Introduction Launched by the Government of India, this online procurement platform is designed to streamline and simplify the process through which government departments purchase goods and services. It aims to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and accountability into public procurement by creating a digital marketplace where government buyers can directly purchase from verified sellers. By reducing manual procedures and middlemen, the platform makes procurement more cost-effective and faster. At the same time, it supports broader national initiatives such as Make in India, promotes the participation of MSMEs, and strengthens the government’s push toward digital governance and improved public service delivery. About the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Features of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Vision, Mission & Values of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Vision Mission Values Significance of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Lacunae of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Key Pointers of Government e-Marketplace for CSE Prelims Way Forward To obtain maximum leverage for the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), the ingress of more vendors must be encouraged, with AI-based analytics embedded on the platform, smooth digital payments enabled, and excellent user experience cultivated. To further support MSMEs and make logistics efficient, along with strengthening cyber security, further buoy transparency, efficiencies, and inclusiveness are strengthened, thus, transforming the GeM platform into an efficient public service-procurement arena.
Re-engineering India’s Agricultural Landscape
Introduction Indian agriculture, worth nearly $600 billion, provides livelihoods to about 45% of the country’s workforce while contributing roughly 15–18% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA). This shows how deeply important the sector is for the country’s economy and society. However, even though India is one of the world’s largest producers of foodgrains, milk, fruits, and vegetables, it accounts for only about 2.5–3% of the $8 trillion global agri-food trade. One major reason is that value addition in agriculture remains low, at around 10%. As a result, a large share of agricultural produce is sold as raw commodities instead of being processed and exported as branded products. This clear gap between India’s strong production capacity and the limited income earned from markets highlights the urgent need to transform agriculture into a modern, market-linked, and value-chain driven engine of growth. What are the Current Developments Fueling Indian Agricultural Growth ? What are the Key Issues in the Indian Agricultural Sector? What Measures are Needed to Make Indian Agriculture More Profitable ? Conclusion To move from a “green revolution” to a “green-gold revolution,” India needs to close the gap between what farmers produce at the farm level and the value that can be realized in domestic and global markets. While the country has achieved strong production capacity, the real challenge lies in improving value addition, processing, and market integration so that farmers earn better returns from their produce. Integrating Digital Public Infrastructure such as AgriStack with climate-resilient biotechnology and decentralized solar-based logistics systems can help transform agriculture from a basic subsistence activity into a modern, high-value agri-business sector. These tools can improve access to data, credit, storage, and markets while also strengthening climate resilience. In the long run, the profitability and sustainability of Indian agriculture will depend on empowering small farmers through collective institutions, better bargaining power, data-driven precision farming, and a diversified bio-economy that uses resources efficiently and recognizes the value of every drop of water and every inch of soil.
16th Finance Commission on Centre–State Fiscal Relations (2026–31)
Why in News? The 16th Finance Commission of India has submitted its recommendations for the period 2026–31. It retained the States’ share in tax devolution at 41%, while introducing changes in the horizontal distribution formula and proposing reforms such as merging cesses and surcharges into the divisible pool. What are the Key Recommendations of the 16th Finance Commission (2026–31)? Fiscal Roadmap and Reforms What are the Key Issues with the 16th Finance Commission Recommendations? What Steps can be Taken to Bolster Fiscal Federalism in India? Conclusion The 16th Finance Commission tried to manage a complicated fiscal federal system by keeping the states’ share in the divisible pool at 41% and introducing new measures that reward economic performance and efficiency. These steps were intended to encourage states to improve revenue generation and economic contribution while maintaining the existing framework of fiscal transfers between the Centre and the states. However, several concerns have been raised about its recommendations. The Commission did not place limits on the growing use of cesses and surcharges, which are not shared with states and therefore reduce the effective share of states in central taxes. In addition, the removal of revenue deficit grants has created worries among poorer and geographically disadvantaged states that depend on such support to manage their finances. Critics also argue that the new formula, which gives weight to contribution to GDP, may benefit economically stronger states more than less developed ones. Because of these factors, many experts believe the recommendations may increase concerns about fiscal equity among states. Going forward, the biggest challenge for India’s fiscal federalism will be to strike a balance between rewarding performance and ensuring fair redistribution of resources, so that both efficiency and regional equality are maintained in the country’s financial governance. FAQ’s 1. What is the vertical devolution recommended by the 16th Finance Commission? The 16th FC retained the States’ share in the divisible pool of central taxes at 41% , unchanged from the 15th FC, imparting it a “semi-permanence.” 2. What is the ‘grand bargain’ proposed by the 16th Finance Commission? It proposed that States accept a smaller share of a larger divisible pool if the Centre merges a large part of the cesses and surcharges into the regular tax base, ensuring no revenue loss to either side. 3. What is the new criterion introduced in the horizontal devolution formula? The Commission introduced a 10% weight for ‘contribution to GDP’ (measured by share in all-State GSDP), replacing the tax effort/fiscal discipline criterion, to reward economic performance.
India’s 7th National Biodiversity Report
Context India has submitted its 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The report evaluates the country’s progress in achieving biodiversity conservation goals aligned with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) adopted in 2022, which sets global biodiversity targets to be achieved by 2030. What is the 7th National Biodiversity Report? The report is India’s official periodic submission to the CBD, outlining: It was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) in coordination with institutions such as the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and other government agencies. What are the Key Facts Regarding the 7th National Report to the Convention on Biological Diversity? Critical Challenges and Concerns Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Convention on Biological Diversity FAQ’s 1. What is the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF)? It is a global agreement adopted at CBD COP15 (2022) to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030, built around 23 targets for 2030 and four long-term goals for 2050. 2. What is the “30×30 Target” under the KMGBF? It aims to conserve at least 30% of the world’s land, inland waters, and marine areas by 2030 through protected areas and Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures (OECMs). 3. Which biodiversity targets are currently on track in India according to the 7th National Report? NBT1 (Biodiversity-inclusive land and sea-use planning) and NBT2 (Ecosystem restoration) are identified as being on track among the 23 national biodiversity targets.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
Context The Government of India plans to make compliance with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) mandatory for companies in the steel industry. The decision is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner technologies. The scheme was introduced under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which laid the foundation for a domestic carbon market in India. What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme? What is Carbon Pricing? What are the Challenges in Effective Implementation of CCTS? How Can India Strengthen CCTS? Conclusion The Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) represents a significant step in strengthening India’s climate strategy by introducing a market-based mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With effective implementation, clear emission targets, strong monitoring, reporting and verification systems, and greater transparency, the scheme can encourage industries to adopt cleaner technologies, renewable energy, and energy-efficient practices. Aligning the system with international best practices and ensuring robust regulatory oversight will also enhance credibility and participation in the carbon market. Overall, CCTS has the potential to support India in achieving its climate commitments while promoting sustainable and low-carbon economic growth.
Internationalisation of the Indian Rupee
Conext The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is accelerating efforts to internationalise the Indian rupee, with growing instances of exporters invoicing cross-border trade in the local currency. Deputy Governor T. Rabi Sankar stated that rupee internationalisation will be a key pillar in India’s journey towards becoming a developed economy. About the Rupee Internationalisation Global Context RBI’s Roadmap for Rupee Internationalisation Local Currency Arrangements (LCAs) Key Concerns & Issues Around Rupee Internationalisation Way Forward Conclusion
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme
Context The Government of India plans to make compliance with the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) mandatory for companies in the steel industry. The decision is part of India’s broader strategy to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner technologies. The scheme was introduced under the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, which laid the foundation for a domestic carbon market in India. What is the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme? What is Carbon Pricing? What are the Challenges in Effective Implementation of CCTS? How Can India Strengthen CCTS? FAQ’s 1. Why is proper target setting important in the CCTS?Setting balanced emission reduction targets is important because lenient targets may create too many carbon credits and reduce their price, while very strict targets can increase compliance costs for industries and may also contribute to inflation. 2. What compliance challenges could affect the effectiveness of the CCTS?Past experience from the PAT scheme showed weak compliance, where about 50% of the required ESCerts were not purchased and no penalties were imposed. Similar weak enforcement in the CCTS could reduce its effectiveness. 3. What risks are associated with emissions reporting in carbon markets?Carbon markets can face risks such as double counting of credits and inaccurate reporting of emissions, which can weaken the credibility of the system. 4. How can delays in credit issuance affect the carbon market?Delays in issuing credits, as seen under the PAT scheme since 2021, reduce market confidence. Similar delays in issuing CCTS Carbon Credit Certificates (CCC) could discourage participation and investment in clean energy. 5. Why is transparency important in the carbon market?Transparency is important because the absence of publicly available data on industry emissions and compliance can reduce trust and confidence in the market. 6. How can India improve the effectiveness of its carbon trading system?India can follow international best practices such as those used in the EU Emissions Trading System, including gradually tightening emission caps, maintaining price stability, and strengthening compliance frameworks. 7. What role does MRV play in carbon markets?MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) ensures that emission reductions are accurately measured and verified, which strengthens the credibility of the carbon trading system. 8. Why is a robust digital trading platform necessary for carbon markets?A digital registry helps track carbon credits, prevents fraudulent activities, and ensures transparency in the trading system. 9. How can cross-border compatibility help India’s carbon market?Ensuring compatibility with international systems can prevent trade barriers such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and support global carbon trading. 10. How can industries be encouraged to participate in carbon markets?Governments can provide incentives such as tax benefits for companies that reduce emissions beyond the required limits and promote investment in green technologies, renewable energy, and energy efficiency.
India-Canada Relations
Context India and Canada have taken a major step toward resetting bilateral relations with the signing of a landmark civil nuclear agreement and renewed commitment to conclude a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The agreements were finalised following bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney at Hyderabad House, New Delhi. This marks a significant diplomatic revival after relations had deteriorated in 2023. What are the Key Highlights of India and Canada High-level Engagements? What are the Key Highlights of India-Canada Bilateral Relations? What are the Major Challenges in India-Canada Relations? What Measures can Strengthen India-Canada Relations? FAQ’s 1. What security frameworks govern India–Canada cooperation?Security cooperation between the two countries is guided by the Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism established in 1997 and the Framework for Cooperation on Countering Terrorism signed in 2018. Legal cooperation is further supported through the Extradition Treaty (1987) and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (1994). 2. Why is the Khalistan issue significant in bilateral relations?India considers the activities of pro-Khalistan groups in Canada a serious national security concern, which has caused a major breakdown of trust between the two countries. 3. How important is trade between India and Canada?Trade between the two countries is significant. In 2024, India became Canada’s 7th largest trading partner, with total bilateral trade reaching USD 30.9 billion, and India maintaining a trade surplus in goods. 4. Why is Canada strategically important for India?Canada is strategically important for India because of its large energy resources, availability of critical minerals, strong technology base, and its role in the Indo-Pacific region, which supports India’s long-term growth and energy security.
US-Israel Attack on Iran
Context The United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran, triggering a multi-front regional war. What is the Conflict? The United States and Israel initiated a large-scale military offensive—Operation Epic Fury (Operation Genesis)—targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure. The operation reportedly resulted in the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials. The campaign, launched under former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks a shift from decades of shadow conflict to direct, high-intensity warfare. Iran responded with Operation Truthful Promise 4, launching large-scale drone and missile attacks on Israel and US-allied Gulf states. Historical Background What are the Implications of the US and Israel-Iran War? Global India What Measures can India take to Mitigate the Impact of the US and Israel-Iran Conflict? Conclusion The 2026 West Asian escalation exposes India’s vulnerability in energy security and diaspora safety. By maintaining its strategic autonomy and acting as a stabilising, non-partisan voice for peace — embodying the role of a Vishwa Bandhu (global friend) — India can safeguard its interests while reinforcing that this is not an era of war. FAQ’s
Centre Pauses Rice Fortification
Why in News? The Central government has decided to “temporarily” discontinue rice fortification under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) and allied schemes after a comprehensive review based on a study from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. What are the Recent Developments Regarding Rice Fortification? What is Rice Fortification? Components of Rice Fortification FAQ’s
