Daily PIB Highlights (05-07-2025)

Topic- 1: Prime Minister Modi Receives Ghana’s National Honour

GS-3: IR

The context:

On July 3, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, one of Ghana’s highest national honours, by President H.E. John Dramani Mahama. The award recognizes PM Modi’s global leadership and statesmanship.

The Key Highlights:

• • Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi received Ghana’s national honour, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, during his State Visit.
  • The award was conferred by the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, recognizing Prime Minister Modi’s distinguished statesmanship and global leadership.
  • Prime Minister Modi accepted the honour on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India.
  • He dedicated the recognition to the aspirations of India’s youth, its rich cultural heritage, and the longstanding relationship between India and Ghana.
  • Expressing gratitude, the Prime Minister thanked the people and government of Ghana for the special gesture.
  • He highlighted the importance of shared democratic values between the two nations in strengthening bilateral relations.
  • Prime Minister Modi stated that the award adds a new dimension to the friendship between India and Ghana.
  • He emphasized that the recognition also brings a greater responsibility to deepen bilateral cooperation.
  • He expressed confidence that his State Visit to Ghana would significantly boost momentum in India-Ghana relations.
  • The honour symbolizes the mutual respect and historic bond between the two countries, reaffirming their commitment to a shared future.

About India and Ghana Relationship:

• • India and Ghana share historical ties rooted in anti-colonial solidarity and a shared vision for the Global South.
    • India established its representative office in Accra in 1953, four years before Ghana gained independence in 1957.
    • Diplomatic relations were formally established the same year, laying the foundation for a close and friendly partnership.
    • Both nations are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.
  • Institutional Mechanisms: The Joint Commission was established in 1995 and reinforced in 2016, while a protocol for Foreign Office Consultations was signed in 2002.
    • Three rounds of consultations have been held since then, with the latest in 2022.
    • The Joint Trade Committee, operational since 1981, held its fourth meeting in 2024.
  • Trade Relations: India is among Ghana’s top trading partners and the largest destination for Ghanaian exports. 
    • Bilateral trade between India and Ghana stood at approximately USD 3 billion in 2023–24, with Ghana enjoying a positive trade balance due to substantial gold exports. 
      • Imports of gold by India accounts for over 70% of total imports from Ghana.
    • Ghana is a key destination for Indian pharmaceutical exports, which are critical to the country’s healthcare system.
  • Investment: India is among the top investors in Ghana, with more than $1.2 billion channelled into sectors such as agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, and ICT.
    • India holds the 2nd place for investments in 12 projects (after China) and 8th by value of FDIs in 2024.
  • Development Partnership: India has extended around 450 million US dollars in concessional credit and grants for infrastructure and capacity-building projects.
    • Landmark initiatives include the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence established in 2003, the Rural Electrification Project, the Jubilee House Presidential Complex which was rehabilitated in 2017, and the Komenda Sugar Plant and Elmina Fish Processing Plant inaugurated in 2016.
    • India supported the construction of the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line, which was inaugurated in 2024.
  • Capacity Building & Human Resource Development: Over 1,600 scholarships have been offered under the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati digital network project. 
    • Ghana has benefited from India’s Pan-African e-Network initiative, enabling telemedicine and tele-education services through Indian institutions.
  • Sectoral Cooperation: Agreements have been signed to promote cooperation in areas like LPG distribution, peaceful uses of nuclear energy and standardisation through collaborations between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority.
    • Air connectivity is facilitated through the Air Services Agreement signed in 1978 and updated through subsequent MoUs.
    • Cultural exchange remains a vibrant aspect of the partnership, anchored by a Cultural Agreement signed in 1981 and periodic Cultural Exchange Programmes.
  • Humanitarian Support: India also extended humanitarian support to Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing 50,000 vaccine doses as a grant and over 1.6 million doses through the COVAX facility.
  • Indian Community: There is a sizable Indian community in Ghana numbering over 15,000. Some of them have been in Ghana for over 70 years.

Significance of Ghana for India

• • Gateway to West Africa: Ghana is considered a political and economic gateway to West Africa, the democratic stability makes Ghana an ideal partner for India’s African engagement strategy.
    • Its geographic location and regional influence allow India to deepen its engagement with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).

• • Economic Cooperation: India’s engagement with Ghana supports its economic diplomacy goals in Africa, ensuring access to critical raw materials like gold, bauxite, and cocoa.
  • Strategic and Security Cooperation: Ghana lies on the Gulf of Guinea, a region significant for India’s maritime security, energy shipping routes, and anti-piracy operations.
    • Partnering with Ghana on defence cooperation offers opportunities to expand its defence exports and security partnerships in Africa.
  • Development Partnership and South-South Cooperation: India supports Ghana through Lines of Credit, capacity building, and grants under its South-South Cooperation policy.
    • Projects like rural electrification, water supply systems, and skill development centers help build goodwill and reinforce India’s image as a responsible development partner.
  • Vaccine Development: The visit focuses on vaccine development and creating a vaccine hub in Ghana for West Africa represents a new dimension of cooperation.
    • This aligns with India’s pharmaceutical strengths and its vision of becoming a global hub for affordable healthcare solutions.
  • Multilateral and Diplomatic Alignment: Ghana supports India’s bid for a permanent seat in UNSC and collaborates in platforms like the Commonwealth, NAM, G77, and India-Africa Forum Summit.
    • Ghana’s democratic values and shared development priorities align with India’s foreign policy goals in Africa.
  • Diaspora and Cultural Linkages: A sizable Indian-origin community contributes to Ghana’s economy, especially in commerce and industry.
    • Cultural exchange, yoga, Indian Cinema, and education create strong people-to-people ties, reinforcing India’s image as a benevolent and inclusive global power.

Way Ahead

• • Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.
  • Strengthening ties with Ghana contributes to India’s aspirations for global leadership, economic expansion, and regional influence in Africa.
  • The visit will build on India’s historic ties with Ghana and help in opening up areas like investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 2: Chemical Weapons Convention

GS-2: IR

The context:

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) held the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia in New Delhi from July 1–3, 2025, hosted by India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC).

OPCW Asia Regional Meeting 2025 – Key Highlights

• • The event was hosted by India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC) at Vanijya Bhawan and included participation from senior OPCW officials and delegates from 24 Asian countries.
  • The meeting aimed to support the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) through regional cooperation and capacity building.
  • India, an original signatory to the CWC, continues to play an active role in promoting chemical safety and compliance through its national authority, NACWC.
  • In 2024, NACWC mentored the Kenya National Authority under the OPCW’s Mentorship/Partnership Programme to build implementation capacity.
  • The Indian Chemical Council (ICC) was honored with the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024 for promoting chemical safety and industry-wide security, marking a global first for a chemical industry body.
  • The Regional Meeting featured 38 delegates and covered topics including legislative frameworks, chemical safety, AI in chemical security, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Participants shared experiences, best practices, and national implementation challenges while exploring opportunities for deeper cooperation.
  • The OPCW presented updates on synergies with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and upcoming mentorship initiatives.
  • The meeting is expected to enhance regional coordination and strengthen implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention across Asia.

Chemical Weapons Convention:

• • It is a multilateral treatybanning chemical weapons and requiring their destruction within the stipulated time.  It came into force in 1997 and its implementation is overseen by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) with 193 member states. OPCW was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its global efforts in eliminating chemical weapons.

• • India and CWC: India is an original signatory of the CWC and implements it through the National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), established under the Chemical Weapons Convention Act, 2000.
    • The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), India’s oldest chemical industry association, was awarded the OPCW-The Hague Award 2024, becoming the first industry body globally to receive this honour.
  • Chemical Weapons: A chemical weapon is any toxic chemical or device designed to cause intentional harm or death, including munitions and equipment for delivery.

• • • It mandates the destruction of old and abandoned chemical weapons and requires members to declare riot-control agents like tear gas.

 

Source: PIB

Topic- 3: NITI Aayog Report: “Chemical Industry – Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”

GS-3: Economy

The context:

On 3rd July 2025, NITI Aayog launched its report titled “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains”, laying out a bold roadmap to transform India into a major global player in the chemical sector.

Key Targets & Vision: Highlights

• • NITI Aayog launched its report titled “Chemical Industry: Powering India’s Participation in Global Value Chains” to chart a roadmap for transforming India into a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse.
  • The report highlights India’s goal of achieving a USD 1 trillion chemical output by 2040 and raising its global value chain (GVC) share from 3.5% in 2023 to 5–6% by 2040.
  • India’s chemical sector is currently constrained by infrastructure gaps, high import dependence, regulatory hurdles, and low R&D investment, contributing to a USD 31 billion trade deficit in 2023.
  • Structural challenges include outdated industrial clusters, high logistics costs, 30% skilled workforce shortfall, and sluggish environmental clearance processes.
  • NITI Aayog proposes establishing world-class chemical hubs, revamping industrial clusters, and creating a dedicated Chemical Fund with central and local administrative bodies.
  • The report recommends the development of port infrastructure, creation of a Chemical Committee for ports, and development of eight high-potential clusters to facilitate smoother chemical trade.
  • An Opex subsidy scheme is proposed to incentivize incremental chemical production based on strategic criteria like import dependence and export potential.
  • To enhance innovation and self-sufficiency, the report suggests increased R&D funding, industry-academia collaboration, and access to foreign technologies through MNC partnerships.

Key Problems

• • Dependence on imported raw materials
  • Outdated chemical industry clusters
  • High transport and logistics costs
  • Slow environmental clearances
  • Low skilled manpower in new fields (e.g. green chemistry)

Vision for 2030

• • The vision for 2030 is for India to become a global chemical manufacturing powerhouse with a 5%-6% share of the global chemical value chain. The sector aims to double its current production levels and reduce the trade deficit significantly from USD 31 billion in 2023 to reach a Net Zero trade balance in Chemicals. The initiative will generate an additional export of USD 35-40 billion generating around 7 lakh skilled jobs. This growth will be supported by the development of world-class chemical clusters, advanced technology adoption, streamlined regulatory processes, and a highly skilled workforce, positioning India among the top global leaders in the chemical industry.

Conclusion

• • India has significant potential to become a global leader in the chemical industry. Achieving this goal requires focused efforts from the central and state governments, as well as industry stakeholders. By addressing the existing challenges and leveraging the proposed interventions, India can enhance its competitiveness, attract investments, and build a robust chemical sector capable of leading the global value chain.

 

Source: PIB

Topic-4: Prime Minister Modi Conferred with Trinidad & Tobago’s Highest National Award

GS-2: IR

The context:

Prime Minister was honored with Trinidad & Tobago’s highest national award, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, recognizing his leadership and efforts to strengthen India-Trinidad & Tobago ties.

PM Narendra Modi Conferred with Highest National Award of Trinidad & Tobago

• • Prime Minister of India was awarded the Order of the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, the highest national honor of the country.
  • He is the first foreign leader to receive this prestigious award.
  • The award was given in recognition of his statesmanship, his efforts to champion the priorities of the Global South, and his role in strengthening ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago.
  • The ceremony took place at the President’s House in Port of Spain, attended by President Christine Carla Kangaloo, Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Cabinet members, MPs, and other dignitaries.

MoUs / Agreement signed:

• • MoU on Indian Pharmacopoeia
  • Agreement on Indian Grant Assistance for Implementation of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs)
  • Programme of Cultural Exchanges for the period 2025-2028
  • MoU on Cooperation in Sports
  • MoU on Co-operation in Diplomatic Training
  • MoU on the re-establishment of two ICCR Chairs of Hindi and Indian Studies at the University of West Indies (UWI), Trinidad and Tobago.

Announcements made by Hon’ble PM:

• • Extension of OCI card facility upto 6th generation of Indian Diaspora members in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T): Earlier, this facility was available upto 4th generation of Indian Diaspora members in T&T
  • Accepted the award on behalf of 140 crore Indians, calling it a shared pride.
  • Gifting of 2000 laptops to school students in T&T
  • Formal handing over of agro-processing machinery (USD 1 million) to NAMDEVCO
  • Holding of Artificial Limb Fitment Camp (poster-launch) in T&T for 50 days for 800 people
  • Under ‘Heal in India’ program specialized medical treatment will be offered in India
  • Gift of twenty (20) Hemodialysis Units and two (02) Sea ambulances to T&T to assist in the provision of healthcare
    Solarisation of the headquarters of T&T’s Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs by providing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels
  • Celebration of Geeta Mahotsav at Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation in Port of Spain, coinciding with the Geeta Mahotsav celebrations in India
  • Training of Pandits of T&T and Caribbean region in India
  • Highlighted the deep and eternal friendship between India and Trinidad & Tobago.
  • Mentioned the strong cultural and historical ties, rooted in the Indian community’s presence in Trinidad & Tobago for over 180 years.
  • Praised President Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla as key ambassadors of the Indian community in the country.
  • Emphasized Trinidad & Tobago’s role as an important partner for India in CARICOM and the Global South.
  • Reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthen bilateral relations further.

 

Other Outcomes: T&T announced that it is joining India’s global initiatives: the Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA).

 

Source: PIB

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