In News:

• India, the world’s largest producer and consumer of pulses, continues to face a structural gap between domestic production and rising demand. Lower productivity levels, yield gaps, and increasing import dependence have highlighted the need for a targeted national strategy.
• To address these concerns, the Government of India has launched the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (2025–31)—a six-year initiative aimed at transforming India into a self-reliant pulses-producing nation through scientific, institutional, and market reforms.

Overview of the Mission

Formally launched by the Prime Minister on 11 October 2025, the Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses was first announced in the Union Budget 2024–25. The programme is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, with collaborative support from NAFED, NCCF, and state governments.

Mission Duration and Financial Outlay

• Implementation period: 2025–26 to 2030–31
• Total outlay: ?11,440 crore
• Targets:
  • Raise production by 45%—from 242 lakh MT (2023–24) to 350 lakh MT (2030–31)
  • Expand cultivated area by 13%—from 275 lakh ha to 310 lakh ha
  • Improve average yield by 28%—from 881 kg/ha to 1,130 kg/ha

Rationale: Current Status and Challenges

India cultivates a wide variety of pulses across agro-climatic zones. Major pulse-growing states include:

• Area (2023–24): Rajasthan (54.67 lakh ha), Madhya Pradesh (51 lakh ha), Maharashtra (44 lakh ha), Uttar Pradesh (30 lakh ha)
• Production (2023–24): Madhya Pradesh (59.74 lakh MT), Maharashtra (40 lakh MT), Rajasthan (33 lakh MT), Uttar Pradesh (31 lakh MT)

Gram dominates both area and output, followed by moong, tur (arhar), urad, and masoor. Over 60% of pulses production occurs during the rabi season.

Despite being the largest pulses producer, India remains dependent on imports from Myanmar, Tanzania, Mozambique, Canada, Australia, among others. Demand is projected to reach 268 lakh MT by 2030 and 293 lakh MT by 2047 (NITI Aayog), far exceeding current production levels. Productivity remains significantly lower than global benchmarks—Canada (2200 kg/ha) and China (1815 kg/ha).

Why Focus on Tur, Urad, and Masoor?

These three pulses account for 34% of total pulses area and contribute significantly to national output. They also exhibit high yield gaps and are crucial for nutritional security. The Mission plans:

• 9 lakh ha expansion in tur—across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand and non-traditional areas like the Northeast.
• Utilisation of rice fallows for expanding urad in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
• Promotion of masoor in rice fallow areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Chhattisgarh.

Key Components and Features of the Mission

1. Development of Climate-Resilient Seeds: Focus on high-yielding, drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and protein-enriched varieties.

2. Higher Productivity through Technological Adoption

• Enhanced support of ?10,000/ha for Front Line Demonstrations (FLDs) of improved technologies (higher than ?9,000 under NFSM).
• Strengthening post-harvest storage, grading, and processing infrastructure.

3. 100% Assured Procurement

A major innovation in the mission framework:

• NAFED and NCCF will undertake 100% procurement of tur, urad and masoor for four years under PM-AASHA’s Price Support Scheme (PSS).
• Aadhaar-enabled biometric/facial authentication will ensure transparency and eliminate leakages.

4. Cluster-Based Approach

Each cluster will include minimum 10 ha (2 ha in hilly/Northeast region). Cluster selection based on:

• Four-fold district classification: HA-HY, HA-LY, LA-HY, LA-LY
• Rice fallow, rainfed, and watershed areas
• Aspirational districts, border/LWE districts
• Regions under PM Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana, Adarsh Gram Yojana, and Northeast/Himalayan areas

5. Value-Chain Strengthening: Interventions span input supply, extension, mechanisation, processing, market linkages and digital traceability.

Comparative Advantage over Previous Schemes

The Mission subsumes the pulses component of National Food Security and Nutrition Mission (NFSNM) but provides:

• Higher financial support
• Wider geographical coverage
• Expanded interventions (seed hubs, storage, procurement)
• Stronger digital governance
• Guaranteed procurement for three major pulses

National Significance

• Food and Nutritional Security: Pulses are key protein sources in Indian diets.
• Import Substitution: Reduces dependency on global markets and price volatility.
• Farmer Income Stability: Guaranteed procurement and improved yields boost profitability.
• Climate Resilience: Promotes drought-friendly crops, diversifies cropping patterns, and utilises rice fallows.
• Balanced Regional Development: Targets backward, rainfed, aspirational and border districts.

In News:

The Government of India has cleared the first batch of seven projects worth ?5,532 crore under the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS), marking a critical milestone in India’s transition from assembling finished electronic products to building a strong component-level manufacturing base. These approved projects are expected to generate ?36,559 crore in production, create over 5,100 direct jobs, and significantly reduce India’s import dependence in high-value electronic components.

Overview of the ECMS

The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme (ECMS) is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY). Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2024, its objective is to strengthen India’s backbone in the electronic components and materials ecosystem.

Key Objectives

• Promote domestic manufacturing of bare components, sub-assemblies, and specialized materials.
• Enhance domestic value addition (DVA) across the electronics supply chain.
• Integrate Indian manufacturers with Global Value Chains (GVCs), especially in semiconductors, telecom, EVs, and renewable energy.
• Support capital investments through a mix of turnover-linked, capex-based, and hybrid incentives.

Tenure and Incentive Structure

• Turnover-linked incentive: 6 years, with a 1-year gestation period.
• Capex incentive: 5-year support window.

Projects Approved Under the First Batch

The first set of projects includes manufacturing units for:

• High-Density Interconnect (HDI) PCBs
• Multi-Layer PCBs
• Copper Clad Laminates (CCL)
• Camera Modules
• Polypropylene Films

These units are spread across Tamil Nadu (5 units), Andhra Pradesh (1 unit), and Madhya Pradesh (1 unit), promoting regional dispersion of advanced electronics manufacturing.

Strategic Impact on Domestic Manufacturing

Meeting Domestic Demand

• New manufacturing units will meet 100% of India’s demand for Copper Clad Laminates.
• 20% of domestic PCB demand and 15% of camera module demand will be met locally.
• Around 60% of total production from these plants is expected to be exported, strengthening India’s global integration.

Camera modules, PCBs, and base materials form the essential components in smartphones, laptops, drones, robotics, medical devices, automotive electronics, and industrial systems — sectors critical for future economic growth.

India’s Strong Entry into Base Material Manufacturing

• A major breakthrough is the establishment of India’s first Copper Clad Laminate manufacturing unit, which serves as the foundational material for multi-layer PCBs. Previously, the entire requirement was imported, exposing India to supply chain vulnerabilities.
• Similarly, Polypropylene Films, vital for capacitor production used in consumer electronics, automotive components, telecommunications, computing equipment, and industrial systems, will now be manufactured domestically.

Economic and Industrial Impact

• Import Reduction: Key components and base materials will be produced domestically, reducing foreign dependency.
• Cost Reduction: Local production will bring down manufacturing costs and improve competitiveness.
• High-Skill Employment: Over 5,100 direct jobs from the first batch and potentially 91,600 jobs across the scheme will be created, according to scheme projections.
• R&D Strengthening: The initiative fosters technology absorption and innovation capability.

These seven approved projects form part of a much larger response — with 249 applications received representing ?1.15 lakh crore investment, potential production of ?10.34 lakh crore, and 1.42 lakh jobs, marking the highest-ever investment commitment in India’s electronics sector.

Integration with National Electronics Vision

ECMS is designed as a complementary pillar to:

• PLI Scheme for Large-Scale Electronics Manufacturing
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

Together, they aim to create a seamless end-to-end manufacturing chain, covering devices, chips, components, materials, capital equipment, and innovation ecosystems.

In News:

• In September 2025, India and the European Union adopted the EU–India New Strategic Agenda 2025, a comprehensive vision document aimed at elevating their partnership into a transformative global framework for the next decade.
• Building upon the 2020 EU–India Strategic Partnership Roadmap, the new agenda broadens cooperation in sustainable development, digital governance, supply-chain resilience, connectivity, and defence.
• It is structured around five core pillars: Prosperity and Sustainability; Technology and Innovation; Security and Defence; Connectivity and Global Issues; and Enablers Across Pillars, reflecting a multidimensional partnership.
• A landmark development under this agenda is the decision to link the Indian Carbon Market (ICM)—formally India’s evolving Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS)—with the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This integration allows carbon prices paid within India to be deducted from CBAM levies at the EU border, potentially shielding Indian exporters from double taxation and incentivising early decarbonisation. If successfully implemented, the linkage would represent one of the most significant North–South climate cooperation efforts, setting a precedent for global carbon market integration.

Key Features of the New Strategic Agenda 2025

1. Prosperity & Sustainability

The agenda emphasises climate cooperation and green transition pathways:

• Joint clean energy transition initiatives including renewable energy, green hydrogen, and sustainable finance.
• Expansion of the Green Partnership, focused on technology transfer, co-investment, and carbon neutrality strategies.
• The carbon market linkage aims to align India’s carbon pricing framework with global standards and reduce trade frictions arising from CBAM enforcement.

2. Technology & Innovation

The EU and India plan deep cooperation across critical technologies:

• Collaboration in semiconductors, 5G/6G standardisation, quantum technologies, and AI ethics frameworks.
• Development of digital public infrastructure aligned with principles of privacy, transparency, and data protection.

3. Security & Defence

The agenda institutionalises a Security and Defence Partnership:

• Joint naval exercises, maritime domain awareness, and cybersecurity operations in the Indo-Pacific.
• Greater strategic alignment in the context of China’s increasing assertiveness and the need for secure maritime routes.

4. Connectivity & Global Issues

Cooperation includes:

• The EU’s Global Gateway Initiative and India’s participation in the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
• Infrastructure connectivity, supply-chain resilience, and sustainable transport systems.

5. Enablers Across Pillars: Enhanced mobility, education and research exchanges, and institutional dialogues strengthen long-term engagement.

Significance of Linking ICM with CBAM

The linkage is historically significant because it allows Indian carbon credits to be recognised within the EU’s border adjustment framework. This could:

• Prevent double carbon penalties on Indian exporters entering the EU market.
• Reward early decarbonisation by reducing CBAM-related costs.
• Provide a model for climate cooperation between developed and developing economies, addressing equity concerns embedded in global climate governance.

In News:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually addressed the 22nd India–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, reaffirming India’s commitment to enhancing cooperation in maritime security, digital inclusion, resilient supply chains, and economic integration.
• During the address, he announced that 2026 will be celebrated as the “ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation,” reflecting an intensified focus on the Indo-Pacific maritime domain. The remarks aligned with ASEAN’s theme under Malaysia’s chairmanship — “Inclusivity and Sustainability.”

Evolution of India–ASEAN Engagement

India’s engagement with ASEAN has evolved over more than three decades:

• 1992: Sectoral Dialogue Partnership initiated.
• 1996: Upgraded to Full Dialogue Partnership.
• 2002: India began regular participation in ASEAN Summits.
• 2009: ASEAN–India FTA in Goods (AITIGA) came into force;
• 2015: Services and Investment Agreements added.
• 2014 onwards: Transition from “Look East” to Act East Policy, increasing political, cultural and strategic connectivity.
• 2022: Partnership elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The partnership is grounded in shared civilisational links, especially through Buddhism, historical maritime routes, and cultural exchanges dating back to the Gupta and Srivijaya eras.

Recent Summit Highlights: Strategic Messaging

Despite PM Modi’s long-standing practice of physical participation in ASEAN summits, his virtual presence this year was noted as an unusual departure. Given the symbolic importance of leader-level diplomacy in ASEAN's consensus-driven ecosystem, some observers considered his absence a missed opportunity, especially amid strengthening bilateral ties with Malaysia after upgrading relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Nevertheless, PM Modi reaffirmed India’s intent to complement ASEAN’s Community Vision 2045 and India’s national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, framing both as convergent long-term goals. He highlighted India’s role as a First Responder in regional crises, a position increasingly recognised across Southeast Asia.

Unlike previous years featuring extensive multi-point proposals, the 2025 address emphasised consolidation over expansion, centred primarily on maritime cooperation — a significant signal as the Philippines assumes ASEAN chairmanship in 2026 amid rising maritime tensions in the South China Sea.

Key Pillars of Cooperation

1. Maritime Security & Indo-Pacific Cooperation

• Joint patrols, coordinated naval exercises, and enhanced maritime domain awareness.
• Blue economy initiatives under the ASEAN–India Year of Maritime Cooperation (2026).

2. Economic Integration

• Review of the ASEAN–India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) to address market access constraints, streamline rules of origin, and reduce non-tariff barriers.
• Policymakers are urged to prioritise long-term regional integration over short-term protectionist anxieties.

3. Digital & Green Economy

• Cooperation in digital public infrastructure, cybersecurity, AI governance, renewable energy, green ports, and climate-resilient supply chains.

4. Connectivity Projects

• Acceleration of India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.
• Progress on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Corridor, strengthening multimodal and economic connectivity.

5. Cultural Diplomacy & People-to-People Links

• ICCR scholarships, academic exchanges, tourism linkages, and the ASEAN–India Network of Think Tanks (AINTT).
• Emphasis on shared civilisational heritage and cultural exchanges.

Initiatives & Institutional Mechanisms

• ASEAN–India Plan of Action (2026–2030) focusing on trade, innovation, food security, agriculture, health, and education.
• India’s ?500 crore ASEAN–India Fund supporting capacity building, agriculture, and connectivity projects.
• Track 1.5 dialogue platforms reveal growing regional acknowledgement of India’s strategic role in Southeast Asia.

In News:

• National Unity Day (Rashtriya Ekta Diwas) is observed annually on 31 October to mark the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, India’s first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.
• Introduced in 2014, the day highlights Patel's pivotal role in consolidating the nation by integrating over 560 princely states into the Indian Union at the time of Independence— a task that earned him the enduring title, the “Iron Man of India.”
• The year 2025 marks the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel, and the commemorative events have been organised on an unprecedented scale at the Statue of Unity in Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The celebrations highlight the theme “Unity in Diversity”, underscoring India’s multicultural character and the importance of national cohesion.

Historical Significance of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel

• Born on 31 October 1875 in Nadiad, Gujarat, Patel initially practised law before joining the national movement under Mahatma Gandhi.
• His leadership in the Kheda Satyagraha (1918) and Nagpur Flag Satyagraha (1923) marked his rise as a mass leader.
• As President of the Ahmedabad Municipal Board (1924), he reformed urban infrastructure, sanitation and civic systems.
• The Bardoli Satyagraha (1928) elevated him to national prominence, earning him the honorific “Sardar.”
• At Independence, he was entrusted with unifying the 17 British provinces and integrating the princely states—an immense administrative and diplomatic feat.
• Served as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister (1947–1950) and also held charge of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.