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…

India’s re-election to ICAO Council and UNHRC: The Balancing Act in a Multipolar World

Posted inCurrent Affairs, International Relations
UPSC CSE GS II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora, their structure, mandate. India re-elected to ICAO Council Definition and Core Concepts (The Static Pillar) ConceptDefinition for UPSC Exams ClarityMultilateralismThe cooperation among three or more states based on established rules and principles. India’s participation in groups like the UN, Quad, and BRICS reflects this commitment.Strategic AutonomyA nation’s ability to make sovereign foreign policy and defence decisions without being constrained by external pressures or alliances. It manifests today as Multi-alignment—engaging flexibly with multiple powers simultaneously.MultipolarityA world order where…

Geopolitics in India’s Neighborhood 2025: Nepal’s Gen Z Protests and Taliban Engagement (UPSC Notes)

Posted inCurrent Affairs, International Relations
Introduction: What is the context and news? Context: The geopolitical landscape of South Asia is currently witnessing a dual churn. On one side, Nepal is grappling with a democratic crisis driven by "Gen Z" protests fueled by economic stagnation and corruption, leading to executive instability. On the other, Afghanistan under the Taliban 2.0 regime is seeing a shift in India’s approach from "principled distance" to "pragmatic engagement," evidenced by recent high-level talks. For India, these developments test the resilience of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and the Gujral Doctrine, requiring a balance between supporting democratic values (in Nepal) and securing strategic…