India’s first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) under UNFCCC Paris Agreement

Preliminary Exam, General Studies-II, General Studies-III, International Treaties and Agreements, Important International Institutions

To enhance openness in climate action, governments are required to submit BTRs every two years under the Paris Agreement, 2015. Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are free to submit them.

These reports align progress on national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and climate adaptation measures.

BUR: India submitted the first Biennial Update Reports (BUR), with the final report covering data up to 2020 in 2024 (BUR-4).

Key highlights of BUR 4:

India’s gas emissions: Carbon dioxide (80.53%), methane (13.32%), nitrous oxide (5.13%), and others 1.02%.

Sectoral emissions: Energy (75.66%), agriculture (13.72%), industrial process and product use (IPPU) (8.06%), and waste (2.56%).

Forest and tree cover: 522 million tonnes (mt) of CO₂ stored, equivalent to a 22% reduction in the country’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2020.

Emission intensity reduction: With a 36% reduction in emission intensity (2005-2020), India is on track to achieve its target of a 45% reduction by 2030.

As of 2020, India’s emissions excluding land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) were 2,959 metric tons of CO2e, while including LULUCF, the net emissions were 2,437 metric tons of CO2e.

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NMC rules struck down by the Supreme Court

Preliminary Exam, General Studies-II, Disability related issues

Source: Hindustan Times

In Anmol vs Union of India, 2024, the Supreme Court (SC) struck down the National Medical Commission (NMC) guideline requiring disabled candidates to have “healthy, intact sensation and adequate capacity in both hands” for MBBS admission as arbitrary, discriminatory and unconstitutional.

The guideline was held to be contrary to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPwD), 2016, Article 41 of the Constitution and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Article 41 provides for the protection of the right to work, to education and to receive public assistance in case of unemployment, old age, ill-health and disability.

The Supreme Court ruled that functional assessment of a candidate's abilities should be given priority over strict eligibility criteria.

The Supreme Court held that the NMC's assessment board failed to meet the standards set in two landmark judgments:

Omkar Ramchandra Gond case, 2024: It ruled that mere quantification of disability is insufficient, functional capacity must be assessed.

Om Rathore v Director General of Health Services case, 2024: It emphasized opportunities for disabled candidates by giving priority to functional ability over physical attributes.

The Supreme Court urged the NMC to revise the disability admission guidelines in line with the Constitution, RPwD Act, UNCRPD and Supreme Court judgments.

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India to become a high-income country by 2047

India is on its way to becoming a high-income nation by 2047, with its GDP expected to reach $35 trillion from $23 trillion. According to a recent report by Bain & Company and NASSCOM, the services sector (60% contribution) and the manufacturing sector (32% contribution) will play the most important role in India's economic growth. Technology, workforce expansion and strategic investments in key sectors will be key to driving this transformation.

How will India's workforce shape economic growth?

India's workforce is expected to grow to 200 million in the coming two decades, driving job creation and economic expansion. However, the report warns of a potential shortage of 50 million skilled workforce by 2030 if skill development and STEM education (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) are not prioritised. To bridge this gap, the government and the private sector need to focus on vocational training, digital literacy, and industry-specific skill development, so that India remains competitive in the global job market.

What role will technology and manufacturing play?

Technological advancements such as AI, touchless manufacturing, and chip design will be the key to India’s future. The report mentions that the manufacturing sector’s export contribution could grow from 24% to 45%-50% by 2047, while its contribution to GDP is expected to increase from 3% to 8%-10%. Moreover, the share of renewable energy in total energy generation could grow from 24% in 2023 to 70% by 2047.

The report identifies five key industries as the main drivers of India’s strategic growth:

In particular, the auto-component export sector is expected to reach $200-250 billion by 2047, driven by the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs). Moreover, IT, finance and healthcare will continue to be the backbone of the services sector. India needs to strengthen public-private partnerships, prepare sector-specific investment roadmaps to maximize this potential And there will be a need to reduce dependence on global supply chains.

Challenges

Need for infrastructure development

Reducing the skill and innovation gap

Increasing investment in transport, digital infrastructure and research and development (R&D)

Moving towards the goal of 2047, India will have to adopt a balanced strategy that integrates workforce development, technology and industrial growth, so that it can emerge as a global economic power.

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Global Investors Summit 2025

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Global Investors Summit 2025 in Bhopal, announcing 18 new industrial policies. The summit aims to transform Madhya Pradesh into an industrial and investment hub.

Global Investors Summit 2025:

1. Prime Minister Modi's address and key announcements

India is becoming a major hub for global supply chains, especially in the aerospace industry.

Reiterated the commitment to make Madhya Pradesh a major investment destination soon.

Said that India's economic progress has been recognized by institutions like the World Bank, OECD and UN.

Highlighted India's achievements in solar energy, manufacturing and digital transformation.

2. Participation of leading industrialists

The summit was attended by top industrialists of India, including:

Kumar Mangalam Birla (Aditya Birla Group)

Gautam Adani (Adani Group)

Nadir Godrej (Godrej Industries)

Piroj Khambatta (Rasna Private Limited)

Baba N Kalyani (Bharat Forge)

Rahul Awasthi (Sun Pharmaceuticals)

Neeraj Akhouri (ACC Limited)

3. Role of Madhya Pradesh in economic growth

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav emphasized the state's contribution under Developed India 2047.

Over 100 foreign delegates from 50+ countries attended the summit.

Over 25,000 registrations were received from investors and entrepreneurs.

Madhya Pradesh is emerging as an emerging industrial hub for global and domestic investments.

4. Focus on key investment sectors

The summit highlighted investment opportunities in these key sectors:

Agriculture and Food Processing

Textiles and Textile Industry

Mining

Information Technology and Renewable Energy

Urban Development and Tourism

Semiconductors, Drones and Film Production

5. Industrial Policies and Future Roadmap

18 new industrial policies were launched, including MSME, Exports, Startups and Global Competence Centres (GCC).

A special video presentation titled “Madhya Pradesh – Infinite Possibilities” was released.

Home Minister Amit Shah will chair the closing session of the summit on February 25, 2025.

6. Future Strategy and Vision

Chief Secretary Anurag Jain will present the Industrial Development Plan of Madhya Pradesh.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will hold personal meetings with industrialists.

The event aims to establish Madhya Pradesh as a global investment destination.

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India's economic growth rate will slow down to 6.4 percent in 2025

India's economic growth rate is estimated to decline to 6.4% in 2025, from 6.6% in 2024. This figure has come out in a recent report by Moody's Analytics. According to the report, global trade tensions, new US tariffs, and weak global demand may affect Indian exports. The Asia-Pacific region is also facing a slowdown, where China's GDP growth rate is expected to decline from 5% in 2024 to 4.2% in 2025.

Major reasons for GDP decline

1. Trade tensions and impact on exports

The new US tariffs may make Indian exports less competitive.

Weakening global demand may reduce the demand for Indian products.

The slowdown in the export sector may affect India's overall economic growth.

2. Impact of regional economic slowdown

Economic activities in the Asia-Pacific region are slowing down. Decline in China's GDP may impact supply chain and trade patterns.

Slowdown in trade relations between China and India may pose a new challenge for the Indian economy.

3. Currency and investment challenges

Depreciation in the rupee may make imports costlier, which may increase the trade deficit.

Reduction in foreign investment (FDI) may impact the growth of manufacturing and technology sectors.

Inflation volatility may impact the purchasing power of consumers.

Government strategy: Measures to tackle recession

1. Fiscal and monetary policy reforms

Emphasis on inflation control, strengthening the rupee, and attracting foreign investment.

Need to maintain balance in monetary policies.

Reforms in government spending and tax policies for economic stability.

2. Budgetary support to boost domestic demand

Priority to infrastructure, job creation, and economic stimulus schemes in the upcoming Union Budget.

Target to bring down fiscal deficit to below 4.5% of GDP.

3. Boost private consumption and investment

Strong consumer demand is expected to persist in the retail, service and technology sectors.

India will remain one of the world's fastest growing economies.

India's position compared to the global economy

According to the United Nations, the global economy will grow at a rate of only 2.8% in 2025.

The slowdown in the US and China may impact emerging economies.

Still, India's 6.4% GDP growth rate will be higher than many developed countries.

The digital economy and the expansion of the middle class will help long-term growth.

Future prospects

India recorded 6.6% GDP growth in 2024 , which was driven by rural demand, industrial expansion, and the strength of the service sector.

Maintaining high growth rates is necessary by promoting job creation, skills development, and domestic manufacturing.

Policies that support labor productivity, investment flows, and innovation will be essential for long-term growth.

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Global Firepower Ranking 2025 / Global Military Spending Trends in 2025

According to a recent report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), global defense spending reached $2.46 trillion in 2024, showing a significant increase compared to $2.24 trillion in 2023. The average share of defense spending in global GDP has increased to 1.9%. This increase is mainly due to growing security threats and geopolitical tensions in Europe, the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and Asia.

Global Military Spending Trends in 2025

Due to security challenges, various countries have emphasized on modernization of their armies and upgrading military technology. According to the Global Firepower Ranking 2025, the following are the top ten countries in terms of defence budget:

Rank ,Country ,Defence Budget (in US Dollars)

1 United States $895 billion

2 China $266.85 billion

3 Russia $126 billion

4 India $75 billion

5 Saudi Arabia $74.76 billion

6 United Kingdom $71.5 billion

7 Japan $57 billion

8 Australia $55.7 billion

9 France $55 billion

10 Ukraine $53.7 billion

The US remains on top with a budget of $895 billion.

China has allocated a budget of $266.85 billion to boost its military power.

Russia has increased its defence budget to $126 billion due to ongoing conflicts.

India is ranked fourth and maintains a strong military presence with a defence budget of $75 billion.

Ukraine has also joined the top 10 defence spending countries due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

India's Defence Spending 2025: Detailed Analysis

India's Global Military Ranking

India is ranked fourth in the Global Firepower Index 2025 with a power score of 0.1184. The country is continuously increasing its defence budget to strengthen its military capabilities to tackle security threats.

Union Budget 2025: Defence Allocation

The Government of India has allocated ₹6.81 lakh crore for the Ministry of Defence in the Union Budget for FY 2025, which is 13.45% of the total budget. This is the highest allocation among all ministries, reflecting India's commitment towards national security.

Main investment areas in India's defense budget

Procurement of fighter aircraft, warships and submarines

Development of indigenous defense technology under the 'Make in India' initiative

Strengthening cyber security and space defense capabilities

Upgrading military infrastructure along the borders with China and Pakistan

Major reasons for increase in defense spending

1. Geopolitical tensions

Military spending of European countries increased due to the Russia-Ukraine war.

The China-Taiwan dispute and regional conflicts in the South China Sea raised security concerns in Asia.

The expansion of NATO and increasing military activities led to intensified reactions from Russia and China.

2. Innovation in warfare technology

Many countries are investing in AI-based military technology, cyber warfare, and hypersonic missiles.

The global defense budget is increasing to upgrade nuclear deterrence and space defense capabilities.

3. Strengthening strategic alliances

Increasing alliances between countries have led to an increase in defense spending.

The Quad alliance of India, the US, Japan and Australia is prioritizing strategic security.

Future Defence Spending Trends

Global military spending is likely to increase further in the coming years due to growing security challenges.

The development of new generation weapons, expanding military alliances, and growing threats of cyber warfare will shape the defence budget.

India is moving towards self-reliance in defence production, which will reduce dependence on imports and further strengthen the country's military power.

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India in Global Reputation Rankings

The Times Higher Education (THE) World Reputation Rankings 2025 assesses prestigious universities around the world, prioritising academic excellence and global recognition.

This year too, Harvard University has remained at the top spot for the 14th consecutive year, while the University of Oxford and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have jointly secured the second position.

This year, four premier Indian institutions made it to the list, but all of them declined in rankings. Apart from this, Odisha's Shiksha 'O' Anusandhan entered the 201-300 ranking group for the first time.

Global rankings

Harvard University continues to hold the top spot for the 14th consecutive year.

The University of Oxford and MIT jointly secured the second spot.

Only one UK university (Oxford) features in the top 7, while US universities dominate.

The list features 300 institutions from 38 countries.

Performance of Indian universities

Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru was in the 101-125 ranking band in 2023 but has now moved to the 201-300 band.

IIT Delhi dropped from the 151-175 band to the 201-300 band. IIT Madras dropped down from the 176-200 band to the 201-300 band. IIT Bombay which was earlier in the 151-175 band dropped out of this year’s list completely. Shiksha ‘O’ Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar entered the 201-300 ranking band for the first time.

 Methodology of World Reputation Ranking 2025

 Six key criteria are used to determine this ranking:

 • Research Vote Count – academic reputation in research.

 • Teaching Vote Count – reputation for excellence in teaching.

• Research Pair Comparison – direct comparison of institutions’ research.

 • Teaching Pair Comparison – direct comparison of institutions’ teaching.

• Research Voter Diversity – diversity of experts voting in research.

• Teaching Voter Diversity – diversity of faculty members participating in teaching.

 This ranking reflects the reputation of universities globally and indicates the need for improvement for Indian institutions.

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