Subject: Defence – Drone Warfare; Counter-UAS; Directed Energy Weapons; Sudarshan Chakra; Operation Sindoor; AI in Warfare.

Why in News?

• On the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor (May 2025 – four-day India-Pakistan engagement), discussion of drone warfare has taken centre stage.
• Drones have acquired an outsized image due to their perceived “unstoppable” nature, low cost, and ability to keep combatants out of harm’s way.
• India is envisaging a nationwide terrestrial and space-based ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system to be in place by 2035 to address multifarious threats, including drones.

Doctrinal Issues: Revolution or Evolution?

Revolutionary vs Evolutionary

• Revolutionary: Advent of air domain fundamentally reshaped warfare.
• Evolutionary: Drones are merely another weapon system within the air domain – with unique advantages but not a new domain.

“Air Littoral” – Misleading Term

• Some strategists suggest drones have created a new domain of warfare unique to drone operations.
• This is misleading – drones operate within a restricted airspace layer (ground up to coordinating altitude).
• Conclusion: Drones are not reshaping air warfare – they are reshaping ground combat.

Air Superiority

• Importance of attainment and maintenance of air superiority through manned systems remains undiminished.

Strategic Considerations

Shift in Kinetic Warfare Boundaries

• Innovative use (e.g., Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web – drones inserted in containers deep inside Russia) has shifted kinetic warfare boundaries hundreds of kilometres inland.
• New requirement to protect assets deep within a nation’s interior on a 24×7 basis.

AI Integration (Future Challenge)

• Unmanned flight still developing; AI will bring exponential increase in capabilities.
• Fully autonomous operations raise ethical and moral issues – a UN committee is currently examining these.

Counter-UAS (CUAS) Strategy

Operation Sindoor Experience

• Waves of individual drones sent by Pakistan were neutralised by India’s integrated CUAS network.

Future Challenge: Drone Swarms

• Integration of multiple drones to overwhelm air defence systems by sheer numbers.

Directed Energy Weapons (Solution)

• Iron Beam (Israel) – laser system with rapid engagement.

Global Initiatives

• Europe: Drone-wall initiative – layered mesh of detection and interception capabilities of EU member states.
• US: Golden Dome system – space-based and hypersonic interceptors for incoming projectiles.

India’s Sudarshan Chakra (Target 2035)

What is it?

• A nationwide terrestrial and space-based air defence system.
• To address multifarious threats including drones, missiles, and other airborne threats.

Timeline

• To be in place by 2035 (at least a decade away from 2026).
• Requires phase-wise operationalisation along with enormous and committed funding.
• Author argues that New Delhi must find the monies to support it.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Operation Sindoor: Four-day India-Pakistan engagement (May 7-10, 2025) involving long-range strikes on terrorist and air force infrastructure.
• Loitering Kamikaze Munitions: Drones that loiter over target area and then crash into target (suicide drones).
• FPV (First-Person View) Drones: Drones controlled by pilot using goggles showing live video feed from drone’s camera.
• Air Littoral: Debated term for restricted airspace layer where drones operate (ground to coordinating altitude).
• Counter-UAS (CUAS): Systems designed to detect, track, and neutralise hostile drones.
• Directed Energy Weapons (DEW): Laser or microwave-based weapons that disable targets with focused energy (e.g., Iron Beam).
• Iron Dome: Israel’s short-range rocket interception system (missile-based).
• Iron Beam: Israel’s laser-based air defence system (much cheaper per intercept).
• Sudarshan Chakra: India’s proposed nationwide terrestrial and space-based air defence system (target 2035).
• Golden Dome: US planned space-based and hypersonic interceptor system.

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The four-day engagement between India and Pakistan in May 2025, which saw significant use of drones, is codenamed:

• Operation Sindoor

Q2: What is the estimated cost per intercept for Israel’s Iron Beam laser system compared to Iron Dome missiles?

• 2-3.50 per shot (Iron Beam) vs 40,000-50,000 per missile (Iron Dome)

Q3: India is planning a nationwide terrestrial and space-based air defence system to be in place by 2035 called:

• Sudarshan Chakra

Q4: Which country has developed the Iron Beam laser air defence system?

• Israel

Q5: According to the article, drones are not reshaping air warfare but are actually reshaping:

• Ground combat

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/drone-mania-separating-hype-from-battlefield-reality/article71003125.ece

Subject: Art & Culture – Traditional Handicrafts; Economy – GI Tag; Silver Filigree; Odisha; Cuttack.

Why in News?

• Cuttack’s centuries-old Rupa Tarakasi (silver filigree) industry is being impacted by soaring silver prices and fresh import curbs on silver.
• The government recently raised import duty on silver to 15% (from 6%) and imposed 3% IGST, making raw silver significantly more expensive for artisans.

About Rupa Tarakasi

Definition

• One of India’s most exquisite silver crafts – intricate silver filigree work.
• Practiced in Cuttack, Odisha (known as the “Silver City”).

Etymology (Odia)

• “Tara” = wire
• “Kasi” = to design

Origin and History

• Existed as far back as the 12th century (exact origin unclear).
• Received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
• The art form evolved with each ruler as Cuttack transitioned through different hands.

Process

• Silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils.
• Used to create jewellery, artefacts, or showpieces.
• Different grades of silver used; craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin.

Artisans

• Traditionally called “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras” (in Odia).

Products

• Jewellery worn by Odissi dancers
• Decorative artifacts, accessories
• Religious and cultural pieces

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

• Received GI tag in 2024.

Current Challenges

Soaring Silver Prices

• Silver prices have increased significantly (domestic and international).
• Makes raw material unaffordable for many artisans.

Import Curbs on Silver

• Government raised basic customs duty on silver to 15% (from 6%).
• Additional 3% IGST on imports.
• Effective total duty: ~18.4% (from 9.2% previously).

Impact on Artisans

• Higher raw material costs → reduced profit margins.
• Many artisans unable to afford silver stock.
• Fear of losing centuries-old craft tradition.

Silver Filigree (Context)

What is Filigree?

• Delicate jewellery metalwork made from twisted threads of silver (or gold).
• Threads are curled, twisted, and soldered together to create intricate designs.

Global Recognition

• India’s silver filigree from Cuttack is renowned worldwide.
• Competing with filigree from Italy, Portugal, and other countries.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Rupa Tarakasi: GI-tagged silver filigree craft of Cuttack, Odisha
• Filigree: Delicate metalwork using twisted threads of silver or gold
• Rupa Banias / Roupyakaras: Traditional artisan community practicing Rupa Tarakasi
• Silver City: Nickname for Cuttack (due to its silver filigree heritage)
• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag: Granted to Rupa Tarakasi in 2024
• Odissi: Classical dance form of Odisha; dancers wear Rupa Tarakasi jewellery
• Import curbs (May 2026): Basic customs duty on silver raised to 15% + 3% IGST

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Rupa Tarakasi, the traditional silver filigree craft, is associated with which Indian city?

• Cuttack

Q2: The artisans practicing Rupa Tarakasi are traditionally called:

• Rupa Banias or Roupyakaras

Q3: In which year did Rupa Tarakasi receive the Geographical Indication (GI) tag?

• 2024

Q4: In Odia language, “Tara” means:

• Wire

Q5: Which classical dance form’s jewellery is traditionally made using Rupa Tarakasi?

• Odissi

Source/Reference:

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/in-cuttacks-silver-filigree-hub-soaring-prices-and-import-curbs-push-artisans-to-the-brink-10700288/

Subject: Science & Tech – Animal Communication; Convergent Evolution; Sperm Whale; Phonology; Project CETI.

Why in News?

• A study published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B (April 15, 2026) reveals that sperm whale vocalisations (click sequences called codas) have complex acoustic structures resembling patterns found in human speech.
• The study was led by Gasper Beguš, associate professor of linguistics at University of California, Berkeley.

About Sperm Whales

• Scientific Name: Physeter macrocephalus
• Size: Largest toothed whale; males up to 20 metres
• Diet: Deep-sea squid, fish, sharks
• Habitat: Found in oceans worldwide; deep waters
• Status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List)
• Key Feature: Largest brain of any animal (up to 9 kg)
• Echolocation: Uses clicks for navigation and hunting in deep, dark waters

How Sperm Whales Communicate

Codas

• Short sequences of clicks that whales exchange while coordinating within their groups.
• Traditionally classified using:
  • Number of clicks in a sequence
  • Spacing between clicks (inter-click intervals)

Example Coda Types

• 1+1+3 coda: Two clicks separated by pauses, followed by three clicks in rapid succession
• 5R coda: Five evenly spaced clicks

Learning

• Different whale groups use different sets of patterns → system is unlikely to be entirely inborn.
• At least part of it is learnt within groups (cultural transmission).

Key Findings of the Study

Two Distinct Click Categories (Like Human Vowels)

• Researchers broke each click into frequency components.
• Found two distinct categories:
  • “a” click: Single dominant frequency peak
  • “i” click: Two frequency peaks
• These are analogous to formants in human speech – resonant frequencies that allow us to distinguish “ah” from “ee”.

Timing and Type as Separate Features

• Whales control not just when they click, but also what kind of click they produce.
• Same pattern (e.g., 1+1+3 coda) can be produced using either “a” or “i” click.

Coda Length Differences

• “a” codas are typically longer than “i” codas (even when spacing pattern is same).
• Similar to how longer and shorter vowels can serve different functions in human speech.

Individual Differences

• Even within same coda pattern and click type, some whales produce longer sequences than others.
• But “a” codas are still longer than “i” codas across all whales – same underlying patterns.

Context-Dependent Production

• First click of a coda can be affected by the coda that came before it.
• Shows codas are not produced in isolation.

Significance

Parallels with Human Phonology

• Human phonology = system of rules that organises sound patterns through combinations of discrete sound categories, timing, and position.
• Sperm whale vocalisations show clear parallels with human phonology.

Convergent Evolution Hypothesis (Prof. Gasper Beguš)

• Humans and whales diverged tens of millions of years ago.
• Both evolved complex vocal systems showing striking structural parallels.

Rich Social and Cultural Lives

• Dr. Mason Youngblood (Stony Brook University): Rich social and cultural lives of sperm whales rely heavily on communication within family and clan groups – may support such complexity.

What We Don’t Know Yet

• Study does not identify what information codas convey.
• Whether different patterns correspond to specific meanings remains unknown.
• Project CETI (Cetacean Translation Initiative) aims to decode whale communication.

Caveat

• Clear similarities, but also important differences.
• Fundamentally rhythmic nature of sperm whale codas sets them apart from human speech.
• Must not be quick to call it a “language” just yet.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Sperm Whale: Physeter macrocephalus – largest toothed whale; vulnerable (IUCN)
• Coda: Short sequence of clicks used by sperm whales for communication
• Formants: Resonant frequencies in human speech that distinguish vowel sounds
• Phonology: System of rules organising sound patterns in human language
• Convergent Evolution: Independent evolution of similar traits in distantly related species
• Echolocation: Biological sonar used by whales and dolphins for navigation and hunting
• Project CETI: Cetacean Translation Initiative – research project to decode whale communication
• Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Peer-reviewed biological research journal
• UC Berkeley: University of California, Berkeley – lead institution

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: Sperm whales communicate using short sequences of clicks known as:

• Codas

Q2: The study on sperm whale communication was published in which journal?

• Proceedings of the Royal Society B

Q3: What are the two distinct click categories identified in sperm whale codas (analogous to human vowels)?

• “a” and “i”

Q4: The research project aiming to decode whale communication is called:

• Project CETI

Q5: The hypothesis that humans and whales independently evolved complex vocal systems is called:

• Convergent evolution

Q6: What is the IUCN status of the sperm whale?

• Vulnerable

Source/Reference:

https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/sperm-whale-clicks-have-complex-patterns-similar-to-human-speech/article70982438.ece#google_vignette

Subject: Economy – Productivity; International Relations – Regional Organizations; APO; NPC; India’s Founding Membership.

Why in News?

• The 68th Session of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) Governing Body is being hosted by the Government of India in New Delhi.
• Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal is scheduled to inaugurate the meeting.
• Member nations are expected to discuss APO Vision 2030, budget, and reforms.

About Asian Productivity Organization (APO)

Establishment

• Founded in 1961.
• An intergovernmental organization committed to enhancing productivity for sustainable socioeconomic development through mutual cooperation and knowledge sharing.

Headquarters

• Tokyo, Japan

Membership

• Open to countries in Asia and the Pacific that are members of UN ESCAP (United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific).
• Currently comprises 21 member economies from the Asia-Pacific region.

List of Members (21)

• Bangladesh, Cambodia, Republic of China (Taiwan), Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Türkiye, Vietnam.

India’s Role

• Founding member of APO.
• National Productivity Council (NPC) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is the designated National Productivity Organization (NPO) for India.

Organisational Structure

Three Main Bodies

APO Vision 2030

• A strategic roadmap for the organization’s future direction.
• Focuses on enhancing productivity for sustainable socioeconomic development in the Asia-Pacific region.
• The 68th Governing Body Session will discuss this vision, along with budget and reforms.

Key Terms for Prelims

• APO: Asian Productivity Organization – intergovernmental body (est. 1961; HQ: Tokyo)
• UN ESCAP: United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific – membership eligibility criterion
• National Productivity Council (NPC): India’s designated NPO under Ministry of Commerce and Industry
• Governing Body: APO’s highest decision-making authority (meets annually)
• NPO (National Productivity Organization): Designated body in each member country coordinating with APO
• APO Vision 2030: Strategic roadmap for productivity enhancement in the region

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) was established in which year?

• 1961

Q2: The headquarters of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is located in:

• Tokyo

Q3: Which Indian body is designated as the National Productivity Organization (NPO) for APO?

• National Productivity Council (NPC)

Q4: The highest decision-making authority of APO is the:

• Governing Body

Q5: India is a founding member of APO. The membership of APO is open to countries that are members of:

• UN ESCAP

Q6: The 68th Session of the APO Governing Body is being hosted by:

• India

Q7: The strategic roadmap for APO’s future direction is called:

• APO Vision 2030

Q8: How many member economies currently constitute the APO?

• 21

Source/Reference:

https://www.aninews.in/news/business/piyush-goyal-to-inaugurate-asian-productivity-organization-meeting-in-delhi-member-nations-to-discuss-vision-2030-budget-amp-reforms20260520124927/

Subject: Agriculture – Food Security; International Relations – FAO; Agricola Medal; Sustainable Agriculture; India’s Leadership.

Why in News?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious Agricola Medal for 2026 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations at the FAO Headquarters in Rome on May 20, 2026.
• He received the award from Dr. Qu Dongyu, Director General of FAO.
• This was the first visit by an Indian Head of Government to FAO Headquarters in the last 30 years.

About Agricola Medal

What is it?

• The highest award of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Conferred to recognize exceptional leadership in addressing food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development.

Established

• Awarded since 1977.

Named After

• Named in honour of Georgius Agricola (1494–1555), the German scholar known as the “Father of Mineralogy” who made significant contributions to mining and metallurgy (the medal’s original focus). Over time, it has evolved to recognize broader contributions to agriculture and food security.

Previous Notable Recipients

• Mother Teresa (1986 – posthumously awarded)
• Pope John Paul II (1999)
• Lula da Silva (former President of Brazil)
• Other heads of state and global leaders in food security

Why PM Modi Received the Award (FAO’s Recognition)

• Exceptional leadership to address food security, sustainable agriculture, and rural development in India and at the global level.
• India’s science-driven and innovation-based approach to farming.
• Climate-resilient agriculture – India developed around 3,000 climate-resilient crop varieties in the last 10 years.
• Digital farming solutions – Digital Public Infrastructure, AI-based advisory systems, drones, remote-sensing technologies, sensor-based machinery.
• Micro-irrigation – ‘Per Drop More Crop’ mission-based approach.
• International Year of Millets – India’s leadership in promoting millets (coincided with India’s G20 presidency, 2023).
• Global South focus – India’s agriculture strengthening global food security, especially for countries in the Global South.

India’s Association with FAO

• Founding member of FAO (established 1945).
• Active collaboration on food security, sustainable agriculture, and nutrition.
• International Year of Millets (2023) – celebrated in partnership with FAO.

Key Terms for Prelims

• Agricola Medal: FAO’s highest award (since 1977); honours exceptional leadership in food security and sustainable agriculture
• FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): UN specialized agency; leads international efforts to defeat hunger (established 1945; HQ: Rome, Italy)
• Georgius Agricola: German scholar (1494-1555); “Father of Mineralogy”; medal named after him
• Per Drop More Crop: Component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY); promotes micro-irrigation (drip/sprinkler)
• Climate-resilient crop varieties: Crop varieties bred to withstand drought, flood, heat, salinity, etc.
• Global South: Developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America
• International Year of Millets (2023): UN-declared year; led by India
• Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Digital rails for service delivery (e.g., UPI, Aadhaar, DigiLocker)

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: The Agricola Medal is conferred by which organization?

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)

Q2: The Agricola Medal is named after:

• Georgius Agricola

Q3: The FAO Headquarters is located in:

• Rome

Q4: Who is the current Director General of FAO (as of May 2026)?

• Qu Dongyu

Q5: PM Modi’s visit to FAO Headquarters in May 2026 was the first by an Indian Head of Government in:

• 30 years

Q6: According to PM Modi’s remarks, how many climate-resilient crop varieties has India developed in the last 10 years?

• 3,000

Q7: ‘Per Drop More Crop’ is a component of which scheme?

• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)

Q8: India is a founding member of FAO. In which year was FAO established?

• 1945

Source/Reference:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263509&reg=3&lang=1

Subject: Economy – Commodity Derivatives; Weather Derivatives; NCDEX; RAINMUMBAI; Hedging; Monsoon Risk Management.

Why in News?

• National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX) announced the launch of India’s first SEBI-approved exchange-traded weather derivatives contract named “RAINMUMBAI”.

• The contract will be available for trading from June 1, 2026.

What is RAINMUMBAI?

Definition

• India’s first exchange-traded weather derivatives contract.
• A financial instrument that allows participants to hedge losses from unpredictable weather and monsoon variability.
• Cash-settled (no physical delivery of rainfall).

Purpose

• Helps sectors manage weather-related risks beyond traditional government relief and insurance claims.
• Sectors that can benefit: agriculture, power, construction, logistics, tourism, banking, and energy.

Trading Details

• Base cost: ₹50 per millimetre of rainfall
• Trading hours: 10:00 AM to 11:30 PM on weekdays
• Lot size: Not specified (but contracts can be tailored to risk management needs)

How It Works

Underlying Asset

• Deviation of actual rainfall from Mumbai’s long-period average (LPA) during the monsoon season.

Months Available for Trade

• Only June, July, August, and September (tracking Mumbai’s monsoon patterns).

Data Source

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) surface rainfall and automatic weather stations (AWS) observations at Santacruz and Colaba (Mumbai).

Key Feature vs Insurance

• Unlike conventional insurance (which requires physical loss assessment), weather derivatives are settled directly against observed weather data.
• Enables faster payouts and reduces operational complexity.

Development and Regulation

Approvals

• Approved by Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Development Partners

• Developed in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
• Based on rainfall data in Mumbai.

Context: 2026 Monsoon Forecast

• India has forecast below-average monsoon rains in 2026 for the first time in three years.
• Raises concerns over farm output and economic growth.
• RAINMUMBAI provides a tool to hedge financial exposure to rainfall fluctuations.

What are Weather Derivatives? (Static Context)

Definition

• Financial contracts that derive value from weather-related indices (rainfall, temperature, snowfall, etc.).
• Used globally to hedge weather-related revenue risks.

Difference from Insurance

• Insurance compensates for actual physical losses (requires assessment).
• Weather derivatives pay out based on observed weather data (faster, no loss assessment).

Common Users Globally

• Agriculture (crop yield protection)
• Energy (demand fluctuations based on temperature)
• Construction (weather delays)
• Tourism and logistics

Key Terms for Prelims

• RAINMUMBAI: India’s first exchange-traded weather derivatives contract (NCDEX, June 1, 2026)
• Weather Derivatives: Financial instruments whose value is derived from weather indices (rainfall, temperature)
• Hedging: Strategy to reduce financial risk from adverse price/weather movements
• Cash-settled: Contract settled in cash, not physical delivery
• Long-Period Average (LPA): Average rainfall over a 50-year period; used as benchmark
• Automatic Weather Station (AWS): Automated station for real-time weather data collection
• NCDEX: National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (est. 2003; HQ: Mumbai)
• SEBI: Securities and Exchange Board of India – regulator for commodity derivatives

Possible Prelims MCQs

Q1: RAINMUMBAI, India’s first exchange-traded weather derivatives contract, has been launched by:

• NCDEX

Q2: RAINMUMBAI is developed in collaboration with which technical institution?

• IIT Bombay

Q3: The rainfall data for RAINMUMBAI contract is sourced from IMD weather stations at:

• Santacruz and Colaba

Q4: What is the base cost per millimetre of rainfall for the RAINMUMBAI contract?

• ₹50

Q5: RAINMUMBAI contracts will be available for trading during which months?

• June to September

Q6: The weather derivatives contract is different from insurance because:

• It is settled directly against observed weather data

Q7: NCDEX was established in which year?

• 2003

Source/Reference:

https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/indias-weather-futures-debut-puts-mumbai-rain-up-trade-2026-05-20/

GS Paper II – International Relations (Bilateral Relations; Regional Groupings)
India-EU Relations; FTAs (India-EU, India-EFTA); Strategic Autonomy; Semiconductor Cooperation

Introduction

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy reflects India’s deepening engagement with Europe. After decades of limited focus shaped by Cold War alignments, ties have expanded through the 2026 India-EU FTA and the 2024 India-EFTA agreement. Europe is now vital for India’s trade, technology, investment, and green-energy ambitions despite differences over the Ukraine conflict.

Main Body

The Shift: Why Europe Matters Now

Historical Context:

• During the Cold War, India’s approach to Europe was shaped by close ties with the Soviet Union and rivalry with the West.
• Europe was peripheral to India’s foreign policy for decades.
• A prolonged neglect is now giving way to expanding cooperation.

Drivers of the Shift:

• India-EU FTA signed in January 2026.
• India-EFTA agreement (2024) – trade and investment with Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein.
• Traditional alignments under growing strain:
  • Unpredictable American president (Trump).
  • Ever-deepening partnership between India’s ally Russia and competitor China.
  • Fragile détente between Beijing and Washington (Trump-Xi summit).

What Europe Offers India:

• Export markets (diversification away from traditional partners).
• Capital (investment in infrastructure, manufacturing, green energy).
• Advanced technology (semiconductors, defence, green tech).
• Green-energy partnerships (renewable energy, hydrogen).

The Prime Minister’s Itinerary: Key Engagements

Netherlands (ASML – Semiconductors):

• The Netherlands (population 18 million) is a pivotal player in the global chip race because of ASML.
• ASML is the sole manufacturer of advanced lithography machines needed to produce the most advanced semiconductors.
• Significance: Reduces India’s dependence on Taiwan and South Korea for advanced chips.

Sweden, Norway, Italy:

• Sweden and Norway: Nordic countries with expertise in green energy, defence, and innovation.
• Italy: strengthening ties in the Indo-Mediterranean region.
• Potential areas: defence procurement, renewable energy, technology transfer.

Underlying Themes:

• Diversification of defence procurement away from Russia.
• Technological expertise and capital for renewable energy.
• Opportunities for Indian youth (diaspora across Europe, highly skilled workers and students).

Europe’s Sub-Regions: Different Strategic Priorities

The EU as a Bloc vs. Individual Member States:

• The EU functions as a bloc of 27 member states, but each country retains its own strategic priorities and foreign policy outlook.
• Europe’s sub-regions differ sharply in their perceptions of external powers.

India’s Current Partnerships:

• Strong partnerships with key western European powers: France, the Netherlands, Germany.
• Deepening engagement with Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland).
• Strengthening ties with Italy in the Indo-Mediterranean.

What More Must Be Done:

• Engage with sub-regions (not just individual countries).
• Cultivate cross-linkages for mutual gains.
• Central and Eastern Europe remain relatively unexplored for India.

What Europe Seeks from India

De-risking from China:

• For Europe, India is a critical partner in its efforts to de-risk from a rising China.
• Supply chain diversification away from China.
• Trusted partner in a volatile geopolitical environment.

Market Access:

• India’s large and growing market (1.4 billion people).
• India-EU FTA (January 2026) provides framework.

Rules-Based Order:

• Both India and Europe have an interest in upholding a fraying rules-based order.
• Diminishing relevance of international institutions makes bilateral and regional partnerships more important.

Challenges and Frictions

Russia-Ukraine War:

• India continues to purchase Russian oil and defence equipment.
• Europe’s sanctions on Russia are not matched by India.
• Friction persists but has not derailed broader cooperation.

Protectionist Tendencies:

• India has been protective of its agriculture and services sectors in FTA negotiations.
• Europe has environmental and labour standards that India finds challenging.

Strategic Autonomy:

• India’s foreign policy remains strategically autonomous (not aligned with any bloc).
• Europe sometimes expects India to take sides.

Way Forward: From Peripheral to Central

Deepen FTAs:

• Implement India-EU FTA (signed January 2026) effectively.
• Explore sectoral agreements in defence, semiconductors, green hydrogen.

Sub-Regional Engagement:

• Nordic-Baltic cooperation (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
• Central and Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia) – traditionally less engaged with India.
• Mediterranean (Italy, Spain, Greece, Portugal) – maritime and energy cooperation.

Technology Partnerships:

• Semiconductor manufacturing (ASML-Tata Electronics as a model).
• Defence co-development (reduce dependence on Russia).
• Green energy (solar, wind, green hydrogen, battery storage).

People-to-People Ties:

• Indian diaspora across Europe is expanding (highly skilled workers and students).
• Education and research collaborations.

Conclusion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Europe visit highlights a major shift in India’s foreign policy, with Europe emerging as a key strategic partner after decades of neglect shaped by Cold War alignments. Backed by the 2026 India-EU FTA and the 2024 India-EFTA agreement, cooperation is expanding in trade, technology, semiconductors, and green energy. As Europe seeks to de-risk from China, India has become an important partner, making deeper engagement with European sub-regions increasingly vital.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. “Europe has become central to India’s trade, technology, and green-energy ambitions.” Examine the factors driving India’s deeper engagement with Europe. What are the key gains from recent FTAs and technology partnerships? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/europes-shift-to-centre-of-delhis-frame-is-welcome-10700162/

GS Paper II – International Relations (Regional Groupings) | GS Paper I – Society (Demographics) | GS Paper III – Economy
BRICS Cooperation; Youth Entrepreneurship; Demographic Dividend; Startup Ecosystems

Introduction

The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore, held under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, focuses on entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted that BRICS nations, with over half their population below 35, have the demographic strength to shape the future of work.

Main Body

Demographic Strength of BRICS Countries

The Numbers:

• BRICS countries represent nearly half of the world’s population.
• Across many BRICS economies, more than 50% of the population is below age 35.
• India alone has nearly 65% of its population below age 35.

The Opportunity:

• This demographic strength gives BRICS countries an opportunity to shape the future of work.
• Young people across BRICS nations are already driving transformational change.
• If harnessed properly, the demographic dividend can drive economic growth and innovation.

The Challenge:

• Demographic dividend is not automatic; it requires skilling, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
• BRICS countries must learn from each other to convert demographic strength into economic growth.

Theme and Objectives of the Meeting

Theme:

• “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

Objectives:

• Strengthen cooperation in entrepreneurship among BRICS countries.
• Promote innovation-led sustainable growth.
• Exchange experiences, initiatives, and best practices.
• Identify practical and scalable approaches for resilient and future-ready entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Session Focus:

• “From Local Innovation to Global Impact: BRICS Cooperation for a Youth-Led Startup Ecosystem.”
• Digital innovation and technology-driven entrepreneurship.
• Social and inclusive entrepreneurship.
• Green entrepreneurship and climate-positive business models.

Key Sectors for Youth Entrepreneurship

Digital Innovation and Technology-Driven Entrepreneurship:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Fintech
• Agritech

Social and Inclusive Entrepreneurship:

• Community-driven enterprise
• Inclusive growth (SC/ST/OBC, women, persons with disabilities)

Green Entrepreneurship and Climate-Positive Business Models:

• Sustainability
• Clean energy
• Climate adaptation

BRICS Cooperation Mechanism

BRICS Youth Council:

• Entrepreneurship Working Group is one of the working groups under the BRICS Youth Council.
• Provides platform for member countries to exchange developmental experiences.
• Identify practical and scalable approaches for strengthening entrepreneurial ecosystems.

India’s BRICS Chairship 2026:

• India is currently the chair of BRICS.
• The meeting in Indore is part of India’s chairship activities.
• Reflects India’s commitment to promoting youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation.

Other BRICS Initiatives in Entrepreneurship:

• BRICS Startup Forum (launched previously) enables entrepreneurs to access capital more easily.
• BRICS countries share best practices in skilling, digital inclusion, and enterprise-led growth.

Way Forward: From Local Innovation to Global Impact

For BRICS Countries:

• Learn from each other’s experiences in building startup ecosystems.
• Cooperate on skilling, digital inclusion, and access to capital.
• Create cross-BRICS incubation and acceleration programmes.

For India:

• Share its experience of building startup ecosystem (over 100 unicorns, Tier-2/3 city entrepreneurs).
• Learn from other BRICS countries’ models (China’s manufacturing scale, Brazil’s agritech, South Africa’s social enterprise).

For Youth Entrepreneurs:

• Opportunities across AI, fintech, agritech, sustainability, and clean energy.
• Cross-country collaboration and networking.
• Access to BRICS-wide markets and funding.

Challenges:

• BRICS countries have vastly different economic systems (China’s state-led, Brazil’s market-led, Russia’s resource-dependent).
• Language, regulatory, and cultural barriers to cross-BRICS entrepreneurship.
• Startup ecosystems are still concentrated in a few cities (Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai; Shenzhen, Beijing; São Paulo).
• Financing for cross-border youth entrepreneurship is limited.

Conclusion

The BRICS Youth Council Entrepreneurship Working Group Meeting in Indore, under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026, focuses on resilience, innovation, cooperation, and sustainability. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya highlighted the demographic strength of BRICS nations, while Minister of State Raksha Khadse stressed that collaboration among BRICS countries can turn local innovations into global impact, especially in AI, fintech, agritech, inclusive entrepreneurship, and green business models.

UPSC Mains Practice Question

1. “With over half their population below 35, BRICS nations hold significant potential to shape the future of work.” Examine the scope of BRICS cooperation in youth entrepreneurship. What lessons can India learn and contribute? (250 words, 15 marks)

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2263380&reg=3&lang=1