Context Congress challenged the Commerce Minister to cancel ASEAN trade agreements if they are against national interest, amid concerns over India’s edible oil imports and trade imbalance. Key Data on Edible Oils • India remains a major importer of edible oils• Domestic production: 10.5–10.6 million tonnes • Imports: ~16 million tonnes annually • Import bill (2024–25): $18.3 billion • Palm oil imports began during NDA-1 under Atal Bihari Vajpayee
India US Trade Deal: Interim Framework and Tariff Cuts
Context India and the United States announced a framework for an interim trade deal focused on tariff reductions and preferential market access. Key Points • India will cut tariffs on U.S. industrial goods and a wide range of agricultural products• U.S. will lower tariffs on Indian goods• Additional 25% tariff imposed in 2025 already reduced by the U.S. to 18% • Sensitive items such as agriculture and dairy kept out• India commits to buy $500 billion worth of U.S. products over 5 years • Both sides agreed on preferential market access and rules of origin• Deal expected to be formally signed by mid-March
India US Textile Trade: Market Access and Export Impact
India in Global Textile Exports • India is the 6th largest exporter of textiles and apparel globally• Ranked after China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Germany, Turkey/Italy Important Facts • U.S. global textile imports market: $118 billion • U.S. is India’s largest textile export destination: ~$10.5 billion • India aims for $100 billion textile exports by 2030 • U.S. removes disadvantage faced by India compared to:• Bangladesh (20%)• China (30%)• Pakistan (19%)• Vietnam (20%)• India–U.S. reciprocal tariff: 18% on all textile products • India’s textile and apparel exports to U.S. fell 31.4% YoY (Nov 2025) Top 3 South Asian Trade Partners of India (Ranked)
Disability Rights in Judiciary: Visually Challenged Woman Judge in Kerala
Context Kerala will get its first visually challenged woman judge after Thanya Nathan C. topped the disability-category merit list, enabled by a 2025 Supreme Court ruling allowing visually impaired candidates in judicial services. How to Use in GS Mains • Example for Inclusivity and Social Justice: Shows how legal reforms and judicial empathy enable equal opportunity for persons with disabilities• Case study for Governance: Demonstrates outcome of Supreme Court’s progressive interpretation expanding accessibility in public services• Example for Disability Rights: Evidence of successful implementation of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD)
Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS)
What is ICDS? Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) is a centrally sponsored umbrella scheme, launched in 1975, and implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. It is India’s flagship early childhood care and development programme, addressing nutrition, health, and education of vulnerable children and women through a convergent approach. Target Beneficiaries Schemes under the ICDS Umbrella 1) Anganwadi Services Scheme A cornerstone of ICDS providing Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD). Six Core Services Supplementary Nutrition 2) Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) 3) National Creche Scheme 4) Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) Targets out-of-school girls (11–14 years). Components 5) Child Protection Scheme 6) POSHAN Abhiyaan Major Objectives of ICDS Other Related Government Schemes National Health Mission (NHM) Mid-Day Meal Scheme (PM POSHAN) National Nutrition Strategy Key Challenges Way Forward Focus on urban poor and migrant populations
Article 356 – President’s Rule
What is Article 356? Article 356 of the Indian Constitution empowers the President of India to impose President’s Rule in a State if the constitutional machinery of the State fails. Under this provision: Constitutional Basis When Can Article 356 Be Invoked? President’s Rule can be imposed when the President, on receipt of a Governor’s report or otherwise, is satisfied that: Common Situations Procedure Duration of President’s Rule Effects of President’s Rule Judicial Review of Article 356 Originally considered non-justiciable, but this changed after landmark judgments. Landmark Supreme Court Judgments S. R. Bommai Case (1994) Rameshwar Prasad Case (2006) Misuse of Article 356 (Historical Perspective) Examples Post-Bommai Scenario Criticism of Article 356 Justification & Need Article 356 & Federalism Comparison: Article 356 vs National Emergency Aspect Article 356 National Emergency Scope One State Whole or part of India Reason Failure of State machinery War, external aggression, armed rebellion Federal Impact State autonomy affected Strong centralisation Frequency More frequent Rare Way Forward
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act, 2023
What is this Act? The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023 provides a statutory framework for the appointment, tenure, and service conditions of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) of the . It replaces the earlier system governed largely by convention and the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, particularly on appointment procedures. Why was the Act needed? Key Provisions of the Act 1) Appointment Mechanism Appointments are made by the President of India on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of: Chief Justice of India is not part of the committee under the Act. 2) Search Committee 3) Qualifications 4) Term of Office 5) Conditions of Service 6) Removal This preserves internal independence within the Election Commission. Constitutional Context Comparison: Supreme Court Judgment vs 2023 Act Aspect SC Interim Mechanism (2023) 2023 Act Committee members PM, LoP, CJI PM, LoP, Union Minister Judicial presence Yes No Legal status Interim (judicial) Statutory (Parliamentary law) Salary parity SC Judge Cabinet Secretary Key Criticisms Government’s Rationale Implications for Democracy Way Forward
Denotified Tribes
Historical Background & Need for Classification Key Findings of the Study Impact on Reservation & Welfare Policies Positive Outcomes Competing Approaches in Policy Debate 1. Inclusion within SC/ST/OBC Lists 2. Demand for a Separate DNT Category Challenges & Concerns Way Forward Conclusion The classification of denotified, nomadic and semi-nomadic tribes marks a historic correction of colonial and post-colonial neglect. While it opens pathways for substantive equality and welfare access, the final impact will depend on political consensus, legal clarity and administrative execution. The government’s decision will significantly influence the future of India’s reservation architecture and social justice framework.
Rare Earth Elements (REEs)
What are Rare Earth Elements? Rare Earth Elements (REEs) are a group of 17 metallic elements comprising: They are termed “rare” not because they are scarce, but because they are rarely found in concentrated, economically exploitable forms. Classification HREEs are geopolitically more critical due to higher scarcity and strategic applications. Key Properties Why are REEs Important? REEs are critical minerals for modern economies and national security. Major Applications Global Distribution & Geopolitics This concentration makes REEs a strategic geopolitical lever. India and Rare Earth Elements India possesses the 5th largest REE reserves globally, mainly in beach sand minerals. Major Locations Institutional Framework Challenges for India Strategic & Economic Concerns Environmental Issues This creates a trade-off between strategic autonomy and environmental sustainability. Government Initiatives & Global Cooperation Way Forward for India
15th Finance Commission – Recommendations (2021–26)
What is the Finance Commission? A constitutional body under Article 280 that defines the financial relations between the Union and States, mainly through: Constitution timeline: President constitutes it every 5 years (or earlier). 15th Finance Commission: Basics Key Recommendations 1) Vertical Devolution (Union → States) 2) Horizontal Devolution (Among States): Criteria & Weightage Allocation among States based on the following weights: Grants Recommended by 15th FC (2021–26) 1) Revenue Deficit Grants 2) Sector-Specific Grants For targeted reforms across eight areas, including: 3) Grants to Local Bodies Non-health grants distribution: Eligibility conditions (examples): 4) Disaster Risk Management Recommended continuing cost-sharing: Fiscal Roadmap (Fiscal Discipline Plan) Key fiscal governance suggestions: Other Major Recommendations Health Defence & Internal Security Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Education Agriculture
