The Trade War on Wheels: China’s WTO Complaint Against India’s EV Subsidies

Posted inAgriculture, Current Affairs, Economy, Governance, International Relations, National Security
Why is this Relevant for UPSC CSE? GS Paper II (International Relations): Role of international institutions (WTO) in dispute redressal; Effect of policies of developed/developing countries on India (China’s aggressive trade posturing).GS Paper III (Economy): Industrial Policy (PLI Schemes); Indigenization of Technology; Manufacturing Sector growth; Effects of Liberalization.Interview Perspective: Balancing "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliance) with global free trade obligations. Context: In October 2025, China filed a formal complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO), alleging that India’s flagship Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Advanced Chemistry Cell (ACC) batteries violate global trade norms. China claims these schemes…

In-depth Analysis: E-Waste Surge & Microplastic Contamination – A Dual Threat

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy, Environment, Essay
Syllabus Link GS Paper III (Environment): Directly links to Environmental Pollution and Degradation, Conservation, and Disaster Management (Hazardous waste).GS Paper III (Economy): Critical for the Blue Economy (fisheries, marine resources) and Circular Economy (resource recovery).Prelims: High probability of questions on E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, EPR framework, Microplastics types (primary vs. secondary), and specific pollution indices.Essay: Sustainable Development vs. Consumerism; "The hidden cost of the Digital Revolution." The News Context and Data Analysis E-Waste Explosion: India has solidified its position as the third-largest e-waste generator globally (after China and the US), generating an estimated 2.2 million tonnes in 2025. This surge…

Securing India’s Strategic Future: Decoding Critical Minerals, Recycling & The Rights Debate (UPSC GS2 & GS3)

Posted inEconomy, National Security
Syllabus Links GS Paper II: Governance - Federalism/Tribal Rights GS Paper III: Economy; Critical Minerals; Conservation related issues (Circular Economy). Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the ₹1500 Crore Critical Mineral Recycling Incentive Scheme to boost domestic recovery of minerals like Lithium, Cobalt, and Nickel from e-waste. Simultaneously, the exemption of Uranium mining from mandatory public consultations in Meghalaya has triggered a constitutional debate regarding the Sixth Schedule and indigenous rights vs. National Security. Basics: What are Critical Minerals? Before diving into the news, it is essential to understand the core concept. Definition: Critical minerals are elements that are crucial…

Decoding LEAPS 2025 & The Urban-Logistics Nexus: In-depth Analysis for UPSC Notes

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy, Infrastructure Development, Reports
Syllabus Topics Linked GS I: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. GS III: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc. This topic is a perfect example of how UPSC intertwines economic infrastructure (GS III) with societal development (GS I). The launch of LEAPS 2025 is not just a logistical update; it represents a structural shift in how India aims to become a developed economy by 2047. UPSC Civil Services Exam Relevance GS Paper I (Society & Geography): Urbanization, their problems and their remedies; Inclusive growth. GS Paper III (Economy & Infrastructure): Infrastructure (Ports, Roads, Railways); Investment models; Inclusive growth. Key…

Decoding: Hike in Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Rabi crops (2025-26) and the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)

Posted inAgriculture, Current Affairs, Economy
Syllabus Topic: GS III: Issues related to direct and indirect farm subsidies; Minimum support prices; Technology miss ions. This topic is a classic example of how UPSC interlinks Economy (Fiscal Policy/Subsidies), Agriculture (Food Security/Cropping Patterns), and Environment (Soil Health). A Mains answer on this topic must navigate the "Iron Triangle" of Fertilizer Policy: Affordability (for farmers), Fiscal Sustainability (for the Govt), and Environmental Sustainability (for the soil). INDIAS AGRICULTURAL DUAL REVOLUTION: UPSC CSE GS3 Agriculture In-Depth Analysis: Fertilizer Policy & Pulse Self-Reliance (Rabi 2025) The Union Cabinet, in October 2025, approved two landmark decisions: the hike in Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)…

The Employment & Employability Crisis: Converting Demographic Dividend into Economic Power (UPSC CSE GS3)

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy, Governance, Society
UPSC Civil Services 2026Syllabus Link GS III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment; Inclusive growth and issues arising from it.The topic sits at the intersection of GS III (Economy), GS II (Governance/Human Resources), and GS I (Society). Introduction: The "Two-India" Paradox India currently faces a unique paradox: The headline Unemployment Rate has dropped to a historic low of 3.2% (PLFS 2023-24), yet the Employability Crisis is peaking, with reports indicating that massive segments of the educated workforce are "unemployable." The central narrative for UPSC aspirants should not just be "joblessness" but "Job…

GST and Fiscal Federalism (The 2025 Reforms)

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy
GST and Fiscal Federalism is a high-value theme for both Prelims and Mains, bridging Indian Polity (GS II) and Economy (GS III). The recent reforms you mentioned (September 2025 Rate Rationalization) mark the most significant shift since GST's inception in 2017. Exam Relevance: Prelims: Constitutional Articles (246A, 279A, 293), GST Council structure, recent slab rates, cessation of Compensation Cess. Mains (GS II & III): Centre-State Financial Relations, Fiscal Federalism, Borrowing Powers of States, Tax Reform Impact. Introduction & Basics The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced via the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, was envisioned as a "One Nation, One Tax"…

RBI’s Draft ECB Framework 2025: Key Reforms, Liberalization Measures | External Commercial Borrowings

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy
Syllabus Topic: GS3 - Economy The ECB framework has been in the news recently due to significant, proposed rationalization and liberalization measures announced by the RBI, primarily based on the Draft ECB framework released in October 2025, building on the foundation of a strengthening external sector. External Commercial Borrowings: Basics Explained for UPSC Prelims and Mains External Commercial Borrowings (ECB) refer to commercial loans availed by eligible resident entities in India from recognized non-resident lenders. These are a vital source of external financing for the Indian economy, complementing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Foreign Portfolio Investment (FPI). Governing Act &…

Mutual Funds: SEBI’s Proposal on Performance-Based Charging

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Economy, Featured, Topic A vs. Topic B
UPSC CSE Syllabus Link: GS III - Economy | (Open-ended vs. Close-ended Mutual funds) What is Mutual Fund? A mutual fund is like a big pot of money collected from many investors (like you and me). This money is managed by professionals (Asset Management Companies, or AMCs) who invest it in stocks, bonds, etc. Open-ended Mutual Funds These are the most common type in India. They allow investors to buy or sell units anytime (except weekends/holidays). The price is based on the NAV (Net Asset Value), which changes daily. There is no fixed maturity period. Example: If you invest in…