PM Unveils Kaziranga Corridor | Trump Tariff Threat Hts EU Deal | India Invited To Gaza Peace Board | Borders Must Be Settled By Talks | Corruption, Sanction Divide | Near Term External Risks | Bulling Tactics | Crisis In Educations | EU Unites Against Trump Tariffs | Reform Needs Subsidy Rationalisation | Jammu, Between Belonging And Refusal | Europe Must Push Back On Greenland | Record rice output, New Risks
PM UNVEILS KAZIRANGA CORRIDOR
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
What is the news about?
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor in Assam and flagged off two Amrit Bharat trains
- At the same event, he cited recent election results (Bihar Assembly, Mumbai civic polls, Thiruvananthapuram Mayor election) to claim that the Bharatiya Janata Party is emerging as the people’s first choice.
- He praised the Assam government led by Himanta Biswa Sarma for:
- Controlling rhino poaching in Kaziranga Removing illegal encroachments
- He criticised the Congress for neglecting Assam and losing public trust.
Why is the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor important?
- It is an 86-km four-lane highway, with 35 km elevated inside Kaziranga National Park.
- Purpose:
- Allow free movement of wild animals Reduce human–wildlife conflict
- Cut road accidents and traffic jams
- This follows the idea of “development with conservation”, a recurring UPSC theme.
Why is Kaziranga important for exam?
- Kaziranga National Park:
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Home to ~70% of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros
- Located in the Brahmaputra floodplains
- Rhino protection success reflects:
- Strong enforcement
- Use of technology Political will
Why are elections mentioned in a development event?
- The Prime Minister linked:
- Electoral success → public approval of governance and development
- He cited:
- BJP’s performance in Bihar Mumbai civic polls
- Thiruvananthapuram Mayor post
- This reflects how development projects are used as political narratives.
What are the positives and concerns?
- Positives
- Wildlife-friendly infrastructure reduces ecological damage
- Better connectivity boosts North- East development
- Successful anti-poaching improves India’s conservation record
- Concerns
- Infrastructure in protected areas can still disturb ecosystems
- Need for continuous environmental monitoring
- Political claims must be backed by long-term data, not just election results
What should be the way forward?
- Ensure strict environmental impact monitoring
- Replicate wildlife corridors in other sensitive regions
- Involve local communities in conservation
- Keep governance evaluation institution-based, not rhetoric- based
TRUMP TARIFF THREAT HITS EU DEAL
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The European Union leaders have warned against tariff threats issued by Donald Trump, linking trade measures to the proposed purchase of Greenland.
- An extraordinary meeting of EU ambassadors was convened in Brussels following concerns over transatlantic trade relations.
- The statement was jointly issued by Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa.
- The EU expressed solidarity with Denmark and Greenland after inconclusive talks with the U.S.
- Threatened tariffs (10–25%) could impact several European economies and the EU–U.S. trade deal negotiated last year.
Key Points
- Proposed U.S. tariffs cover Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Finland.
- The EU warned that unilateral tariffs could trigger a trade retaliation spiral, undermining WTO principles.
- A July trade understanding had capped most EU exports at a 15% U.S. levy, with ongoing negotiations for further concessions.
- Manfred Weber, head of the European Parliament’s EPP group, questioned ratification of the EU–U.S. trade deal under current threats.
- The EU reaffirmed commitment to sovereignty, unity, and coordinated diplomatic response.
Static Linkages
- Principle of sovereign equality of states under international law.
- World Trade Organization (WTO) norms: Non- discrimination (MFN principle) and prohibition of arbitrary trade barriers.
- Role of customs unions and common commercial policy in regional blocs.
- Strategic importance of the Arctic region (resources, sea lanes).
Critical Analysis
- Pros
- EU’s united stance strengthens collective bargaining power.
- Signals commitment to multilateralism and rule-based trade order.
- Reinforces sovereignty norms against economic coercion.
- Cons / Challenges
- Escalation risks a transatlantic trade war affecting global markets.
- Weakens investor confidence amid already fragile global growth.
- Sets a precedent for linking territorial claims with trade policy.
- Stakeholder Perspectives
- EU: Protects economic interests and political autonomy.
- U.S.: Uses tariffs as leverage in geopolitical negotiations.
- Global South: Faces spillover effects through disrupted supply chains.
Way Forward
- Reaffirm WTO dispute-settlement mechanisms over unilateral tariffs.
- De-link territorial/geopolitical issues from trade negotiations.
- Strengthen EU–U.S. strategic dialogue through institutional channels.
- Promote diversification of trade partners to reduce vulnerability.
- Encourage Arctic governance through multilateral frameworks.
INDIA INVITED TO JOIN GAZA PEACE BOARD
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context of the News
- The United States President Donald Trump has invited India to join the proposed Board of Peace for Gaza.
- A formal invitation letter was sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The Board is part of a U.S.-led peace plan aimed at restructuring governance in Gaza after Hamas gives up its governing role.
- India has acknowledged receipt of the invitation but has not conveyed its decision.
- India has clarified it will not participate in the proposed International Stabilisation Force (ISF) as it is not under the UN framework.
Key Points
- Board of Peace for Gaza
- A supervisory body to oversee governance and redevelopment of Gaza.
- To be headed by Donald Trump with participation of selected countries and global leaders.
- Governance Structure
- Gaza to be administered by a temporary technocratic and apolitical Palestinian committee.
- Supervision by the Board until reforms by the Palestinian Authority are completed.
- Security Aspect
- Proposal for a temporary International Stabilisation Force (ISF) outside UN peacekeeping.
- India has ruled out troop participation.
- International Response
- Jordan, Greece, Cyprus, and Pakistan have also received invitations.
- India’s Position
- India welcomed the first phase of the peace plan but remains cautious on non-UN mechanisms.
Static Linkages
- Two-State Solution to the Israel–Palestine issue
- UN Charter principles: sovereignty, non- intervention, peaceful settlement of disputes
- UN Peacekeeping Operations vs non-UN multinational forces
- India’s traditional support for Palestinian self- determination
- Strategic autonomy in India’s foreign policy
Critical Analysis
- Positives
- Enhances India’s profile as a responsible global stakeholder.
- Allows diplomatic engagement without military involvement.
- Aligns with India’s humanitarian and reconstruction-oriented approach.
- Concerns
- Non-UN framework may dilute multilateral norms.
- Risk of upsetting balance between India–Israel and India–Palestine relations.
- Possible perception of legitimising external control over Palestinian territories.
Way Forward
- Maintain strategic autonomy and diplomatic caution.
- Support humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.
- Reiterate commitment to UN-led peace processes and Two-State Solution.
- Engage through dialogue without military deployment.
BORDER MUST BE SETTLED BY TALKS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context of the News
- Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski, visited India ahead of his meeting with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
- Poland expressed satisfaction over India’s gradual reduction in dependence on Russian crude oil, nearly four years after the Russia– Ukraine war.
- Poland reiterated that international borders should be settled through negotiations and international law, not by military aggression or terrorism.
- The visit coincides with multiple high-level European engagements with India and ongoing negotiations on the EU–India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Expectations were expressed that the EU–India FTA could be concluded at the upcoming EU– India Summit (January 27).
Key Points
- Poland views Russia’s actions in Ukraine as a violation of sovereignty and international norms.
- Europe has largely replaced Russian oil and gas through diversification and sanctions.
- India has increasingly sourced discounted Russian oil due to market compulsions but has recently reduced volumes.
- Poland supports sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet,” highlighting risks in Russian oil logistics.
- Poland defended military aid to Ukraine as support to the victim of aggression, not opposition to peace. North Atlantic Treaty Organization unity was reaffirmed despite internal geopolitical tensions.
- Poland supports early conclusion of the EU–India FTA, seeing minimal agricultural competition and large market potential.
Static Linkages
- Sovereignty and territorial integrity as core principles of the UN Charter.
- Economic sanctions as tools of foreign policy.
- Energy security and diversification of import sources.
- Trade liberalisation under Free Trade Agreements.
- Collective security arrangements and alliance systems.
Critical Analysis
- Pros
- Strengthens India–EU strategic convergence.
- Encourages diversification of India’s energy basket. Upholds rule-based international order.
- EU–India FTA can enhance exports, investment, and technology transfer.
- Concerns
- India’s strategic autonomy may be constrained by geopolitical pressures.
- Sudden reduction in discounted Russian oil may raise import costs.
- Agricultural and manufacturing sensitivities remain in FTA talks.
- Differing threat perceptions between India and Europe.
- Stakeholder Perspectives
- India: Balancing strategic autonomy, energy security, and global norms.
- Poland/EU: Security concerns from Russia and economic recalibration.
- Russia: Loss of key energy markets.
- Global South: Watching precedents on sanctions and neutrality.
Way Forward
- Continue calibrated energy diversification without abrupt shocks.
- Strengthen India–EU dialogue on security, technology, and supply chains.
- Ensure FTA safeguards sensitive domestic sectors through phased liberalisation.
- Promote reform of global governance to address conflicts through law.
- Leverage shared democratic values for deeper strategic partnership.
CORRUPTION SANCTION DIVIDE
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context of the News
- On January 13, a two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court of India delivered a split verdict in Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) vs Union of India
- Bench: Justice B. V. Nagarathna and Justice K.
- Issue: Constitutional validity of Section 17A of the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act, 1988.
- Section 17A requires prior government approval before any police inquiry/investigation into alleged corruption linked to official decisions of public servants.
- Matter referred to the Chief Justice of India for constitution of a larger Bench.
Key Points
- Section 17A inserted by PC (Amendment) Act, 2018.
- Petitioners: Provision blocks investigation at threshold, violating Article 14 and rule of law.
- Government: Provision protects honest decision-making and prevents policy paralysis.
- Relied precedents:
- Vineet Narain vs Union of India – Executive cannot control corruption investigations.
- Dr. Subramanian Swamy vs Director CBI – Status-based protection unconstitutional.
- Lalita Kumari vs Government of Uttar Pradesh – Mandatory FIR for cognisable offences.
- Judicial Opinions Justice B. V. Nagarathna
- Declared Section 17A unconstitutional.
- Prior approval “forestalls inquiry” and protects corruption.
- Creates conflict of interest when government sanctions probe against its own officers.
- Revives protection earlier struck down * violates Article 14. Justice K. V. Viswanathan
- Held Section 17A constitutionally valid with safeguards.
- Objection is not to prior approval, but who grants it.
- Sanction should lie with an independent body, not government.
- Suggested role of Lokpal of India.
- Emphasised balance between accountability and protection from frivolous cases.
Static Linkages
- Rule of Law and Equality before Law (Article 14)
- Separation of Powers
- Independence of Investigative Agencies
- Sanction for prosecution in corruption cases Administrative discretion vs accountability
Critical Analysis
- Arguments Supporting Section 17A
- Prevents harassment of honest officers.
- Encourages fearless administrative decision- making.
- Screens frivolous and motivated complaints. Arguments Against Section 17A
- Executive-controlled sanction undermines investigation.
- Delays FIR and evidence collection. Weakens anti-corruption framework.
- Contradicts earlier Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Way Forward
- Place sanction power with a truly independent statutory authority.
- Prescribe strict timelines for approval decisions.
- Allow judicial review of sanction refusals.
- Clearly distinguish policy error from corrupt intent.
- Harmonise PC Act with Lokpal framework. Viswanathan.
NEAR TERM EXTERNAL RISKS
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz visited India and held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- The visit focused on trade, supply chains, migration, defence cooperation, and global governance.
- This was Chancellor Merz’s first visit to India and first outside the Western Alliance.
- The visit precedes the India–Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) scheduled later in Germany.
- India and Germany will mark 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Key Points
- Germany and India are the 3rd and 4th largest economies globally (IMF).
- Germany supports early conclusion of the EU– India Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
- Bilateral trade: Germany is India’s largest trading partner in the EU.
- Cooperation areas:
- Trade and investment
- Defence manufacturing and technology
- Green energy and hydrogen
- Education, research, and innovation
- Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act (2023) facilitates legal migration of skilled Indian professionals.
- Migration partnership emphasises safe, legal, and predictable migration.
- India is a key partner in Germany’s Indo-Pacific strategy.
Static Linkages
- Strategic partnerships in India’s foreign policy
- Free Trade Agreements and trade liberalisation
- Skilled migration and demographic transition
- Indo-Pacific regional construct
- Defence industrial cooperation
- Federalism and sub-national diplomacy
Critical Analysis
- Positives
- Enhances India’s access to EU markets.
- Supports supply chain diversification.
- Facilitates technology transfer in defence and green energy.
- Addresses skilled labour demand in Germany.
- Challenges
- EU–India FTA issues:
- Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
- Data protection norms
- Labour and environmental standards
- Managing migration to prevent brain drain.
- Aligning trade interests amid global protectionism.
Way Forward
- Early, balanced conclusion of EU–India FTA.
- Strengthen defence co-development and joint production.
- Expand cooperation in green hydrogen and renewable energy.
- Promote institutional mechanisms for skilled mobility.
- Enhance coordination in multilateral forums.
BULLUING TACTICS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The U.S. administration led by Donald Trump announced unilateral tariffs of 10% (from Feb 1), rising to 25% (from June 1) on imports from select European countries.
- Targeted countries include Denmark, France, Germany, Finland, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and the UK.
- The action is linked to U.S. pressure on Denmark over Greenland, an autonomous Arctic territory.
- European states criticised the move and deployed limited troops to Greenland for reconnaissance exercises.
- The episode has strained EU–U.S. relations and raised concerns over international law and NATO unity.
Key Points
- Type of Measure: Blanket, politically driven tariffs; not sector-specific trade remedies.
- Legal Issues:
- No explicit U.S. Congressional approval. Disputed use of the International
- Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
- EU Response:
- Possible activation of the EU Anti-Coercion Instrument, enabling counter-tariffs and restrictions on U.S. firms.
- Strategic Significance:
- Greenland’s relevance due to Arctic routes, critical minerals, and military positioning.
- Geopolitical Impact:
- Weakening of NATO cohesion.
- Undermining of rules-based trade order.
Static Linkages
- Sovereignty and territorial integrity (UN Charter).
- Most Favoured Nation (MFN) principle under WTO.
- Executive–legislative separation of powers.
- Tariffs as tools of trade protectionism.
- Arctic geopolitics and resource competition.
Critical Analysis
- Concerns
- Violates spirit of WTO norms and multilateralism.
- Normalises economic coercion against allies.
- Risks retaliatory trade wars and supply chain disruptions.
- Weakens alliance-based security structures.
Way Forward
- Reinforce WTO-based dispute resolution.
- Ensure domestic legal oversight over trade actions.
- Promote multilateral Arctic governance.
- Encourage alliance consultations over coercive tools.
CRISIS IN EDUCATIONS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context of the News
- Supreme Court of India issued 9 directions in an ongoing case on student suicides in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
- Court recognised massification of higher education + privatisation without quality as structural causes of student distress.
- Student distress identified as:
- Financial
- Social & discrimination-based
- Academic
- Institutional/administrative
- Directions issued using Article 142 (complete justice).
Key Points / Facts
- 7 out of 9 directions relate to:
- Mandatory record-keeping
- Reporting
- Tracking student suicides separately for HEIs.
- Remaining 2 directions:
- Immediate filling of Vice-Chancellor & Registrar posts
- Filling vacant faculty positions.
- Public HEIs across India show ~50% faculty vacancies (AISHE trends).
- University of Madras:
- Teaching strength ≈ 50% of sanctioned posts.
- No major faculty recruitment in last decade.
- Research centres degraded.
- Vice-Chancellor vacancies linked to Governor– State disputes.
- Recruitment governed by University Grants Commission norms:
- Minimum 6–9 months process.
- Requires State budgetary support.
Static Linkages
- Article 21 – Right to life includes mental health.
- Article 41 – State responsibility for education.
- Article 142 – Supreme Court’s power to ensure complete justice.
- UGC Act, 1956 – Standards of teaching & research.
- NEP 2020 – Student well-being, faculty adequacy, institutional quality.
- AISHE – Faculty shortage & GER data.
- 2nd ARC (Capacity Building) – Human resource deficit in public institutions.
Critical Analysis
- Pros
- Judicial acknowledgment of institutional causes of suicides.
- Focus on data transparency.
- Emphasis on leadership & faculty adequacy.
- Concerns
- Judicial intervention substituting executive action.
- 4-month timeline may be impractical (UGC + finances).
- Governor–State conflict may delay compliance.
- Faculty shortage + quality issues persist.
Way Forward
- National database on student suicides in HEIs.
- Time-bound resolution of Governor–State disputes.
- Union–State funding support for faculty recruitment.
- Transparent, merit-based VC & faculty appointments.
- Strengthen campus counselling & grievance mechanisms.
- Treat public universities as strategic social infrastructure.
EU UNITES AGAINST TRUMP TARIFFS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Donald Trump announced 10% tariff threats against eight European countries for opposing US stance on Greenland.
- The move triggered a rare joint condemnation by key US allies in Europe.
- The issue links trade coercion, Arctic geopolitics, and transatlantic security relations.
Key Facts to Remember
- Greenland is a semi-autonomous territory of Denmark, not a sovereign state.
- Denmark is a member of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
- The Arctic region is gaining importance due to:
- Climate-induced ice melt
- New shipping routes
- Access to critical minerals and hydrocarbons
- The European Union functions as a single customs territory, limiting selective tariff action.
- European leaders warned that divisions may benefit China and Russia strategically.
Static Linkages
- Sovereignty & Territorial Integrity: Core principles of the UN Charter.
- Arctic Council:
- Intergovernmental forum Focus on environment and sustainable development
- No military or defence mandate
- WTO Principles:
- Most-Favoured-Nation (MFN)
- Non-discrimination in trade
- NATO Framework:
- Collective security and alliance consultations
- Global Commons:
- Arctic as an emerging global commons affected by climate change (IPCC reports)
Analytical Pointers
- Use of tariffs as diplomatic pressure reflects economic coercion in foreign policy.
- Undermines rule-based international trade order and alliance trust.
- Highlights growing militarisation and strategic competition in the Arctic.
- Raises questions on balancing national security concerns vs multilateral cooperation.
Way Forward
- Address Arctic security concerns within NATO and Arctic Council mechanisms.
- Separate trade disputes from security issues to avoid escalation.
- Reinforce multilateralism and dialogue- based conflict resolution.
- Promote cooperative governance of the Arctic amid climate change.
REFORM NEEDS SUBSIDY RATIONALISATION- The Union government led by Narendra Modi has accelerated economic reforms amid global trade disruptions and tariff shocks.
- India’s First Advance Estimates project 7.4% GDP growth in FY26, while CPI inflation declined to 1.3% (Dec 2025).
- However, agriculture GDP growth is estimated at only 3.1% in FY26, down from 4.6% in FY25.
- The fall in inflation is largely due to a sharp decline in food prices, raising concerns over farm incomes.
- This has renewed debate on rationalisation of food and fertiliser subsidies, which together form a major share of the Union Budget.
Key Points
- Food Price Trends (Dec 2025, YoY
- Onion prices ↓ ~48%
- Potato prices ↓ ~35%
- Pulses selling 10–30% below MSP
- Subsidy Magnitude (FY26 Estimates)
- Food subsidy: ~₹2.25 trillion
- Fertiliser subsidy: ~₹2 trillion
- Combined share: ~8–8.5% of ~₹51 trillion Union Budget
- Public Distribution System (PDS)
- ~813 million beneficiaries (~56% of population).
- Rice economic cost ≈ ₹42/kg; wheat ≈ ₹30/kg (via Food Corporation of India).
- Poverty vs Coverage Gap
- Extreme poverty at 5.3% (2022) as per World Bank ($3 PPP/day).
- At $4.2 PPP/day, poverty ≈ 24%.
- Fertiliser Subsidy Issues
- Urea remains outside Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS).
- Imbalanced fertiliser use → soil degradation, groundwater pollution, higher GHG emissions.
- Leakage estimated at 20–25% (Economic Survey, CAG).
Static Linkages
- Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism – CACP recommendations.
- Public Distribution System reforms – POS, Aadhaar seeding, One Nation One Ration Card.
- Nutrient Based Subsidy (2010) – applied to P & K fertilisers, not urea.
- JAM Trinity – foundation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
- Sustainable agriculture & soil health – NCERT Class XI (IED).
Critical Analysis
- Positive Aspects
- Free food ensured consumption smoothing during economic shocks.
- POS-enabled PDS reduced diversion and ghost beneficiaries.
- Subsidies helped contain inflation and social distress.
- Concerns
- Over-coverage of PDS leads to fiscal inefficiency.
- Free food even to surplus farmers creates moral hazard.
- Subsidy bias distorts cropping patterns (rice– wheat dominance).
- Environmental externalities from excessive nitrogen use.
- Fertiliser subsidy exceeds the total budget of the Agriculture Ministry.
Way Forward
- Gradually reduce PDS coverage from 56% to ~15– 25%.
- Restrict free food to Antyodaya households.
- Introduce partial pricing for others (≥50% of MSP). Shift towards Direct Cash Transfers for farmers.
- Convert part of FPS network into nutrition hubs.
- Bring urea under NBS and rationalise fertiliser pricing.
- Integrate food and fertiliser subsidies with an expanded PM-KISAN framework.
JAMMU, BETWEEN BELONGING AND REFUSAL
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Post-abrogation of Article 370 (August 2019), Jammu emerged as a distinct political and socio-cultural region within the Union Territory of J&K.
- Jammu largely supported the constitutional move but subsequent developments exposed identity anxieties and inclusion debates.
- Issues relating to domicile rights, migrant inclusion, and regional identity have gained prominence.
- Reflects broader challenges of constitutional integration vs social integration.
Key Points
- Jammu is part of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir created under the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
- J&K Domicile Rules, 2020 expanded eligibility for domicile to:
- Residents living for 15 years, or
- Students who studied 7 years and appeared in Class 10/12 exams.
- Despite legal inclusion, social resistance to migrants persists.
- Cultural assertion prioritises Dogra identity and pride over Dogri language preservation.
- Jammu’s political identity remains reactive to developments in Kashmir Valley.
- Strong political alignment with New Delhi, but weaker acceptance of grassroots pluralism.
Static Linkages
- Federalism: asymmetric arrangements within the Indian Constitution
- Citizenship vs domicile: legal status vs social belonging
- Internal migration and urban sociology
- Centre–State relations in sensitive border regions
- Culture as a tool of political mobilisation
Critical Analysis
- Positives
- Ensured constitutional uniformity and parliamentary supremacy.
- Expanded access to jobs and education through domicile reforms.
- Greater administrative focus and infrastructure development.
- Concerns
- Persistence of social exclusion despite legal inclusion.
- Selective integration: acceptance of central authority, resistance to local diversity.
- Marginalisation of linguistic heritage in favour of political identity.
- Risk of alienation of long-term migrants and professionals.
- Constitutional–Ethical Dimension
- Formal equality under law does not guarantee substantive equality.
- Integration must balance national unity with social justice.
Way Forward
- Strengthen local self-government institutions to build trust.
- Promote inclusive urban citizenship, not just domicile-based rights.
- Revive Dogri language and cultural pluralism.
- Institutionalise dialogue between locals and migrants.
- Shift policy focus from symbolic integration to social cohesion indicators.
EUROPE MUST PUSH BACK ON GREENLAND
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Context of the News
- US President Donald Trump has renewed pressure on Denmark regarding control over Greenland.
- Threats of US tariffs on European nations allegedly linked to support for US claims over Greenland.
- Deployment of European troops in Greenland amid heightened security concerns.
- Raises unprecedented questions on intra- alliance conflict within NATO.
- Developments coincide with India–EU and India–US trade negotiations.
Key Points
- Greenland is a self-governing territory under Danish sovereignty.
- Hosts US Thule Air Base, critical for missile warning and Arctic surveillance.
- Article 5 of NATO: collective defence clause.
- Denmark lost 43 soldiers in Afghanistan as part of NATO operations.
- Arctic region gaining importance due to:
- Melting ice routes
- Rare earth mineral
- Strategic military positioning
Static Linkages
- Sovereignty and territorial integrity – Westphalian system (NCERT).
- Collective security and alliances – NATO Charter.
- Trade as a foreign policy tool – Economic Survey.
- Arctic geopolitics – NCERT Contemporary World Politics.
Critical Analysis
- Undermines rules-based international order.
- Weakens credibility of NATO’s collective security principle.
- Normalises economic coercion over diplomacy.
- Risks alliance fragmentation in Europe.
- Creates uncertainty for third-party partners like India.
Way Forward
- Uphold sovereignty and international law.
- Decouple trade negotiations from strategic coercion.
- India to prioritise strategic autonomy.
- Conclude India–EU trade deal expeditiously.
- Maintain balanced engagement with US and Europe.
RECORD RICE OUTPUT, NEW RISKS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- India surpassed China to become the world’s largest rice producer in 2024–25.
- India’s rice production: ~150 million metric tonnes (MMT); China: 145.28 MMT.
- India’s share in global rice production increased to ~28%.
- Announcement made by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Key Points
- Rice production increased from 104.4 MMT (2014–15) to 150 MMT (2024–25).
- Area under paddy rose from 43.66 Mha (2019– 20) to 51.42 Mha (2024–25).
- Yield tripled and production nearly quadrupled since 1969–70.
- Central pool rice stock (Jan 1, 2026): 63.06 MMT (including unmilled paddy).
- Buffer norm for rice on Jan 1: 7.61 MMT (Foodgrains Stocking Norms, 2015).
- Annual rice requirement under NFSA, 2013 and welfare schemes: ~37.2 MMT.
- 38.13% of total rice production procured during KMS 2023–24.
- ~56% of procurement from Punjab, Haryana, Chhattisgarh, Odisha.
- Economic cost of rice to FCI: ~₹33/kg.
- Per hectare economic cost of rice: ~₹1.36 lakh/ha.
- Net return (MSP 2021–22):
- Paddy: ₹56,226/ha
- Maize: ₹17,856/ha
- Moong: ₹45,665/ha
- Paddy water requirement: 1–3 tonnes of water per kg of rice.
- Rice exports (2024–25):
- Basmati: 6 MMT
- Non-basmati: 14.13 MMT
Static Linkages
- Green Revolution and spread of HYV rice varieties.
- MSP-based procurement and assured price mechanism.
- Buffer stocking policy and Public Distribution System.
- Cropping pattern distortion due to price incentives.
- Groundwater over-extraction in irrigated regions.
- Food security vs nutritional security trade-off.
Critical Analysis
- Advantages
- Strengthens food security under NFSA.
- Stable income to farmers via MSP and procurement.
- Enhances India’s position in global agri- exports.
- Concerns
- Excessive rice stocks → fiscal and storage burden.
- Paddy expansion in water-stressed regions.
- Groundwater depletion (notably Punjab– Haryana).
- Low diversification → pulses and oilseeds deficit.
- Regional yield disparity across states.
Way Forward
- Incentivise crop diversification in low-yield paddy districts.
- Promote pulses and oilseeds to reduce import dependence.
- Rationalise MSP signals to reflect ecological costs.
- Encourage water-saving technologies (DSR, micro-irrigation).
- Align procurement policy with nutritional security goals.
- Gradual reduction of surplus rice stocks through calibrated exports.
