Tag: India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations

UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (6th May,2025) Appointment to Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Syllabus: GS2/Polity & Governance Context Recently, the high-level committee, headed by the Prime Minister of India, met to select the next Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Due to the lack of consensus on a new appointment, incumbent CBI Director is all set to get a one-year extension. About the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) It is India’s specialized investigative agency, responsible for tackling high-profile crimes, corruption, and national security matters. Origins & Evolution The CBI traces its roots to the Special Police Establishment (SPE), formed in 1941 to investigate corruption in wartime procurement. It was officially established by an executive order of the Government of India in 1963, on the recommendation of Santhanam Committee. It was not created by an Act of Parliament, thus not a Statutory Body. Functioning Under DoPT, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. It derives its investigative powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. It is exempted from the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Jurisdiction The Central Government can authorize CBI to investigate such a crime in a State but only with the consent of the concerned State Government. The Supreme Court and High Courts can order CBI to investigate such a crime anywhere in the country without the consent of the State. CBI can suo-moto take up investigation of offences only in the Union Territories. Organizational Structure of CBI Director of CBI: It is the head of the agency, appointed by the Central Government. Oversees all investigative operations and policy decisions. Specialized Divisions: Anti-Corruption Division; Economic Offenses Division; Special Crimes Division; Directorate of Prosecution; Policy & Coordination Division; and Central Forensic Science Laboratory. Regional Offices: CBI has regional offices across India, each headed by a Joint Director or Additional Director. International Coordination: CBI serves as India’s nodal agency for Interpol, handling cross-border investigations. Appointment of the Director of the CBI– The Director of the CBI is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet based on recommendations from a high-level selection panel. – The selection process follows provisions under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.– Selection Committee Composition:1. Prime Minister of India (Chairperson)2. Chief Justice of India (CJI)3. Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha– Tenure: 1.The head of CBI can have a maximum tenure of five years. Key Concerns and Challenges Jurisdiction and Consent Issues: The CBI requires prior consent from state governments to investigate cases within their jurisdiction. Several states have withdrawn general consent, limiting the agency’s ability to probe cases independently. It has led to legal disputes over the agency’s authority. Supervision and Accountability: The CBI reports to the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Ministry of Personnel. The Supreme Court has termed the agency a ‘caged parrot’, highlighting concerns over political interference. Delays in Investigation and Prosecution: High-profile cases often face delays due to bureaucratic hurdles and legal complexities. The agency’s conviction rate varies, raising concerns about efficiency. Manpower Shortages: Nearly 16% of the agency’s sanctioned strength is vacant leading to operational hurdles. CBI Deputations Issue: The CBI faces challenges in filling posts through deputations, especially for ranks below inspector, due to the state’s reluctance to spare personnel for central deputation. Way Forward: House Panel Recommendations New Law to Define CBI’s Powers and Functions: The panel noted that the DSPE Act, 1946 has limitations, and recommended enacting a new law to clearly define the status, functions, and powers of the agency. Framework for Direct Recruitment: Panel suggested that the CBI Director should monitor recruitment progress quarterly to ensure the agency remains sufficiently staffed. Law to Probe National Security: The panel proposed a new legal provision allowing the CBI to probe national security-related cases without needing general consent from states. Improving Recruitment and Training: A structured recruitment framework and advanced forensic capabilities could boost investigative efficiency. India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations, GS3/ Economy Context The India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations have hit fresh hurdles, primarily due to the UK’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or carbon tax. Background The India–UK FTA negotiations were formally launched in 2022, as part of efforts to deepen economic cooperation and boost bilateral trade. As per data from FY 2023–24, the trade volume between the two countries reached $21.34 billion, an increase from $20.36 billion in the previous fiscal year. Presently, goods exported from India to the UK face an average import duty of 4.2%. The two sides are now aiming to conclude an FTA, a Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) and a social security agreement termed as the Double Contribution Convention Agreement (DCAA). Key Demands of India India has been pushing for greater market access for its products, particularly in labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, garments, gems, and jewellery. India has called for liberalisation of the UK’s visa regime to allow movement of skilled professionals from Information Technology (IT), IT-enabled services (ITeS), and healthcare sectors. India has also demanded special provisions for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and requested flexibility regarding carbon emission standards. Key Demands of UK The United Kingdom is keen on reducing tariffs imposed by India on high-value items such as Scotch whisky, electric vehicles, chocolates, and lamb meat. It is also seeking market access in telecom, legal, insurance, financial services. The UK is pressing for a sunset clause in the proposed Bilateral Investment Treaty and greater flexibility on issues like data localisation and the recognition of its new carbon tax regulations. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)– It is a proposed environmental tax that aims to put a carbon price on certain goods imported into the United Kingdom, based on the carbon emissions generated during their production. – It is designed to level the playing field between domestic producers (who must comply with the UK’s strict climate regulations) and foreign exporters from countries with weaker or no carbon pricing mechanisms. CBAM and India’s Concerns The UK’s draft CBAM legislation, effective January 1, 2027, imposes levies on high-emission imports like cement, steel, aluminium, fertilisers, hydrogen. The emission calculation will follow the UK’s domestic Emissions Trading Scheme. Indian concern: CBAM undermines the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) in climate negotiations. India’s Response to CBAM India has proposed a “Rebalancing Mechanism,” which would require the UK to compensate Indian industries for losses incurred due to the carbon tax. India has emphasised that its Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS), which is based on emission intensity rather than absolute emission levels, is more suitable for a developing economy. Way Ahead To ensure that the FTA benefits are not undermined by non-tariff barriers like CBAM, India must negotiate firmly and strategically. India must continue to advocate for the CBDR principle and push for differential treatment in climate-related trade measures. Institutional mechanisms like the proposed rebalancing clause and effective dispute resolution frameworks must be built into the final agreement to protect the interests of both the parties. Report for Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector Syllabus: GS3/ Economy Context The Committee constituted for the Framework on Repairability Index (RI) in Mobile and Electronic Sector has submitted its Report to the Department of Consumer Affairs (DoCA), Government of India. Background India ranks as the third-largest producer of electronic waste globally, following China and the United States. The surge in electronic consumption, coupled with limited repair options, has contributed significantly to this issue. Between 2022 and 2025, consumer complaints related to mobile phones and tablets increased from 19,057 to 22,864, underscoring the need for improved repair accessibility and transparency in post-sale services. In September 2024, the DoCA established a committee under the chairmanship of Bharat Khera to develop a framework for the Repairability Index. Key Recommendations of the Committee Self-Declared Repairability Scores: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) should self-assess and declare the repairability of their products based on standardized criteria, minimizing additional compliance burdens. Display of RI: The Repairability Index should be prominently displayed at points of sale, on e-commerce platforms, and via QR codes on product packaging to enable consumers to make informed choices. Scoring Parameters: Repairability is assessed on six core parameters. Priority Components: The framework should focus on components prone to frequent failures and critical to device functionality, including batteries, display assemblies, microphones, and speakers. Stakeholder Engagement: The committee engaged with a wide array of stakeholders, including manufacturers, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups, and government representatives, to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive framework. Significance of the Repairability Index Reduction in Electronic Waste: Enhancing repair options will extend product lifespans, thereby reducing the volume of e-waste generated. Circular Economy: The RI supports the principles of a circular economy by encouraging the reuse and repair of products, reducing the need for new resource extraction. Local Repair Industries: Improved access to repair information and parts will bolster local repair businesses, contributing to economic growth and job creation. Global Scenario in Right to Repair United Kingdom: Right to Repair Regulations 2021, covers home appliances (e.g., fridges, washers, TVs). Manufacturers must supply spare parts for up to 10 years. France: Introduced a mandatory Repairability Index on five categories: smartphones, laptops, washing machines, TVs, and lawnmowers. Right to Repair Portal India– Launched in 2022, the Right to Repair Portal serves as a centralized platform providing consumers with information on repair services across four sectors:1. Farming Equipment2. Mobiles and Electronics3. Consumer Durables4. Automobile Equipment Challenges Technical Complexity: Modern electronic devices often feature compact and intricate designs, making repairs more challenging and necessitating specialized tools. Manufacturer Resistance: Some OEMs express concerns over intellectual property rights and the potential impact on product security and performance. Concluding remarks The introduction of the Repairability Index in India’s mobile and electronics sector marks a significant step towards sustainable consumption and consumer empowerment. By promoting transparency and facilitating repairs, the initiative has the potential to reduce electronic waste, stimulate local economies, and align with global sustainability goals. ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative to Harness the Microbial Potential Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Technology In News The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) has released graphical summaries, infographics, and detailed data on 100+ bacterial genomes as part of the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative. About The genome, or genetic material, of an organism is made up of a unique DNA or RNA sequence. Each sequence is composed of chemical building blocks known as nucleotide bases. Determining the order of bases is called “genomic sequencing” or, simply, “sequencing.” ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative It was launched by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) in November , 2024, to showcase India’s rich microbial diversity and its vital roles in environmental sustainability, agriculture, and human health. The initiative is coordinated by BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), West Bengal. Data is shared from 13 BRIC institutions and two autonomous bodies: International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) New Delhi and Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB) Faridabad. It aims to harness India’s microbial potential and make genome data accessible for scientific and industrial use. Importance It emphasizes the importance of microorganisms in biogeochemical cycles, soil fertility, nutrient cycling, pest control, and human immunity and digestion. Genome sequencing will uncover microbial abilities such as enzyme production, antimicrobial resistance, and bioactive compound generation, aiding environmental protection, agricultural advancement, and public health. Each genome release will include infographics, annotation details, and industrial applications, making microbial science more accessible and impactful for both researchers and the general public. Do you know?– GenomeIndia is a landmark genomics project funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, involving 20 academic and research institutions. – Its main goal is to create a comprehensive catalogue of genetic variations representing India’s diverse population. – So far, the project has collected 20,000 samples from 83 populations across India and completed whole genome sequencing for 10,000 of them. – This data is archived at the Indian Biological Data Centre and will be accessible under BIOTECH-PRIDE guidelines via the FeED protocol. 1. The findings aim to enable affordable, genomics-based diagnostics and precision medicine tailored to the Indian population, supporting national public health initiatives. Hydrogen Versus Battery as Fuel Source Syllabus: GS3/ Energy Context As the world moves towards sustainable transportation, Hydrogen Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) present an alternative to the battery electric vehicles (BEVs) currently dominating the market. Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) BEVs are powered by electricity stored in rechargeable batteries. They require regular charging from external power sources, typically through the electric grid. Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs) FCEVs use hydrogen gas to generate electricity through a chemical process in fuel cells. They emit only water vapor as a byproduct, making them environmentally friendly. Hydrogen Versus Battery as Fuel Source FeatureBattery Electric VehiclesHydrogen Fuel Cell VehiclesRefuelling TimeHours (depending on charger)5–15 minutesRangeModerateLongWeightHeavier (due to batteries)LighterTerrain SuitabilityLimited for off-roadSuitable for rugged conditionsCold Climate SuitabilityPerformance dropsPerforms better India’s Electric Vehicle Landscape EVs accounted for 5% of total vehicle sales in 2023. Electric 3-Wheelers: India became the world’s largest market for electric three-wheelers in 2023, overtaking China. India contributes to 60% of global sales in this segment. Electric 2-Wheelers: India is the second-largest global market with 0.88 million units sold in 2023. China remains far ahead with 6 million units sold. India, China, and ASEAN nations lead in this domain; other regions make up less than 5% of the global two- and three-wheeler market.

Tag: India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations

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