INDIA’S SPATIAL IMBALANCE IN EXPORT ECONOMY
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The U.S. recently imposed an additional 25% tariff on Indian imports (August 2025), citing trade imbalances and India’s purchase of Russian oil.
Current Export Distribution
- Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka together contribute over 70% of India’s merchandise exports.
- Gujarat alone accounts for one-third of total exports.
- Northern and eastern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh contribute less than 5%.
- The Northeast region contributes only 0.13%, despite sharing 5,400+ km of international borders.
Reasons for Regional Imbalance
- Poor Infrastructure: Inadequate logistics, warehousing, cold chains, and trade corridors. Incomplete connectivity projects like the India-Myanmar-Thailand Highway.
- Policy Bias: Export schemes like RoDTEP and PLI focus on developed industrial zones. The DGFT’s 2024 Export Strategy lacks a chapter for the Northeast.
- Security-First Border Management: Borders viewed mainly through a surveillance lens, not trade. Scrapping of Free Movement Regime (2024) restricted cross-border business.
- Sectoral Challenges: Assam’s tea industry faces stagnant growth and labour shortages. Numaligarh Refinery vulnerable to global crude price shifts.
Economic Importance of Coasts
- Trade & Transport: Around 95% of India’s trade by volume and 70% by value passes through coastal ports.
- Fisheries: Coastal regions support marine fisheries, crucial for employment and exports.
- Tourism: Coastal states like Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu attract domestic and foreign tourists.
- Industry: Port-based industries: petroleum refineries, shipbuilding, fertilizer plants, etc.
- Energy: Coastal areas support offshore oil exploration (Mumbai High) and wind energy.
Way Forward
- Infrastructure Boost: Complete trilateral highway, build logistics parks and dry ports.
- Policy Shift: Launch a Northeast Export Mission, extend PLI/RoDTEP to local sectors.
- Institutional Inclusion: Add regional voices to trade bodies.
- Value Addition: Promote GI-tagged products, branding, and processing hubs.
- Balanced Approach: Combine security with trade facilitation.
INDIAN COASTS AND PORTS
India has a coastline of about 7,516 km, including islands. Bounded by the Arabian Sea (west), Bay of Bengal (east), and Indian Ocean (south). Coasts and ports play a key role in trade, fisheries, tourism, and industrial growth.
Division of Indian Coastline
- Western Coast – along the Arabian Sea
- Extends from Gujarat to Kerala.
- States: Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala.
- Eastern Coast – along the Bay of Bengal
- Extends from West Bengal to Tamil Nadu.
- States: West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu.
Classification of Indian Ports
- Major Ports (13): Managed by Central Government.
- Western Coast: Mumbai, Mormugao, Kandla (Deendayal), Cochin, New Mangalore.
- Eastern Coast: Chennai, Visakhapatnam, Paradip, Kolkata, Ennore (Kamarajar).
- Non-Major (Minor) Ports: Managed by State Governments.
- Examples: Mundra (Gujarat), Dhamra (Odisha), Krishnapatnam (AP).
Major Port-wise Significance
- Mumbai Port: Oldest natural harbour; handles general cargo and petroleum.
- Kandla (Deendayal): Handles crude oil, fertilizers, food grains.
- Chennai: Oldest artificial port; handles automobiles, containers.
- Visakhapatnam: Major iron ore and coal port.
Conclusion
India’s export growth is spatially uneven, centred in a few coastal states, while the Northeast’s potential remains untapped. A targeted regional strategy is essential for balanced trade-led growth and inclusive development.
SAUDI-PAKISTAN STRATEGIC DEFENCE PACT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
In September 2025, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement, The pact has raised concerns in India.
Background
- After the Pahalgam terror attack, India launched Operation Sindoor to strike terrorist camps inside Pakistan.
- Despite India’s diplomatic outreach, Pakistan succeeded in strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia through this new defence pact.
- Saudi efforts during this conflict were largely focused on conflict de-escalation, but the new deal signals strategic alignment between Riyadh and Islamabad.
Key Features of the Defence Pact
- Mutual Defence Clause: Any aggression on one nation will be considered an attack on the other.
- Military Cooperation: Strengthening defence ties, training, and joint operations.
- Strategic Realignment: Revives old Saudi-Pakistan military partnership and positions Pakistan as a key Islamic military ally.
Geopolitical Context
- The pact comes amid shifting West Asian geopolitics, especially after the Israel-Hamas conflict (2023) and tensions involving Iran.
- Saudi Arabia seeks strategic autonomy and diversified security partnerships beyond the U.S.
- For Pakistan, the pact restores its traditional relevance in Gulf politics and offers economic and diplomatic leverage.
Implications for India
- Strategic Concerns: Weakens India’s attempt to isolate Pakistan globally. Revives the idea of the “Islamic Bomb”, linking Pakistan’s nuclear capability with Islamic world solidarity.
- Diplomatic Challenge: Reflects limits of India’s West Asia outreach; ties with Gulf states remain transactional. India’s neutral stance and risk-averse diplomacy may restrict its influence in emerging power equations.
- Regional Security Risks: Saudi’s growing defence links with Pakistan could complicate India’s Gulf security partnerships.
Way Forward for India
- Recalibrate West Asia Policy – move beyond economic engagement to strategic partnerships.
- Enhance Defence Diplomacy – joint training, intelligence sharing, and technology collaborations with Gulf nations.
- Strengthen Multilateral Outreach – through platforms like IORA, G20, and BRICS.
- Adopt Proactive Strategy – embrace calculated risks and assertive diplomacy to secure interests.
INDIA’S IMPORTANT DEFENCE AND SECURITY AGREEMENTS
India–USA
Foundational Defence Pacts:
LEMOA (2016):
- Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement.
- Allows mutual use of military bases for refuelling and repair.
COMCASA (2018):
- Communications Compatibility and Security Agreement.
- Enables secure communication systems and interoperability.
BECA (2020):
- Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement.
- Shares geospatial intelligence and satellite data.
GSOMIA (2002):
- General Security of Military Information Agreement.
- Protects shared classified information.
2+2 Dialogue: Annual high-level talks for strategic defence planning
India–Japan
- Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (2020):
- Exchange of supplies, services, and support.
- Strategic partnership for Indo-Pacific security.
India–Russia
- Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement (2021–2030):
- Focus on defence technology transfer and joint production (e.g. BrahMos).
- Regular Indra exercises (Army, Navy, Air Force).
Conclusion
The Saudi-Pakistan defence pact reflects changing global alignments and strategic fluidity in West Asia. India must respond with greater strategic clarity and agility to safeguard its long-term interests and maintain regional influence.
IS THE AMERICAN DREAM DEAD FOR INDIANS?
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
On September 19, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order increasing the H-1B visa fee to $1,00,000 for new applicants. This move has created concern in India, as it may impact Indian professionals and students aspiring to work in the U.S.
Background
- H-1B visas allow foreign professionals, particularly in STEM fields, to work in the U.S.
- Indians form about 70% of H-1B holders.
- The fee hike comes amid a protectionist policy and anti-immigration sentiment in U.S. domestic politics.
Impact on Indian Aspirants
- Financial Burden: The $1,00,000 fee makes it unaffordable for many middle-class applicants.
- Limited Hiring: U.S. companies may hire only top-tier talent, avoiding risk in the current political climate.
- Reduced Opportunities: Entry- and mid-level professionals face job insecurity; only high-skilled AI or tech experts may find sponsorship.
- Students at Risk: Over 3.4 lakh Indian students in the U.S. face uncertain job prospects after graduation, risking heavy education loan burdens.
Arguments in Support of H-1B Programme
- H-1B workers have contributed to innovation and job creation in the U.S. (e.g., Google, Microsoft, Tesla).
- The U.S. earns over $15 billion from Indian tuition fees and $10 billion in living expenses annually.
- Many visa holders are engaged in legitimate research and strengthen U.S. universities.
Geopolitical and Economic Dimensions
- The move is seen as part of Trump’s protectionist strategy and appeal to MAGA voters.
- India’s purchase of Russian oil has been cited as a reason, though other countries import more.
- Some experts believe India became a political target to display strength ahead of U.S. elections.
AI Sector and Workforce Challenges
- U.S. plans to invest $600 billion–$1 trillion in Artificial Intelligence over five years.
- Indian professionals are key contributors, but visa restrictions may create skill shortages and project delays.
Way Forward
- For India: Diversify opportunities by developing domestic tech hubs. Strengthen ties with other innovation centres (e.g., EU, Japan).
- For Aspirants: Assess return on investment before studying abroad. Focus on building expertise in high-demand fields. Use provisions allowing fee waivers for national projects.
- For U.S.: Balance protectionism with global talent needs in AI and research.
Conclusion
The American Dream is not dead, but the pathway has narrowed. With changing U.S. politics, Indian professionals must adopt strategic planning and skill-building to stay globally competitive.
INDIA’S OUTDATED URBAN DEFINITION AND ITS CHALLENGES
TOPIC: (GS2) INDIAN POLITY: THE HINDU
The Registrar General and Census Commissioner has proposed to retain the same definition of ‘urban areas’ used in the 2011 Census for the 2027 Census.
Background
- In the 2011 Census, an area was considered urban if it was:
- A Statutory Town (officially notified by the State with municipal governance), or
- A Census Town, fulfilling:
- Population of at least 5,000,
- 75% of male main workers in non-agricultural jobs,
- Population density of 400 persons per sq. km.
- Census towns, though urban in character, are still governed as rural areas.
Issues with the Current Definition
- Binary Classification Fails Reality: The strict urban–rural divide overlooks peri-urban and transitional settlements that function like towns but lack urban status.
- Governance Gaps: Urban local bodies enjoy greater autonomy and funds, while Panchayats are limited to welfare schemes.
- Delayed Municipalisation: Example: West Bengal had 526 new census towns in 2011, but 251 from 2001 remained rural due to administrative inaction.
- Implications of Retaining Old Criteria: Leads to undercounting of urban population — studies show actual urban share may be 35–57%, higher than official 31%. Fails to capture mixed livelihoods, where people engage in both farming and urban jobs.
Way Forward
- Redefine ‘urban’ based on population density, economic activity, and settlement characteristics, not rigid categories.
- Recognise peri-urban areas under appropriate governance.
- Develop dynamic criteria to reflect modern livelihoods and migration patterns.
Conclusion
Retaining the 2011 urban definition risks misrepresenting India’s urbanisation and denying growing towns the governance and infrastructure they need. A modern, flexible definition is essential for accurate planning and inclusive development.
A CHALLENGE TO INDIA’S SINGULAR CITIZENSHIP
TOPIC: (GS2) GOVERNANCE: THE HINDU
A recent study titled “Provincial Citizenship: Jharkhand Domicile, Migration and Politics of Scale” by Alok Ranjan (2025) discusses the rise of provincial citizenship in India.
Background
- Indian Constitution guarantees single citizenship under Article 5–11 and prohibits discrimination based on place of birth (Article 16(2)).
- Despite this, States are introducing domicile-based rules that create exclusive rights for locals in jobs, education, or land ownership.
- This trend has given rise to the notion of “provincial citizenship” — where identity and rights are increasingly tied to a State rather than the nation.
About Provincial Citizenship
- Refers to a state-based identity rooted in nativist politics and emotional belonging.
- It acts as a political tool in regional elections, focusing on “sons of the soil” sentiment.
- Challenges the uniform national identity by prioritizing locals over migrants.
Examples from States
- Jharkhand: Domicile policy used to assert majority rights and curb influence of migrant elites after statehood (2000).
- Jammu & Kashmir: Post-2019 domicile laws aimed at inclusive politics after removal of Article 370.
- Assam: Debates on migration linked with NRC and identity politics.
Concerns
- Constitutional Conflict – Violates equality and mobility rights under Articles 14, 15, 16, 19.
- Discrimination – Excludes internal migrants from jobs and welfare benefits.
- Erosion of National Unity – Encourages regionalism over citizenship-based equality.
- Judicial Dependence – Many disputes need Supreme Court intervention due to policy ambiguity.
Historical Insights
- The States Reorganisation Commission (1955) warned that domicile rules contradict common citizenship and urged Parliamentary legislation to regulate them.
Way Forward
- Develop national guidelines on domicile policies.
- Promote inclusive federalism ensuring equal rights for migrants.
- Encourage mobility-friendly policies to support economic integration.
CONSTITUTIONAL ARTICLES ON CITIZENSHIP
- Article 5 (Citizenship at the commencement of the Constitution)
- Defines citizenship at the time of adoption of the Constitution (1950).
- Applies to people born in India, domiciled in India, or with Indian parents at that time.
- Article 6 (Rights of citizenship in relation to migration from Pakistan)
- Deals with people who migrated to India from Pakistan before 19 July 1948.
- Article 7 (Rights of citizenship of certain migrants to Pakistan)
- Rights of persons who moved to Pakistan and later returned to India before 1 July 1950.
- Article 8 (Citizenship of persons of Indian origin residing outside India)
- Grants citizenship to Indians residing abroad at the commencement of the Constitution.
- Article 9 (Persons voluntarily acquiring citizenship of a foreign state)
- Citizens who voluntarily acquire foreign citizenship lose Indian citizenship.
- Article 10 (Continuation of rights of citizenship)
- Guarantees citizens of India all rights of citizenship until laws are made by Parliament.
- Article 11 (Parliament to regulate citizenship)
- Empowers Parliament to regulate acquisition and termination of Indian citizenship.
Methods of Acquisition of Citizenship (as per Constitution/ Citizenship Act, 1955)
- By Birth: Born in India (conditions vary by year of birth).
- By Descent: If parents are Indian citizens.
- By Registration: Certain categories like NRIs, overseas citizens, etc.
- By Naturalization: Foreign nationals can apply after fulfilling residence requirements.
- By Incorporation of Territory: If India acquires a new territory.
Conclusion
The rise of provincial citizenship reflects growing regional identity politics, which risks weakening national cohesion. Balancing state autonomy with constitutional equality is essential to uphold India’s singular citizenship.
CSIR SCHEME ON CAPACITY BUILDING AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (CBHRD)
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Union Cabinet has recently approved the CSIR’s Capacity Building and Human Resource Development (CBHRD) scheme for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
About the Scheme
- Nodal Agency: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) under the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR).
- Coverage: All R&D institutions, national laboratories, universities, Institutes of National Importance, and Institutes of Eminence.
- Objective: To create a structured platform for training and supporting young researchers for careers in academia, industry, and national laboratories.
- Focus Areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, Medical, and Mathematical Sciences (STEMM).
Key Components
- Doctoral & Post-Doctoral Fellowships: Financial and institutional support for research scholars.
- Extramural Research, Emeritus Scientist, and Bhatnagar Fellowship: Encourages high-quality research and mentorship.
- Awards for Excellence: Recognises significant contributions in science and innovation.
- Travel & Symposia Grants: Promotes international exposure, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.
Complementary Government Initiatives
- IMPRINT: Promotes applied research in engineering and technology.
- Vigyan Dhara Scheme: Enhances S&T infrastructure and research capacity in academic institutions.
- Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Encourages innovation through
- Atal Tinkering Labs
- Atal Incubation Centres
- Atal New India & Grand Challenges
- Mentor India network
- Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF): Builds a unified ecosystem across sciences and humanities.
- Research Parks at IITs: Facilitate collaboration between industry and academia.
India’s Achievements
- Global Innovation Index 2024: Ranked 39th (improved from 81st in 2015).
- Scientific Publications: Among the top 3 countries globally.
- Startup Ecosystem: 3rd largest in the world with 1.92 lakh startups (up from 500 in 2014).
Challenges
- Low Private R&D Investment: Limits large-scale innovation.
- Brain Drain: Talented researchers seek better opportunities abroad.
- Technology Gaps: Need to strengthen capacity in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and deep-tech.
Way Forward
- Focus on talent retention through better infrastructure and incentives.
- Encourage private investment and industry partnerships.
- Promote commercialisation of research and international collaborations.
- Align efforts with India’s vision of technological self-reliance and global leadership.
CSIR
- Established in 1942 as an autonomous R&D body under DSIR.
- Headquartered in New Delhi.
- Comprises 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centres, 1 innovation complex, and 3 units.
- Works in diverse fields — from genomics to geology, food to fuels, minerals to materials.
Conclusion
The CBHRD scheme marks a crucial step in developing a skilled research workforce and positioning India as a global innovation hub. Strengthening funding, institutional support, and talent retention will ensure sustainable progress in science and technology.
SUPER TYPHOON RAGASA
TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY: THE HINDU
A powerful Super Typhoon named Ragasa has struck East Asia, leading to severe destruction, heavy rainfall, and large-scale displacement across several countries.
About Super Typhoons
- A super typhoon is the most intense category of tropical storm, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.
- It features sustained wind speeds exceeding 253 km/h (157 mph).
- These storms form over warm ocean waters and gain energy from heat and moisture.
Formation Characteristics
- Super typhoons are warm-core low-pressure systems.
- They show a spiral inflow of air near the surface and a spiral outflow at upper atmospheric levels.
- Usually develop beyond 5° latitude from the equator to utilise the Coriolis force, which helps them spin.
- Formed in the Western Pacific Ocean, affecting countries like Japan, China, and the Philippines.
Regional Terminology for Tropical Cyclones
Region | Name |
North Atlantic & Eastern North Pacific | Hurricane |
Western North Pacific | Typhoon |
Indian Ocean | Cyclone |
South Pacific | Hurricane |
Southern Indian Ocean (Australia region) | Willy-Willy |
Key Takeaway
The recent Super Typhoon Ragasa highlights the increasing intensity of tropical storms due to warming oceans and climate change, stressing the need for stronger early warning systems and disaster preparedness in vulnerable coastal regions.
K VISA PROGRAMME
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
China has announced the launch of its K Visa scheme, effective October 1, 2025, aimed at attracting young science and technology professionals from around the world.
About the K Visa
- Purpose: Designed to draw global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) talent to China.
- No Sponsor Needed: Applicants are not required to have a Chinese employer or sponsor.
Eligibility:
- Open to young foreign professionals with at least a bachelor’s degree in STEM fields.
- Recognised degrees from Chinese or international universities.
Scope of Activities:
- Holders can engage in education, scientific research, entrepreneurship, business, and cultural exchanges.
- Stay Flexibility: Offers multiple entries, longer validity, and flexible duration of stay.
- Target Group: Students, researchers, and professionals linked to accredited institutions and R&D centres.
Significance
- Seen as an expansion of China’s R Visa (2013), which targeted top-level foreign experts.
- Reflects China’s strategic ambition to become a global science and technology hub.
- Offers an alternative at a time when:
- The U.S. has tightened its H-1B visa system.
- New rules from 2026 impose high filing fees (up to $100,000) for employers.
Implications
- May diversify global talent flows, reducing dependence on Western destinations.
- Strengthens China’s position in the global innovation race.
Conclusion
The K Visa marks China’s proactive step to attract global talent, aligning with its vision to lead in science, technology, and innovation.