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Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Jamma Bane Lands Category: Economy Context: The Karnataka government has amended its land revenue law to modernise an age-old system of land records (Jamma Bane) in the scenic Coorg region. About Jamma Bane Lands: Location: Jamma Bane refers to a unique hereditary land tenure system found exclusively in the Kodagu (Coorg) district of Karnataka. Distinctiveness: The word Jamma means hereditary. It is distinctly different from other classes of land holdings in the state. History: These Jamma lands were originally granted by erstwhile kings of Coorg and the British — between 1600 and 1800 — to local communities in return for military service. Types of lands: These lands comprise both wetlands, used for paddy cultivation, and forested highlands, which have transformed into the now-famous coffee estates of Coorg. Ownership: The Jamma Bane land ownership was historically recorded in the name of the original grantee (the Pattedar). Even after generations, records often remained in the ancestor’s name, leading to modern legal hurdles. Relevant Acts: The Coorg Land Revenue and Regulations Act, 1899 was in place to govern land ownership in the region till the introduction of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964. Recent legal developments: Modernisation Act: In January 2025, the Karnataka government passed the Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025. Purpose: The amendment aims to modernise land records, allowing current joint family members to be officially recognised as owners. This simplifies bank loan approvals, land sales, and inheritance processes. Judicial rulings: The ownership rights of the people of Kodagu over the Jamma Bane lands in the region was recognised by a full bench of the Karnataka HC in 1993 in Chekkera Poovaiah vs State of Karnataka. In 2024, the Karnataka HC upheld the Karnataka Land Revenue (Third Amendment) Act, 2011 which gave full ownership rights over Jamma Bane lands in Kodagu to Kodava families. Source: The Indian Express Similipal National Park Category: Environment and Ecology Context: The latest crocodile census has recorded an increase in the crocodile population in Odisha’s Similipal National Park. About Similipal National Park: Location: It is situated in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. Area: It covers an area of approximately 2750 sq.km.  Nomenclature: The park is named after the Simul (silk cotton) tree, which grows in abundance here. Uniqueness: Not only a National Park, Similipal is also a Tiger Reserve, Wildlife Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, and also a part of the Mayurbhanj Elephant Reserve.  Situated in the Deccan Peninsular Bio-geographic Zone, it harbours a unique blend of Western Ghats, Eastern Ghats, and eastern Himalayan biodiversity. Aesthetic places: It has some beautiful waterfalls like Joranda and Barehipani. It is surrounded by high plateaus and hills, the highest peak being the twin peaks of Khairiburu and Meghashini (1515 m above mean sea level). Tribes: It is also home to various tribes, including Kolha, Santhala, Bhumija, Bhatudi, Gondas, Khadia, Mankadia, and Sahara. Vegetation: The forest is predominantly moist mixed deciduous forest with tropical semi-evergreen forest in areas with suitable microclimatic conditions and sporadic patches of dry deciduous forests and grasslands. Flora: Sal is the dominant tree species here. It houses 7% of the flowering plants and 8% of India’s orchids. The park also has extensive grasslands that are grazing grounds for many of the herbivores. Fauna: It is known for the tiger, elephant, and hill mynah. It holds the highest tiger population in Odisha. It is the only tiger reserve in the country to boast of melanistic tigers. Apart from the tiger, the major mammals are the leopard, sambar, barking deer, gaur, jungle cat, wild boar, four-horned antelope, giant squirrel, and common langur. Source: News on AIR Voyager 1 Category: Science and Technology Context: Nearly 50 years after launch in 2026, Voyager 1 will mark yet another first by reaching a distance where Earth is a full day away at the speed of light. About Voyager 1: Launching agency: It is a space probe launched by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) in 1977. Objective: It aims to explore the outer planets in our solar system, specifically Jupiter and Saturn. Milestone: In August 2012, it became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space after crossing the heliopause—the boundary where the Sun’s solar wind meets the interstellar medium. Uniqueness: It is the first spacecraft to travel beyond the solar system and reach interstellar space. It is currently the most distant human-made object from Earth, located over 15 billion miles away. Signals take approximately 22.5 hours one-way to reach the probe. Instruments: The instruments of Voyager 1 included Cosmic Ray Subsystem, Plasma Wave Subsystem, Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer and Radiometer (IRIS) etc. Significant Discoveries: Jupiter: Discovered active volcanoes on the moon Io and identified a thin ring around the planet along with two new moons, Thebe and Metis. Saturn: Identified five new moons and the G-ring. Golden Record: Carries a 12-inch gold-plated copper disk containing sounds and images representing life and culture on Earth as a message to extraterrestrial life. Source: Livemint Finke River Category: Geography Context: The Finke River, known to the Arrernte people as Larapinta, is believed to be the world’s oldest river system, even older than the dinosaurs. About Finke River: Location: It is a major but intermittent river of central Australia. Course: It starts in the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory. It forms where two smaller creeks, Davenport and Ormiston, meet. It flows for about 600 kilometers (370 miles) towards the Simpson Desert in South Australia. Uniqueness: It is often called “the oldest river in the world.”  Origin: A combination of geological records, weathering profiles, and radionuclide measurements in the surrounding sediments and rocks has enabled scientists to date this river system to the Devonian (419 million to 359 million) or Carboniferous (359 million to 299 million) period. Antecedent River: It is believed to be an antecedent river, meaning its course predates the uplift of the MacDonnell Ranges. As the mountains rose, the river maintained its path by cutting through them, creating deep gorges like Palm Valley. Unique biodiversity: Palm Valley along the river is home to the Red Cabbage Palm, a relic species from a much wetter prehistoric climate. Appearance: Most of the time, the Finke River looks like a series of waterholes. But after heavy rains, it can turn into a powerful, fast-flowing river. During big floods, its water can even reach the Macumba River and eventually Lake Eyre. Cultural significance: Known as Larapinta by the Indigenous Arrernte people, it holds deep spiritual value in Aboriginal “Dreaming” stories. Source: India Today Henley Passport Index Category: Miscellaneous Context: The 2026 Henley Passport Index has shown significant shifts in global travel mobility, with Asia continuing to dominate the top ranks. About Henley Passport Index: Nature: It is a popular ranking of global passports that measures passport strength by the number of destinations that holders can visit without a prior visa. Mandate: The index ranks countries based on statistics provided by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Origin: It started in 2006 as the Henley & Partners Visa Restrictions Index (HVRI). Publishing agency: It is published by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners. Coverage: It ranks 199 different passports against 227 travel destinations.  Significance: The stronger the passport, the more countries its holders can enter without a prior visa — a privilege that reflects diplomatic ties, economic influence, and international trust. Key Highlights of Henley Passport Index 2026: The top three passports in the world come from Asia. Singapore ranks first, while Japan and South Korea are tied for second place. India’s passport also saw improvement, climbing five spots to 80th position. Afghanistan is at the bottom of the list, ranked 101st, with visa-free access to 24 destinations. Source: The Economic Times (MAINS Focus) Budget 2026-27 and the Imperative of Sustaining India’s Growth Momentum GS-III – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development, and employment; effects of liberalization on the economy; infrastructure and investment models.   Context (Introduction) Despite global headwinds in 2025—including rising protectionism, tariff shocks from the U.S., and geopolitical uncertainty—India demonstrated economic resilience, aided by reforms, macro-stability and domestic demand.  Core Idea Budget 2026-27 is critical to convert this resilience into sustained medium-term growth while maintaining fiscal prudence. It must strengthen domestic growth levers by: Prioritising productive capital expenditure Enhancing export competitiveness Unlocking private investment Ensuring policy certainty all while adhering to the fiscal consolidation glide path and containing debt risks. Key Growth Challenges Identified Global Trade Uncertainty Tariff volatility, trade diversion and weakening global demand threaten exports. Need for calibrated export support amid protectionist trends. Investment and Credit Bottlenecks Over-reliance on bank credit. Underdeveloped corporate bond market limiting long-term finance. Structural Tax and Dispute Pendency High pendency at CIT(A) level. Long-drawn tax litigation hurting investor confidence. Competitiveness Constraints Inverted duty structures. Customs frictions and compliance costs. Transfer Pricing uncertainty for Global Capability Centres. Strategic Vulnerabilities Dependence on imported critical minerals, semiconductors, and clean-energy inputs. Why It Matters  Capex-led growth crowds in private investment and raises potential output. Exports provide demand diversification in a volatile global economy. Defence and clean energy spending generate strong multiplier effects. Efficient dispute resolution improves ease of doing business and tax buoyancy. Financial deepening lowers cost of capital and boosts productive investment. Sustained growth is essential to achieve Viksit Bharat 2047 aspirations. Way Forward:  Strengthen Productive Capex Raise defence capex share to ~30% (from ~26.4%). Increase DRDO allocation by at least ₹10,000 crore. Expand defence industrial corridors beyond Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Leverage defence exports (already ~65% driven by private sector). Export Competitiveness Push Enhance allocation for RoDTEP (currently ~₹18,233 crore). Reduce customs tariff slabs to correct inverted duty structures. Improve trade facilitation for AEO-certified firms, including new companies. Critical Minerals & Strategic Tech Operationalise National Critical Mineral Mission (NCMM). Introduce critical minerals tailings recovery programme. Provide dedicated financing windows for mineral security. Financial Sector Deepening Expand corporate bond market: Lower qualifying thresholds. Include unlisted corporates. Raise insurance investment caps beyond 25%. Relax “Approved Investment” ratings (AA to A-). Resolve Tax Disputes Prioritise disposal of: High-value cases Older appeals (>5 years) Cases with complete submissions Introduce dual-track dispute resolution (fast-track + detailed track). Address ~40% vacancy at CIT(A) level. Support Sunrise Sectors Scale PLI outlay from ₹120 crore to ₹1,000 crore for drones. Set up ₹1,000 crore drone R&D fund. Provide clear Transfer Pricing guidance for Global Capability Centres. Conclusion Budget 2026-27 must act as a bridge between reform momentum and long-term transformation. By combining fiscal prudence with targeted growth-enablers, resolving structural bottlenecks, and strengthening competitiveness, the Budget can crowd in private investment, stabilise growth amid global uncertainty, and place India firmly on a high, durable growth trajectory. Mains Question “In a phase of global trade fragmentation, strategic supply-chain vulnerabilities and tightening fiscal space, Budget 2026-27 assumes a pivotal role in sustaining India’s growth momentum.” Critically examine (250 words) The Hindu India’s AI Moment: From adhoc to Precision in Governance and Growth GS-II: Government policies and interventions and issues arising out of their design and implementation; Structure and functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary. GS-III: Science and Technology—developments and their applications; indigenisation of technology. Context (Introduction) Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a general-purpose technology comparable to railways or electricity in its capacity to reshape economies and state power. For India, AI adoption is not merely a technological choice but a governance and developmental imperative. The real challenge lies in moving from ad-hoc innovation to institutional precision. Core idea India’s ability to harness AI will depend on whether it is embedded into state capacity, public institutions and long-term capital mobilisation, rather than remaining confined to fragmented private adoption. Sector-wise Case Examples Courts (Judicial Governance) India has over 47 million pending cases (National Judicial Data Grid). AI tools for case clustering, precedent analysis and automated scheduling can compress timelines from years to months. Pilot use of SUPACE (Supreme Court Portal for Assistance in Courts Efficiency) shows potential, but weak institutional scaling limits impact. Taxation and Public Finance AI-based analytics in GST compliance and income-tax risk profiling have improved detection, yet fragmented datasets reduce precision. Countries like Estonia use AI to predict tax evasion patterns, lowering enforcement costs—India risks lagging without interoperable data systems. Education (Human Capital Formation) India’s learning crisis (ASER findings) makes adaptive learning platforms crucial. AI-enabled personalised learning and continuous teacher feedback can offset large class sizes, but lack of foundational schooling reform constrains outcomes. Defence and National Security AI-driven autonomous systems, surveillance and logistics optimisation are now core to military competitiveness. Without indigenous AI capability, India risks strategic dependence on foreign technology in warfare domains increasingly defined by algorithms. Key Challenges Weak contract enforcement raising cost of capital Platform concentration and foreign data monopolies Job displacement without reskilling frameworks Absence of mission-mode coordination Way Forward Launch a National AI Mission with clear authority and outcomes Commit strategic public investment (~0.5% of GDP over five years) to crowd in private capital Prioritise AI deployment in governance-heavy sectors before consumer applications Combine innovation with privacy, bias mitigation and democratic oversight Conclusion AI will reward systems, not improvisation. If India replaces jugaad with precision, institutions and disciplined capital, AI can become its “railway moment”—a structural leap in governance, productivity and sovereignty rather than a missed opportunity. Mains Question Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a general-purpose technology with the potential to transform governance, economic productivity and national security. Critically examine the institutional and policy challenges India faces in leveraging AI for governance and growth. (250 words, 15 marks) The Indian Express  

Archives (PRELIMS  Focus) Miyawaki Method Category: Environment and Ecology Context: Urban hard surfaces worsen heat, flooding, and drought conditions, and this has recently prompted interest in the Miyawaki method as a corrective planning response. About Miyawaki Method: Development: This method of afforestation was developed by renowned Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki in the 1970s. Nature: It is a revolutionary method for creating dense forests in limited spaces. Other names: It is also referred to as the ‘pot plantation method’, it involves planting trees and shrubs close to one another to accelerate their growth.   Growth trajectory: The competition for sunlight encourages trees to grow more vertically and less laterally. Significance: It emphasizes planting only plant species native to the local area. This fosters a more resilient and naturally balanced ecosystem. Plants grow 10 times faster with this technique, making it a practical solution for urban areas. Similar to primordial forests: They are much denser and house much more biodiversity, just like ancient, primordial forests.  Self-sustaining: For the first two to three years, the forest requires regular watering, weeding, and monitoring. After this period, the forest becomes self-sustaining and requires minimal intervention.  Advantages: It improves soil quality, enhances biodiversity, and accelerates forest development. Trees planted using the Miyawaki technique absorb more carbon, grow faster, and support richer biodiversity compared to traditional forests. In urban settings, this technique has transformed polluted, barren lands into green ecosystems. It has successfully managed industrial waste, reduced dust and foul odours, and curbed air and water pollution. Additionally, it prevents soil erosion and promotes ecological balance, making it an effective tool for environmental restoration. Sources: The Times of India Export Preparedness Index (EPI) Category: Miscellaneous Context: NITI Aayog recently released the Export Preparedness Index 2024, a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across India’s States and Union Territories (UTs). About Export Preparedness Index (EPI): Nature: It is a comprehensive assessment of export readiness across India’s States and Union Territories (UTs). Significance: It recognises the diversity of subnational economic structures and their critical role in advancing India’s global trade ambitions. First edition: The first edition of the EPI was published in August 2020 and this is the 4th edition. Framework: It is structured around four pillars, further disaggregated into 13 sub-pillars and 70 indicators. Four Pillars are: Export Infrastructure (20% Weightage) Business Ecosystem (40% Weightage) Policy and Governance (20% Weightage) Export Performance (20% Weightage) Classification of States and Union Territories: States and UTs have been categorised into Large States & Small States, North East States and Union Territories. Within each category, they are further classified as Leaders: States/UTs demonstrating relatively high export preparedness Challengers: States/UTs with moderate preparedness and scope for improvement Aspirers: States/UTs at early stages of export ecosystem development Key highlights of EPI 2024: Under EPI 2024, the following States and UTs have emerged as leading performers in their respective categories: Leading Performers (Large States): Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh Leading Performers (Small States, North Eastern States & Union Territories): Uttarakhand, Jammu and Kashmir, Nagaland, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu, Goa. Source: PIB NPS Vatsalya Scheme Category: Government Schemes Context: Recently, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has issued the NPS Vatsalya Scheme Guidelines 2025. About NPS Vatsalya Scheme: Nature: It is a contributory savings and long-term financial security scheme designed exclusively for minors. Regulatory Body: It is regulated and administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). Eligibility: It is open to all Indian citizens, including NRI/OCI, below 18 years of age. Account Operation: Account is opened in the name of the minor and is operated by the guardian. Contribution: Minimum initial and annual contribution is ₹250 and there is no maximum limit on contribution. The contribution can also be gifted by relatives and friends.  Pension Fund Selection: Guardian can choose any one Pension Fund registered with PFRDA for this purpose. Withdrawal Provisions: Partial Withdrawal: It is allowed after 3 years for specific purposes like education, medical treatment, or disability (up to 25% of own contributions). Exit at 18: If the subscriber exits at 18, at least 80% of the corpus must be used to purchase an annuity, while 20% can be a lump sum (if the total corpus is ≤ ₹2.5 lakh, a full lump sum is allowed). Significance: Financial Inclusion: Expands the pension net to the younger population, ensuring “Viksit Bharat@2047” goals of a pensioned society. Intergenerational Equity: Promotes wealth accumulation through the power of compounding over decades. Social Security: Addresses long-term financial risks for minors, providing a cushion for retirement long before they enter the workforce. Source: PIB Molecular Cloud Category: Science and Technology Context: Recently, astronomers studied the L328 molecular cloud, located around 700 light years away, to map the magnetic fields at multiple scales. About Molecular Cloud: Nature: It is an interstellar cloud of gas and dust in which molecules can form, the most common of which is hydrogen (H2). Characterization: These are characterized by their low temperatures (below 40 K, colder than liquid nitrogen) and relatively high densities (103–104 particles per cubic cm). Size: The size of these clouds can be from a few light years up to 600 light years. Their total mass can reach several million solar masses. Molecular clouds with dimensions of more than about 15 light years are also called giant molecular clouds. Observation: Because dust blocks visible light, they appear as dark patches (Dark Nebulae). Astronomers use radio and infrared telescopes to peer through the dust. Mechanism: The complex interplay between three key forces, namely gravity, magnetic fields, and turbulence, determines how these clouds collapse to form stars. The central regions of these clouds are completely hidden from view by dust.  Longevity: These clouds do not last for a very long time. After the new stars are born, their solar winds blow away the remaining gas and dust.  Significance: Molecular clouds are so important because they are the raw material of stars and planets. It is thought to be the birthplace of stars and planetary systems through processes of contraction, condensation, and accretion. Source: PIB Zanskar River Category: Geography Context: The awaited Chadar trek on the frozen Zanskar river in Ladakh has been deferred due to inadequate ice formation, disappointing trekkers and adventure sports enthusiasts. About Zanskar River: Location: It is a major left-bank tributary of the Indus River, flowing entirely within the union territory of Ladakh in northern India. It drains the remote Zanskar Valley in the northwestern Himalayas. Course: The Zanskar River starts high in the Himalayas. It has two main branches; one is Doda, with main source near Pansi-La Pass, and the other branch is formed by the Kargyag River (source near Shingo La) and the Tsarap River (source near Baralacha La).  Gorge: The river meanders northwestwards and finally meets the Indus River near Nimmu of the Ladakh region at an elevation of about 3,100 meters. It is famous for its incredible Zanskar Gorge, which is a super deep canyon it has carved over many years.  Structure of valley: The entire catchment area of the Zanskar River has been formed by the action of glaciers. Its valley is U-shaped, and a number of hanging valleys open into it. Significance: In the summer season, tourists can embark on river rafting trips, especially in the stretches between Chilling and Nimmu. Winter brings a unique and thrilling experience of walking along the frozen river of Zanskar, which is often called ‘Chadar Trek’. Source:  The Tribune (MAINS Focus) India’s Minerals Diplomacy and the Energy Transition GS-III: Infrastructure: Energy; Conservation; Environmental pollution and degradation; Science and Technology—developments and their applications in energy and resource utilisation.   Context (Introduction) India’s clean energy transition—covering renewables, electric mobility, battery storage, and green hydrogen—is critically dependent on imported critical minerals and rare earths. With China tightening export controls and global supply chains becoming geopolitically fragile, minerals diplomacy has emerged as a strategic economic and energy-security priority for India. Core Idea / Definition Minerals diplomacy refers to the use of foreign partnerships, investments, and standards-based cooperation to secure reliable access to critical minerals (lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earths) essential for the energy transition, while simultaneously building domestic processing and value-chain resilience. India’s current approach reflects a two-pronged strategy: External diversification of supply sources Internal capacity building across mining, refining, recycling and manufacturing Key Challenges  Overdependence on China: China dominates rare-earth processing and refining, creating strategic vulnerabilities for India’s clean-energy ambitions. Extraction without value addition risk: Many partnerships remain resource-access focused, lacking commitments on processing, refining and technology transfer. Fragmented institutional depth: While India has signed multiple bilateral and multilateral agreements, long-term implementation frameworks and financing mechanisms remain weak. Geopolitical volatility of partners: U.S. trade unpredictability (tariffs, IRA-linked incentives) complicates cooperation Russia faces sanctions and logistics constraints useful as a hedge, not a foundation Weak domestic midstream capability: Absence of large-scale refining, recycling and battery-grade processing exposes India to choke points even after securing raw materials. Why It Matters  Energy security: Critical minerals are as strategic today as oil was in the 20th century Industrial competitiveness: EVs, batteries, semiconductors and renewables depend on mineral supply chains Strategic autonomy: Supply resilience reduces coercive leverage by dominant producers Clean transition credibility: Without minerals, net-zero targets remain aspirational India’s Emerging Partnership Landscape  Australia: Stable partner; India–Australia Critical Minerals Investment Partnership (lithium, cobalt) Africa: Namibia (lithium, rare earths, uranium), Zambia (copper, cobalt)  rising focus on local value creation Latin America: Argentina (₹200 crore KABIL exploration deal), Chile, Peru, Brazil — new frontiers Canada: Nickel, cobalt, copper, rare earths; trilateral agreements with India & Australia EU: Critical Raw Materials Act, European Battery Alliance—emphasis on transparency, lifecycle standards, ESG Japan: Model of stockpiling, recycling and long-term R&D–led resilience Way Forward  Move from access to integration: Shift focus from mining contracts to value-chain partnerships covering refining, recycling and battery materials. Build domestic midstream capacity: Prioritise refining, separation technologies and battery recycling to reduce processing dependence. Country-by-country strategy Africa, Australia, Latin America: upstream extraction West Asia & Japan: midstream processing EU & U.S.: downstream technology, batteries, recycling Institutionalise minerals diplomacy: Leverage initiatives like KABIL, TRUST Initiative, Strategic Minerals Recovery Initiative with long-term financing and execution capacity. Strengthen ESG and transparency: Align domestic mining with environmental, social and governance (ESG) norms to enhance credibility in global partnerships. Conclusion India has built an impressive web of critical mineral partnerships, but securing ores alone is insufficient. The real strategic test lies in processing, technology, and long-term certainty. A value-chain–oriented minerals diplomacy, aligned with domestic industrial capacity and global sustainability norms, is indispensable for India’s energy security, clean transition and strategic autonomy in an era of resource geopolitics. Mains Question In the context of India’s clean-energy transition, access to critical minerals has emerged as a strategic constraint rather than a mere resource challenge. Critically examine India’s minerals diplomacy in securing energy security and industrial competitiveness. Why is a shift from extraction-centric agreements to integrated value-chain partnerships essential for reducing strategic vulnerabilities? (250 words, 15 marks) The Hindu “India–EU FTA in an Age of Trade Volatility: A Strategic Imperative for Economic Resilience GS-II: India and its relations with other countries; bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests   Context (Introduction) The global trade and geopolitical environment have entered a phase of heightened unpredictability, marked by renewed U.S.–China trade tensions, tariff shocks, supply-chain reorientation and slowing global growth. In this context, the stalled India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (EU FTA) has regained strategic urgency, especially as Europe seeks diversified partners and India aims to insulate itself from external volatility. Core Idea The EU FTA is no longer merely a trade agreement; it is a strategic economic stabiliser for India. With the U.S. economy showing structural imbalances, tariff-driven inflation risks, and China’s long-term growth decelerating, India must pivot towards rules-based, high-value trade partnerships that offer technology, investment, and services access—areas where the EU is uniquely positioned. Key Challenges  Trade uncertainty due to Trump-era tariff politics and reciprocal tariff risks Over-dependence on U.S. demand, especially in services China’s export diversion, distorting global trade flows Long-standing EU concerns on labour and environmental standards delaying FTA conclusion Under-utilisation of services trade and investment chapters in India’s FTAs Why the EU FTA Matters for India The EU is India’s 4th largest trading partner and a major FDI source Cumulative EU FDI ≈ $120 billion by 2024, concentrated in electronics, infrastructure, manufacturing Germany’s leadership in the EU aligns with India’s priorities in advanced manufacturing, green tech, Industry 4.0 Potential to deepen Mode 4 (skilled mobility) commitments, especially through Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act Shifts focus from tariff reduction to services trade, technology transfer and investment facilitation Way Forward Fast-track India–EU FTA with flexible solutions on sustainability clauses Prioritise services, digital trade, investment protection and skilled mobility Leverage Germany as the technology and manufacturing anchor within the EU Align FTA outcomes with Make in India, PLI and supply-chain resilience goals Use the FTA to hedge against U.S. protectionism and China-centric trade risks Conclusion In an era of fragmented globalisation, accelerating the India–EU FTA offers India a path toward trade diversification, investment stability and strategic autonomy. Moving decisively now can transform the agreement from a delayed negotiation into a cornerstone of India’s long-term economic diplomacy. Mains Question The shifting contours of global trade—marked by protectionism, trade diversion and geopolitical uncertainty have altered the strategic value of free trade agreements. In this context, critically examine why accelerating the India–European Union Free Trade Agreement (EU FTA) has become imperative for India’s economic diplomacy? (250 words, 15 marks) The Indian Express