Topic 1: India Re-Elected to ICAO Council with Stronger Mandate
GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Infrastructure – Aviation Sector | GS Paper 2: Multilateral Institutions
Context: India has been re-elected to Part II of the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) during the 42nd ICAO Assembly Session in Montreal (27 Sept 2025). India secured more votes than in the 2022 elections, showcasing growing confidence among member states in its leadership and aviation sector growth.
Key Highlights
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- India’s Campaign:
- Reception hosted on 2nd September 2025 in New Delhi by the Ministry of Civil Aviation for Ambassadors and High Commissioners.
- Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu sought member states’ support for India’s candidature.
- Ministry of External Affairs undertook diplomatic outreach to strengthen India’s re-election bid.
- India’s Representative at ICAO headquarters also canvassed actively.
- Global Engagement:
- During his Montreal visit, Minister Naidu held bilateral meetings with member states and aviation industry leaders.
- India’s growing aviation market attracted interest in MRO, component manufacturing, and skill development.
- India & ICAO:
- Founding member since 1944, maintaining uninterrupted Council presence for 81 years.
- Plays a crucial role in shaping aviation safety, security, sustainability, and international regulatory standards.
- Advocates for gender-inclusive and equitable aviation growth.
- ICAO Council Structure:
- ICAO Assembly (every 3 years) includes all 193 signatory states of the Chicago Convention.
- The 36-member ICAO Council governs for a three-year term.
- Part II members are states making the largest contribution to international civil air navigation facilities.
- Commitments for 2025–2028 Term:
- Strengthening aviation safety, security, and sustainability.
- Promoting equitable growth in air connectivity.
- Advancing technology and innovation.
- Supporting ICAO’s “No Country Left Behind” initiative.
- India’s Campaign:
Strategic Significance
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- Reinforces India’s global stature as a leading aviation hub and voice for developing nations.
- Ensures India’s influence in shaping global aviation policy and regulations.
- Aligns with India’s vision of becoming the third-largest aviation market and a hub for sustainable, technology-driven air transport.
Topic 2: India–EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) to Come into Effect from 1 October 2025
GS Paper 2: International Relations | GS Paper 3: Economy – Trade, Investment | GS Paper 2: Governance
Context: The India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), signed on 10 March 2024 in New Delhi, will come into effect on 01 October 2025. For the first time in any FTA signed by India, the agreement includes a binding commitment on investment and job creation, marking a milestone in India’s trade diplomacy.
Key Highlights
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- Scope & Structure:
- Covers 14 chapters: goods, rules of origin, trade facilitation, remedies, SPS & TBT, investment, services, IPR, sustainable development, and legal provisions.
- EFTA market access: 100% of non-agri products + tariff concessions on processed agri products.
- India safeguarded sensitive sectors: pharma, medical devices, processed food, dairy, coal, and select agri products.
- Investment & Jobs:
- USD 100 bn FDI commitment over 15 years (USD 50 bn in first 10 years + USD 50 bn in next 5).
- Aim to generate 1 million direct jobs in India.
- Long-term productive capital (excludes FPI).
- Dedicated India–EFTA Desk (operational since Feb 2025) as single-window for investment facilitation.
- Market Access for Goods:
- EFTA’s offer: 92.2% tariff lines (99.6% of India’s exports).
- India’s offer: 82.7% tariff lines (95.3% of EFTA exports; mostly gold imports).
- Boost for Indian exports in machinery, chemicals, textiles, processed foods, agriculture, marine products, engineering, gems & jewellery.
- Services & Professional Mobility:
- India’s commitments: 105 sub-sectors.
- EFTA commitments: Switzerland (128), Norway (114), Liechtenstein (107), Iceland (110).
- Stronger access in IT, business services, education, audio-visual, cultural services.
- Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) in professional services: nursing, chartered accountancy, architecture.
- Enhanced certainty for Mode 1 (digital), Mode 3 (commercial presence), Mode 4 (temporary stay of professionals).
- Intellectual Property Rights (IPR):
- Commitments at TRIPS level; robust chapter with Switzerland.
- Safeguards India’s interest in generic medicines and prevents evergreening of patents.
- Sustainability & Development:
- TEPA emphasises sustainable, inclusive growth with focus on environment, transparency, and efficiency in trade procedures.
- Promotes technology transfer in renewable energy, health sciences, precision engineering, R&D.
- Sector-Specific Gains:
- Agriculture: Gains in guar gum, basmati rice, pulses, fruits, vegetables, nuts, millets.
- Marine Products: Tariff elimination on shrimps, prawns, squid, cuttlefish.
- Coffee & Tea: Zero-duty access in high-value Swiss & Norwegian markets.
- Engineering Goods & Electronics: Boost for precision engineering, EV components, renewable energy tech, medical electronics.
- Textiles, Leather, Footwear, Toys, Sports Goods: Duty-free access, simplified standards compliance.
- Scope & Structure:
Strategic Significance
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- First-ever FTA with four developed European nations (Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).
- Strengthens Make in India, PLI, and Atmanirbhar Bharat by attracting capital and technology.
- Expands market access in Europe beyond EU & UK, positioning India strategically in all three major economic blocs.
- Generates employment, enhances services exports, and boosts India’s global competitiveness.
Conclusion:
TEPA by securing USD 100 bn FDI and 1 million jobs positioned India as a preferred investment hub and deepened its integration into global value chains.
Topic 3: International Day of Older Persons 2025
GS Paper 2: Social Justice – Vulnerable Sections | GS Paper 4: Ethics – Family & Intergenerational Values
Context: The Department of Social Justice & Empowerment (DoSJE) will celebrate the International Day of Older Persons (1st October 2025) at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
Theme: “Ageing with Dignity” – promoting a dignified and enabling ecosystem for elderly citizens, based on the principles of ‘Ageing in Place’ and ‘Ageing with Dignity’.
Key Highlights & Events:
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- MoUs Signed with Key Institutions:
- Ministry of Defence (Defence Estates/Services) – for senior citizens’ support.
- TCIL (Ministry of Telecommunications) – for tech-enabled welfare.
- Birla Open Minds Foundation – for social initiatives.
- Infrastructure & Cultural Initiatives:
- Virtual inauguration of 5 senior citizen homes in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand.
- Release of two songs by Brahma Kumaris on intergenerational bonding and family values.
- Launch of NAITIK PATAM game – fostering intergenerational bonding.
- Launch of QR Code system to capture Grand Parents–Teachers Meeting outcomes.
- Pre-Event Initiatives (23rd September 2025):
- “SAHAJ – Vridha Mitra Toolkit” released – a resource for senior citizen welfare.
- Talk Series (2nd Edition) – “Shrinkhala–HUM” (Anubhav aur Utsaah ka Sangam) – showcased real-life stories and community models of elderly participation in nation-building.
- MoUs Signed with Key Institutions:
Significance:
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- Recognises elderly as knowledge bearers and contributors to society.
- Strengthens institutional and community care models.
- Promotes intergenerational solidarity, ensuring family values remain integral in an ageing society.
- Supports India’s long-term demographic strategy under Viksit Bharat 2047, with a focus on inclusive growth and social protection.
Conclusion:
The celebration of International Day of Older Persons 2025 represents a shift from welfare dependency to dignified and participatory ageing, reaffirming the nation’s ethical responsibility towards its elderly population.
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