Mains Practice Questions for the Day
- Q. India–Uzbekistan relations have evolved from historical and cultural affinity into a multidimensional strategic partnership. Examine the significance of this partnership for India’s engagement with Central Asia.
- Q. Drought is no longer an occasional climatic event but a defining developmental challenge. Discuss the need to shift from reactive relief to anticipatory drought resilience, with reference to the outcomes of UNCCD COP17.
Q. India–Uzbekistan relations have evolved from historical and cultural affinity into a multidimensional strategic partnership. Examine the significance of this partnership for India’s engagement with Central Asia.
Introduction:
India and Uzbekistan elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Indian Prime Minister’s August 2026 visit. Uzbekistan’s central location, natural resources and regional influence make it an important pillar of India’s engagement with Central Asia.
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Strategic Significance
Economic cooperation: The countries aim to increase annual trade from over $1 billion to $5 billion by 2030. A possible Preferential Trade Agreement can improve market access in pharmaceuticals, engineering, automobiles and agriculture.
Energy and mineral security: The long-term uranium-supply framework can diversify India’s civil nuclear-fuel sources. Joint exploration, mining, processing and recycling can strengthen critical-mineral supply chains.
Defence and security: Defence industries will explore co-development and co-production of military equipment. Exercise Dustlik, intelligence sharing and counterterrorism coordination can address extremism, organised crime, drug trafficking and cyber threats.
Connectivity and technology: Multimodal transport routes can reduce the cost of accessing landlocked Central Asia. UPI–UZQR interoperability extends India’s digital public infrastructure, while cooperation in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IT parks and space broadens technological engagement.
Soft power and diplomacy: Restoration of Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa reinforces ancient Buddhist and Silk Road connections. ITEC, ICCR scholarships, yoga and traditional medicine strengthen people-to-people relations. Uzbekistan also supports India’s permanent membership of a reformed UN Security Council.
Challenges
- Uzbekistan’s landlocked location raises freight costs.
- Bilateral trade remains below its potential.
- Non-tariff and investment barriers restrict market access.
- Numerous agreements may face implementation delays.
- Regional instability can affect trade and connectivity.
Way Forward
- Operationalise the uranium-supply framework.
- Advance the Preferential Trade Agreement.
- Develop reliable multimodal logistics corridors.
- Remove regulatory barriers through the Joint Working Group.
- Identify viable mineral and defence projects.
- Ensure regular monitoring through the Foreign Ministers-led mechanism.
Conclusion:
A result-oriented partnership can strengthen India’s resource security, economic interests, regional influence and durable strategic presence in Central Asia.
Q. Drought is no longer an occasional climatic event but a defining developmental challenge. Discuss the need to shift from reactive relief to anticipatory drought resilience, with reference to the outcomes of UNCCD COP17.
Introduction:
Drought affects water, agriculture, biodiversity, livelihoods and economic stability simultaneously. At UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, India therefore called for a shift from post-disaster relief towards predictive, technology-enabled and community-based drought resilience.
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Need for Anticipatory Resilience
- Climate change is increasing rainfall variability and prolonged dry spells.
- Degraded soils retain less moisture and intensify agricultural drought.
- Delayed action increases crop losses, groundwater stress and migration.
- Relief-oriented systems address damage but do not reduce underlying vulnerability.
- Catchment restoration and early warning can prevent dry spells from becoming crises.
COP17 Contributions
The Drought Resilience Index uses AI and vulnerability mapping to assess national preparedness. The Drought Resilience Investment Facility seeks to mobilise public and private finance for water security, resilient agriculture and land restoration. COP17 also promoted nature-based solutions and made drought a standalone agenda from COP18.
Challenges
- Fragmented responsibilities across agriculture, water and forestry departments;
- inadequate local soil-moisture monitoring;
- promotion of water-intensive crops in dry regions;
- degradation of grasslands and common property resources;
- insecure land and grazing rights; and
- a substantial global resilience-finance gap.
Way Forward
- Integrate satellites, AI and soil sensors for local forecasting.
- Adopt trigger-based anticipatory financing.
- Align crop incentives with agro-ecological conditions.
- Restore catchments through ridge-to-valley planning.
- Protect grasslands and other open natural ecosystems.
- Promote regenerative agriculture and efficient irrigation.
- Involve farmers, pastoralists and women in planning.
- Mobilise blended finance for restoration projects.
Conclusion:
Drought resilience must be built before rainfall fails. Combining science, healthy landscapes, predictable finance and local institutions can transform drought management from emergency response into long-term developmental security.
