JULY 08,2026 CURRENT AFFAIRS
Unified Education Monitoring & Grading System» The Ministry of Education released the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2025-26 and the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 (2025-26) reports. » The reports indicate declining school dropout rates, improved teacher strength, better infrastructure and digital access, while highlighting persistent challenges in learning outcomes, retention and regional disparities. UDISE+ & PGI 2.0 » UDISE+ is the Government of India''s official digital database on school education maintained by the Ministry of Education. » It collects data on student enrolment, school infrastructure, teachers, facilities and learning environment. » PGI 2.0 evaluates States and UTs across Learning Outcomes, Access, Infrastructure & Facilities, Equity, Governance Process, and Teacher Education & Training using a 10-tier grading system. Key Findings » It shows the Preparatory-level dropout rate declining from 2.3% (2024-25) to 1.8% (2025-26). » It shows the Secondary-level dropout rate declining from 8.2% to 7.0%. » It records an increase in Secondary Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) from 68.5% to 71.7%. » It shows Middle-level retention increasing from 82.8% to 83.7%, while Secondary-level retention improved from 47.2% to 51.9%. » It reveals that only about half of Class I students reach Class XII, indicating continued attrition at higher levels. » It records teacher strength crossing 1.02 crore for the first time, with women constituting 54.9% of the teaching workforce. » It shows improved Pupil-Teacher Ratios (PTR), remaining well within the NEP 2020 norm of 30:1. » It records a 29% decline in zero-enrolment schools and a 3% decline in single-teacher schools. » It shows computer availability increasing from 64.7% to 69.9% and internet connectivity from 63.5% to 67.4%. » It reports near-universal access to safe drinking water (99.5%), girls'' toilets (98.5%), boys'' toilets (97.2%), and electricity (95%). » It records improvement in schools with disability-accessible ramps and handrails from 54.9% to 58.2%. » It identifies Chandigarh as the highest-performing UT in PGI 2.0, while Punjab leads in Learning Outcomes, Kerala in Access and Teacher Education, and Tamil Nadu in Equity. » It shows that no State or Union Territory achieved any of the top three PGI grades, indicating scope for improvement. Significance » It reflects improving access, enrolment and retention in school education. » It indicates strengthening of the teaching workforce and improvement in student-teacher ratios. » It demonstrates progress in digital infrastructure and basic school amenities. » It provides evidence-based inputs for implementing NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha, and other education reforms. » It enables States to identify learning gaps and improve governance through comparative performance assessment. Challenges » It shows that only about half of Class I students reach Class XII, indicating significant dropout at higher levels. » It has no State or Union Territory achieving the top three PGI grades. » It has persistent inter-State disparities in learning outcomes, infrastructure and governance. » It has declining playground availability, affecting holistic development. » It has only marginal improvement in gender parity and continued regional disparities in educational outcomes. Way Forward » It requires strengthening secondary and higher secondary retention through targeted interventions. » It requires improving learning outcomes by focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy and teacher capacity building. » It requires reducing regional disparities through greater support for aspirational States. » It requires expanding digital infrastructure, inclusive education and school facilities. » It requires continuous monitoring through UDISE+ and PGI for evidence-based policymaking and effective implementation of NEP 2020. Q. With reference to UDISE+ and the Performance Grading Index (PGI), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) "Improving access to schooling alone is insufficient without ensuring learning outcomes and student retention." Discuss in the light of the UDISE+ 2025-26 and Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 reports. |
BHEL–Nucera Clean Energy Collaboration» Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has partnered with thyssenkrupp nucera India, the Indian subsidiary of the German company thyssenkrupp nucera. » The partnership aims to indigenise and locally manufacture alkaline electrolyser systems in India. » It focuses on the phased indigenisation of critical electrolysis technology required for green hydrogen production. » Alkaline electrolysers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, producing green hydrogen when powered by renewable energy. Significance » Strengthens domestic manufacturing capabilities for electrolyser systems. » Reduces dependence on imported components and technology, enhancing energy security. » Supports the implementation of the National Green Hydrogen Mission. » Promotes the growth of India''s green hydrogen ecosystem and contributes to the country''s clean energy transition. |
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Bintang Adipurna » Bintang Adipurna (First Class of the Star of the Republic of Indonesia) is Indonesia''s highest civilian honour, conferred by the President of the Republic of Indonesia. » It is awarded to individuals who have rendered exceptional service to the unity, continuity, and prosperity of the Republic of Indonesia. » Foreign recipients are recognized for their contribution to strengthening friendship, mutual respect, and bilateral relations between Indonesia and their respective countries. » Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently conferred with the Bintang Adipurna for his role in strengthening India–Indonesia ties. Characteristics » The insignia consists of a shining gold star with multiple rays, symbolizing excellence, honour, and distinguished service. » At its centre is the Garuda Pancasila, the national emblem of Indonesia, representing the sovereignty of the nation and the five principles of the state (Pancasila). » It is worn with a ceremonial red-and-white sash, reflecting the national colours of Indonesia. » A star badge is also worn during state ceremonies. |
Community-Centric Language Learning Framework» Chhattisgarh is expanding Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) in government schools, particularly in Bastar and other tribal regions, to improve foundational learning, classroom participation and learning outcomes in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Key Features » It promotes mother tongue as the medium of instruction during the foundational years before gradually introducing Hindi. » It has been expanded to 6,937 government schools in Bastar and other tribal areas. » It covers around 2.6 lakh primary students with the support of 7,650 trained teachers. » It provides bilingual textbooks for Classes I and II, with Hindi on one page and the local language on the opposite page. » It includes nine tribal and regional languages/dialects—Dorli, Halbi, Bhatri, Dhurvi, Madia, Chhattisgarhi, and three regional variants of Gondi (Kanker, Bastar and Dantewada). » It uses the Devanagari script for tribal languages, enabling teachers to transition students gradually to Hindi. Significance » It improves foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) by enabling children to learn in a familiar language. » It enhances comprehension, cognitive development, confidence and classroom participation, especially among first-generation tribal learners. » It reduces language barriers, improving student retention and lowering dropout rates. » It preserves tribal languages, indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage. » It promotes inclusive and equitable education in remote and linguistically diverse regions. » It supports the objectives of NEP 2020, Samagra Shiksha, and the NIPUN Bharat Mission. Challenges » It faces a shortage of trained teachers proficient in multiple tribal languages. » It has limited availability of quality teaching-learning materials in several tribal dialects. » It faces difficulties in standardising unwritten or less-developed tribal languages. » It requires a smooth transition from the mother tongue to Hindi and English at higher grades. » It requires continuous teacher training, curriculum development and monitoring. Way Forward » It requires expansion of Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) to other tribal and multilingual regions. » It requires strengthening teacher capacity through specialised multilingual pedagogy training. » It requires development of digital content and learning resources in tribal languages. » It requires active participation of local communities in curriculum development and language preservation. » It requires continuous assessment of learning outcomes to improve programme effectiveness. Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE) » It is an educational approach in which children begin learning in their home language and gradually transition to regional and official languages. » NEP 2020 recommends that, wherever possible, the mother tongue/local language should be the medium of instruction at least till Grade 5, and preferably till Grade 8 and beyond. » UNESCO also advocates mother tongue instruction during early childhood education as it improves learning outcomes and reduces educational inequality. Q. With reference to Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE), consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) "Mother-Tongue Based Multilingual Education is essential for achieving inclusive, equitable and quality education in India." Discuss with reference to the National Education Policy, 2020. |
IIM Bangalore Campus in Indonesia» During his visit to Indonesia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of the first international campus of IIM Bangalore (IIM-B) at the Singhasari Special Economic Zone (SEZ), Malang, East Java. » The initiative aims to strengthen India–Indonesia educational cooperation and serve students across the ASEAN region. Key Highlights » It will be the first overseas campus of IIM Bangalore and the second international campus of an Indian Institute of Management after IIM Ahmedabad, Dubai. » It will be established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIM Bangalore and PT Intelegensia Grahatama, the managing entity of the Singhasari SEZ. » It will introduce Executive Education Programmes in the first phase, followed by full-fledged postgraduate management degree programmes. » It will focus on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Transformation, Global Supply Chains, Climate & Sustainability, Healthcare Management, and Leadership. » It will serve as a regional management education hub for Indonesia and ASEAN countries. Significance » It strengthens the India–Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership through education and capacity building. » It promotes the internationalisation of Indian higher education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. » It enhances India''s education diplomacy and strengthens its soft power in the Indo-Pacific. » It promotes academic collaboration, faculty exchange, joint research, innovation and entrepreneurship. » It supports human resource development and skill enhancement across the ASEAN region. » It positions India as a global knowledge and education hub. National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 » It encourages top Indian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to establish campuses abroad. » It aims to make India a global destination for quality education. » It promotes internationalisation through academic collaborations, research partnerships and student mobility. » It encourages global recognition of Indian institutions and enhances India''s educational soft power. Challenges » It requires maintaining the academic quality and global reputation of Indian institutions abroad. » It faces regulatory and administrative challenges in foreign jurisdictions. » It requires sustained financial investment and institutional support. » It requires attracting international faculty and students in a competitive global education market. » It requires aligning curricula with both Indian academic standards and local industry requirements. Way Forward » It requires expanding overseas campuses of premier Indian institutions under NEP 2020. » It requires strengthening academic partnerships with ASEAN universities and industries. » It requires promoting collaborative research in emerging technologies and sustainable development. » It requires enhancing student and faculty mobility through scholarships and exchange programmes. » It requires leveraging education as a key pillar of India''s diplomacy and Indo-Pacific engagement. Q. With reference to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) "The internationalisation of higher education has emerged as an important instrument of India''s soft power and diplomatic outreach." Discuss with reference to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the establishment of overseas campuses by Indian institutions. |
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India’s Climate-Resilient Growth Path » A Bernstein Research report states that India''s economy has become less vulnerable to monsoon shocks due to expanding irrigation, diversified cropping patterns and year-round farming, reducing the impact of deficient rainfall on agricultural output and rural demand. Reasons for Reduced Monsoon Dependence » It has increased irrigation coverage, with nearly 60% of cultivated land now irrigated compared to around 42% in the early 2000s. » It has expanded irrigation in major agricultural states from 54% (2009) to around 67%, supported by canals and tubewells. » It has reduced dependence on the Kharif season, whose share in total foodgrain production has declined from nearly 60% in the 1990s to 47% in 2025-26. » It has increased the contribution of Rabi crops and the summer cropping season (February–May), making agriculture more diversified. » It has promoted year-round farming, reducing reliance on seasonal monsoon rainfall. Key Findings » It shows that the traditional correlation between poor monsoon and sharp agricultural decline has weakened over the last decade. » It records rising foodgrain production despite below-normal monsoons in 2018-19 and 2023-24. » It indicates that poor monsoons are no longer an immediate food security threat or a major trigger for collapse in rural demand. » It suggests that the impact of deficient rainfall is now likely to remain sector-specific, rather than causing economy-wide distress. » It expects food inflation risks to remain more contained, mainly affecting pulses and vegetables rather than causing broad-based inflation. Significance and Challenges » It strengthens agricultural resilience against climate variability. » It improves rural income stability and supports sustained economic growth. » It enhances food security through diversified cropping and irrigation. » It still leaves rain-fed regions vulnerable to prolonged droughts and climate change. » It requires continued investment in micro-irrigation, water-use efficiency, climate-resilient agriculture and crop diversification. Q. With reference to India''s agricultural sector, consider the following statements: The share of Kharif crops in India''s total foodgrain
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) "India''s agricultural economy is becoming increasingly resilient to monsoon variability due to structural changes in irrigation and cropping patterns." Discuss. |
India–Indonesia Strategic Partnership: BrahMos, Critical Minerals & Sabang Port» During Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s visit to Jakarta, India and Indonesia signed several strategic agreements covering defence, critical minerals, maritime security, space cooperation, education and cultural heritage. » India will supply two batteries of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Indonesia in a deal worth approximately US$200 million. » Indonesia also welcomed India''s participation in the development of Sabang Port, while both countries expanded cooperation on critical minerals and supply chain resilience. » Prime Minister Modi was conferred the Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia''s highest civilian honour. Key Outcomes of the Visit » India and Indonesia expanded their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) established in 2018. » Defence cooperation includes:
» Signed agreements on critical minerals, rare earths, and resilient supply chains to support clean energy and advanced manufacturing. » Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in maritime safety, maritime domain awareness, naval cooperation and freedom of navigation. » Indonesia welcomed India''s interest in developing Sabang Port, enhancing connectivity with India''s Andaman & Nicobar Islands. » Other agreements include:
Strategic Significance » Sabang Port, located at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, is strategically important for securing one of the world''s busiest maritime trade routes. » The Strait of Malacca carries nearly one-third of global maritime trade and a substantial share of global energy shipments, making it vital for India''s energy security and Indo-Pacific strategy. » Indonesia possesses nearly 21% of the world''s nickel reserves and is an important supplier of critical minerals and rare earths, essential for electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors and renewable energy technologies. » The BrahMos export marks another milestone in India''s growing defence exports under Aatmanirbhar Bharat and strengthens strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia. » The agreements reinforce the shared commitment to a Free, Open, Inclusive and Rules-Based Indo-Pacific, respecting international law, freedom of navigation, and peaceful resolution of disputes. » The visit strengthens India''s Act East Policy, Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and engagement with ASEAN. India–Indonesia Relations » The Diplomatic relations established in 1950. » Indonesia is India''s Comprehensive Strategic Partner (2018) and a key member of ASEAN. » Both countries cooperate through:
» Maritime cooperation is particularly important due to their proximity near the Andaman Sea and Strait of Malacca. » Defence cooperation has expanded through bilateral naval exercises, coordinated patrols (CORPAT), logistics cooperation and defence industrial collaboration Challenges & Way Forward » Fast-track implementation of defence and infrastructure agreements, particularly Sabang Port. » Deepen cooperation in critical mineral processing, resilient supply chains and emerging technologies. » Expand maritime cooperation to address piracy, illegal fishing, maritime terrorism and disaster response. » Strengthen economic integration through trade, connectivity, education and digital partnerships. » Continue coordinating on regional issues through ASEAN, IORA and the Indo-Pacific framework to promote regional stability. Q. With reference to India–Indonesia relations, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) "India''s growing strategic partnership with Indonesia reflects the convergence of defence, maritime security and critical mineral cooperation in the Indo-Pacific." Discuss the significance of recent India–Indonesia agreements for India''s Act East Policy and Indo-Pacific strategy. |
Indo–Indonesian Comprehensive AccordKey agreements » Defence Cooperation: India will supply two batteries of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles (worth US$200 million) to Indonesia. Agreements also cover air-to-air missile systems and defence technology transfer. » Critical Minerals: Cooperation in critical minerals, rare earths, and strengthening resilient supply chains. » Maritime Security: Both countries agreed to enhance maritime safety and security, with Indonesia welcoming India''s interest in developing Sabang Port. » Space Cooperation: Agreements signed to strengthen collaboration in the space sector. » Other agreements include establishing an IIM Bangalore campus in Indonesia and cooperation for the conservation of the Prambanan Temple. Significance » Sabang Port, located at the northwestern entrance to the Strait of Malacca, is strategically important for global maritime trade and will enhance connectivity between India''s Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Indonesia''s Sumatra. » Indonesia holds about 21% of the world''s nickel reserves, making it a key partner for securing critical minerals essential for clean energy and advanced technologies. » The agreements strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2018) and reinforce the shared commitment to a free, open, inclusive, and rules-based Indo-Pacific, including freedom of navigation. » During the visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred Bintang Adipurna, Indonesia''s highest civilian honour, for strengthening bilateral relations. |
Mountain Pangolin Species» Scientific Name: Manis aurita » Researchers have revalidated the Himalayan Pangolin as a distinct extant species, separate from the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla). » It underwent a demographic contraction around the 14th century, coinciding with the onset of the Little Ice Age in the Himalayan region. » It is significantly larger in body size and skull. » It paradoxically has markedly smaller ears and possesses a shorter and broader nasal bone. » It has an enlarged olfactory bulb and turbinals, enabling it to forage for ants and termites using its keen sense of smell. » Distribution: Restricted to the southern Himalayan foothills, with confirmed populations in Nepal, South Tibet, and Northeast India (including Assam). Threats » Illegal wildlife trade. » Products derived from the species have infiltrated regulated traditional medicine markets. » Faces an internal threat of inbreeding, reducing its genetic diversity and long-term survival. |
MSME Resilience under GST Framework» On the occasion of National MSME Day (June 27) and the 9th GST Day (July 1), concerns have been raised that the GST framework and delayed payments by large buyers are creating severe cash-flow stress for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), discouraging their formalisation. Issues Faced by MSMEs under GST » It requires GST payment on an accrual basis, meaning tax becomes payable once an invoice is raised, irrespective of whether payment has been received. » It exposes MSMEs to a cash-flow mismatch, as GST must be paid by the 20th of the following month, while payments from buyers are often delayed. » It faces chronic delayed payments despite the MSMED Act, 2006, which mandates payment within 45 days (or 15 days without a written agreement). » It forces MSMEs to depend on high-interest borrowing, delay wages or reduce working capital to meet GST obligations. » It suffers from low digital literacy, inadequate internet connectivity and complex GST portal compliance, increasing compliance costs. » It discourages voluntary formalisation, as many small enterprises remain outside GST to avoid compliance burdens. Why Formalisation Remains Difficult? » It creates a policy-induced double burden, where delayed payments and immediate GST liability squeeze liquidity. » It makes GST registration commercially necessary, as large companies prefer dealing only with GST-registered suppliers to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC). » It leaves MSMEs with little bargaining power, as many depend on a single large buyer for most of their business. » It limits the effectiveness of the MSME Samadhaan Portal, since small suppliers hesitate to initiate disputes against major customers. » It allows the government to recover penalties under the 180-day ITC reversal rule, while MSMEs continue to face unpaid invoices without corresponding relief. Significance and Way Forward » It highlights the need to align the GST framework with the cash-flow realities of MSMEs, which contribute significantly to employment, exports and GDP. » It requires cash-based GST payment for micro and small enterprises instead of accrual-based taxation. » It needs a simplified, low-bandwidth GST compliance architecture to improve ease of doing business. » It requires integration of GSTN with the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) for faster invoice financing and timely payments. » It calls for strict enforcement of the MSMED Act, 2006 to ensure timely payments and strengthen MSME liquidity. MSMED Act, 2006 » Objective: Promote, develop and enhance the competitiveness of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. » Key Provision: Buyers must make payments within 45 days (or 15 days without a written agreement). » Penalty: Delayed payments attract compound interest payable by the buyer. » Related Portal: MSME Samadhaan Portal for addressing delayed payment disputes. Goods and Services Tax (GST) » Implemented: 1 July 2017 » Constitutional Basis: 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 » Article: Article 279A provides for the GST Council. » Nature: Destination-based indirect tax replacing multiple Central and State taxes. » Objective: Create a unified national market through the principle of ''One Nation, One Tax''. Q. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only Q. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerability of the MSME sector. Discuss the measures announced under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan for MSMEs. How far are these measures likely to address the structural problems of the sector? |
OptoSAR-Enabled Defense Vision Initiative» Bengaluru-based space startup GalaxEye lost contact with Mission Drishti, the world''s first OptoSAR satellite and India''s largest privately developed Earth Observation satellite. » The satellite encountered an anomaly during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP), likely caused by a geomagnetic solar storm, leading to loss of communication. Mission Drishti » It was launched on 3 May 2026 aboard SpaceX''s Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg, California. » It was the world''s first satellite to integrate Electro-Optical (EO) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors into a single operational platform. » It was developed by GalaxEye, a Bengaluru-based private space startup. » It aimed to provide all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation through fused EO and SAR imagery. » It demonstrated India''s growing capabilities in the private space sector despite the mission setback. OptoSAR Technology » OptoSAR combines Electro-Optical (EO) imaging and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) on a single satellite platform. » It provides high-resolution imaging irrespective of cloud cover, rainfall, smoke or darkness. » It produces synchronised and fused datasets, reducing temporal gaps and improving analytical accuracy. » It enhances applications in disaster management, agriculture, border surveillance, urban planning, environmental monitoring and defence. » It supports Artificial Intelligence (AI) and geospatial analytics through high-quality integrated datasets. Significance » It marks a major technological innovation in Earth Observation (EO) satellites. » It strengthens India''s commercial space ecosystem and promotes indigenous space technology under IN-SPACe and Space Sector Reforms. » It expands dual-use capabilities for both civilian and strategic applications. » It improves disaster response through real-time, all-weather monitoring. » It demonstrates the increasing role of private startups in advancing India''s space ambitions. Challenges » It remains vulnerable to space weather events such as geomagnetic solar storms and radiation exposure. » It faces significant technical risks during the Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). » It requires highly reliable radiation-hardened onboard electronics and communication systems. » It involves high development costs and complex integration of multiple advanced sensors. » It requires continuous investment in testing, quality assurance and mission resilience. Way Forward » It requires strengthening radiation protection and fault-tolerant satellite systems. » It requires expanding indigenous capabilities in advanced Earth Observation technologies. » It requires greater investment in private space startups, research and innovation. » It requires enhanced space weather forecasting and mission planning to minimise operational risks. Q. With reference to OptoSAR technology, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) "Advanced Earth Observation technologies are transforming disaster management, strategic surveillance and resource governance." Discuss the significance of OptoSAR technology for India''s space programme and geospatial capabilities. |
River Development Payment Accord» Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh signed a one-time settlement agreement to resolve the long-pending payment disputes under the Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) Award. » The agreement settles the cost-sharing arrangements for the Sardar Sarovar Project. » The Narmada Water Disputes Tribunal (NWDT) was constituted in 1969 and delivered its Award in 1979, providing the framework for sharing water, costs, and benefits among the beneficiary states. » The pact was signed in the presence of the Union Home Minister, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, and the Chief Ministers of the four states. Significance » Resolves a long-standing inter-state financial dispute through a one-time settlement of outstanding dues. » Demonstrates cooperative federalism through consensus among the four beneficiary states. » Ensures smoother implementation and financial management of the Sardar Sarovar Project. » The Sardar Sarovar Project provides irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power, significantly benefiting Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, while improving agricultural productivity and regional development. » Forms part of the Centre''s broader efforts to resolve inter-state river water disputes, alongside progress on the Kishau Dam Project and the Yamuna Water Project. |
Strategic Horizons: India–Australia PartnershipWhy in News ? » Prime Minister Narendra Modi''s visit to Australia highlights the growing Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), with bilateral relations expanding beyond the traditional Three Cs (Commonwealth, Cricket and Curry) towards deeper cooperation in Development, Defence, Energy, Education and Emerging Technologies. Key Areas of Cooperation » It has strengthened economic cooperation through the Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) (2022), providing duty-free access for Indian exports and preferential access for Australian products. » It targets US$100 billion bilateral trade by 2030, with cumulative two-way investment approaching US$50 billion. » It has growing investment collaboration through AirTrunk''s US$30 billion AI-ready data centre project, Perdaman Chemicals'' US$4.5 billion urea plant, and increasing Australian investments in India. » It has expanding defence cooperation through Annual Defence Ministers'' Dialogue, senior military exchanges, and exercises such as AUSINDEX, Malabar and Talisman Sabre, along with collaboration in cyber security, Artificial Intelligence (AI), drones and shipbuilding. » It has deepening energy partnership through the India–Australia Renewable Energy Partnership, cooperation in solar energy, green hydrogen, critical minerals, rare earths, and proposed Australian uranium exports to support India''s civil nuclear programme. » It has strengthening education and skill development through over one lakh Indian students in Australia, Australian university campuses in India, joint research in advanced computing, healthcare, defence, energy and space, and vocational skill partnerships. » It has a growing Indian diaspora of over ten lakh, strengthening people-to-people ties and cultural exchanges. Strategic Significance » It strengthens a free, open, safe, peaceful and prosperous Indo-Pacific through cooperation in the Quad and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). » It enhances critical mineral security, semiconductor cooperation and resilient supply chains through initiatives such as the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI) and the Australia–Canada–India Technology and Innovation Partnership (2025). » It expands trilateral cooperation through India–Indonesia–Australia and India–France–Australia frameworks. » It supports India''s economic growth, technological advancement, maritime security and regional strategic interests. Way Forward » It requires early conclusion of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to deepen economic integration. » It requires expanding cooperation in critical minerals, clean energy, defence manufacturing, AI, semiconductors and emerging technologies. Q. With reference to India–Australia relations, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Answer: (d) "India–Australia relations have evolved into a comprehensive strategic partnership driven by economic integration, defence cooperation and Indo-Pacific convergence." Discuss. |