. It will include employees temporarily working in the other country for up to 3 years.
Key Highlights of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The India-UK FTA brings several direct and indirect benefits, making it a win-win for both countries and unlocking new opportunities.
Benefit
Description
Example
Enhanced Market Access
India gains zero-duty access to UK markets for industrial and agricultural goods; UK exporters get reduced tariffs in India.
Indian processed foods earlier faced 10–12% tariffs — now duty-free in the UK. Tariffs on British whiskey reduced from 150% to 40% over 10 years.
Boost to Key Domestic Sectors
Labour-intensive Indian sectors like textiles, apparel, toys, and footwear benefit; UK gains in automobiles and spirits.
Indian apparel now gets zero-tariff access to UK. Tariffs on British cars slashed from 100% to 10%.
Job Creation & Economic Growth
Trade expansion leads to employment generation and investment in both countries.
India’s textile sector, employing 45+ million people, can boost jobs through increased exports.
Diversification of Trade Partners
India reduces dependency on US/EU; UK diversifies beyond EU post-Brexit.
India currently holds just 1.8% share in UK imports — FTA targets major increase.
Foundation for Future FTAs
Sets a model for India’s trade negotiations with other major economies like the EU and US.
Learnings from tariff cuts and ESG compliance can aid future deals with EU/US.
Key Indian Beneficiaries of the India-UK FTA
Following are the sectors that expect to gain directly from the new trade agreement.
Engineering Export Sector: Expects exports to double due to tariff elimination. EEPC projects $7.55 billion by 2029-30.
Textile & Apparel Industry: Gains edge over Bangladesh/Vietnam with zero-duty access.
Gems & Jewellery Sector: Duty-free exports boost margins on gold and diamond products.
IT & Professional Services: Easier professional mobility and recognition of qualifications.
Indian Employers in the U.K.: Save on social security costs for Indian talent on temporary duty.
Concerns of Indian Farmers Regarding the FTA
While industry celebrates, farmers have voiced legitimate concerns about import competition.
Threat from Cheaper Agri-Imports: U.K. lamb, salmon, and dairy may undercut Indian produce. Eg: Lower-cost U.K. lamb hits local meat producers.
Low-Income Farming Risk: Indian small-scale farmers can’t compete with subsidised imports. Eg: Marginal farmers vulnerable to price crashes.
Lack of Safeguards: No quotas or countervailing duties announced. Eg: Sudden import surges could hurt local markets.
High Production Costs in India: Indian farmers face higher input costs which makes their products less competitive.
Absence of Adjustment Mechanisms: No phased liberalization or protection clauses to give farmers adjustment time.
Implications of the India-UK FTA on India’s future FTAs
The India-UK FTA could serve as a template and test case for future negotiations.
Template for Future FTAs: May influence India’s trade talks with EU and U.S. Eg: Liberalisation on 85% of U.K. imports could raise similar asks.
Sensitive Sector Precedents: Agriculture and alcohol tariff cuts may open the door for more. Eg: U.S. bourbon or EU wine exporters may demand similar access.
Manufacturing Sector Pressure: Greater market openness requires stronger industrial policies. Eg: Indian manufacturing, already weak globally, may face exposure.
Model for Services Negotiations: The services component may guide India’s future demands in professional mobility.
Balancing Atmanirbhar Bharat Goals: India must ensure that opening trade does not contradict its domestic self-reliance agenda.
Way Forward
Targeted reforms and long-term strategies are needed to make Indian textiles globally competitive, sustainable, and future-ready.
Reform Tax Structure & Boost Incentives: Rationalize the GST structure to eliminate the inverted duty issue and offer production-linked incentives (PLI) for MMF textiles to enhance global competitiveness.
Invest in R&D and Modern Manufacturing: Encourage investment in high-performance MMF fabric production, innovation, and compliance infrastructure to meet international standards in technical textiles and sustainability.
Develop Global Design Ecosystem: Build strong global collaborations with design houses and brands to integrate India into high-end global supply chains.
Expand Export Promotion Councils’ Role: Strengthen market intelligence, branding, and global promotion efforts through institutional support.
Enhance Logistics & Supply Chain Efficiency: Improve port, road, and air connectivity to reduce lead times and ensure timely deliveries to global clients.
India’s FTA Experience
Over the past three decades, India has signed several Free Trade Agreements with both regional and bilateral partners. However, the results have been mixed, with some gains in exports but also rising trade deficits and limited gains in services.
What Happened
What It Means
Example
India started signing FTAs in the 1990s
As India opened up its economy, it also began signing free trade agreements to boost trade and investment.
The first FTA was signed with Sri Lanka in 1998.
Export growth to FTA partners
India’s exports grew by 13.4% for manufactured goods and 10.9% overall from 1993 to 2018.
Exports to ASEAN, Korea, Japan increased — but so did imports.
Growth not solely due to FTAs
The rise in exports also happened with countries without FTAs, so FTAs can’t take all the credit.
Export trends were similar for both FTA and non-FTA partners.
SAFTA performed well
India’s trade surplus with SAFTA countries (South Asia) grew massively, meaning India sold more than it bought.
Surplus rose from $4B in 2005-06 to $21B in 2018-19; biggest gains with Nepal and Bangladesh.
Rising trade deficit with some FTA partners
India started importing more than exporting from countries like ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea.
Deficit with ASEAN rose from $8B in 2009-10 to $22B in 2018-19.
FTAs underused by Indian exporters
Many Indian businesses don’t use the FTA benefits due to lack of awareness or complex paperwork.
Only 5–25% of eligible trade goes through the FTA route (very low).
Weak export growth in value-added sectors
Sectors where India could earn more (like leather, textiles, chemicals) didn’t benefit much from FTAs.
In 13 out of 21 sectors under the India-ASEAN FTA, trade balance worsened.
FTAs cover only a small chunk of trade
India’s FTAs account for just about 15% of its total global trade — not enough to shift the big picture.
So even good or bad FTA outcomes don’t drastically change India’s overall trade.
Problems in India’s FTAs
While FTAs are designed to boost trade, India’s actual experience highlights several structural and negotiating weaknesses that reduce their effectiveness.
What’s Going Wrong
What It Means
Example
Unfair tariff deals
India ended up cutting import duties way more than it was required to, while others didn’t match up.
India agreed to cut 74–86% of tariffs in FTAs, while under WTO it only needed to cut 2%.
Non-tariff barriers
Even though tariffs are removed, Indian goods still face hidden restrictions like tough quality checks or complex import rules abroad.
Japan and other partners use strict standards or permits that block Indian goods.
Difficult to use FTAs
Exporters find the paperwork, rules, and benefits too complicated or not worth the trouble.
Complex “rules of origin” and low cost savings make many exporters avoid using FTAs.
No services coverage
India is strong in services (like IT, finance), but many FTAs don’t allow Indian professionals to easily work abroad.
No MRAs – an Indian doctor or engineer may not be recognized in partner countries.
India’s own internal issues
High transport costs, power shortages, and weak infrastructure make Indian products expensive and less competitive.
Exporters can’t meet delivery timelines or pricing benchmarks.
FTA misuse by others
Some countries route goods through FTA partners to bypass duties unfairly.
Copper imports falsely routed through Sri Lanka to claim benefits.
India seen as ‘protectionist’
Policies like Atmanirbhar Bharat and import restrictions make India appear closed off to free trade.
Other countries hesitate to sign or renegotiate FTAs with India.
Spaghetti Bowl Effect
Too many overlapping FTAs cause confusion, conflicting rules, and slow down trade.
India has separate FTAs with Malaysia and Singapore while also part of India-ASEAN CECA — this creates a tangled mess.
Slow pace of FTA talks
India takes too long to close trade deals compared to others.
Vietnam signed an FTA with the EU, but India-EU FTA talks have been dragging since 2007.
Divya Deshmukh made history by becoming India’s first Women’s World Cup Champion and only the fourth Indian woman Grandmaster, defeating Koneru Humpy in the final at Batumi, Georgia.
Major Achievements of Divya Deshmukh:
2025: Won the FIDE Women’s World Cup, defeating Koneru Humpy. Became India’s 4th woman Grandmaster.
2024: U-20 Girls’ World Champion
2023: Asian Women’s Champion
2022: Indian Women’s National Champion
Olympiad: Key contributor to India’s gold in 2025 Chess Olympiad (Budapest).
2013: Became India’s youngest Woman FIDE Master (WFM) at age 7.
About the FIDE World Chess Championship System:
FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs): Global chess body founded in 1924; headquartered in Switzerland.
World Championship Format: Played over 14 classical games. A player must score 7.5 points to win.
Tiebreaker: If the match ends 7–7, rapid and blitz games are used.
Qualification Path:
Zonal and Continental Championships
FIDE World Cup (knockout)
Candidates Tournament (top player faces reigning champion)
Special Championships:
Women’s World Championship
Junior and Youth Championships
World Rapid & Blitz Championships
Key FIDE Events and Titles:
FIDE World Cup: Knockout format; major path to the Candidates.
FIDE Women’s World Cup: Equivalent format for top female players.
Title Hierarchy:
Grandmaster (GM) – highest title
International Master (IM)
FIDE Master (FM)
Candidate Master (CM)
Women’s Titles: Woman Grandmaster (WGM), Woman International Master (WIM), etc.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
I. In the finals of the 45th Chess Olympiad held in 2024, Gukesh Dommaraju became the world’s youngest winner after defeating the Russian player Ian Nepomniachtchi.
II. Abhimanyu Mishra, an American chess player, holds the record of becoming world’s youngest ever Grandmaster.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Options: (a) I only (b) II only * (c) Both I and II (d) Neither I nor II
PM recently stated that 77 stations in Tamil Nadu are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS), positioning the state as a hub for railway transformation.
About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS):
Launch: 2022 by the Ministry of Railways.
Goal: Modernise and develop railway stations through phased, long-term upgrades.
Master Plans: Each station gets a tailored roadmap for future improvements.
Focus Areas: Multimodal integration, seamless passenger movement, and upgraded amenities.
National Significance: Integral to India’s infrastructure push under the Viksit Bharat vision.
Accessibility & Connectivity: Expanded circulating areas, barrier-free access for persons with disabilities, and smooth links to other transport modes.
Aesthetic Upgrades: Modern façades, clear signage, landscaping, and consistently clean premises.
Technology & Information: Digital displays, real-time train info, and self-service e-ticketing kiosks.
Sustainability: Energy-efficient systems, green-building elements, and water-conservation measures.
Customised Development: Station facilities scaled to local footfall and needs—no one-size-fits-all approach.
[UPSC 2024] Consider the following statements:
I. Indian Railways have prepared a National Rail Plan (NRP) to create a future ready railway system by 2028. II. ‘Kavach’ is an Automatic Train Protection system developed in collaboration with Germany. III. ‘Kavach’ system consists of RFID tags fitted on track in station section.
Which of the statements given above are not correct?
(a) I and II only (b) II and III only (c) I and III only (d) I, II and III*
Frequency: Held annually or biannually, alternating between Indian training zones like Babina and Jodhpur.
Participants: Focuses on armoured and mechanised infantry units from India and Singapore.
Framework: Conducted under United Nations Peacekeeping mandates, simulating mechanised warfare and joint operations.
Key Features:
Format:
Tabletop wargaming and computer-based simulations.
Validates doctrines and standard operating procedures in mechanised warfare.
Operational Objectives:
Improve interoperability and tactical planning.
Execute joint manoeuvres and enhance command-level coordination.
Build mutual understanding of combat and operational doctrines.
Evolution Over Time:
Progressed from basic drills to complex command post exercises and live-fire missions.
Includes scenario-based planning and real-time decision-making via digital simulations.
[UPSC 2008] ‘Hand-in-Hand 2007’, a joint anti-terrorism military training was held by the officers of the Indian Army and officers of the Army of which one of the following countries?
The 2025 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report highlights alarming levels of child malnutrition and anaemia among women in India.
About the SOFI Report:
Full Name:State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World
Published by: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Started in: 1999
Purpose: Tracks global hunger, food insecurity, and nutrition. Monitors SDG-2 (Zero Hunger).
Global Highlights (2025):
Hunger Rate: Dropped from 8.5% (2023) to 8.2% (2024)
Undernourished People: 735 million globally
Double Burden: Undernutrition and obesity rising simultaneously
Healthy Diets: Cost rising due to inflation and climate impacts
India-Specific Findings:
Wasting (Under-5): 18.7% – highest globally (21+ million affected)
Stunting (Under-5): 37.4 million children
Overweight Children: 4.2 million (up from 2.7 mn in 2012)
Anaemia in Women (15–49): 53.7% (203 million affected)
Undernourished Population: 172 million (12% of population)
Unaffordable Healthy Diet: 42.9% can’t afford; cost rose from $2.77 (2017) to $4.07 (2024)
Adult Obesity: Doubled in a decade – now 71.4 million
[UPSC 2016] Which of the following is/are the indicator/ indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report?
