UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 10th August 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/Governance

New Rules Notified for Organ Transplant Allocation

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Union Government has revised the organ transplant allocation policy to prioritize women patients and relatives of deceased donors. This initiative aims to address gender disparity and encourage more organ donations across India.

Key Takeaways

• The National Organ & Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has introduced a 10-point advisory for better transparency and equity in organ transplant allocation.
• The revised criteria now give priority to women awaiting organ transplants and the immediate relatives of deceased donors.

Additional Details

• Organ Transplant Allocation in India:The allocation process is administered by NOTTO under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, focusing on factors such as:
  • Medical urgency (severity of illness)
  • Duration of wait time on the transplant list
  • Matching parameters (blood group, organ size, age)
  • Special cases (children or patients needing a transplant after a previous donation)
  • Geographical proximity for optimal organ viability
• New Priority Criteria:The revised guidelines provide additional points in the allocation criteria for:
  • Women patients on the national waiting list
  • Immediate relatives of deceased donors
• Rationale:
  • Gender Disparity: Women have historically been underrepresented among organ transplant recipients due to socio-economic and cultural factors.
  • Encouraging Donations: Prioritizing donor families aims to increase deceased organ donations, addressing the shortage of organs in India.
• National Registry and Data Compliance: NOTTO manages a digital national registry for donors and recipients, requiring all transplant centers to submit data for compliance. Non-compliance may lead to legal actions against hospitals.

The recent changes in organ transplant allocation rules represent a significant shift towards integrating social equity into medical prioritization. By addressing gender disparities and acknowledging the contributions of donor families, the NOTTO aims to create a more balanced and transparent organ transplant system in India. These reforms are expected to enhance trust in the allocation process, increase organ donations, and improve gender balance in transplant recipients.

GS2/Polity

Decline of Maoists in the Red Corridor

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Maoist insurgency, which once had a significant presence across the Red Corridor, has now diminished to just 18 districts. This decline is attributed to a combination of targeted development initiatives, ongoing counterinsurgency operations, internal conflicts, rigid ideological stances, leadership crises, and a loss of local support.

Key Takeaways

• The Maoist insurgency has decreased significantly from nearly 180 districts in the late 2000s to only 18 today.
• Incidents of Left-Wing Extremism fell by over 50% between 2004–14 and 2014–23, with fatalities dropping nearly 70%.
• Government-led development schemes and sustained counterinsurgency efforts have weakened Maoist influence.

Additional Details

• Left Wing Extremism (LWE): Also known as Naxalism, this insurgency is rooted in socio-economic inequalities and is guided by Maoist ideology. It has historically targeted security forces, infrastructure, and democratic institutions.
• Historical Context: Emerging from the Naxalbari movement in 1967, LWE affected various states, including Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra, by engaging in armed violence and recruitment, particularly of children.
• The resignation of long-time leader Muppala Lakshmana Rao (Ganapathy) in 2018 highlighted a leadership crisis, further exacerbated by the death of his successor, Basava Raju, in 2025.
• Internal Divisions: The organization has faced fragmentation due to internal rifts, with the CPI (Maoist) Politburo reportedly having only four active members, which weakens overall decision-making.
• Loss of Public Support: The Maoists' focus on military strategies over local development led to disillusionment among the communities they purported to protect, with many now seeking education and job opportunities instead of armed struggle.

As the Indian government aims for the elimination of the insurgency by March 31, 2026, the challenge lies in addressing the political, academic, and activist support that has historically legitimized Naxalism. Without confronting these underlying issues, operational victories may not translate into a lasting resolution of the conflict.

GS3/Economy

How AI is Transforming India’s IT Industry

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The recent decision by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to freeze experienced hiring and cut around 12,000 jobs has raised concerns within India's $280 billion IT industry, which employs over 5.8 million individuals. These developments signify a period of uncertainty and transformation for a sector standing at a pivotal crossroads.

Key Takeaways

• AI is reshaping how software development and IT services deliver efficiency.
• New AI technologies are prompting a reevaluation of business models and talent strategies.
• While some jobs may be affected, AI also opens doors to new opportunities.
• TCS's recent actions signal a shift towards an AI-driven operational model.
• Continuous upskilling is essential for employees in the evolving landscape.

Additional Details

• AI's Role in Efficiency: AI tools such as coding assistants and intelligent debuggers have been shown to enhance productivity by over 30%, particularly in testing and maintenance, where they minimize human error and improve accuracy.
• Global investment in AI is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2025, highlighting its growing significance in various sectors.
• Challenges for global firms include outdated infrastructure and poor data quality, hindering AI adoption.
• Indian IT firms are positioned to assist global clients in overcoming these challenges by organizing data and developing compliant AI solutions.
• The focus of the IT sector is shifting from large coding teams to specialized expertise in advanced technologies.

In conclusion, while the transformations driven by AI may initially appear disruptive, they represent a significant shift towards efficiency and innovation in India’s IT sector. The future will demand adaptability and specialized skills, allowing Indian firms to continue their leadership in the global technology landscape.

GS2/Polity

Master of Roster - SC vs. HC, Judicial Authority, and Limits of Intervention

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

The recent reprimand of an Allahabad High Court (HC) judge by the Supreme Court (SC) for an "absurd" ruling has sparked renewed discussion on the extent of the SC's authority to interfere in the internal operations of High Courts, especially regarding the exclusive 'Master of Roster' powers held by the Chief Justice of a State HC. This situation raises significant constitutional questions regarding judicial independence, institutional integrity, and the SC's powers under Articles 141 and 142.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court criticized a High Court judge, leading to discussions on judicial intervention limits.
• Concerns have been raised about the balance between judicial oversight and the autonomy of High Courts.

Additional Details

• Background Incident: An SC Bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan instructed that Justice Prashant Kumar from the Allahabad HC be assigned to work with a senior judge and removed from the criminal roster until retirement, due to an "erroneous" order.
• Concerns Raised: Legal professionals from the HC and Chief Justice Arun Bhansali expressed worries over the SC's interference in the Chief Justice's administrative duties.
• Modification of Order: After a letter from Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai, the SC later amended its order, clarifying that it did not intend to challenge the 'Master of Roster' authority.

Key Constitutional and Judicial Principles

• Master of the Roster Principle:This principle grants the Chief Justice (either SC or HC) exclusive authority to form benches and allocate cases. Landmark rulings affirm this, such as:
  • State of Rajasthan vs. Prakash Chand (1998): Emphasized that only the Chief Justice can decide which judge hears which case.
  • State of Rajasthan vs. Devi Dayal (1959): Established that the HC Chief Justice determines the composition of single or division benches.
  • Mayavaram Financial Corporation (Madras HC, 1991): Affirmed that the Chief Justice has inherent powers for judicial business allocation.
• SC’s Hierarchical Role: Under Article 141, the SC’s declared law is binding on all Indian courts, and Article 142 allows the SC to issue any order necessary for "complete justice" beyond standard procedures.
• Judicial Independence vs. Institutional Oversight: Although High Courts function as independent constitutional entities, the integrated structure of the judiciary permits SC intervention in exceptional cases that threaten the rule of law.

Issues Raised

• Scope of SC’s Powers: Can the SC issue administrative directives to a HC Chief Justice regarding roster allocations?
• Judicial Discipline: How to maintain the quality of judgments without compromising HC autonomy?
• Article 142 Usage: Is there justification for preventive actions to avert repeated judicial mistakes?
• Separation of Powers within Judiciary: Balancing the hierarchy with judicial independence remains a critical concern.

In-House Mechanism vs. Public Reprimand

• Formal Process: Serious misbehavior or incapacity may lead to impeachment (via Parliament), while lesser issues are dealt with through in-house inquiries.
• SC’s Approach: The SC issued a public directive rather than following a confidential administrative procedure, which raises questions about transparency and accountability.
• Nature of the Directive: The SC's action was corrective, not punitive, intended to mentor by pairing the judge with a senior colleague and removing him from the criminal roster.

Way Forward

• Establish clear guidelines on when the SC may intervene in HC administrative functions.
• Enhance in-house mechanisms to handle judicial conduct without public disputes.
• Implement mentorship and training programs for judges to prevent repeated errors in sensitive judicial matters.

In conclusion, while the 'Master of Roster' principle is vital for safeguarding judicial independence, it does not completely preclude SC intervention when judicial errors jeopardize the rule of law. The SC's powers under Article 142 permit exceptional corrective measures, but such interventions must be carefully balanced to respect the autonomy of High Courts.

GS1/ History and Culture

Swadeshi Movement and Self -Reliant India

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

India celebrates National Handloom Day on August 7th each year to commemorate the launch of the Swadeshi Movement in 1905, which aimed to promote indigenous industries, particularly handloom weaving, as a form of economic resistance to British colonial rule. 

• National Handloom Day was officially declared by the Government of India in 2015 to honor the handloom community and their contributions. 
•  The day emphasizes handlooms as a vital part of the rural economy, women’s empowerment, and sustainable, eco-friendly production. 

Theme for National Handloom Day 2025

 The theme for National Handloom Day 2025 is “ Weaving Innovation into Tradition.. 

What was the Swadeshi Movement?

Origins of the Swadeshi Movement:

• Partition of Bengal: The British partitioned Bengal in 1905, creating a Muslim-majority East Bengal and a Hindu-majority West Bengal. This was viewed as a strategy to sow religious and political divisions, thereby weakening nationalist unity. 
• Lord Curzon’s Policies: Lord Curzon’s repressive measures, such as reforms in the Calcutta Corporation and the Indian Universities Act of 1904, incited anger and discontent among the middle class. 
• Calcutta Town Hall Meeting: In August 1905, a meeting at the Calcutta Town Hall formally initiated the Swadeshi Movement, calling for a boycott of British goods, particularly 'Manchester-made cloth' and 'Liverpool salt,' and urging support for Indian-made products. 

Key Methods of the Swadeshi Movement:

• Boycott of British Goods: The movement encouraged Indians to boycott British products and promote domestic goods to foster economic self-reliance by supporting local industries and crafts. 
• National Education: The rejection of British educational institutions led to the establishment of national schools that focused on Indian values. The 1905 Carlyle Circular, which threatened to withdraw scholarships from protesting students, prompted many to leave British colleges. In 1906, the National Council of Education was founded, leading to the later creation of the Bengal National College and the Bengal Technical Institute. 
• Formation of Samitis: Various volunteer organizations, known as samitis, were established to spread the Swadeshi message. The Swadesh Bandhab Samiti, led by Ashwini Kumar Dutta in Barisal, became a significant force for mass mobilization. 
• Use of Traditional Festivals and Melas: Traditional festivals like Ganapati and Shivaji were utilized to disseminate Swadeshi messages across India, including Bengal. Rabindranath Tagore employed Raksha Bandhan as a symbol of unity to oppose the 1905 Bengal partition. 
• Emphasis on Self-Reliance: The movement promoted ‘Atma Shakti’ (self-strength), linking national dignity with social reforms such as combating caste oppression, early marriage, dowry, and alcohol abuse. 

Phases of Swadeshi Movement:

• Moderate Phase: The movement started with moderates using petitions and meetings but transitioned to radical methods when these approaches proved ineffective. Leaders like Surendranath Banerjee endorsed the movement as a means to promote self-reliance. 
• Radical Phase: Leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, Lala Lajpat Rai, and Bal Gangadhar Tilak, part of the Lal-Bal-Pal trio, advocated for direct confrontation with the British. They expanded the movement’s scope to include a call for Swaraj (self-rule), promoting the boycott of British goods, institutions, and services, and endorsing both passive resistance and armed struggle. 

Impact:

• Indian National Congress (INC): The INC condemned Bengal’s partition and supported the Swadeshi Movement. At the 1906 Calcutta session, under Dadabhai Naoroji, the INC declared Swaraj as its goal. The Moderate-Extremist dispute over the movement’s pace and methods led to a party split at the 1907 Surat session. 
• Social Impact: Rabindranath Tagore’s 'Amar Sonar Bangla' became Bangladesh’s national anthem, uniting Bengalis against Bengal’s partition. Artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose enriched Indian art and cultural pride. The movement aimed for Swaraj through boycott and passive resistance, requiring mass awakening and participation. Support primarily came from the educated middle class, aristocrats, and merchants, while peasants and workers were less involved. Women played a crucial role by boycotting British goods and promoting local crafts. 
• Impact on British Rule: There was a significant decline in foreign imports from 1905 to 1908. This put pressure on the British to introduce the Morley-Minto Reforms in 1909 to address growing Indian demands for greater representation. The Swadeshi Movement stimulated Indian industries like handloom and textiles, leading to the establishment of new enterprises such as Bengal Chemicals and Lakshmi Cotton Mills. Politically, it shifted the focus from petitions to demanding Swaraj, fueling revolutionary activism. It also strengthened nationalism by promoting pride, unity, and self-reliance in the face of colonial rule. The annulment of the Partition of Bengal in 1911 by Lord Hardinge was primarily to curb the rising tide of revolutionary terrorism and unrest in the region. 

What is the Contemporary Relevance of the Swadeshi Movement in India?

• Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Swadeshi Movement’s principles are echoed in the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative, which aims to promote Indian goods globally and achieve self-reliance. This mission, launched during the pandemic with a substantial economic stimulus, emphasizes themes like ‘local for global’ and ‘vocal for local.’ Key objectives include positioning India as a global supply chain hub, enhancing private sector trust, supporting Indian manufacturers, and expanding exports in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, clothing, jewelry, pharmaceuticals, and defense. 
• Make in India Initiative: This initiative promotes India as a global manufacturing hub, encouraging both local and foreign companies to produce domestically. It resonates with the Swadeshi Movement’s focus on self-sufficiency and the development of local industries. The Make in India campaign has improved the ease of doing business, resulting in a significant increase in foreign direct investment and export growth. For instance, defense exports have surged, and India has made strides in the Global Innovation Index, with products like ‘Made in Bihar’ boots being integrated into foreign military supplies. 
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: These schemes aim to bolster domestic manufacturing and enhance exports across 14 key sectors, aligning with the Swadeshi ethos of promoting local industries and reducing dependency on imports. 
• Revival of Khadi and Cottage Industries: The Khadi movement, initially promoted by Gandhiji to encourage the use of Swadeshi products and the boycott of foreign goods, remains relevant. The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) has seen substantial growth in production, sales, and employment over the past decade. This revival aligns with the Swadeshi Movement’s goals of promoting local crafts and self-reliance. 
• Economic Nationalism and Protectionism: Rooted in the Swadeshi Movement, current economic policies prioritize domestic industries through measures like import substitution, trade tariffs, and incentives for Indian companies. These strategies aim to reduce reliance on global supply chains, particularly in critical sectors such as defense, healthcare, and energy, thereby enhancing national security and economic resilience. 

GS1/ History and Culture

World War II & Shift in Global Power Dynamics

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

On 6th August 2025, the world marked 80 years since the US atomic bombing of Hiroshima, observed annually as Hiroshima Day. 

•  On 6th and 9th August 1945, the US dropped “Little Boy” on Hiroshima and “Fat Man” on Nagasaki, killing thousands instantly, causing massive destruction and long-term radiation effects, and leading to Japan’s surrender in World War (WW)-II. 

What was World War (WW)-II?

About: World War II (1939–1945) was the deadliest global conflict, fought between the Axis Powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) and Allied Powers (France, Great Britain, the US, Soviet Union, China). Nearly 100 million people were mobilized, with around 50 million deaths, accounting for 3% of the world population.

Key Causes:

• Treaty of Versailles (1919): The treaty imposed harsh terms on Germany after WWI, including war guilt, heavy reparations, territorial losses, and strict military restrictions. These terms humiliated Germany, fostered resentment, and fueled ultra-nationalism and revanchism.
• Failure of the League of Nations: Established to maintain peace, the League lacked universal membership (the US never joined) and had no standing army; its failure to prevent Japanese aggression in Manchuria (1931) and the Italian invasion of Abyssinia (1935) emboldened fascist powers.
• Economic Crisis: The Great Depression (1929) caused worldwide unemployment, poverty, and political instability. In Germany, hyperinflation and US loan withdrawal worsened conditions, enabling totalitarianism and militarization in Europe and Japan.
• Rise of Fascism and Nazism: Fascism, led by Mussolini in Italy, promoted order, nationalism, and anti-communism. Nazism under Hitler combined fascism with racial ideology, aiming to overturn the Treaty of Versailles, restore German power, and gain Lebensraum (“living space”). From 1933, Hitler’s dictatorship pursued aggressive expansion and racial extermination policies.
• Policy of Appeasement: Britain and France allowed Hitler to violate the Treaty of Versailles by permitting the Rhineland reoccupation (1936) and Sudetenland annexation (1938), underestimating his ambitions and delaying military readiness; they avoided action even after Germany invaded Czechoslovakia (1939).
• Invasion of Poland (September 1939): Germany’s invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war, marking the official start of WWII and exposing the failure of appeasement.
• Japanese Expansion and Pearl Harbour (1941): Japan’s imperial ambitions led to the attack on Pearl Harbour, drawing the US into the war and expanding WWII into a global conflict.

What were the Key Events of World War II?

• Start of WWII & Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939): Germany invaded Poland on 1st September 1939 after making a secret agreement with the Soviet Union to divide the country, which led Britain and France to declare war, officially starting World War II.
• Phoney War & Early Conflicts (1939–1940): Western Europe saw little fighting during the Phoney War. Meanwhile, the USSR fought Finland (Winter War), ending in March 1940, and Germany invaded Denmark (surrendered) and Norway (resisted until June).
• Fall of France & Blitzkrieg (1940): Germany’s rapid Blitzkrieg tactics overwhelmed France, Belgium, and the Netherlands despite Allied numerical superiority, leading to France’s defeat and the establishment of the Vichy puppet regime.
• Battle of Britain (July–September 1940): The Royal Airforce successfully defended Britain against the German Luftwaffe’s air assault, marking the first major defeat of Nazi Germany and halting plans for a German invasion.
• Operation Barbarossa & US Entry (1941): In June 1941, Germany broke the Nazi-Soviet Pact by invading the USSR, but progress stalled due to harsh winter and Soviet counterattacks. Japan’s attack on Pearl Harbor led the US to join the war, followed by Germany declaring war on the US, globalizing the conflict.
• Turning Tide: Midway, Stalingrad, and North Africa (1942–1943): The US decisively defeated Japan at the Battle of Midway (June 1942). The Soviet victory at Stalingrad (February 1943) marked Germany’s first major defeat. Allied forces won in North Africa and began pushing Axis forces back in Europe.

What were the Key Consequences of World War II?

Global Impact:

• Human Cost: The war caused an estimated 70-85 million deaths, including military and civilian casualties. The Holocaust resulted in the systematic murder of six million Jews by Nazi Germany.
• Emergence of the Cold War: Defeat of Axis powers led to the collapse of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. Germany was divided into occupation zones, while the Soviet Union expanded its influence over Eastern Europe. The United States emerged as a superpower, marking the beginning of the Cold War.
• United Nations: Established in 1945, the United Nations was created to promote international cooperation and prevent future conflicts.
• Economic Recovery: The Marshall Plan (1948) by the United States provided economic aid for the reconstruction of war-torn Western Europe.
• Nuclear Arms Race: The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki introduced the nuclear age, leading to a prolonged nuclear arms race during the Cold War.
• Decolonization: The war weakened European colonial empires, sparking widespread anti-colonial movements in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, leading to decolonization.

Impact on India:

• Economic Hardships: WWII caused economic hardship, including inflation, high taxes, corruption, and catastrophic events like the Bengal famine of 1943, which caused millions of deaths.
• Increased Nationalism: The war intensified nationalist sentiments, especially after the Indian National Army (INA) formation by Subhas Chandra Bose, inspiring further resistance against British rule.
• Post-War Independence Movement: The war weakened British control, making continued rule untenable. Returning soldiers’ experiences of limited civil liberties compared to Europeans further fueled the demand for independence, culminating in India’s independence in 1947.

What was India’s Response to World War II?

• Colonial Status & Unilateral War Declaration: During WWII, India was a British colony and the British government, under Viceroy Lord Linlithgow, declared India’s involvement in the war without consulting Indian leaders, leading to widespread political discontent.
• Massive Military Contribution: India contributed over 2.5 million soldiers, forming the largest volunteer army globally. Indian troops fought across major theatres, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, playing crucial roles in battles such as the Battle of Monte Cassino in Italy, supporting the Allied war effort.
• INA & Axis Collaboration: The Indian National Army (INA) was formed with Japanese support & it fought alongside Axis powers in Southeast Asia, aiming to overthrow British rule and secure India’s independence.
• Opposition by INC: The Indian National Congress (INC) strongly opposed British unilateralism by resigning from provincial governments in 1939. They demanded that India’s political future be decided by Indians after the war and saw WWII as an opportunity to press for independence.
• Full & Conditional Support: While some groups, including the Muslim League and Hindu Mahasabha, offered conditional support to the British war effort, hoping India’s contribution would lead to leniency and eventual self-rule. While leaders like Mahatma Gandhi actively used the war’s circumstances to strengthen the independence movement.

GS3/ Economy

RBI’s Recommendations on Liquidity Management Framework

Source: Business Standards

Why in News?

The Internal Working Group (IWG) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has put forth its recommendations aimed at enhancing the efficiency and predictability of the Liquidity Management Framework (LMF). This framework has been in place since February 2020.

What is RBI's Liquidity Management Framework (LMF)?

• Overview: The LMF is the toolkit used by the RBI to manage the cash levels in the banking system. It plays a crucial role in guiding short-term interest rates and ensuring effective transmission of monetary policy.
• Core Mechanism: At the heart of the LMF is the Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), which includes the repo and reverse repo mechanisms. Through these tools, the RBI injects or absorbs liquidity as necessary.
• The framework operates on a "corridor system," with the policy repo rate positioned in the middle. The overnight Weighted Average Call Rate (WACR) is the primary target for monetary policy.
• Additional Tools: The LMF encompasses other instruments such as Open Market Operations (OMO), Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), and Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR) for making longer-term and structural liquidity adjustments. 

Recommendations of RBI on Liquidity Management Framework (LMF)

• WACR as the Operating Target: The IWG suggests continuing with the overnight WACR as the main operating target for monetary policy. 
• Rationale for WACR: WACR is highly correlated with other overnight collateralized money market rates, making it an effective tool for transmitting monetary policy signals and ensuring smooth rate transmission across different money market segments. 
• Discontinuation of 14-day VRR/VRRR Auctions: The IWG recommends discontinuing 14-day Variable Rate Repo (VRR) and Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auctions as primary tools for managing transient liquidity. 
• Shift to Shorter-term Operations: The RBI should focus on managing transient liquidity primarily through 7-day repo/reverse repo operations and other operations with tenors ranging from overnight to 14 days. 
• Rationale for Shorter-term Operations: 14-day VRR/VRRR auctions have seen lower participation, with banks preferring shorter-term tools like the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF). Shorter-term operations are more effective in meeting liquidity needs without causing market disruptions. 
• Advance Notice for Repo/Reverse Repo Operations: The RBI should provide at least one day’s advance notice for conducting repo/reverse repo operations. 
• Rationale for Advance Notice: Providing advance notice reduces market uncertainty and helps stabilize money market rates. 
• Minimum CRR Requirement: The RBI should maintain the 90% daily minimum requirement for the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR). 
• Rationale for Minimum CRR: This requirement ensures that banks maintain adequate reserves, preventing liquidity shortfalls. 

GS2/ International Relations

India-UAE 13th JDCC

Source: PIB

 Why in News? 

India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reiterated their commitment to strengthening defence ties during the 13th Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting held in New Delhi.

 Key Outcomes of 13th JDCC Meet: 

• Enhanced Military Training: India and the UAE agreed to enhance military training cooperation.
• MoU on Maritime Security:. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Indian Coast Guard and the UAE National Guard to bolster maritime security efforts. This includes Search and Rescue (SAR), anti-piracy, pollution response, and real-time information sharing in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Defence Manufacturing: The meeting discussed advanced joint defence manufacturing, particularly through the ICOMM-CARACAL small arms partnership. There was also an exploration of co-development in artificial intelligence (AI) and shipbuilding technologies, including refits and maintenance of shared platforms.
• Inter-Service Coordination: Talks were held among the Army, Navy, and Air Force to boost joint exercises, training, Subject Matter Expert (SME) exchanges, inter-service coordination, and tri-service interoperability.

 Significance of India-UAE Relations: 

• The UAE is India’s 3rd-largest trading partner and 2nd-largest export destination, while India is the UAE’s 2nd-largest trading partner.
• India and the UAE share a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership that includes deepened political, defence, and strategic ties.
• Key trade areas include petroleum, gems, agriculture, textiles, chemicals, and engineering goods.
• The UAE is a crucial oil supplier and contributor to India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), which is vital for India’s energy security and Gulf stability.
• India and the UAE have signed an MoU to establish a Local Currency Settlement System and integrated payment systems to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions.
• The UAE’s role in strategic platforms like I2U2, the International Maritime Economic Corridor (IMEC), and the Abraham Accords enhances India’s connectivity, economic influence, and energy security.
• The UAE is home to 3.5 million Indians, and the construction of a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi signifies strong cultural and economic ties between the two nations.