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11. Clean Energy Sector in India Impacted by China's Predatory Pricing
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations), General Studies Paper III (Environment, Energy Security)
Context:
India's clean energy sector has been affected by China’s predatory pricing practices, particularly in solar equipment manufacturing. To counter this, India is exploring partnerships with Western countries for technology transfer and investments.
Key Points:
Impact on Clean Energy Sector:
Chinese companies dominate the global solar supply chain, often employing predatory pricing tactics to undercut competitors. This impacts India's efforts to develop its domestic solar manufacturing capabilities.
Strategic Shift:
India is seeking to diversify its energy partnerships by collaborating with Western nations, reducing its dependency on China for renewable energy technology and boosting domestic production under initiatives like Make in India.
Role of PLI Schemes:
The government is providing Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) to promote domestic manufacturing of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules to create a self-reliant energy sector.
Clean Energy Mission:
India’s ambitious targets under the National Solar Mission aim to achieve 100 GW of solar power capacity, which requires scaling up domestic manufacturing to reduce reliance on imports, especially from China.
Importance for UPSC:
Energy Security: Understanding the challenges in the clean energy sector and India's strategic efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on imports is crucial for GS Paper III.
Global Trade and Diplomacy: This topic also touches upon trade practices like predatory pricing and India’s engagement with Western economies, relevant for GS Paper II.
Prelims
What is predatory pricing, and how does it impact global trade in the renewable energy sector?
What are India’s targets under the National Solar Mission, and how is it promoting domestic manufacturing of solar equipment?
Mains
GS Paper III: "Discuss the impact of China’s predatory pricing on India’s renewable energy sector. How can India enhance its domestic capabilities to reduce dependency on imports?"
12. GoM for GST Cut on Educational Items, Hike for High-Value Apparel
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Economy, Taxation Reforms, GST)
Context:
A Group of Ministers (GoM) under the GST Council has proposed reducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on educational items while recommending a hike in GST for high-value apparel to balance revenue generation and provide relief to the education sector.
Key Points:
GST Reforms:
The GoM’s proposal aims to rationalise GST rates by providing tax relief for educational materials, which are essential for promoting inclusive education, especially post-pandemic.
High-Value Apparel:
The GST hike on luxury and high-value apparel aligns with the government’s strategy to promote tax equity, ensuring higher tax contributions from luxury goods.
Balancing Revenue:
By adjusting GST rates, the government aims to balance revenue collection while ensuring that essential goods, particularly those related to education, remain affordable.
Impact on Consumers:
The reduction in GST on educational items can benefit students and educational institutions, while the hike in high-value apparel may impact the luxury goods market.
Importance for UPSC:
Taxation and Economic Policy: Understanding the role of GST and how its rates are modified for different sectors is crucial for Prelims and Mains.
Inclusive Development: The topic highlights the government’s efforts to promote inclusive growth by making education more affordable, relevant for GS Paper II and III.
Prelims
What is the rationale behind reducing GST on educational items while increasing it on high-value apparel?
How does GST rate rationalisation impact the economy and different sectors?
Mains
GS Paper III: "Examine the role of GST reforms in promoting equitable taxation. How does the GoM’s proposal to reduce GST on educational items support inclusive development?"
13. India-Australia CECA Talks Continue for Closer Economic Partnership
News Link: India-Australia Push Forward on CECA Talks
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations), General Studies Paper III (Trade and Commerce)
Context:
India and Australia are in advanced discussions to finalise the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), which aims to deepen economic and trade relations between the two nations.
Key Points:
CECA Negotiations:
The CECA is expected to boost bilateral trade by reducing tariffs and promoting investments in sectors such as energy, mining, education, and technology.
Strategic Importance:
Strengthening trade ties with Australia aligns with India’s broader Indo-Pacific strategy, enhancing economic cooperation with key partners in the region.
Benefits for India:
The agreement is expected to benefit India’s export sectors, including pharmaceuticals, textiles, and IT services, while providing India access to Australia’s vast mineral and energy resources.
India-Australia Economic Relations:
Australia is an important partner for India, especially in sectors like education, mining, and renewable energy. The CECA will provide a framework for further expanding these ties.
Importance for UPSC:
International Trade: Understanding the significance of trade agreements like CECA for enhancing India’s economic diplomacy is important for both Prelims and Mains.
Bilateral Relations: India-Australia relations, particularly in the context of trade and strategic cooperation, are key for GS Paper II.
Prelims
What are the key objectives of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)?
How can CECA boost bilateral trade between India and Australia, particularly in key sectors like energy and education?
Mains
GS Paper II: "Analyse the significance of the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) in strengthening bilateral trade relations. What are the key sectors that will benefit from this agreement?"
14. India Sharing Information Between Russia and Ukraine to Usher in Peace
Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, Diplomacy)
Context:
India is playing a crucial diplomatic role in facilitating communication between Russia and Ukraine in hopes of promoting peace amid the ongoing conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised India’s role as a mediator.
Key Points:
India’s Diplomatic Efforts:
India has maintained neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war and is using its diplomatic channels to share information between both parties, fostering dialogue and peace efforts.
Non-Alignment and Strategic Diplomacy:
India’s role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine reflects its broader foreign policy of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, prioritising humanitarian assistance and peaceful conflict resolution.
Global Impact:
By facilitating communication, India is enhancing its role as a responsible global player, contributing to conflict resolution while maintaining balanced relations with both Russia and the West.
Importance for UPSC:
International Relations: India’s neutral stance and diplomatic role in global conflicts are critical for understanding India’s foreign policy.
Global Diplomacy: The Russia-Ukraine conflict and India’s mediation efforts reflect broader geopolitical trends relevant for GS Paper II.
Prelims
How is India facilitating communication between Russia and Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict?
What role does India’s policy of non-alignment play in its approach to international conflicts?
Mains
GS Paper II: "Discuss India’s diplomatic efforts in mediating the Russia-Ukraine conflict. How does India’s non-alignment policy shape its role in global peace-building?"
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