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Australia Grants First Import Approval for Unpeeled Indian Prawns in Andhra Pradesh’s Aquaculture Exports

Source: Hans India

APPSC Relevance: Economy

Context: Import Approval for Unpeeled Indian Prawns

Why in News?

Australia grants India its first import approval for unpeeled prawns, boosting Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture exports after long-standing WSSV-related restrictions.

Introduction

  • Andhra Pradesh’s IT and HRD Minister, Nara Lokesh, announced that Australia has granted its first import approval for unpeeled Indian prawns after a long-standing ban triggered by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) detections.
  • This marks a significant development for India’s seafood export sector, particularly for coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Historical Challenge for Indian Prawn Exports:

  • India had faced restrictions from Australia on the import of unpeeled prawns due to concerns over White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV), a highly contagious pathogen that affects farmed shrimp and crustaceans.
  • The US had also imposed steep tariffs on Indian prawns, creating additional challenges for exporters.
  • These restrictions affected the profitability and global competitiveness of India’s aquaculture and prawn industry, especially in coastal Andhra Pradesh.

Significance of Australia’s Approval:

  • This is the first import approval for unpeeled Indian prawns, effectively lifting the long-standing hurdle in bilateral seafood trade.
  • The decision is expected to:
    • Ease trade bottlenecks for exporters.
    • Revive exporter confidence in the international market.
  • Open new opportunities for the prawn sector in Andhra Pradesh.
  • This shows India’s growing proactive approach in strengthening trade relations and market access for agricultural and aquaculture products.

(Image Source: Hans India)

Economic Implications for Andhra Pradesh:

  • Coastal Andhra Pradesh is a major hub for shrimp and prawn farming, which contributes significantly to employment and income generation in the region.
  • With Australia opening its market, there is potential for:
  • Increased exports and revenue generation.
  • Expansion of the prawn aquaculture sector.
  • Improved integration of local producers into global supply chains.

Trade Diplomacy and Strategic Exports:

  • Lokesh’s tour of Australia involved meetings with government officials, investors, and seafood industry leaders to explore broader export opportunities.
  • Discussions emphasized structured trade missions connecting Andhra Pradesh seafood exporters with Australian and global buyers, underlining the role of trade diplomacy in economic growth.

CARE MCQ

Q1.  Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding India’s recent prawn export development with Australia?

  1. Australia has granted its first import approval for unpeeled Indian prawns, lifting restrictions due to White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).
  2. The US has recently removed tariffs on Indian prawns, making exports fully unrestricted.
  3. This development is expected to boost coastal Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture economy and create new trade opportunities.

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1- B

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: Australia has granted its first import approval for unpeeled Indian prawns, lifting long-standing restrictions caused by White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV).
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The US has not removed tariffs on Indian prawns; steep tariffs still exist, so exports are not fully unrestricted.
  • Statement 3 is correct: This development is expected to boost coastal Andhra Pradesh’s aquaculture economy and create new trade opportunities.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

CESCT Strives to Preserve Classical Telugu Amid Infrastructure and Autonomy Challenges

Source: Deccan Chronicle

APPSC Relevance: Governance

Context: Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu (CESCT)

Why in News?

CESCT in Nellore seeks autonomy and a permanent campus to strengthen research, publications, and digital initiatives in classical Telugu studies.

Introduction

  • The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu (CESCT), located in Saraswatinagar, Venkatachalam mandal, Nellore district, is seeking functional autonomy and a permanent campus to strengthen its research, publications, and digital initiatives.

(Image Source: Deccan Chronicle)

Background:

  • Telugu was recognized as a classical language by the Government of India in 2008.
  • CESCT was initially launched in Mysuru in 2018 and relocated to Nellore in 2019 at the instance of then Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
  • Currently, it functions from a temporary building and relies on administrative approvals from the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru.

Key Activities:

  • CESCT has a team of 12 academic staff conducting studies on ancient Telugu literature, manuscripts, and palm-leaf texts.
  • Achievements include:
    • Restoration of 3 palm-leaf manuscripts.
    • Commentaries on 8 classical poetic works.
    • Launch of national and international awards recognizing contributions to classical Telugu studies, including two President of India Awards (2016, 2018).
    • Publication of seminal works like Dr. Emani Sivanagireddy’s “Mana Telugu Vari Sasanalu”.
    • Comparative research on ancient scripts, literature, archaeology, and art forms.
  • Digitisation of texts and translation of classics like Kreedabhiramamu into other Indian languages.
  • Development of linguistic databases, cultural dictionaries, and digital archives.
  • CESCT publishes a bilingual half-yearly research journal “Telugu Siri”, launched by Venkaiah Naidu.
  • Its library houses over 7,500 books, including 5,000 donated volumes.

Significance:

  • Autonomy and a dedicated campus would ensure long-term sustainability and global recognition for classical Telugu studies.
  • Bridges ancient scholarship with modern technology, promoting cultural preservation and linguistic research.

Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu (CESCT)

  • The Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu (CESCT) was established by the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, following the recognition of Telugu as a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2008.
  • It was launched in 2018 at Mysuru and later shifted to Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, in 2019 at the initiative of then Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
  • Objective: To promote advanced research and documentation of the linguistic, literary, and cultural heritage of classical Telugu, and to disseminate knowledge through publications, digital archives, and translation projects.
  • Location:
    • Currently functioning from Saraswatinagar, Venkatachalam mandal, Nellore district (Andhra Pradesh) in a temporary campus.
    • Seeks functional autonomy and a permanent campus for enhanced academic and research activities.

Conclusion:

  • CESCT’s demand for functional autonomy and permanent infrastructure highlights the need to strengthen India’s classical language research ecosystem, ensuring that Telugu’s literary and cultural heritage continues to be preserved and disseminated worldwide.

CARE MCQ

Q2. With reference to the Centre of Excellence for Studies in Classical Telugu (CESCT), consider the following statements:

  1. The CESCT was initially launched in Mysuru in 2018 and later shifted to Nellore in 2019.
  2. The centre functions autonomously without any administrative control from other institutions.
  3. CESCT publishes a bilingual research journal titled Telugu Siri.
  4. The centre has translated classical Telugu works into other Indian languages to promote linguistic exchange.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1, 3, and 4 only
C. 2 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer 2: B

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: CESCT was launched in Mysuru in 2018 and relocated to Nellore in 2019 at the instance of then Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: The centre operates under the administrative control of the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), Mysuru, and is not fully autonomous.
  • Statement 3 is correct: CESCT publishes a bilingual half-yearly research journal titled Telugu Siri.
  • Statement 4 is correct: The centre has translated classical Telugu works, such as Kreedabhiramamu, into other Indian languages to promote cultural and linguistic exchange.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

Uttarakhand’s Proposed Amendments to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC)

Source: Indian Express

UPSC Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance

Context: UCC

Why in News?

Uttarakhand proposes amendments to its Uniform Civil Code Rules, 2025, to strengthen privacy, relax registrar powers, and simplify live-in relationship registration amid legal challenges.

Introduction

  • The Uttarakhand government has proposed a set of amendments to the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Rules, 2025, in response to petitions challenging certain provisions of the UCC Act, 2024, and its implementing rules.
  • These petitions—filed before the Uttarakhand High Court—highlighted concerns about privacy violations, overreach of authority, and potential social consequences, particularly regarding live-in relationship registration.

Background

  • Uniform Civil Code (UCC) seeks to provide a common set of civil laws governing marriage, divorce, inheritance, and related matters for all citizens, irrespective of religion.
  • Uttarakhand became the first Indian state to enact and operationalize a UCC in 2024, fulfilling a long-standing constitutional directive under Article 44 (Directive Principles of State Policy).
  • However, the implementation faced criticism, especially concerning privacy, autonomy, and bureaucratic overreach, leading to judicial scrutiny.

Why the Amendments Were Proposed

  • Legal Challenges: Multiple petitions in the Uttarakhand High Court argued that certain provisions violated:
  • The right to privacy (as upheld in the K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India judgment, 2017).
  • Individual autonomy and dignity, particularly of women in live-in relationships.
  • Public and Expert Concerns:
  • Senior Advocate Vrinda Grover and others pointed out that rules allowed police surveillance over private relationships.
  • Mandatory Aadhaar authentication and police intimation for live-in registrations were seen as intrusive.
  • Judicial Advice: The High Court advised the state to consider legitimate concerns and invite public suggestions for necessary amendments.

Key Amendments Proposed

Privacy Safeguards

  • Aadhaar-based authentication removed:
    • Earlier, registration of marriages and live-in relationships required Aadhaar verification and OTP from the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
    • The amendment now allows alternative IDs, such as passport, voter ID, etc.
    • Linking of mobile numbers with Aadhaar is now non-obligatory.
  • Information handling:
    • Earlier, registration details were kept at the local police station.
    • The new draft states that it is the responsibility of the Registrar and police authorities to ensure confidentiality of all data.

The feasibility of Uniform Civil Code (UCC) in Indian society - Politics for India

(Image Source: Politics for India)

Disclosure of Children in Live-in Relationships

  • Provision deleted:
    • Original rules required disclosure of pregnancy or birth of children during or after termination of live-in relationships.
    • This is now removed to protect privacy and prevent social stigma.
  • Legal basis retained elsewhere:
    • Legitimacy of children remains protected under Section 16(1) of the Hindu Marriage Act, ensuring no discrimination against children born from void marriages.

Relaxation of Registrar’s Authority

  • Powers curtailed:
  • The Registrar can no longer inform parents or guardians of registrants below 21 years.
  • Authority to conduct summary enquiries into the veracity of applications has been revoked.
  • Religious verification: Earlier, Registrars could verify with religious leaders about “prohibited relationships.” This power is now withdrawn.
  • Provisional certificates:
  • Temporary registration certificates valid for 30 days have been scrapped.
  • Applications will now be directly approved or rejected.

Supporting Documents Made Optional

Documents such as:

  • Proof of shared household (rental or ownership details),
  • Proof of previous marriage/divorce,
  • Proof of government employment or welfare benefits, are now optional rather than mandatory.
  • Caste details of registrants are no longer required.

Punitive Provisions Revised

  • Earlier penalties for false complaints or non-registration have been eased.
  • Alignment made with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023:
  • Non-registration or false declarations: Up to 3 months imprisonment or ₹25,000 fine.
  • Live-in with a minor: Up to 6 months imprisonment or ₹50,000 fine.
  • Bigamy or live-in while married: Punishable up to 7 years imprisonment.
  • Marriage by force, coercion, or fraud: Up to 7 years imprisonment and fine.

Legal and Social Implications

1. Strengthened Privacy Protections

  • The amendments align with constitutional guarantees of privacy and individual liberty, mitigating earlier criticism of state surveillance over personal life choices.

2. Gender and Social Sensitivity

  • Removal of child disclosure clauses reduces stigma and humiliation for women.
  • It recognizes informal relationships within a rights-based framework, ensuring protection without moral policing.

3. Administrative Simplification

  • By reducing bureaucratic powers and making documentation flexible, the government aims to create a simpler and citizen-friendly registration process.

4. Continued Legal Oversight

  • While privacy is strengthened, legal accountability remains intact for issues like:
    • Bigamy,
    • Live-in relationships with minors,
    • Fraudulent marriages.

Challenges Ahead

  • Implementation and Awareness: Effective communication and public education about new provisions are essential to avoid confusion.
  • Judicial Review: The High Court’s final ruling on the petitions may still alter the implementation of certain rules.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Balancing uniformity in civil law with respect for religious and social diversity remains a challenge.
  • Replication Across States: Uttarakhand’s UCC experience will serve as a model or caution for other states like Gujarat or Assam considering similar laws.

Conclusion

  • The proposed amendments to Uttarakhand’s UCC Rules, 2025, represent a significant course correction—shifting from a surveillance-heavy framework to a rights-based, privacy-conscious approach.

CARE MCQ

Q1.  Under the proposed amendments to Uttarakhand UCC Rules:

  1. Disclosure of children born during live-in relationships at termination is removed.
  2. Registrars can no longer inform parents of registrants under 21.
  3. Supporting documents for registration are now mandatory.

Which of the above statements are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2, and 3

Answer 1- A

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: The proposed amendments remove the requirement to disclose children born during live-in relationships at the time of termination, protecting privacy and preventing social stigma.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Registrars no longer have the authority to inform parents or legal guardians of registrants under 21, limiting bureaucratic overreach and respecting individual autonomy.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: Supporting documents for registration, which were previously mandatory, are now optional under the amendments, so this statement is not correct.
  • Therefore, option A is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q.  Consider the following provisions under the Directive Principles of State Policy as enshrined in the Constitution of India: (2012)

  1. Securing for citizens of India a uniform civil code
  2. Organising village Panchayats
  3. Promoting cottage industries in rural areas
  4. Securing for all the workers reasonable leisure and cultural opportunities

Which of the above are the Gandhian Principles that are reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy? 

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1, 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (b)

Need for a Law to Protect Domestic Workers

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Relevance: GS2 Social Justice

Context: Protect Domestic Workers

Why in News?

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to enact a comprehensive law protecting domestic workers, highlighting their vulnerability and lack of social security.

Introduction

  • The Domestic workers form an essential yet invisible segment of India’s workforce. Despite contributing significantly to household economies and urban functioning, they remain among the most underprotected and undervalued workers.
  • The absence of a comprehensive national legislation for domestic workers has resulted in systemic exploitation, low wages, and lack of social security.
  • The recent Supreme Court directive (January 2025) calling for a national law to ensure their rights has revived the debate on institutional protections for this vulnerable group.

(Image Source: The Hindu)

Background and Judicial Context

  • In January 2025, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to frame a comprehensive law safeguarding domestic workers’ rights.
  • The directive emerged from a case involving trafficking and confinement of a Scheduled Tribe (ST) woman from Chhattisgarh working as a domestic help in Delhi — a stark reminder of the precarity in this sector.
  • The Court also ordered the formation of a committee of subject experts to devise a legislative framework within six months. However, the progress and inclusivity of this process, particularly the absence of worker representation, remain uncertain.

The Scale and Nature of Domestic Work in India

  • Estimates suggest India has between 4 million and 90 million domestic workers, with women and girls constituting the overwhelming majority. A large proportion belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, reflecting a deep intersection of gender, class, and caste-based vulnerabilities.
  • Domestic work in India takes multiple forms:
    • Live-in workers employed full-time in one household.
    • Part-time workers serving several households daily.
    • Migrant domestic workers, often crossing state or even national borders.
  • This informal, home-based, and fragmented nature of work makes labour inspections, enforcement of minimum wages, and regulation of working hours extremely challenging.

Current Legal and Institutional Gaps

  • Despite repeated attempts, India lacks a standalone central law to protect domestic workers.
  • The Domestic Workers (Regulation of Work and Social Security) Bill, 2017, drafted by the National Platform for Domestic Workers (NPDW), was never enacted.
  • India voted in favour of the ILO Convention No. 189 (2011) on decent work for domestic workers but has not ratified it.
  • Domestic workers are largely excluded from the Industrial Disputes Act, Minimum Wages Act (in most states), and social security laws.
  • This absence of legislative backing denies workers access to basic entitlements like fixed wages, maternity benefits, pensions, and legal recourse against exploitation.

State-Level Efforts and Progress

  • Despite national inaction, some states have taken pioneering steps:

a) Tamil Nadu

  • Tamil Nadu established a Welfare Board for Domestic Workers under the Manual Workers Act, 1982.
  • Registered workers are eligible for pensions, maternity benefits, accident relief, and educational assistance for children.
  • However, low registration rates and wage disparities persist — despite a stipulated wage of ₹37–₹39 per hour, most workers earn less due to being labelled “part-time”.
  • The Madras High Court (Madurai Bench) has directed the State to consider enacting special legislation exclusively for domestic workers.

b) Karnataka

  • In 2025, Karnataka introduced the Domestic Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Bill, proposing:
    • Mandatory registration of workers and employers.
    • Written employment contracts specifying wages and work hours.
    • Minimum wage, overtime pay, and weekly holidays.
    • 5% employer contribution to a welfare fund for social security benefits.
  • This model represents a progressive template for national-level replication.

Key Challenges in Protecting Domestic Workers

  • Invisibility of workplace: Since work occurs in private homes, labour inspections are nearly impossible.
  • Fragmented employment: Workers often serve multiple employers, complicating wage regulation.
  • Exploitation by agents: Unregulated recruitment intermediaries promote trafficking and bonded labour.
  • Gender-based vulnerability: Most workers are women, often subjected to sexual harassment and abuse.
  • Migrant insecurity: Many domestic workers migrate across states without formal documentation, lacking access to local welfare schemes.
  • Social stigma: Domestic work is undervalued, linked to caste hierarchies and notions of servitude.

What Needs to Be Done

  • A comprehensive, rights-based framework is urgently needed to integrate domestic workers into the formal labour system. Key policy imperatives include:

(a) Central Legislation

  • Enact a Domestic Workers (Regulation of Work and Social Security) Act ensuring:
  • Minimum wages, fixed work hours, and weekly rest.
  • Written contracts and transparent recruitment processes.
  • Protection against abuse and sexual harassment.
  • Universal registration of workers, agencies, and employers.

(b) Institutional Mechanisms

  • Establish a Tripartite Board comprising employers, employees, and state representatives.
  • Issue workbooks for documentation of employment terms and wage payments.
  • Create Grievance Redressal Committees at panchayat and urban local body levels, extending the POSH Act framework to domestic workplaces.

(c) Social Security and Welfare

  • Introduce portable welfare schemes for migrant workers.
  • Mandate employer contributions to welfare funds, as proposed in Karnataka.
  • Provide health insurance, maternity benefits, pensions, and housing support.
  • (d) Ratification of ILO Convention No. 189
  • India should ratify and domestically implement this international convention, reaffirming its commitment to decent work and gender justice.

The Way Forward

  • Domestic workers form the backbone of urban care economies, enabling millions of others — especially women — to participate in the labour market. Yet, their rights continue to be subordinated to the privacy of households and patriarchal norms.
  • The path forward demands that India:
    • Recognize domestic work as legitimate labour,
    • Extend labour rights into private households, and
    • Build institutional accountability at national and state levels.
  • The Supreme Court’s intervention offers an opportunity to transform judicial direction into legislative action. What remains is political will and social recognition of these workers as equal citizens in the world of work.

Conclusion

  • Domestic workers deserve not charity but justice. A national law safeguarding their rights would mark a crucial step toward gender equity, social dignity, and inclusive labour governance.

CARE MCQ

Q2.  Consider the following statements regarding domestic workers in India:

  1. Domestic workers are largely women from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
  2. India has ratified ILO Convention No. 189 on domestic workers.
  3. Some states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have enacted welfare measures and legislation for domestic workers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Options:
A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1 and 3 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2, and 3

Answer 2- B

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: A majority of domestic workers are women, and many belong to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, making them socially and economically vulnerable.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: India has voted in favour of ILO Convention No. 189 on domestic workers but has not ratified it yet.
  • Statement 3 is correct: States like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have introduced welfare boards and legislation to regulate work conditions and provide social security for domestic workers.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q. International Labour Organization’s Conventions 138 and 182 are related to (2018)

(a) Child Labour
(b) Adaptation of agricultural practices to global climate change
(c) Regulation of food prices and food security
(d) Gender parity at the workplace

Ans: (a)

India’s Travails in Negotiating a Friendless World

Source: The Hindu

UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations

Context: India’s Diplomatic Isolation

Why in News?

  • India faces a growing trust deficit and diminishing geopolitical relevance as it struggles to adapt its foreign policy to a fragmented and friendless global order..

Introduction

  • In the 21st century’s rapidly shifting geopolitical environment, India finds itself navigating an increasingly complex and fragmented world order.
  • As global power structures realign, India’s foreign policy faces the challenge of maintaining strategic autonomy while responding to new security, economic, and diplomatic realities.
  • India’s growing “trust deficit” and its diminishing geopolitical relevance in a world where alliances are fluid, regional rivalries intensifying, and multilateralism weakening.

Evolving Global Order: From Multilateralism to Fragmentation

  • The global order, which once relied on multilateral frameworks for cooperation, has witnessed a steady erosion since the advent of Donald Trump’s presidency in the United States.
  • Erosion of multilateralism: Institutions like the UN, WTO, and WHO have been weakened as major powers increasingly act unilaterally.
  • Rise of transactional diplomacy: Nations are prioritizing short-term, interest-based engagements over long-term partnerships.
  • India’s predicament: Despite being one of the world’s top five economies, India has struggled to adapt its diplomacy to these changes. Its traditional approach—rooted in the Nehruvian ideals of non-alignment and moral leadership—appears increasingly outdated in a world dominated by pragmatic power politics.

(Image Source: The Hindu)

India’s Declining Geopolitical Relevance

  • Despite its economic and demographic strength, India’s diplomatic footprint appears to be shrinking in key regional and global arenas.

Exclusion from the West Asian Peace Process

  • The recent Gaza peace settlement, orchestrated by the U.S. with support from Türkiye, Egypt, and Qatar, marked a turning point in the region’s politics.
  • India’s absence from this high-profile process—and its minimal representation at subsequent reconciliation events—highlighted a growing perception of India’s irrelevance in West Asian diplomacy.
  • Ironically, nations like Türkiye, historically critical of India, played decisive roles, underlining India’s diplomatic isolation in a region where it once enjoyed historical goodwill and influence.

Missed Opportunities in the Neighbourhood

  • India’s absence during Nepal’s “Gen Z revolution” reflected a lack of strategic foresight and depth in its neighbourhood policy.
  • The turmoil in Nepal, similar to youth movements in Bangladesh and Indonesia, unfolded on India’s doorstep, yet New Delhi remained a bystander.
  • This detachment risks eroding India’s traditional influence in South Asia—its immediate strategic periphery.

Challenges in the Neighbourhood

  • India’s neighbourhood, once seen as its natural sphere of influence, is undergoing rapid political transformation.

Afghanistan–Pakistan Volatility

  • The conflict between the Afghan Taliban and Pakistan threatens regional stability.
  • India’s satisfaction at Pakistan facing Taliban attacks could prove shortsighted, as prolonged instability in the region directly impacts India’s security.
  • With Pakistan’s military leadership consolidating power under Field Marshal Asim Munir, the threat to India’s western frontier remains significant.

Strained Relations with Smaller Neighbours

  • Countries like Bangladesh and Nepal, historically close to India, are increasingly perceived as drifting towards China.
  • A mix of perceived interference, border issues, and economic dependencies has strained these relationships.
  • Even India–Sri Lanka relations, though apparently stable, remain vulnerable to Chinese influence and local political fluctuations.

The China Challenge

  • India’s relationship with China remains the most complex and consequential of its external engagements.
  • The so-called India–China détente post-Tianjin (2025) appears to be more symbolic than substantive.
  • India’s tendency to downplay the 2020 Galwan Valley clash risks sending the wrong signal—one of complacency amid continuing border tensions.
  • China’s covert expansion in India’s extended neighbourhood through economic penetration, infrastructure projects, and cyber influence demonstrates its long-term strategy to eclipse India’s regional leadership.
  • China’s President Xi Jinping’s assertive diplomacy contrasts sharply with India’s cautious engagement. While China uses trade, technology, and influence operations to reshape Asia’s order, India’s response often lacks agility and coherence.

Strategic Realignments in West Asia

  • India’s traditional influence in West Asia is diminishing.
  • The new Saudi Arabia–Pakistan Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement marks a strategic setback for India.
  • Countries like Türkiye, Egypt, and Iraq have emerged as regional mediators, while India remains on the sidelines.
  • With China’s growing footprint in the Gulf and U.S. retrenchment, India risks being marginalized in a region vital for its energy and diaspora interests.

A Friendless World: Causes of India’s Diplomatic Isolation

  • India’s current predicament can be attributed to several structural and strategic shortcomings:
  • Overreliance on Strategic Autonomy: While maintaining independence in foreign affairs is vital, excessive rigidity prevents proactive alliance-building.
  • Reactive rather than proactive diplomacy: India’s responses often lag behind fast-moving geopolitical developments.
  • Limited institutional innovation: India’s foreign policy establishment remains steeped in legacy thinking of the 1940s–50s, lacking adaptability to emerging realities.
  • Neglect of regional diplomacy: India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy has faltered in implementation, leading to alienation among smaller neighbours.
  • Communication gap and trust deficit: India’s inability to project its intentions clearly in the international arena has widened the perception of unreliability.

The Way Forward: Towards a Flexible and Realist Foreign Policy

  • To regain its geopolitical relevance and address the growing trust deficit, India needs a strategic reset built on realism, flexibility, and innovation.

1. Reimagining Regional Diplomacy

  • Reinforce South Asian solidarity through genuine economic integration, connectivity, and people-to-people ties.
  • Actively engage in regional crisis management, avoiding the image of a passive observer.

2. Strategic Balancing

  • Deepen quad-level cooperation (India, U.S., Japan, Australia) to maintain Indo-Pacific stability.
  • Simultaneously strengthen ties with ASEAN, Africa, and the Gulf to diversify partnerships beyond the West.

3. Managing China Pragmatically

  • Combine deterrence and dialogue to maintain border stability while safeguarding national interests.
  • Invest in technological resilience, cybersecurity, and supply-chain diversification to counter China’s economic leverage.

4. Institutional and Ideational Renewal

  • Reform India’s foreign policy institutions to reflect modern strategic thinking.
  • Enhance training, inter-ministerial coordination, and foresight capabilities within the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

5. Leveraging Soft Power and Civilizational Identity

  • India’s distinct civilizational ethos—rooted in pluralism, democracy, and peace—must be projected as a counter-model to authoritarian or theocratic regimes.
  • Use cultural diplomacy, diaspora engagement, and development partnerships to rebuild trust globally.

Conclusion

  • India stands at a critical juncture in global politics. As traditional alliances weaken and new power blocs emerge, India must adapt to a more unpredictable and fragmented world. The path forward requires strategic agility, institutional reform, and diplomatic innovation.

CARE MCQ

Q3.  Which of the following statements correctly reflects India’s current foreign policy challenges as highlighted in recent analyses?

A. India has maintained consistent influence in West Asia, including the Gaza peace process.
B. India’s neighbourhood policy has shown limitations, evident in its response to Nepal’s political upheavals.
C. India–China relations have fully normalized since the 2020 Galwan clash, with no strategic concerns remaining.
D. India’s foreign policy has successfully mitigated the trust deficit in a fragmented global order.

Answer 3: B

Explanation

  • Statement A is incorrect: India was largely absent from the Gaza peace process, indicating a decline in its influence in West Asia.
  • Statement B is correct: India’s neighbourhood policy has shown limitations, as reflected in its reactive and inadequate response to Nepal’s political upheavals.
  • Statement C is incorrect: India–China relations have not fully normalized since the 2020 Galwan clash; border tensions and strategic concerns persist.
  • Statement D is incorrect: India’s foreign policy has not yet mitigated the growing trust deficit in a fragmented and friendless global order.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q. “Belt and Road Initiative” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of : (2016)

(a) African Union

(b) Brazil

(c) European Union

(d) China

Ans: D

India Formally Upgrades its ‘Technical Mission’ in Kabul to a Full Embassy

Source: Indian Express

UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations

Context: Indian Embassy in Afghanistan

Why in News?

India upgrades its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy to strengthen bilateral ties, provide humanitarian aid, and safeguard strategic interests without formally recognizing the Taliban regime.

Background

  • India has announced the upgrading of its technical mission in Kabul to the status of a full-fledged embassy, marking a significant diplomatic shift in its engagement with Afghanistan.
  • This move comes after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent meeting with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, signalling India’s intent to restore its diplomatic presence in the Taliban-ruled nation.

Background

  • In August 2021, India withdrew its embassy staff from Kabul following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan after the withdrawal of U.S. troops.
  • To maintain limited engagement, India re-established a “technical team” in June 2022, primarily to oversee humanitarian assistance and operational matters.
  • The decision to now elevate this team to a full embassy demonstrates a renewed effort to strengthen India-Afghanistan relations amid changing regional geopolitics.

(Image Source: Indian Express)

Key Highlights of the Move

  • Restoration of Full Diplomatic Presence: The upgraded embassy will function under a Charge d’Affaires and will handle all diplomatic, consular, and developmental affairs.
  • Enhancement of Bilateral Engagement: The move aligns with India’s policy of maintaining people-centric relations with Afghanistan, even without formally recognizing the Taliban regime.
  • Strengthening Developmental Cooperation: According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the embassy will contribute to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development, humanitarian aid, and capacity-building based on Afghan society’s priorities.
  • Security and Counterterrorism Assurance: During his recent six-day visit to India, Muttaqi assured that Afghan soil would not be used against India and recognized the shared concern over the threat posed by Daesh (ISIS) in the region.
  • Reciprocal Diplomatic Steps: Afghanistan also indicated plans to send its diplomats to India, marking the start of gradual normalization of bilateral cooperation.

India’s Interests in Afghanistan

  • Strategic and Security Interests:
    • Stability in Afghanistan is critical for India’s regional security, especially to curb the spread of terrorism and prevent cross-border threats.
    • It helps India maintain a foothold in Central Asia amid growing Chinese and Pakistani influence.
  • Economic and Developmental Interests:
    • India has been one of the largest regional donors to Afghanistan, contributing over $3 billion in development assistance since 2001.
    • Projects include the Afghan Parliament building, Zaranj–Delaram Highway, and Salma (India–Afghanistan Friendship) Dam.
  • Humanitarian Commitment:
    • India continues to supply food grains, vaccines, and medical aid to Afghanistan under the UN’s humanitarian framework.

Challenges Ahead

  • Non-recognition of the Taliban regime: India must balance engagement without legitimizing the Taliban’s governance structure.
  • Security Risks: Kabul remains volatile, with the presence of terrorist groups posing potential risks to Indian personnel and assets.
  • Geopolitical Competition: China, Pakistan, and Iran are already deepening their engagement with the Taliban, creating a complex regional environment for India.

Significance of the Move

  • Marks India’s return as an active diplomatic player in Afghanistan after four years of reduced presence.
  • Strengthens India’s soft power through humanitarian and developmental diplomacy.
  • Offers potential for counter-terror cooperation and regional stability through dialogue.
  • Signals India’s strategic autonomy in foreign policy — engaging pragmatically even with non-recognized regimes for regional stability.

Conclusion

  • India’s decision to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul to a full embassy underscores a pragmatic recalibration of its foreign policy towards Afghanistan.

CARE MCQ

Q4.  Consider the following statements regarding India’s decision to upgrade its technical mission in Kabul:

  1. India has formally recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
  2. The upgraded embassy will be headed by a diplomat in the rank of Charge d’Affaires.
  3. The move aims to strengthen humanitarian, developmental, and security cooperation with Afghanistan.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 2 and 3 only
C) 1 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3

Answer 4- B

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: CO2 levels Statement 1 is incorrect: India has not formally recognized the Taliban regime in Afghanistan.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The upgraded embassy will be headed by a diplomat in the rank of Charge d’Affaires.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The move aims to strengthen humanitarian, developmental, and security cooperation with Afghanistan.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q. Consider the following countries: (2022)

  1. Azerbaijan
  2. Kyrgyzstan
  3. Tajikistan
  4. Turkmenistan
  5. Uzbekistan

Which of the above have borders with Afghanistan? 

(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 2, 3 and 4 only
(c) 3, 4 and 5 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5

Ans: (c)

India’s Buddha Relics Inspire Record Devotion in Russia’s Kalmykia

Source: PIB

UPSC Relevance: GS2 International Relations

Context: India Russia Cultural Ties

Why in News?

India’s sacred Buddha relics were displayed in Kalmykia, Russia, drawing over 90,000 devotees and strengthening India-Russia spiritual and cultural ties.

Introduction

  • The exposition of India’s Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha in Kalmykia, Russia, has witnessed an unprecedented spiritual response, with over 90,000 devotees paying homage at the iconic Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, popularly known as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha.
  • This event is a historic first for the Russian Republic and highlights India’s role in promoting Buddhist heritage abroad.

(Image Source: PIB)

Exposition Details:

  • The sacred relics, recognized as a National Treasure of India, were brought to Elista, the capital of Kalmykia, by a high-level Indian delegation.
  • The delegation was led by Shri Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, and included senior Indian monks.
  • Special religious services and blessings were conducted for the predominantly Buddhist population of the region, the only European territory where Buddhism is the main religion.

Significance of the Monastery

  • Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery is a major Tibetan Buddhist center, inaugurated in 1996 in the vast Kalmyk steppe.
  • It serves as a cultural and spiritual hub, linking the Buddhist traditions of India with Kalmykia’s unique religious identity.
  • The monastery is often referred to as the Golden Abode of Shakyamuni Buddha, symbolizing the enduring presence of Buddhism in Europe.

Cultural and Diplomatic Importance

  • India-Russia Civilizational Ties:
  • This exposition underscores the historical and cultural bonds between India and Russia.
  • It recalls the legacy of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, a revered Buddhist monk and diplomat from Ladakh, who revived Buddhism in Mongolia and Russian regions such as Kalmykia, Buryatia, and Tuva.
  • Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy:
  • India’s role in sharing Buddhist relics abroad is an example of soft power diplomacy, enhancing mutual understanding and spiritual ties.
  • By facilitating the exposition, India demonstrates its commitment to preserving global Buddhist heritage and strengthening people-to-people connections.

Organisers and Institutional Collaboration

  • The exposition is organized by the BTI section of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with:
  • International Buddhist Confederation (IBC)
  • National Museum, India
  • Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA)
  • These institutions ensure a structured, respectful, and scholarly presentation of the relics while promoting cultural education and awareness.

Impact and Significance

  • Religious & Spiritual Impact:
    • The event has ignited mass spiritual participation, reflecting the enduring reverence for Lord Buddha.
    • It strengthens the cultural identity of Kalmykia’s Buddhist population while reconnecting them with India’s spiritual heritage.
  • Civilizational Message:
    • Highlights India’s historical role in the spread and sustenance of Buddhism across Asia and parts of Europe.
    • Reinforces India’s image as the custodian of Buddhist heritage and a center of global spiritual diplomacy.
  • Tourism & Cultural Exchange:
    • Such events encourage religious tourism, intercultural dialogue, and strengthen bilateral cultural ties.
    • It offers opportunities for scholarly exchanges and collaborative research on Buddhist history and art.

Conclusion

  • The exposition of India’s sacred Buddha relics in Kalmykia serves as a historic milestone in India-Russia cultural relations. It is not only a religious and spiritual event but also a symbol of India’s soft power, reflecting the deep civilizational bonds shared across nations.
  • By organizing and facilitating this event, India continues to play a central role in preserving and promoting Buddhist heritage globally, fostering mutual understanding and spiritual connectivity.

CARE MCQ

Q5.  Consider the following statements regarding the exposition of India’s Sacred Buddha Relics in Kalmykia, Russia:

  1. The exposition was held at the Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery, the only region in Europe where Buddhism is predominant.
  2. The relics are recognized as a National Treasure of India.
  3. The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation, IGNCA, and the National Museum of India.
  4. This is the first time sacred relics of Lord Buddha were displayed in Russia.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1, 2, and 3 only
D. 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer 5- C

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: The relics were enshrined at Geden Sheddup Choikorling Monastery in Kalmykia, the only European region with a Buddhist majority.
  • Statement 2 is correct: The relics are recognized as a National Treasure of India.
  • Statement 3 is correct: The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with IBC, IGNCA, and the National Museum.
  • Statement 4 is incorrect: While historic, it is the first exposition in Kalmykia, not necessarily the first in all of Russia.
  • Therefore, option C is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q.  Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)

(a) Japan

(b) Russia

(c) The United Kingdom

(d) The United States of America

Ans: B

An AWS Outage That Brought the Internet to a Halt

Source: Indian Express

UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology

Context: Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Why in News?

The October 2025 AWS outage disrupted over 1,000 global services, highlighting the fragility of the Internet due to over-reliance on a few cloud service providers.

Introduction

  • Recently, a major outage at Amazon Web Services (AWS) — the world’s leading cloud computing platform — caused widespread disruption across the Internet, impacting over 1,000 services globally.
  • Popular applications such as WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Reddit, as well as critical financial and government systems, were rendered temporarily inaccessible.
  • This event once again underlined the growing dependence of the digital economy on a few cloud service providers, raising concerns about digital resilience, diversification, and the need for global governance mechanisms in cyberspace.

Understanding AWS and Its Role in the Global Internet

  • Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the world’s largest cloud services provider, accounting for about 20% of Amazon’s total sales and nearly 60% of its operating profit.
    It offers a range of services such as:
    • Cloud storage and databases
    • Computing power and analytics
    • Machine learning and application hosting
  • These services allow companies, governments, and startups to rent IT infrastructure instead of owning physical servers, thus improving cost efficiency and scalability. However, this also creates a centralized dependency—where a disruption in one region of AWS’s infrastructure can affect thousands of organizations worldwide.

Amazon Web Services AWS: The St Joseph Energy Center, a natural gas plant servicing the new Amazon Web Services facility in New Carlisle, Ind., on Tuesday, June 4, 2025

(Image Source: Indian Express)

The Immediate Cause: DNS Resolution Failure

  • According to AWS’s status update, the outage originated from its North Virginia data centre region, which is a key global hub for Amazon’s operations. The root cause was identified as “DNS resolution issues for the regional DynamoDB service endpoints.”
  • DNS (Domain Name System) acts as the Internet’s address book, translating human-readable web addresses (like example.com) into IP addresses used by computers.
    When the DNS fails, browsers and servers cannot locate websites, resulting in slow responses or complete service inaccessibility.
  • In this case, the DNS malfunction affected DynamoDB, AWS’s serverless NoSQL database service, which supports thousands of applications that depend on fast, scalable data storage. As a result, both large-scale and everyday digital operations ground to a halt.

Cloud Centralization and Internet Fragility

  • The outage exposes a critical structural weakness of the modern Internet—its over-concentration in the hands of a few providers such as AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud.
  • This model offers efficiency and innovation but also amplifies systemic risk, where a single point of failure can cripple global connectivity.

Historical Precedents

  • In 2024, a Microsoft Azure disruption led to global service failures across multiple continents.
  • The CrowdStrike outage (embedded within Microsoft architecture) caused aviation delays, halted banking operations, and disrupted broadcasting networks globally.
  • These incidents demonstrate how the outsourcing of core infrastructure to a few tech giants can convert technical glitches into economic and governance crises.

Impacts of the 2025 AWS Outage

1. Global Digital Services

  • Major social media and communication platforms like WhatsApp, Reddit, and Snapchat were inaccessible for several hours, affecting both personal communication and business operations.

2. Financial Systems and E-Governance

  • The outage disrupted online services of financial institutions such as the British government’s tax portal and various payment systems, emphasizing how much critical governance now relies on private digital infrastructure.

3. Aviation and Banking in India

  • India witnessed significant disruption, especially in aviation, with hundreds of flights delayed or cancelled as airline systems failed and staff reverted to manual operations.
    The Reserve Bank of India later reported minor disruptions in around ten banks and NBFCs, all of which were eventually restored.

Broader Implications

1. Digital Sovereignty and Strategic Autonomy

  • Reliance on foreign-owned cloud providers exposes countries to technological vulnerabilities. The outage strengthens the argument for domestic cloud infrastructure, data localization, and public cloud models to enhance digital sovereignty.

2. Cybersecurity and Resilience

  • While the incident was not a cyberattack, it underscores the need for robust redundancy and backup systems. Governments and companies must adopt multi-cloud strategies—distributing workloads across multiple providers to reduce single-point risks.

3. Economic and Governance Risks

  • The global economy’s digital backbone now runs on private platforms. This raises policy questions about regulation, accountability, and the public interest role of private tech giants. It also calls for international cyber norms and standards for critical digital infrastructure.

4. Emerging Policy Debates

  • Should cloud services be treated as critical infrastructure, like energy or telecom?
  • How can nations balance efficiency from private providers with strategic control over data?
  • What role should institutions like CERT-In or G20 Digital Economy Working Group play in setting resilience protocols?

Way Forward

  • Diversification of Cloud Providers Governments and corporations should adopt hybrid or multi-cloud strategies to prevent systemic collapse during outages.
  • Strengthening Domestic Cloud Ecosystem Initiatives like MeghRaj (GI Cloud) in India and private partnerships under Digital India should be scaled to create indigenous capabilities.
  • Global Governance of Cloud Infrastructure There is a pressing need for a global digital resilience framework—possibly under the UN or G20—to manage interdependence in cloud computing.
  • Enhanced Cybersecurity Standards and Transparency Cloud providers must be required to disclose vulnerabilities, maintain redundant regional backups, and adopt real-time failover systems.
  • Regulatory Oversight Cloud computing should come under critical infrastructure protection laws, ensuring audits, certification, and accountability for outages.

Conclusion

  • The 2025 AWS outage was not merely a technical failure—it was a wake-up call for the global digital economy.
  • As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and data-driven, the fragility of centralized cloud infrastructures poses a systemic risk to governance, business, and citizens alike.

CARE MCQ

Q6. Amazon Web Services (AWS) provides which of the following types of services?

  1. Cloud storage and databases
  2. Computing power and serverless solutions
  3. Internet service provider (ISP) services
  4. Machine learning and analytics

A) 1 and 2 only
B) 1, 2, and 4 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) All of the above

Answer 6-B

Explanation

  • Statement 1 is correct: AWS offers cloud storage (like S3) and managed database services (like DynamoDB and RDS) to store and manage data.
  • Statement 2 is correct: AWS provides computing power through services like EC2 and serverless solutions such as AWS Lambda.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: AWS is a cloud service provider, not an Internet service provider (ISP); it does not provide internet connectivity.
  • Statement 4 is correct: AWS provides machine learning and analytics services, such as SageMaker for ML and Athena for analytics.
  • Therefore, option B is the correct answer.

UPSC PYQ

Q.  With reference to Web 3.0, consider the following statements: (2022)

  1. Web 3.0 technology enables people to control their own data.
  2. In Web 3.0 world, there can be blockchain based social networks.
  3. Web 3.0 is operated by users collectively rather than a corporation

Which of the following given above are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 2 and 3 only
  3. 1 and 3 only
  4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

APPSC CARE 23rd October 2025 Current Affairs
APPSC CARE 21st October 2025 Current Affairs
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