UPSC Key: India-UK FTA, Chola emperor Rajendra I and Genetically modified agricultural products

Indian Express

27-07-2025

Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 27, 2025. If you missed the July 26, 2025, UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here.
Goyal: UK deal 'gold standard' for FTAs, will retaliate if their carbon tax hurts us
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
What's the ongoing story: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Saturday said the India-UK trade deal can serve as a gold standard for India's trade negotiations with other partners, as it opens India's doors for business while protecting sensitive sectors. He added that India will retaliate if the UK's carbon tax, set to come into effect on January 1, 2027, harms India's interests.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What are the key highlights of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?
• How does the India-UK FTA represent a significant shift in India's historically protectionist trade strategy?
• What is the significance of the India-UK FTA?
• What is the UK's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?
• What are India's concerns regarding CBAM?
• What are the critical minerals?
• What is the role of the WTO in resolving disputes between nations?
• Which countries does India have an FTA with?
• What are the benefits and challenges of the India-UK trade deal for the textiles sector?
Key Takeaways:
• Goyal said most of India's free trade agreements (FTAs) are with countries that do not compete with India on anything, and that under the deal, the UK will be sending products which are in short supply in India. 'In every respect, this is an agreement which opens far greater opportunities for India than any other agreement,' the minister said.
• On concerns that the UK's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could negate the tariff concessions India has received under the trade deal, Goyal said: 'Currently there is no CBAM in effect. So it cannot be addressed in the FTA. But India is a sovereign country, and if our export interests are hurt, we will react and retaliate, or 'rebalance'. I can assure everyone that no unilateral measure will go away without a proportionate response,' he said.
• 'There is a lot of opposition to CBAM in the EU as well, as the EU's cost of manufacturing and housing will become costlier, and so the sufferer will be the industry in the EU,' Goyal reiterated.
• Goyal said India and the UK plan to address the issue of critical minerals together, stating that 'concentration of certain supply chains in certain geographies' is a common problem, and both countries plan to work jointly on this.
• The India-UK Vision 2035, a document outlining the broader collaborative goals of the free trade agreement between the two, stated that both countries will work together to develop cutting-edge technology and research, building on the Technology Security Initiative. This will focus on future telecoms, artificial intelligence and critical minerals, laying the ground for future collaboration on semiconductors, quantum, biotechnology and advanced materials.
• To further cooperation in critical minerals, the two countries will also establish a UK-India Critical Minerals Guild to 'transform financing standards and innovation', according to a joint statement by the two.
• India has protected all sensitive sectors, including dairy, rice and sugar, in the free trade agreement with the UK, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Saturday.
• The pact will help boost exports of labour-intensive products like footwear, textiles, and gems and jewellery, he added.
From Front Page 'UK's duty concession on textiles is only half the battle won for India'
• One of the key highlights for Indian industry under the India-UK trade deal signed on Thursday is the benefit extended to India's labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, footwear, and gems and jewellery, which will now see tariff elimination compared to pre-deal rates ranging from 4 to 12 per cent.
• However, tariff elimination under a trade deal does not always translate into export gains—particularly in advanced markets where competitors such as Vietnam, Bangladesh, and China already have secured supply chains and a well-established presence.
• Several competitors in the UK market already enjoy zero-duty access and have entrenched supply chains. Bangladesh, for instance, holds a 20 per cent share of UK RMG imports and benefits from zero-duty access to the premium market due to its Least Developed Country (LDC) status. Turkey, too, has zero-duty market access for its RMG exports to the UK and commands an 8 per cent share.
Do You Know:
• CBAM is an import duty imposed by Europe on items manufactured in foreign nations using procedures that result in more carbon emissions than domestic European businesses are permitted to generate.
• The stated goal is to reduce 'carbon leakage,' but this has the effect of raising the cost of steel and cement produced in nations such as India, making them less competitive in European markets.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍India-UK: Deal's Done
📍India misses chance to tackle UK carbon tax in trade pact. Why is it concerning?
UPSC Prelims Practice and Previous Year Question Covering similar theme:
(1) Consider the following statements about Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms (CBAM):
1. It is an import duty that is imposed by Europe on goods produced in other countries by processes that lead to greater carbon emissions than domestic European manufacturers are allowed to emit.
2. Its purpose is to check 'carbon leakage'.
3. It does not have any effect on the manufacturing of steel or cement.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
(2) Consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2023)
Statement-I: Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
Statement-II: Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
(a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
(b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
(c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
(d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
What's the ongoing story: Marking the reset in bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Independence Day celebrations of the island nation as the guest of honour on Saturday. As Modi left for India in the evening, President Mohamad Muizzu said it was 'a defining visit that sets a clear path for the future of Maldives-India relations'.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What is the history of India-Maldives relations?
• What are the areas of cooperation between both countries?
• What are the challenges seen between the nations in recent years?
• What is India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy?
• What is the significance of the Maldives for India?
• What are the major agreements signed during your recent visit?
• What is the 'India-out' campaign? How did it affect the India-Maldives relationship?
• Know about the SAGAR and MAHASAGAR?
• Map work: Location of Maldives and surrounding islands
Key Takeaways:
• Earlier in the day, Modi was welcomed by Muizzu at the iconic Republic Square, the venue of the ceremony at the heart of the Maldivian capital. Modi sat next to Muizzu and watched the over 50-minute event marking the 60th anniversary of the independence of the Maldives, which included a military parade and colourful cultural performances by children and traditional artistes.
• Besides the top political and military brass of the Maldives, several members of the Prime Minister's delegation including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also attended the event.
• Muizzu noted that the relationship between the two countries extends far beyond formal diplomacy, with deep-rooted connections dating back centuries, according to a statement issued by the President's Office. He referred to the Indian Ocean as a living testament to these long-standing ties, emphasising that the shared journey of both nations, as traders and neighbours, has forged a resilient and unbreakable bond.
• The visit marks a defining reset in ties that had come under strain almost 20 months ago. Arguably, New Delhi's sustained efforts, including its assistance to the island nation to deal with economic hardship, helped bring the relations back on track.
Do You Know:
Significance of Maldives for India
• Location and maritime security: Maldives' proximity to the west coast of India, and its location at the hub of commercial sea lanes running through the Indian Ocean imbues it with significant strategic importance to India. The security scenario in India's periphery in the Indian Ocean is very much linked to the maritime strength of Maldives.
• Defence: This is the reason why India invests on Maldives' security by training its defence forces. Estimates suggest that almost 70 per cent of Maldives' defence training is done by India…
• China: India is obviously concerned at the expanding Chinese footprint there. So, from a purely strategic perspective, India needs Maldives on its side to secure its maritime periphery, keep an eye on the Indian Ocean, and check the influence of China in its neighbourhood.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Key takeaways from the India-Maldives vision document: health, education, start-ups, political exchanges
📍Maldives, India, China: history shapes the present
UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:
(3) India and Maldives are separated by which of the following channels?
(a) Seven Degree Channel
(b) Eight Degree Channel
(c) Nine Degree Channel
(d) Ten Degree Channel
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
Discuss the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of Maldives for India with a focus on global trade and energy flows. Further also discuss how this relationship affects India's maritime security and regional stability amidst international competition? (UPSC CSE 2024)
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of National importance, History of India.
Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Ancient history, Architecture from ancient to modern times.
What's the ongoing story: Arun Janardhanan writes- 'An emperor who ruled a thousand years ago has drawn two political heavyweights into the same arena, with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi making separate efforts to honour the legacy of Rajendra Chola I (1014–1044 CE), the maritime monarch of the Chola dynasty.'
Key Points to Ponder:
• Read about the Chola Kingdom.
• Know about the Emperors of the Chola Kingdom.
• What is the Chola architectural style?
• Read about the Chola emperor Rajendra I and his maritime legacy.
• Know about the achievements of the Chola dynasty with reference to the Cholagangam tank and its historical importance.
• Why are the preservation and promotion of historical capitals like Gangaikonda Cholapuram crucial for national identity and tourism?
• What are the distinguishing architectural designs of Chola temples? In what ways did these temples serve as political statements as much as religious structures?
Key Takeaways:
• 'While Stalin has declared the emperor's birth anniversary as an official state celebration and announced several initiatives to commemorate his rule, Modi is set to visit Gangaikonda Cholapuram in Ariyalur district, which was once the Chola capital, on July 27 to unveil a commemorative coin and inaugurate an exhibition on Rajendra Chola's northern conquest. The Union Ministry of Culture is hosting a four-day festival in the town commemorating 1,000 years of Rajendra Chola's maritime expedition to Southeast Asia and the commencement of the construction of the Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple.'
• 'Rajendra Chola inherited a powerful kingdom from his father Rajaraja I, but it was his bold campaigns from the Ganga to Suvarnadwipa (an ancient term for islands in Southeast Asia, including Java and Sumatra) that turned the Cholas into a pan-Asian maritime empire.'
• 'To commemorate his successful northern expedition, Rajendra Chola established Gangaikonda Cholapuram and ceremonially poured Ganges water brought back by his army into a vast man-made reservoir known as the Cholagangam tank, locally referred to as Ponneri. This act was immortalised in copper plate inscriptions, including those cited by K A Nilakanta Sastri in The Cholas, describing how Rajendra created a 'liquid pillar of victory (ganga-jalamayam jayastambham) using sacred water from the Ganga.'
• 'According to the Trichinopoly Gazetteer (1855 edition) by British civil service officer F R Hemingway, the Cholagangam tank once irrigated approximately 1,564 acres of land. Later reports note that the embankment extended some 25 km, with multiple sluices engineered to manage water flow.'
• 'The tank, once the hydrological heart of Gangaikonda Cholapuram and an engineering marvel, now lies in disrepair. As recorded in the Trichinopoly Gazetteer by Hemingway, the tank embankments were fortified by laterite stone and sluices designed to control sediment flow.'
• 'The British dismantled much of the town's granite fortifications in 1832 to construct the Lower Kollidam Anaicut, breaking promises to rebuild its outer wall. The destruction was resisted by locals who were reportedly punished for their defiance. 'A promise was made that a brick wall would be built in place of the stone wall that was pulled down,' the 1855 Gazetteer mentions. 'But it has never been redeemed.'
• 'The PM visit also carries its symbolic weight. On Sunday, he will unveil a commemorative coin to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Rajendra Chola's Gangetic campaign, while musician Ilaiyaraaja is set to perform a 20-minute concert. An exhibition will showcase trophies and miniature sculptures from the Chola period. The town, which British officers compared to ancient Babylon, is being repainted and refenced.'
• 'A millennium after Rajendra's ships left Tamil shores for faraway islands, his legacy is back at the centre of a different expedition. As historian Tansen Sen writes in The Military Campaigns of Rajendra Chola, Rajendra's campaigns were not about empire-building or expansionism in the modern sense but 'strategic signalling' to regional powers, asserting Tamil commercial presence across Asia.'
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Today in Politics: PM Modi in Tamil Nadu to inaugurate projects, honour Chola emperor
UPSC Prelims Practice Question Covering similar theme:
(4) With reference to the Chola Empire, consider the following statements:
1. The Chola kingdom stretched across present-day Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.
2. The empire was at its most expansive under Rajendra.
3. Arulmozhivarman was one of the only Indian monarchs to conquer territory outside the Indian subcontinent.
4. The gigantic Bridheshwara Temple is one of the finest examples of artistic brilliance.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) Only three
(d) All four
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies- II, III: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests, Effects of liberalisation on the economy, Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.
What's the ongoing story: India is unlikely to agree to US demands to accept genetically modified (GM) agricultural products such as corn and soya during the ongoing negotiations for a trade deal, a source closely monitoring the talks has indicated.
Key Points to Ponder:
• What is the history of India-US relations?
• What are the areas of cooperation between India and the US?
• Know about the India-US trade talks.
• What is the current status of GM crop cultivation in India, and how is it regulated?
• What are the benefits of GM crops? What are the major concerns associated with the GM crops?
• How is gene modification different from gene editing?
• What can be the impact of allowing GM agricultural imports on India's agriculture?
• What are the scientific and environmental risks associated with the use of genetically modified crops and products?
Key Takeaways:
• 'Some things are matters of principle. We can't import GM,' the source said in response to a query over the government's position on GM imports from the US.
• This assumes significance since agriculture remains one of the contentious issues between the two countries, and the United States Trade Representative (USTR) has previously flagged restrictions on its GM products by countries as discriminatory.
• 'The Food Safety and Standards Act of 2006 includes specific provisions for regulating food products derived from genetically engineered (GE) sources; however, as of December 31, 2024, the FSSAI was still in the process of establishing its regulations. India's biotechnology approval processes are slow, opaque, and subject to political influences, and do not appear to take into account science-based approval processes for GE products in exporting countries,' the USTR report had said.
• While India is seeking greater market access for its textiles, leather and footwear, the US is pushing for access to India's agricultural and dairy markets — a major hurdle, as Indian farmers often operate on small land parcels with limited technological support. In contrast, the US has demanded that India should drop its GM regulation.
• There is significant resistance to genetically modified (GM) crops in India. Only one GM crop — Bt cotton — is approved for cultivation. No GM food crop is commercially grown, although experimental trials continue. However, imports of GM soybean oil and canola oil are permitted.
• A 2013 report by the European Network of Scientists for Social and Environmental Responsibility (ENSSER) emphasised that many studies deeming GM foods safe were industry-funded, and that long‑term, independent studies were lacking.
• New Delhi‑based think tank GTRI said: 'Environmental studies have shown that widespread use of Bt crops can lead to pest resistance, such as in the pink bollworm, and pose risks to non‑target species such as monarch butterflies, as suggested in a 1999 Nature study. Additionally, the overuse of glyphosate with herbicide-tolerant GM crops has led to 'superweeds' and increased herbicide use.'
• The GTRI said that GM and non‑GM crops may intermingle at various stages of the supply chain — during transport, storage or processing. 'Once GM material enters, there is a high risk it could leak into local farming systems or processed food chains, posing risks to food safety, environmental integrity, and India's export reputation — especially in GM‑sensitive markets such as the EU,' the think tank warned.
Do You Know:
• Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) involve the modification of the genetic material of the host by the introduction of foreign genetic material. Notably, GMOs is a broader term that includes GM crops as a subset. GM crops are plants used in agriculture whose DNA has been altered to add desired properties. They are usually developed to increase yield, resist pests/herbicides, and withstand extreme weather conditions.
• Gene modification is different from genetic editing (GE). GM involves the introduction of genes from unrelated species into host plants. 'GM is nothing more than a breeding technique, much like crossing that we've been doing for thousands of years. But it's more sophisticated, so we can make very precise changes very rapidly,' said David Spencer, a phytopathologist and spokesperson for Replanet, an alliance of NGOs advocating for science-based solutions to climate change and the loss of biodiversity.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍UPSC Issue at a Glance | Genetically Modified (GM) Crops and India: 4 essential questions to understand the debate
Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme:
(5) Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (UPSC CSE 2012)
1. To enable them to withstand drought
2. To increase the nutritive value of the produce
3. To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
4. To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme:
'What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India's National self-esteem and ambitions'. Explain with suitable examples. (UPSC CSE 2019)
Syllabus:
Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance.
Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests.
What's the ongoing story: As border clashes continue between Thailand and Cambodia, India on Saturday said it was closely monitoring the situation and hoped both sides would take measures for cessation of hostilities.
Key Points to Ponder:
• Read about the status of India's bilateral relations with Cambodia and Thailand.
• What is happening at the Thailand-Cambodia border?
• Why have Thailand-Cambodia ties deteriorated of late?
• What is India's diplomatic response to the Thailand-Cambodia clashes?
• Read about Prasat Ta Muen Thom.
• What is ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)?
• What is the significance of regional groupings like ASEAN in conflict resolution within Southeast Asia?
• What is India's Act East Policy?
• How do border disputes in Southeast Asia impact India's Act East Policy?
• Map work: Cambodia, Thailand and ASEAN member countries
Key Takeaways:
• The Ministry of External Affairs also urged Indian travellers in both countries to contact embassies in case they needed any assistance.
• 'We are closely monitoring the situation along the border between Cambodia and Thailand,' said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal while responding to media queries.
• 'India has close and friendly relations with both countries and hopes that both sides will take measures for a cessation of hostilities and prevention of further escalation,' he said, adding, 'Indian travellers in the region may contact our respective embassies in the two countries for any assistance.'
• At least 32 people have been killed and nearly 1,50,000 displaced in the border clashes between the two Southeast Asian countries that erupted on Thursday. Both countries have recalled their ambassadors and Thailand has closed its northeastern border crossings with Cambodia.
• During an emergency meeting on Friday, members of the United Nations Security Council called for de-escalation and urged the regional bloc, the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), to mediate a peaceful solution.
Do You Know:
• Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet Sunday said he agreed to an 'immediate and unconditional ceasefire' in armed clashes with Thailand following a phone call with US President Donald Trump late Saturday night. In an official statement, Hun Manet said, 'On the night of Saturday, 26 July 2025, I had a phone discussion with Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States, regarding the armed clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border.'
• He added, 'The President of the United States expressed his desire not to see war or fighting that would lead to many deaths and injuries on both sides, including soldiers and civilians.'
• Thailand confirmed in principle its agreement to a ceasefire but urged 'sincere intention' from Cambodia. 'Any cessation of hostilities cannot be reached while Cambodia is severely lacking in good faith and repeatedly violating the basic principles of human rights and humanitarian law,' Thailand's foreign ministry said in a statement cited by AP.
Other Important Articles Covering the same topic:
📍Explained: The border dispute, and the Hindu temples at the heart of deadly Cambodia-Thailand clashes
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