Topic 1: WHO Global TB Report 2025 – India’s Fight Against Tuberculosis
News Context
The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, highlighting the state of TB globally and India’s role in combating the disease. India remains the highest-burden country for TB, accounting for approximately 25% of new cases worldwide. The report notes that India has achieved a 21% reduction in TB cases since 2015, demonstrating progress, but the sheer scale of the problem underscores the urgent need for stronger interventions.
The report comes at a critical moment as India gears up to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the target of ending TB by 2030, and the ambitious national goal of TB elimination by 2025.
Background
Tuberculosis, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily attacks the lungs, although it can affect other organs. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Historically, TB has been a major public health challenge in India due to population density, urban slums, malnutrition, and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas.
India launched the National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination 2017–2025, which focuses on detection, treatment, prevention, and surveillance. Globally, TB remains a leading cause of death from infectious diseases, surpassed only by COVID-19 in recent years. The rise of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) has added complexity to eradication efforts.
Key Findings of the WHO Report
- India has reduced TB incidence by 21% since 2015.
- Despite this, India still carries a quarter of global TB cases.
- Treatment coverage has improved, but undiagnosed and unreported cases continue to exist, especially in rural and tribal areas.
- MDR-TB remains a significant challenge, requiring specialized drugs and close monitoring.
- The COVID-19 pandemic caused temporary disruptions in TB diagnosis, treatment adherence, and outreach programs, slowing progress in some regions.
Economic and Social Implications
TB disproportionately affects the productive age group (15–49 years), impacting livelihoods and creating economic strain.
- Healthcare costs: Treatment for MDR-TB is expensive, often straining government resources and family finances.
- Loss of productivity: TB-related morbidity leads to absenteeism, decreased labor output, and reduced household income.
- Social stigma: TB patients frequently face social discrimination, affecting employment, education, and personal relationships.
- Poverty linkage: Malnutrition and poor living conditions increase susceptibility, creating a vicious cycle of disease and poverty.
Government Measures
India has adopted multiple strategies to strengthen TB control:
- National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP): Expanding diagnostic facilities, treatment centers, and awareness campaigns.
- Digital adherence technologies: Tools like 99DOTS and video-observed therapy (VOT) ensure patients complete their treatment.
- Public-private partnerships: Engaging private providers to report cases and maintain treatment standards.
- Financial support for patients: Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides direct benefit transfers to TB patients for nutrition and travel.
- Awareness campaigns: Reducing stigma and encouraging early diagnosis through media, community workers, and health centers.
Global Cooperation
India collaborates with WHO, Global Fund, and Stop TB Partnership to access funding, research, and technology. Challenges include:
- Supply disruptions for TB drugs.
- Resistance to second-line medications.
- Variations in healthcare infrastructure across states.
Strategic Approach
India focuses on:
- High-burden districts and urban slums.
- Integrating TB services with general healthcare and leveraging COVID-19 infrastructure.
- Advancing rapid diagnostic tools like GeneXpert.
- Promoting public awareness and early detection campaigns.
Conclusion
India’s TB battle is at a critical juncture. While significant progress has been achieved, persistent challenges require coordinated action across health, social, and economic sectors. India’s efforts highlight the importance of comprehensive policy implementation, effective governance, and strategic public health interventions in combating widespread diseases, offering valuable insights for strengthening healthcare systems and improving population health outcomes.
Topic 2: Export Promotion Mission (EPM) – India’s Strategy for Global Trade Competitiveness
News Context
The Indian government approved a six-year Export Promotion Mission (EPM) designed to boost India’s exports by supporting domestic industries, particularly MSMEs, and integrating them into global supply chains. This initiative aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aiming to make India a global manufacturing and export hub.
The mission emphasizes financial support, market access, technology adoption, and capacity building to enhance competitiveness in international trade.
Background
India’s exports historically focus on textiles, gems and jewelry, pharmaceuticals, agricultural commodities, and IT services. Challenges include:
- Competition from low-cost producers.
- Trade barriers in foreign markets.
- Supply chain disruptions post-COVID-19.
The EPM aims to address these challenges while boosting India’s role in global trade and supporting economic growth.
Key Components of EPM
- Market Diversification: Expanding Indian exports to emerging economies in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia.
- Financial Support Mechanisms:
- Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE): Provides collateral-free loans to MSMEs to encourage exports.
- Capacity Building: Training exporters on international standards, logistics, digital tools, and compliance.
- Technology Adoption: Encouraging digital documentation, e-invoicing, and blockchain for supply chain transparency.
- Sustainability Integration: Promoting green technologies and low-carbon manufacturing for international markets.
Economic Implications
- Boost to GDP: Higher exports generate foreign exchange and enhance economic growth.
- MSME Empowerment: Access to finance and international markets strengthens small and medium enterprises.
- Job Creation: Export-led growth generates employment across manufacturing, services, and logistics.
Strategic Rationale
- Post-pandemic recovery: Leveraging global supply chain realignment to increase market share.
- Geopolitical advantage: Reducing dependency on single-country imports, enhancing trade security.
- Innovation focus: Green technology and digital trade platforms align with India’s climate goals.
Challenges and Mitigation
- Compliance with global standards: Products must meet international quality and environmental norms.
- High-tech competition: India must innovate in electronics, semiconductors, and renewable energy to compete globally.
- Infrastructure: Ports, logistics, and cold chains need improvement for smooth export operations.
Policy and Diplomatic Measures
- Bilateral and regional trade agreements reduce tariff barriers.
- India engages in WTO forums to advocate for fair trade.
- Domestic production is aligned with global demand trends to ensure competitiveness.
Conclusion
The Export Promotion Mission reflects India’s proactive approach to global trade. By supporting MSMEs, diversifying markets, and integrating technology, the mission strengthens India’s export competitiveness, enhances industrial growth, and bolsters economic resilience in a dynamic global marketplace. It exemplifies how coordinated policy measures can facilitate sustainable trade expansion and strengthen the country’s position in international markets.
Topic 3: Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) – Strengthening India’s Export Ecosystem
News Context
The Indian government has recently revamped the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) to provide collateral-free loans for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in export activities. This step aims to remove financial barriers, reduce risk for lenders, and enable exporters to compete effectively in international markets.
In a post-pandemic global economy, many exporters face liquidity constraints, fluctuating demand, and increased compliance costs. The CGSE addresses these challenges by providing government-backed guarantees that reduce risk for banks and encourage lending.
Background
MSMEs contribute roughly 48% of India’s exports in goods. Despite their importance, small exporters often struggle with access to finance due to:
- High collateral requirements
- Limited credit history
- Risk-averse banking policies
The CGSE was initially introduced in 2012 and has now been strengthened to align with India’s Export Promotion Mission, focusing on supporting small and medium enterprises across manufacturing, technology, and service sectors.
Historically, small exporters faced challenges such as:
- Lack of working capital
- High interest rates
- Limited awareness about global markets
The revamped CGSE provides a structured solution to these persistent barriers.
Key Features
- Collateral-Free Loans: Banks can extend loans without demanding collateral from MSMEs.
- Risk Sharing: Government guarantees cover a substantial portion of the loan, mitigating bank risk.
- Wide Coverage: MSMEs across manufacturing, services, and technology sectors are eligible.
- Support for New Exporters: Facilitates market entry for small businesses into global trade.
- Flexible Loan Limits: Loan amounts vary according to business scale and transaction requirements.
Economic Impact
- MSME Growth: Easier credit access allows businesses to expand, invest in technology, and meet international standards.
- Foreign Exchange Earnings: Increased exports strengthen India’s balance of payments and contribute to economic stability.
- Employment Generation: Expansion of MSMEs creates jobs in production, logistics, and ancillary sectors.
- Global Competitiveness: Encourages adherence to quality, environmental, and sustainability standards, improving India’s international reputation.
Challenges and Implementation Measures
- Awareness Gap: Many small exporters remain unaware of the scheme; government outreach campaigns are essential.
- Bank Coordination: Efficient loan processing requires strong cooperation between banks, government, and exporters.
- Compliance Monitoring: Ensuring proper use of funds and preventing defaults maintains credibility.
- Digital Integration: Linking CGSE loans with online export portals can improve transparency and efficiency.
Conclusion
The CGSE strengthens India’s export ecosystem by removing financial barriers, supporting small exporters, and promoting sustainable growth. The initiative demonstrates how government-backed financial instruments can foster economic resilience and international competitiveness.
Topic 4: National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) – Securing India’s Industrial Future
News Context
India has recently launched reforms under the National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM), aimed at increasing domestic production of strategic minerals like graphite, cesium, rubidium, and zirconium. By rationalizing royalty rates and incentivizing exploration, the government aims to reduce dependence on imports, secure critical resources for high-tech industries, and strengthen industrial capacity.
These minerals are essential for renewable energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing. The mission reflects India’s emphasis on resource security and sustainable industrial development.
Background
Critical minerals are indispensable for modern industrial and technological development. They are used in:
- Batteries for electric vehicles
- Aerospace and defense equipment
- Renewable energy systems
- High-tech manufacturing, including electronics and semiconductors
India imports a significant share of these minerals, particularly from countries like China, which dominate global supply chains. NCMM is designed to develop domestic production capabilities, ensure reliable supply, and support sustainable extraction.
Mission Objectives
- Rationalized Royalty Rates: Making extraction and production economically viable.
- Exploration Incentives: Encouraging private and state-owned enterprises to discover and develop critical mineral reserves.
- Strategic Reserves: Stockpiling essential minerals for defense, energy, and technological applications.
- Technology Adoption: Using advanced mining and processing techniques for efficiency and sustainability.
- Global Collaboration: Partnerships with friendly nations to secure reliable supply chains and share best practices.
Economic and Strategic Implications
- Economic Growth: Domestic production reduces imports, conserves foreign exchange, and supports local manufacturing.
- Technological Advancement: Provides raw materials for EV batteries, renewable energy, and high-tech electronics.
- National Security: Ensures uninterrupted supply for defense and strategic industries.
- Employment: Mining, processing, and downstream manufacturing create local jobs and boost industrial ecosystems.
Challenges
- Environmental Sustainability: Mining operations must minimize ecological damage and preserve biodiversity.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Streamlining permissions and approvals is critical for timely project execution.
- Global Market Volatility: Fluctuations in demand and prices can affect investment incentives.
- Infrastructure Needs: Transportation, logistics, and processing facilities must keep pace with production.
Implementation Measures
- Incentives for private and public sector companies to explore and mine critical minerals.
- Strengthening research and development to identify substitutes or improve extraction efficiency.
- Integrating NCMM with Make in India and other industrial initiatives to support sustainable growth.
- Coordination between ministries to ensure policy consistency and smooth implementation.
Conclusion
The NCMM positions India for resource security, industrial independence, and technological self-reliance. By focusing on critical minerals, India strengthens its industrial competitiveness, defense preparedness, and economic resilience.
Topic 5: Pakistan Constitutional Amendment – Expanding Army Chief Asim Munir’s Powers
News Context
Pakistan recently passed a constitutional amendment granting army chief Asim Munir enhanced powers and lifetime legal immunity. This development consolidates authority within the military leadership and marks a significant shift in civil-military relations.
The amendment allows the army chief to exercise increased influence over defense, intelligence, and strategic decisions, while remaining legally protected from prosecution. This has implications for regional security, governance, and stability in South Asia.
Background
Pakistan has a history of strong military influence over politics, often overshadowing civilian governance. The amendment formalizes the army chief’s power, creating a hybrid governance model that centralizes authority within the armed forces.
Civilian institutions, judiciary, and political leaders may have limited oversight over defense and intelligence decisions, raising concerns about accountability, transparency, and democratic functioning.
Regional Implications
- Security Concerns: A more powerful military leadership may intensify cross-border tensions and affect peace along the India-Pakistan border.
- Terrorism & Counterterrorism: Military centralization could influence strategies related to counterterrorism and internal security operations.
- Diplomatic Dynamics: Pakistan’s foreign policy and bilateral engagements may reflect a stronger military influence, affecting regional diplomacy.
Economic and Social Impact
- Governance Stability: Concentration of power may impact economic policies, investments, and foreign relations.
- Public Perception: Citizens may perceive reduced civil oversight and democratic participation.
- Investment Climate: Political-military imbalance can affect investor confidence and trade partnerships.
Challenges
- Balancing civil-military relations to maintain governance credibility.
- Ensuring accountability while granting legal immunity to military leadership.
- Managing regional security tensions arising from centralized military authority.
Conclusion
The constitutional amendment granting Asim Munir expanded powers is a transformative development in Pakistan’s governance. It has implications for regional stability, defense strategy, and diplomatic relations. Understanding such changes is crucial to grasp the political and strategic landscape of South Asia.
Summary
1. India’s TB Battle
India is at a critical juncture in its fight against tuberculosis (TB). Despite significant progress in detection and treatment, challenges such as multidrug-resistant TB, underreporting, and social determinants like malnutrition continue to hamper elimination efforts. Programs like the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, which provides nutritional support to patients, and nationwide awareness campaigns illustrate India’s multi-pronged approach. Coordinated action across health, social, and economic sectors is essential to reduce transmission, improve recovery, and achieve long-term public health goals.
2. Export Promotion Mission & Credit Guarantee Scheme (CGSE)
India’s Export Promotion Mission reflects a strategic approach to strengthening global trade. By supporting MSMEs, diversifying markets, and integrating technology, the mission enhances competitiveness and resilience. Complementary initiatives like the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters (CGSE) provide collateral-free loans, enabling small exporters to scale production and meet international standards. Together, these policies empower Indian industries to participate effectively in global markets while reducing financial and operational barriers.
3. National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM)
The National Critical Minerals Mission aims to reduce India’s dependence on imports for strategic minerals essential to renewable energy, defense, and high-tech manufacturing. By encouraging domestic production, rationalizing royalty rates, and maintaining strategic reserves, the mission strengthens industrial self-reliance and technological growth. Environmental sustainability remains a key focus, with policies balancing industrial needs and ecological protection. NCMM positions India to meet future technological and strategic demands while reducing global supply vulnerabilities.
4. European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) & India’s Climate Response
The EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) imposes carbon costs on imports from countries with higher emissions than EU producers. India, along with other developing nations, has raised concerns that CBAM acts as a protectionist measure that could affect export competitiveness. India’s response emphasizes cooperative solutions, including mutual recognition of carbon markets, technology transfer, and climate finance support. The challenge is to balance climate action with economic growth while ensuring fair trade practices.
5. Pakistan Constitutional Amendment – Asim Munir
Pakistan’s recent constitutional amendment granting expanded powers and legal immunity to army chief Asim Munir has significant implications for civil-military relations and governance. By centralizing authority within the military, the amendment reduces civilian oversight and judicial review. For the region, this development could influence security dynamics, requiring neighboring countries to adjust strategic and diplomatic approaches. The move underscores the importance of governance structures in shaping national and regional stability.
Practice MCQs
1. TB Elimination Strategy in India
Q1: India’s TB elimination program faces challenges from multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and underreporting. Considering socio-economic determinants, which combination of interventions would be most effective in reducing TB incidence?
A) Only improving diagnostic infrastructure in urban hospitals
B) Combining nutritional support, social awareness campaigns, and universal access to diagnostics and treatment
C) Restricting TB treatment programs to high-burden states
D) Focusing solely on increasing drug availability
Answer: B) Combining nutritional support, social awareness campaigns, and universal access to diagnostics and treatment
Explanation: TB is influenced by healthcare access, nutrition, and awareness. Multi-sectoral interventions addressing social, economic, and health factors are most effective.
2. TB Policy Implementation
Q2: The Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides financial support to TB patients for nutrition. How does this intervention directly contribute to public health goals?
A) Reduces healthcare expenditure for the government
B) Improves treatment adherence and recovery rates, indirectly reducing transmission
C) Encourages private hospitals to treat TB patients
D) Limits TB programs to urban areas
Answer: B) Improves treatment adherence and recovery rates, indirectly reducing transmission
Explanation: Adequate nutrition enhances patient recovery and adherence to long-term TB treatment, lowering overall community transmission.
3. Export Promotion Mission & MSMEs
Q3: A small Indian exporter relies on the CGSE for collateral-free loans. How does this mechanism strengthen India’s position in global trade?
A) By reducing dependence on domestic capital
B) By enabling MSMEs to scale production, meet quality standards, and diversify into multiple international markets
C) By restricting exports to developed countries
D) By eliminating the need for technological upgrades
Answer: B) By enabling MSMEs to scale production, meet quality standards, and diversify into multiple international markets
Explanation: Financial support reduces barriers, allowing MSMEs to compete globally, adopt technology, and reduce market concentration risk.
4. Export Finance & Risk Management
Q4: In the context of CGSE, why is government-backed risk sharing crucial for the banking sector?
A) It reduces transaction costs of exports
B) It allows banks to lend to MSMEs without heavy collateral, thereby promoting trade growth
C) It provides automatic foreign exchange hedging
D) It ensures exporters do not pay taxes
Answer: B) It allows banks to lend to MSMEs without heavy collateral, thereby promoting trade growth
Explanation: By mitigating lending risks, banks can finance small exporters, enhancing their global competitiveness.
5. National Critical Minerals Mission (NCMM) – Strategic Importance
Q5: India’s NCMM focuses on minerals like graphite and cesium. Which of the following best explains the rationale for domestic production of critical minerals?
A) To increase mineral exports to Europe
B) To reduce import dependency and support renewable energy, defense, and high-tech manufacturing
C) To prioritize agricultural sectors
D) To avoid domestic industrial growth
Answer: B) To reduce import dependency and support renewable energy, defense, and high-tech manufacturing
Explanation: Strategic minerals are vital for industrial self-reliance, technology adoption, and defense preparedness.
6. NCMM – Environmental and Policy Challenges
Q6: Scaling domestic mineral production under NCMM could potentially conflict with environmental goals. Which policy approach best balances industrial needs with ecological sustainability?
A) Allow unrestricted mining for all strategic minerals
B) Implement strict environmental assessments, adopt advanced extraction technologies, and maintain ecological safeguards
C) Limit mining entirely to protect biodiversity
D) Outsource all mineral extraction to foreign companies
Answer: B) Implement strict environmental assessments, adopt advanced extraction technologies, and maintain ecological safeguards
Explanation: Sustainable mining ensures resource security without compromising environmental protection.
7. EU CBAM & India’s Export Competitiveness
Q7: The European Union’s CBAM imposes a carbon cost on imports. If India’s steel and aluminium exporters cannot match EU carbon pricing, which of the following is the most likely consequence?
A) Increased competitiveness of Indian exports
B) Additional costs at the EU border, reducing export profitability
C) Automatic exemption from tariffs
D) Unaffected exports due to WTO rules
Answer: B) Additional costs at the EU border, reducing export profitability
Explanation: CBAM increases the cost of carbon-intensive goods, impacting exporters unless domestic carbon pricing aligns with EU standards.
8. India’s Diplomatic Countermoves to CBAM
Q8: India proposes mutual recognition of carbon markets and technology transfer as a response to CBAM. What is the strategic significance of this approach?
A) It completely bypasses EU regulations
B) It seeks cooperative solutions, reducing trade friction while supporting domestic decarbonisation
C) It restricts exports to the EU indefinitely
D) It increases dependence on foreign financing
Answer: B) It seeks cooperative solutions, reducing trade friction while supporting domestic decarbonisation
Explanation: Collaborative climate strategies maintain international trade relations and support India’s industrial transition.
9. Pakistan Constitutional Amendment – Civil-Military Balance
Q9: Granting expanded powers and lifetime legal immunity to Pakistan’s army chief could impact India’s strategic planning primarily because:
A) It reduces Pakistan’s defense capabilities
B) It centralizes military authority, potentially influencing cross-border security dynamics
C) It guarantees improved bilateral trade
D) It ensures democratic governance in Pakistan
Answer: B) It centralizes military authority, potentially influencing cross-border security dynamics
Explanation: Enhanced military autonomy may affect decision-making on defense and border security, requiring India to recalibrate posture.
10. Integrated Perspective – Policy, Economy, and Security
Q10: Considering India’s TB program, Export Promotion Mission, NCMM, and CBAM challenges, which common strategic principle emerges for national policy-making?
A) Sector-specific policies alone are sufficient
B) Multi-sectoral, integrated approaches balancing economic growth, health, technology, and international engagement are essential
C) Policies should focus exclusively on domestic consumption
D) Trade and health policies can operate independently without coordination
Answer: B) Multi-sectoral, integrated approaches balancing economic growth, health, technology, and international engagement are essential
Explanation: Complex challenges require coordinated policy frameworks addressing economic, social, health, and strategic dimensions simultaneously.
Access Free Learning Resources
Recently In News
Artificial Intelligence In India: How AI Is Transforming Lives