Context: The India Justice Report 2025-26 shows a resolute downward trend since 2019 in budgetary allocations to justice related schemes. Moreover, a significant aspect that the report has brought forward is that the actual expenditure incurred in a lot of sub components, especially in police modernisation and forensic capacity building, has been much lower than both the Budget Estimates (BE) and the Revised Estimates (RE). Key Highlights: Shrinking State Police Modernisation Budget Shifting Funds for Forensic Modernization The Modernisation of Prisons Fund Judiciary Related Schemes: Optimal Fund Utilisation
The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)
Context: India is emerging as one of the global voices for a more representative, inclusive system of global governance. The 3rd Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS), that took place on 17th August 2024 was thematically tagged under “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future,” while 123 countries participated with only China and Pakistan missing. What is Voice of Global South Summit (VOGSS)? Key Outcome 3rd VOGSS 2024 Healthcare & Agriculture What is the Global South? India’s Expectations as a Voice of Global South The Way Ahead for India Conclusion India can forge a new and effective governance landscape in the global world, advancing Global South interests, but leadership has to be supported by strategic policies, credibility in global commitments, and strong domestic development. That way, it determines success to lead the Global South effectively, where domestic priorities meet international responsibilities. UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) Mains Q.“If the last few decades were of Asia’s growth story, the next few are expected to be of Africa’s.” In the light of this statement, examine India’s influence in Africa in recent years. (2021) Q.Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post Cold War international scenario. (2016)
India’s Global South Strategy
Context: India has made itself increasingly an anchor in the Global South, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi focusing the attention of Indian foreign policy toward the amplification of the voice of developing countries. A reflection of that aspiration is a series of endeavors, such as the Voice of Global South Summit 2024, geared toward pushing India to become more proactive in reformation toward the more equitable global governance order. India’s Strategic Turn Around to China India and China: Competition or Different Strategy? Key Strategies for India to Succeed Human Centric Development Strengthening Global Governance & Institutional Capacity
UK-India Defence Partnership India (DPI)
Context: The United Kingdom (UK) has launched the Defence Partnership India (DPI), a dedicated cell within the UK Ministry of Defence to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation with India. The announcement was made during Aero India, where multiple defence agreements were signed between the two nations. Key Highlights: Establishment of DPI Defence Agreements signed at Aero India The UK India Defence Partnership India (DPI) is one step forward towards joint defence production, increased security cooperation, and supply chain integration. The agreements signed at Aero India will not only boost indigenous defence manufacturing but also foster strategic interoperability between the two countries.
India U.S. Trade Talks
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral meetings with U.S. President Donald Trump this week are expected to focus on tariff negotiations, with India considering further import duty reductions on U.S. goods like pecan nuts to ease trade tensions. Key Highlights: India’s Tariff Concessions on U.S. Agricultural Imports India’s Case for Low Tariffs on U.S. Industrial Products Possible U.S. Concessions for India U.S. Strategy: Tariffs as Negotiation Tool Further Trade & Defence Talks
Trump’s Gaza Proposal and Its Geopolitical Implications
Context: Donald Trump, who is known for his bold negotiation tactics, proposed on February 4, 2025, that Gaza’s 2.3 million residents be relocated to Egypt and Jordan while the U.S. would redevelop the strip into a global tourist hub. This highly controversial proposal has sparked widespread reactions, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) stating that Saudi Arabia would not establish ties with Israel without a Palestinian state. Key Highlights: Key Trump Proposal & Reactions West Asia Geopolitical Reconfigurations Trump’s Foreign Policy Approach Economic Consequences Structural Economic Challenges Saudi Arabia’s Critical Position Challenges & Outlook Abraham Accord The Abraham Accords are bilateral agreements signed between Israel and the UAE and Bahrain on September 15, 2020. These deals, mediated by the US, concern Israel and the UAE before Israel and Bahrain. The signing was hosted by US President Donald Trump on the Truman Balcony, where he hoped to evoke historic peace treaties that were otherwise relevant only in previous administrations.
Current Affairs 9 & 10 February, 2025
Daily Current Affairs Quiz9 & 10 February, 2025 National Affairs 1. National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) Context: The Indian government is working towards making the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) an autonomous body, with a significant funding boost of nearly â‚ą500 crore over the next six years. The initiative aims to enhance the preservation and digitization of India’s manuscript heritage. Autonomy & Funding Background on the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) The Aims of NMS Uncertainty Over ‘Gyan Bharatam Mission’ 2. Antibiotic Resistance and Bacterial Cell Division Context: Antibiotic resistant bacteria, in themselves, already pose a deadly threat to the world. There are estimated 1.2 million deaths in 2021 due to antimicrobial resistance, making it a serious health challenge across the globe. In India, hospital surveys suggest that one sees a 13% mortality rate because of infections from drug resistant bacteria. It is imperative for immediate future research to identify new antibiotics. Antibiotic Resistance Antibiotic resistance is when bacteria change and become able to survive antibiotics that were previously used to treat them. This makes it harder to treat bacterial infections, and can lead to more severe illnesses. Key Highlights of the Experiment Antibiotics and Bacterial Cell Walls Penicillin and Antibiotic Resistance Developed resistance by bacterial cells Research Insights in the Bacterial Cell Division 3. Impact of Budget on Scientific R&D Context: The 2025-26 Budget outlines a significant boost for scientific research, particularly in nuclear energy, innovation, and private sector R&D. Key announcements include a â‚ą20,000 crore allocation for small modular reactors (SMRs) and the establishment of a Research, Development, and Innovation fund under the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Key Highlights: Challenges in India’s R&D Landscape Key Concerns and Recommendations 4. India’s Role in the AI Action Summit 2025 Context: India has recently accepted France’s invitation to co-chair the AI Action Summit (Feb 10 11, 2025) in Paris. This is the third major global AI summit, after U.K. (2023) and South Korea (2024). The Paris summit will expand discussions beyond AI safety which includes innovation, public interest AI, future of work, and governance. India’s AI Strategy: Key Priorities for Paris Key sectors includes Contextualizing Risks of AI for the Global South Looking Ahead: India’s Potential Leadership in AI Governance 5. DeepSeek vs. ChatGPT Context: A new AI model called DeepSeek, designed by a company in China, is causing a stir as it supposedly performs better than ChatGPT. A storm of headlines about China might take over the AI space has surfaced, but what does this mean in reality and why are people all worked up about it? Media Frenzy and Global Concerns Job Market DisruptionsL: Is AI About to Hit Harder? The Shockwave in Financial Markets History Repeating Itself? The Reality of Tech Revolutions AI’s Future is About More Than Just Innovation DeepSeek’s rise shows that AI is not just about better algorithms. it’s about who controls the ecosystem. Political, economic, and legal decisions will shape the AI revolution as much as the technology itself. Instead of being swayed by headlines, it’s important to look at the bigger picture, who benefits, who controls the rules, and how it affects people worldwide. Banking/Finance 1. RBI Rate Cut and Fiscal Management Context: Just hours after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) cut its interest rate, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman underscored the need for coordination between fiscal and monetary policies. While not a complement to the fiscal stimulus as proposed in the Budget, the RBI rate cut will get the economy of India back on a healthy growth pace. Key Highlights: RBI Rate Cut & Fiscal Stimulus Private Investment Trends to Revive Signs of Consumption Recovery Monetary & Fiscal Policy Coordination 2. Asset Monetisation What is Asset Monetisation? Asset monetization refers to the method of converting public assets into sources of revenue-generating without a change in ownership. It seeks to extract economic value from underutilized or unused public infrastructure. Public assets consist of roads, railways, power lines, mobile towers, airports, ports, pipelines, and financial assets. Difference Between Monetisation and Privatisation? Objectives of Asset Monetisation National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) 3. Microfinance in India Context: India’s microfinance industry has repeatedly faced crises whether due to state crackdowns, borrower overleveraging, or bad loan. Yet it has always found a way to recover. Now, Karnataka’s new ordinance threatens to shake the industry again. What are Microfinance Institutions? Key Provisions of Karnataka’s Microfinance Ordinance (2025) A Pattern Repeated: Takeaways from AP & Assam Where Microfinance Currently Stands? The Real Issue: Unregulated Lenders, Not MFIs What Will Happen If Karnataka Proceeds? Economy 1. Budget Allocation for Urban Development (2025-26) Context: Urban development is imperative as cities account for 67% of India’s GDP. Still, while the “Viksit Bharat” vision is espoused, urban issues remain relegated to the backburner in the Budget. Overall Allocation Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Revenue Shortfall Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Cuts New Urban Challenge Fund & Private Sector Involvement Conclusion 2. New Income Tax Bill Context: Despite several reforms, tax disputes continue to rise in terms of monetary value. Various governments have attempted to simplify taxation, but legal battles persist. The government now plans to introduce a new Income Tax Bill to streamline tax laws and reduce litigation. Previous Efforts to Reduce Tax Disputes Key Initiatives to Reduce Litigation Tax Disputes Continue to Rise Despite Reforms Soon to be tabled in Parliament the Upcoming Income Tax Bill (2024-25). Agriculture 1. Drone Technology in Indian Agriculture Context: India is an agriculture powerhouse: an estimated of 2024 $440.8 billion gross output 7.91% yoy from 2024 to 2028. 42% of the available cultivable area is drought prone and 54% of its net sown area is Rain fed, the entire farming becomes susceptible to change in climate conditions and erratic rainfall. Although foodgrain production remained at 329.6 million tonnes in 2022-23 and 309 million tonnes in 2023-24, an absolute decline, technology intervention is urgently needed. Drones in Agriculture: A Game Changer Data Collection and Analysis Precision Agriculture for Sustainability The Future of Smart Farming in India Drones
Budget Allocation for Urban Development (2025-26)
Context: Urban development is imperative as cities account for 67% of India’s GDP. Still, while the “Viksit Bharat” vision is espoused, urban issues remain relegated to the backburner in the Budget. Overall Allocation Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Revenue Shortfall Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) Cuts New Urban Challenge Fund & Private Sector Involvement Conclusion
New Income Tax Bill
Context: Despite several reforms, tax disputes continue to rise in terms of monetary value. Various governments have attempted to simplify taxation, but legal battles persist. The government now plans to introduce a new Income Tax Bill to streamline tax laws and reduce litigation. Previous Efforts to Reduce Tax Disputes Key Initiatives to Reduce Litigation Tax Disputes Continue to Rise Despite Reforms Soon to be tabled in Parliament the Upcoming Income Tax Bill (2024-25).
Microfinance in India
Context: India’s microfinance industry has repeatedly faced crises whether due to state crackdowns, borrower overleveraging, or bad loan. Yet it has always found a way to recover. Now, Karnataka’s new ordinance threatens to shake the industry again. What are Microfinance Institutions? Key Provisions of Karnataka’s Microfinance Ordinance (2025) A Pattern Repeated: Takeaways from AP & Assam Where Microfinance Currently Stands? The Real Issue: Unregulated Lenders, Not MFIs What Will Happen If Karnataka Proceeds?
