International Relations & Security

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Revamped Multi Agency Centre: AI-Powered Intelligence Grid

Context: The Ministry of Home Affairs launched the revamped Multi Agency Centre (MAC), a common counter-terrorism grid under the Intelligence Bureau (IB). It has been enhanced with AI/ML capabilities to improve data analytics and integration across intelligence agencies. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Multi agency centre (MAC)

Multi Agency Centre

  • MAC serves as India’s centralised intelligence-sharing platform aimed at ensuring coordination among multiple security and intelligence agencies. 
  • It was conceptualised in 2001, post the Kargil War.
  • MAC has been technologically upgraded at a cost of Rs 500 crore to add more nodes for sourcing information from even remote areas in island territories, insurgency-affected areas and high-altitude terrains. It is to ensure last-mile connectivity down to the level of district SPs in the remotest areas through a fast, secure, and stand-alone system.
  • The new MAC network securely connects all police districts in the country. 28 organisations, including the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), armed forces and State police, are part of the platform, and various security agencies share real-time intelligence inputs in the MAC.
  • The revamped MAC is integrated with cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Geographic Information System (GIS) capabilities to enhance predictive analysis and real-time intelligence sharing.

Significance of Multi Agency Centre

  • Integrated National Security Architecture: Synergise the efforts of all security agencies through a seamless and integrated platform. This will enhance India’s capacity to address complex and interconnected national security challenges such as terrorism, extremism, organised crime, and cyberattacks.
  • Enhances real time intelligence sharing and accelerates response mechanisms.
  • Elevate the quality of data analytics- enabling accurate trend analysis, hotspot mapping and timeline analysis to give predictive and operational outcomes. 

The revamped MAC strengthens India’s tech-enabled security architecture. In the face of a potential 2.5 front war, external threats from China and Pakistan, and internal challenges like terrorism, it enables real-time intelligence sharing and a unified response.

US-Saudi Arabia Civil Nuclear Cooperation

Context: Saudi Arabia and the United States are currently in formal discussions to establish a framework for civil nuclear cooperation, amid enduring regional geopolitical complexities and nuclear proliferation risks.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Developments in West Asia & their possible impacts on India. 

Why does Saudi Arabia want a Nuclear Programme?

Saudi Arabia’s push for nuclear energy is driven by multiple factors: 

  • Reducing Oil Dependency: 68% of Saudi Arabia's electricity comes from natural gas and 32% from oil. With rising energy demand, the kingdom seeks to shift to nuclear energy to reduce domestic oil consumption and increase oil exports, thus maximising revenue.
  • Aligning with Vision 2030: Saudi Arabia aims to reduce oil dependence by diversifying its economy with a focus on technology, renewable energy, and sustainable growth. 
  • Environmental Goals: Supports carbon emission reduction targets by shifting to cleaner energy sources.
  • Security Concerns: Saudi Arabia seeks nuclear capabilities to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions, with a stated intent to develop nuclear weapons if Iran does so.
  • Leveraging Uranium Resources: Saudi Arabia’s untapped uranium reserves could reduce reliance on external suppliers and strengthen its nuclear program.

A nuclear program would enhance Saudi Arabia's global standing and boost its technological capabilities.

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Challenges in Saudi Arabia’s Nuclear Ambitions:

  • US's top regional ally Israel has repeatedly voiced opposition to the Saudi civil nuclear programme.
  • Saudi Arabia’s nuclear ambitions may escalate tensions with neighbors, particularly Iran, potentially sparking a nuclear arms race in the Middle East (West Asia) region.
  • Saudi Arabia’s uranium enrichment plans raise fears of nuclear proliferation, with the U.S. demanding strict safeguards in any cooperation.

What is in it for the United States?

  • Diplomatic tool: Civil nuclear deal may  serve as a diplomatic tool to strengthen U.S. influence in the Gulf.
  • Economic opportunities: A nuclear deal would allow U.S. companies to get contracts to build nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, giving American industry a major commercial advantage.
  • Monitoring: Partnering with Saudi Arabia gives the U.S. better visibility into the kingdom’s nuclear activities, helping prevent the misuse of nuclear technology for weapons.

However, the  U.S. is concerned that giving Saudi Arabia control over uranium enrichment could open the door to nuclear weapons development.

As Saudi Arabia moves forward with its nuclear plans, its choices will affect not just its own energy future but also the peace and security of the Middle East. The program will play an important role in shaping regional politics and the world’s shift to cleaner energy.

IMF’s Loan to Pakistan 

Context: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) allowed an immediate disbursement of $1 billion (around Rs 8,500 crore) under the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) to Pakistan. 

The IMF Executive Board also approved Pakistan’s request for an arrangement under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) of about US$1.4 billion. India abstained from voting in the IMF.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts related to Extended Fund Facility (EEF) and Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

Extended Fund Facility of IMF

Extended Fund Facility (EFF) provides financial assistance to countries facing serious medium-term balance of payments problems because of structural weaknesses that require time to address.

  • The IMF provides assistance under the EFF to countries that do not have enough money to pay their bills to the rest of the world for the goods and services they import.
  • The reason for inability to pay is the “structural weaknesses” in their economy, i.e., fundamental problems in an economy that hold back growth and development. This includes:
    • Inadequate physical infrastructure
    • Lack of an educated workforce
    • Underdeveloped financial and banking system 
    • Inadequate capital required for businesses.
  • Such assistance is in the form of a loan that has to be paid back, and not in the form of a grant or aid. 
  • Extended means that these countries need more time than usual to pay back the money because they need to bring about “structural” changes.

Key details of Extended Fund Facility of IMF

  • Eligibility: All member countries facing actual or potential external financing needs.
  • Conditionality: 
    • Countries’ policy commitments are expected to focus on structural reforms and  policies to maintain macroeconomic stability.
    • Disbursements are conditional on the observance of quantitative performance criteria. 
  • Review Modalities: Periodic reviews of policies and program implementation, as access to IMF resources occurs in tranches (phasing). The IMF’s Executive Board regularly assesses program performance and can adjust the program to adapt to economic developments.
  • Duration: Typically approved for periods of 3 years, but may be approved for periods as long as 4 years to implement deep and sustained structural reforms.
  • Repayment: Over 4.5 - 10 years in 12 equal semiannual installments.
  • Access limits: Normal access: A member can currently borrow up to 145% of its quota annually and 435% cumulatively.
  • Interest rate: Basic rate of charge + Surcharges
    • Basic rate of charge: The market-determined Special Drawing Rights (SDR) interest rate and a margin (currently 100 basis points).

Resilience and Sustainability Facility: 

  • RSF provides affordable longer-term financing to support low-income and vulnerable middle-income countries undertaking macro-critical reforms to reduce the risks to prospective balance of payments (BoP) stability, including those related to climate change and pandemic preparedness. 
  • Eligible Countries:
    • All Poverty Reduction and Growth Trust (PRGT) eligible low-income countries.
    • Small states (population under 1.5 million) with per capita GNI below 25 times the 2021 IDA operational cutoff.
    • All middle-income countries with per capita GNI below 10 times the 2021 IDA operational cutoff. 
  • Interest Rate: Very low, often close to the SDR interest rate, with no surcharge.
  • Duration: 
    • It runs together with another IMF program (like SBA or EFF).
    • It must last at least 18 months.
    • Expires when all amounts available are disbursed. Automatically ends upon the termination, cancellation, or expiry of the concurrent IMF-supported program. 
  • Repayment: 20-year maturity and a 10.5 year grace period during which no principal is repaid. 

India’s Response

  • India has conveyed its strong dissent to the IMF’s decision. India highlighted Pakistan’s poor track record using IMF’s funds, pointing to the possibility of misuse of debt financing funds for state-sponsored cross-border terrorism.
  • India abstained from voting in the meeting, as there is no option with member countries to vote against such a decision. 

Over the past 35 years, Pakistan has entered 28 IMF programmes, including four in the last five years, with negligible structural reforms or lasting economic stability. 

Article 51 of UN Charter: Self-defence clause in global law

Context: India’s recent military action against Pakistan-based terrorist targets have revived debates on the right of self-defence under international law, especially under Article 51 of the United Nations (UN) Charter.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to provisions of self defence under the UN Charter especially Article 51 and Article 2(4) of UN Charter.

Mains: Role of the United Nations in maintaining international peace and security.

India justified its military action against Pakistan-based terrorist targets under the “unwilling or unable doctrine” and traditional principles of necessity and proportionality. 

Article 51 of the UN Charter

  • Article 51 of the UN Charter permits the use of force in self-defence only if an armed attack occurs. It is an exception to Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state.
  • Military Action under Article 51 must satisfy two critical principles:
    • Necessity (Force must be the only option left)
    • Proportionality (the response should not exceed the scale of the attack).
  • Article 51 imposes a procedural obligation on member states to immediately report to the UNSC any military measures taken in self-defence. UNSC then assumes the authority to undertake action to maintain or restore international peace and security. 

Can it be exercised against Non-State Actors?

  • Traditionally, the UN Charter governs conduct between sovereign states. However, post- 9/11, several countries, especially the US, have argued that Article 51 extends to non-state actors (NSAs) such as terrorist organisations, even when they operate from another country’s territory.
  • However, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has maintained a more restrictive stance. It held that self-defence can be invoked only when an armed attack is carried out by or on behalf of a state. Thus, state attribution is a necessary condition.

What is the ‘unwilling or unable’ doctrine?

  • Emerging doctrine in international law permits the use of force in self-defence against non-state actors (NSAs) operating from the territory of another state, when that state is “unwilling or unable” to neutralise the threat. 
  • The US invoked it to justify the 2011 military operation that killed al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan and the 2014 airstrikes against the IS in Syria. 
  • However, states such as China, Mexico, and Russia have condemned such military operations for undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the host state.

Is proportionality essential?

  • Military operations under Article 51 must comply with the principles of necessity and proportionality. It is generally accepted that a host state’s unwillingness or inability to neutralise NSAs may fulfil the necessity requirement. 
  • However, the Leiden Policy Recommendations on Counter-Terrorism and International Law (2010) emphasise that military operations against the host state’s armed forces or facilities are permissible only in “exceptional circumstances”, such as when the state actively supports the terrorists.

This ensures that self-defence does not become a blanket justification for disproportionate or aggressive military campaigns, especially in cases involving non-state actors.

What lies ahead?

  • If the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan fails to hold, the UNSC could adopt a resolution calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. 
  • It may also vote on a subsequent resolution to address any further violations, including the imposition of sanctions or the deployment of its own peacekeeping or military forces. 

However, UNSC action depends heavily on the geopolitical interests of the five permanent members (P5), each with veto power. This makes any strong resolution on India-Pakistan issues difficult to pass.   

Pakistan-Turkey Strategic Nexus and India’s Geopolitical Response

Context: During the ongoing Indo-Pak crisis, Pakistan identified Turkey, China, and Azerbaijan as its principal international supporters, highlighting a growing strategic nexus that impacts India’s geopolitical calculus.

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: Growing Turkey-Pakistan strategic partnership and India’s response.

Turkey-Pakistan Friendship

  • Pakistan-Turkey relationship is rooted in shared Islamic identity and historical solidarity.
  • Turkey was the only Pakistani ally in West Asia to explicitly condemn Operation Sindoor.
  • Other Gulf countries have not only refrained from backing Pakistan, but have also shown greater sensitivity to India’s position on Kashmir.
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Historical and Ideological Ties

  • During the Cold War, both countries were aligned under US-led security frameworks such as the Central Treaty Organisation (CENTO) and the Regional Cooperation for Development (RCD).
  • This historical camaraderie was reinforced by mutual support in international conflicts- Pakistan supported Turkey during the Cyprus crisis (1964, 1971), while Turkey has consistently backed Pakistan’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The rise of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his brand of political Islam has further cemented this alliance. Erdogan’s repeated visits to Pakistan signify Ankara’s political commitment to Islamabad.
  • Geopolitically, Turkey (with Qatar) is locked in competition with its Gulf Arab rivals, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. To curb Saudi-Emirati influence, Turkey has looked for alternative architectures of cooperation with non-Gulf Muslim states such as Pakistan and Malaysia.

Defence Cooperation:  

  • Turkey is Pakistan’s second-largest arms supplier after China. Turkey has supplied Bayraktar drones, Asisguard Songar drones (used in recent attacks on India), Kemankes cruise missiles, Corvettes (warships) for the Pakistan Navy.
  • Since 2000, Turkish Navy has held numerous joint exercises with the Pakistan Navy, the second largest in the IOR. By contrast, it has hardly had any exercises with the Indian Navy.

India’s Geostrategic Countermeasures

India has pursued a multi-pronged strategy to counterbalance the Pakistan-Turkey nexus: 

  • Engagement with Turkey’s Regional Rivals: 
    • India supports the Republic of Cyprus and has deepened diplomatic engagement with Greece, both of which oppose Turkish claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.
    • India has emerged as Armenia’s primary defence supplier, particularly in the context of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This counters the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan axis.
  • Strengthening West Asian Partnerships: India has built strong economic and diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia and UAE despite their historic ties with Pakistan.Their neutral stance on recent Indo-Pak conflicts marks a diplomatic win for New Delhi.
  • Global Strategic Realignment: India’s inclusion in the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific Strategy, the QUAD, and the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) signifies its emergence as a pivotal Indo-Pacific actor, in contrast to Pakistan and Turkey, who are relatively marginal in this framework.
  • Participation in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) bypasses Turkey, undercutting Turkey’s bridge-role between Europe and Asia.
  • Economic Diplomacy and Soft Power: India’s humanitarian assistance to Turkey during the 2023 earthquake (Operation Dost) showcased its diplomatic maturity, although it failed to alter Turkey’s pro-Pakistan stance.

Way Forward

  • India should deepen defence ties with Turkey’s regional rivals and promote diplomatic engagement with non-aligned Muslim states.
  • Greater cultural diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges with Turkish civil society may create long-term goodwill.
  • Strategic communication and realignment in multilateral forums can help neutralise hostile narratives on Kashmir.

Turkey today is a strong and entrenched part of Pakistan’s international alliance that works to India’s detriment, second only to China.

India warns of Retaliation if UK imposes Carbon Tax Under CBAM

Context: India has strongly opposed the UK’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), citing that it reserves the right to retaliate if the UK proceeds without granting fair exemptions to Indian exporters.

Relevance of the Topic Prelims : key facts related to carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Mains : Impact of CBAM on Indian exports.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

  • CBAM is a policy tool introduced by the European Union to ensure that imported goods are subject to the same carbon costs as products produced within the EU.
  • It aims to prevent "carbon leakage," where companies shift production to countries with lower carbon standards to avoid carbon costs.
  • The United Kingdom, though no longer part of the EU, is now planning its own version of CBAM, which has sparked fresh trade tensions with India. It is expected to start from January 1, 2027. 

Also Read: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism 

Impact of CBAM on Indian Exports: 

  • Reduce price competitiveness: Carbon tax on carbon intensive goods (steel, aluminium, cement, and fertilisers etc.) imported from India will make Indian goods more expensive than local or other compliant imports reducing price Competitiveness
  • Undermines FTA benefits: While the FTA might reduce or eliminate tariffs, Indian exports could still face hefty carbon taxes, potentially far exceeding the UK’s current average tariff rate of under 2%.
  • Burden on MSMEs: MSMEs often lack the resources to measure and report carbon emissions, making CBAM compliance costly and potentially forcing them out of export markets.

India’s Response

  • India has labelled the CBAM as an unfair measure and a violation of the "common but differentiated responsibilities" (CBDR) principle.
    • CBDR principle is a multilateral climate negotiations which says developed and developing countries should not be treated the same when it comes to climate responsibilities. Developed nations, having polluted more historically, must bear a greater responsibility.
  • India had requested the UK for Special treatment for Indian MSMEs under CBAM and a ‘rebalancing mechanism’ – a clause in the trade deal that would compensate Indian exporters if they suffer losses due to this tax. However the UK remains unwilling to grant any concession under CBAM.
  • India inserted a clause related to rebalancing inside the “General Exceptions” chapter of the trade agreement draft. In global trade rules (like WTO’s GATT agreement), this chapter says a country can take actions that normally break trade rules, if it is doing so to protect the environment or public health.
  • So, this protects India from legal trouble at the WTO, if it takes action against the UK’s carbon tax.

Also Read: India and UK conclude Free Trade Agreement 

India must negotiate with UK firmly to ensure that market access gained through tariff elimination is not undermined by other barriers.  

India needs National Security Doctrine

Context: In the wake of the ongoing confrontation between India and Pakistan, after the Pahalgam terrorist attack in Kashmir, the need for a comprehensive National Security Doctrine for India becomes more pertinent. 

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: National Security Doctrine: Need and Significance. 

What is the National Security Doctrine?

  • National Security Doctrine (NSD) is a comprehensive framework that outlines a country’s national interest and security objectives. It defines traditional, non-traditional threats and opportunities, and outlines the accountability of its security agencies.

Developed countries have certain core principles that guide their military machines called the strategic doctrine. However, India does not have an explicit National Security Doctrine. 

Need for National Security Doctrine in India:

Traditional and non-traditional security challenges facing India have necessitated a comprehensive National Security Doctrine. 

  • Internal Security Challenges: 
    • Cross-border terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir
    • Naxalism and North-East Insurgency
    • Ethnic tensions & communal conflicts. E.g., Manipur Conflict 
  • External Security Challenges:
    • Boundary-disputes and skirmishes with China & Pakistan
    • China's Belt and Road Initiative and its influence in the Indian Ocean Region
  • Non Traditional Security Challenges: 
    • Climate change, natural disasters and outbreak of pandemic
    • Drug trafficking and transnational crimes
    • Cyber-security threats on critical infrastructure

Various committees like Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012), Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence (2021) have emphasised the need for NSD.

Significance of National Security Doctrine:

  • Strategic Guidance: Ensure coherent long-term planning and Standardisation of Procedures (E.g., SOPs for military modernisation and allocation of resources)
  • Prompt and Effective Decision-Making based on the National Security Strategy outlined in the NSD. 
  • Integrated Defence Planning: Synergy across Army, Navy, and Air Force to meet hybrid threats and increased operational efficiency. It will synchronise the coordination among Ministries, Intelligence Agencies, and Armed forces.
  • Consistent Security Response: Reduce adhocism in dealing with security challenges during coalition government or change in government. 
  • Define India’s role in the world and showcase itself as a net security provider, such as during the Mission Sagar initiative for COVID-19 pandemic relief.

The doctrinal approach to security would not only minimise the threat of war but also enhances India’s sphere of positive influence. This would also fill the crucial gaps in higher military management and offer a strategic blueprint to navigate the complex global security landscape.

India-US Cooperation in Energy and Defence Sector

Context: The Vice-President of the United States has highlighted the US’s willingness to cooperate with India more closely on energy and defence. The countries must deepen and institutionalise their cooperation, particularly focusing on critical minerals and nuclear energy. 

Relevance of the Topic: Mains: India-US bilateral relations: Agreements in energy, defence, and critical minerals.

India’s Energy Priorities

  • India’s energy security is guided by three imperatives, at present:
    • having sufficient energy resources at predictable prices
    • minimal disruptions in supply chains
    • progress towards an increasingly sustainable energy mix.
  • Nuclear energy and critical minerals matter in this respect, and can be the bedrock of further deepening energy and technology partnership.
  • Major Challenge: China controls about 90% of the world’s processing of critical minerals. It sometimes restricts their exports for strategic goals which poses risks to global supply chains.

India-US Cooperation in Energy and Defence sector: 

  • US-India Energy Security Partnership, including in oil, gas and civil nuclear energy. 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement and plans to build US designed nuclear reactors in India through large-scale localisation and energy transfer. 
  • Strategic Mineral Recovery initiative, a new US-India program for cooperation in recovery and processing of critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, from heavy industries like aluminum, coal mining and oil and gas.
  • Accelerate R&D and promote investment across the entire critical mineral value chain, through US-led Minerals Security Finance Network and the Mineral Security Partnership. 
  • US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilising Strategic Technology) initiative to catalyse government-to-government, academia and private sector collaboration to promote application of critical and emerging technologies like semiconductors, defence, AI, quantum, biotechnology, space etc.
  • INDUS-X Initiative: Collaboration between India's iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) and the US Defence Innovation Unit to promote innovation in defence technologies, including semiconductors for military applications.

Way Forward

  • The countries should prioritise long-term strategy and enable cross-sectoral skills and technology exchange in the sectors utilising critical minerals (clean energy, defence, and electronics). This includes increasing cooperation in:
    • Exploring and processing critical minerals jointly. Sharing technology and skills.
    • Co-investing in mineral-rich countries like those in Africa or South America.
    • Building an India-US Mineral Exchange: a digital platform to track trade and investment.
    • Creating blockchain-based tracking systems to ensure transparency, like Europe’s Battery Passport.
    • Making joint stockpiles of important minerals to protect against future disruptions.
  • Long-term partnership: It takes 12–16 years to fully develop mines and processing plants, so this partnership must be planned for the long term.
  • To make this successful, both countries need to encourage innovation through platforms like iCET (India-U.S. Critical and Emerging Technology initiative).

India has the growth potential, while the U.S. has technology and capital. Together, they can create a long-term energy partnership that looks beyond short-term gains and focuses on stability, strategy, and sustainability. 

Also Read: India-US TRUST Initiative

Operation Sindoor: India hits Pakistan’s terror bases

Context: In a swift military action under Operation Sindoor, the Indian armed forces carried out 24 precision strikes on nine different targets against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Locations in News; Operation Sindoor; Operation Abhyaas. 

Operation Sindoor

  • India exercised its right to respond to the Pahalgam terror attack, and the armed forces subsequently launched Operation Sindoor to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK.
  • 9 terrorist camps of Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammad and Hizbul Mujahideen were selected based on credible intelligence inputs and targeted to deliver justice to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families.
terror camps

The Indian Air Force, in co-ordination with the Army, executed the attacks without intruding into Pakistan air space, unlike the two previous counter strikes carried out after the terror attacks on the Indian Army’s Brigade headquarters in Uri in 2016 and the CRPF convoy at Pulwama in 2019.  

India-Pakistan: History of Wars & Conflicts

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Faced with the prospect of an armed conflict with Pakistan, India conducted nationwide civil defence mock drills under ‘Operation Abhyaas.’ The drills were carried out in 244 districts to prepare the country’s readiness to deal with emergencies and terrorist attacks.

Also Read: Civil Defence Mock Drills in India 

India shuts Kartarpur Corridor

Context: Following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, India and the Pakistan-India border skirmishes, the Indian authorities have indefinitely shut the Kartarpur Corridor. 

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location of Kartarpur Corridor. 

About Kartarpur Corridor

Kartarpur Corridor
  • Kartarpur Corridor is a religious corridor connecting two gurdwaras (Sikh temples):
    • Gurudwara Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur district, Punjab, India. 
    • Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan (Darbar Sahib gurdwara is the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev)
  • The crossing allows devotees from India to visit the gurdwara in Kartarpur, Pakistan, 4.7 kilometres from the India–Pakistan border on the Pakistani side.
  • The corridor was first proposed in early 1999 by Atal Bihari Vajpayee then Prime Ministers of India, as part of the Delhi–Lahore Bus diplomacy.
  • In 2018, the foundation stone was laid, and the corridor was completed for the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak in 2019. 
  • The corridor enables visa-free cross-border pilgrimage for up to 5000 Indian devotees of all faiths daily.

India and UK conclude Free Trade Agreement

Context: India and the United Kingdom have signed a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) granting zero-duty to 99% of Indian exports and reducing tariffs, expected to create large opportunities for Indian firms, significantly boost bilateral trade, and attract key investments.

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Key facts related to India-UK trade deal.

Mains: Significance of India-UK trade deal.

India- UK Free Trade Agreement

  • India and the UK have concluded a historic Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that promises to deepen bilateral economic ties, enhance strategic cooperation, and boost trade and investment. It is India's 16th FTA. 
  • India's FTAs: India has inked trade deals with Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Japan, Australia, UAE, Mauritius, the 10-nation bloc ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and four European nations' bloc EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), UK. 

What is a Free Trade Agreement?

  • FTA is a bilateral or multilateral understanding where participating countries consent to eliminate or lower customs duties on the bulk of traded goods. 
  • These agreements also involve reducing non-tariff barriers on substantial imports from partner countries whilst simplifying regulations to enhance services trade and cross-border investments.
  • FTAs enable zero-duty entry into partner country markets, allowing for greater diversification and expansion of export destinations.
  • By securing preferential treatment over non-FTA member competitors, domestic exporters enjoy a level playing field, especially when other nations have already established similar agreements. 
  • FTAs attract foreign investments and help stimulate domestic manufacturing.

Key Highlights of the India–UK FTA

The India-UK free trade agreement and Double Contribution Convention pact is expected to lead to significant economic benefits for both the countries.

  • 99% of Indian exports will receive duty-free access to UK markets. India stands to gain substantial advantages from tariff elimination on approximately 99% of tariff lines, which covers nearly 100% of trade value.
  • India will reduce import tariffs on 90% of UK tariff lines, with 85% becoming fully tariff-free  within 10 years.
  • India will receive advantages from the UK's FTA commitments in various service sectors, including IT/ITeS, financial, professional, and educational services.
  • India agrees to lower tariffs on various products, including whisky, medical devices, advanced machinery, and lamb, enhancing the competitiveness of UK exports.
    • Automotive tariffs will be significantly reduced from over 100% to 10% under a specified quota system.
    • Whisky and gin tariffs are to be halved from the current 150% to 75% before reducing to 40% by year ten of the deal.
  • Double Contribution Convention: Indian professionals working temporarily in the U.K. will be exempt from paying social security for up to three years, reducing the financial burden on both employees and employers.
  • It will facilitate easier movement for skilled workers, including contractual service suppliers, business visitors, investors, intra-corporate transferees, family members of transferees with work authorization, and Independent Professionals such as yoga instructors, musicians and chefs.
  • Sectoral Boost: Sectors which are set to benefit in India include textiles and apparel, leather and footwear, gems and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and processed foods etc.  
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major gains for Indian

Significance of INDIA-UK FTA

  • Strengthening Strategic Economic Partnership: It aligns with the shared ambition to scale bilateral trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. Thus, fostering deeper economic interdependence between the world’s fifth and sixth largest economies.
  • Tariff Reductions and Economic Efficiency: Tariff reduction on goods like cosmetics, medical devices, aerospace parts, food items (lamb, salmon, chocolate, biscuits, soft drinks) and electrical machinery will: 
  • Open new market access for UK exporters in India.
  • Reduce input costs for Indian businesses using these goods.
  • Provide Indian consumers with more affordable and diverse products.
  • Strengthen value chains, especially in high-tech and FMCG sectors.
  • Expansion of Market Access: It creates large opportunities for Indian companies to expand further and access new markets. By unlocking new export opportunities, reducing trade barriers, and enabling greater access to the U.K. market.
  • Strengthen Indian textile and apparel sector: It will strengthen the labour-intensive Indian textile and apparel sector, positioning India as a major textile hub. Knitwear exports, which currently constitute 9% of total exports to the UK, are expected to rise to 20% post-FTA. 

The India-UK Free Trade Agreement is not just a trade fact, it is a bridge to shared prosperity. Amid global trade wars, rising protectionism, and economic decoupling, the agreement offers certainty and stability to bilateral economic relations. 

Civil Defence Mock Drills in India

Context: Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, the central government has directed all States and Union Territories to conduct mock drills on May 7, and strengthen civil defence mechanisms across Civil Defence Districts in the event of a hostile attack.

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Key facts about the Civil Defence Act of 1968. 

What are Civil Defence Districts?

  • Demarcated areas or regions, including towns and districts, which the government designates for implementation of civil defence programmes. 
  • These are demarcated on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence. There are in all 259 Civil Defence Districts notified in 2010. These are spread across all states and UTs and divided into three categories.
    • Category I districts require full implementation of civil defence programmes.
    • Category II and Category III require partial implementation in varying degrees.
  • These demarcations are made based on the location of the towns or districts (such as near the borders), vulnerability to attacks, location of vital installations (such as defence installations, nuclear plants, thermal power plants, key government buildings, etc) and critical infrastructure (such as key highways, railways, ports etc.).
  • The maximum number of such districts are in West Bengal, followed by Rajasthan, Assam, Punjab and J&K. 

Civil Defence Mock Drills

The civil drills will ensure: 

  • Operationalisation of Air Raid Warning Sirens
  • Operationalisation of Hotline/Radio Communication Links with the Indian Air Force;
  • Activation and Manning of Control Rooms/ Shadow Control Rooms
  • Training of civilians, students, etc. on the Civil Defence aspects to protect themselves in the event of hostile attack
  • Activation of Civil Defence Services, especially, warden services, firefighting, rescue service, depot, etc.
  • Provision of crash black out measures (a sudden switching off of lights to reduce a potential target’s visibility)
  • Provision for early camouflaging of vital plants / installations
  • Updation of Civil Defence Plan and its rehearsal
  • Updation of evacuation plan and its rehearsal and cleaning of bunkers, trenches, etc.

Civil Defence Act of 1968: 

The mock drills would be conducted under the Civil Defence Act of 1968. 

  • The Act empowers the government to restrict movement, impose curfews, control assemblies or gatherings, close roads, ports, and transport services as needed, in times of emergencies. 
  • The government may detain or arrest a person without the usual legal processes and even order killing of animals.
  • It allows the government compulsory acquisition of property, requisitioning services, and controlling the supply and distribution of goods (especially essentials).
  • The government can direct individuals or classes of persons to perform certain work or duties, and control industries crucial to national security. 
  • It empowers the government to regulate or censor communications, publications, and broadcasts.

The last time such elaborate drills were conducted in the country were during the build-up of the 1971 war.  

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