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…

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…

Defence Modernisation in India: Theaterisation, DPM 2025, and Indigenisation

Posted inCurrent Affairs, National Security
Context: The year 2025 has been declared the "Year of Reforms" for India's defence sector. The Combined Commanders’ Conference (CCC) 2025 held in Kolkata (Sep 2025) and the release of the Defence Procurement Manual (DPM) 2025 have accelerated the shift from "Jointness" to "Integration." Syllabus Link: GS III - Internal Security (UPSC): Various Security Forces and agencies and their mandate; Indigenization of technology and developing new technology; Challenges to Internal Security. Definitions & Core Concepts: Introduction to India’s Defence Modernisation Introduction to India’s Defence Modernisation: The continuous process of upgrading military hardware (weaponry, platforms) and software (doctrines, command structures, training)…

Cybersecurity and Digital Fraud: Decoding for UPSC Exam

Posted inFeatured, National Security
Reason Why It Was In NewsImportance from UPSC Exam PerspectiveSyllabus Topic Linked to NewsFeatured due to the alarming rise in cybercrimes (900% jump) and scams (APK, Digital Arrest) targeting Indians, particularly those originating from Southeast Asia, necessitating a strong government response.Critical for understanding contemporary threats to national security and the digital economy, and evaluating government countermeasures and technological solutions.GS III: Challenges to Internal Security through communication networks; Basics of Cyber Security; Awareness in the fields of IT, Computers. Definitions/Introduction What is Cybercrime?: Cybercrime encompasses activities where a computer or network is the target, the means, or the victim used to…
DPDP Act and Rules UPSC News Analysis

Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025: Decoding for UPSC Mains

Posted inCurrent Affairs, Featured, National Security
Quick Summary: The Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025 (notified 14 Nov 2025) operationalise the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 — creating a rights-centric framework (consent, access, correction, erasure), a Data Protection Board, breach-notification rules and phased compliance timelines. Why UPSC candidates should care? (Syllabus Link): GS II (Polity & Governance): privacy as fundamental right (Puttaswamy Judgement), RTI interface, administrative adjudication (Data Protection Board), rule-making and executive power. GS III (Internal security / S&T / Economy): data governance, cyber-security obligations, impact on digital economy & AI/data-driven industry. Ethics & Essay: rights vs. state/market tradeoffs; accountability, transparency, checks &…