Content Study of stellar Twins reveal secrets of evolution and future of stars Mission 100% Electrification: Powering the Future of Indian Railways Study of stellar Twins reveal secrets of evolution and future of stars Why is it in news? A joint team from ARIES (Nainital) and PRL (Ahmedabad) studied four W Ursae Majoris–type (W UMa) contact binary stars using 1.3-m Devasthal Fast Optical Telescope (DFOT) and NASA’s TESS space telescope Results were published in the Astrophysical Journal (2026), revealing new evidence on binary star evolution, mass transfer, orbital changes, and magnetic activity. Relevance GS-3 | Science & Technology — Space Research & Astrophysics Advances understanding of stellar evolution, binary mergers, angular-momentum loss Strengthens India’s role in observational astronomy & indigenous research capacity (ARIES–PRL collaboration) Supports precision in exoplanet transit science (better stellar mass–radius calibration) Application to astrophysical modelling, space science innovation, and data-driven research Basics — What are W Ursae Majoris (W UMa) Stars? Type: Short-period contact binary systems Orbital period: Typically 0.2–1.0 days (very fast) Morphology: Dumbbell-shaped, both stars share a common outer envelope Composition: Generally low-mass, main-sequence stars Energy sharing: Thermal contact → nearly equal surface temperatures Scientific value: Natural laboratories to determine mass, radius, luminosity, temperature, angular momentum loss Key Findings Mass transfer & orbital evolution Evidence of mass exchange between stars Slight orbital period variations → angular-momentum redistribution Shared stellar envelope Stars share outer layers, confirming contact-binary energy coupling Magnetic activity & star spots Dark star spots cause asymmetric brightness (“lopsided light curves”) Strong magnetic fields + star-spot cycles Spectral emissions confirm flare-linked outer-layer activity Improved mass–radius calibration Results refine empirical relations for low-mass stars Critical for stellar structure & evolutionary models Scientific Significance Enhances understanding of: Binary star evolution & merger pathways Angular-momentum loss mechanisms Energy transport in contact binaries Supports: Exoplanet transit studies (accurate stellar radii = accurate planet sizes) Astrophysical population models Calibration of stellar evolutionary tracks Conclusion   The study of W UMa contact binaries provides high-precision evidence on mass transfer, orbital evolution, and magnetic activity, strengthening models of stellar evolution and merger pathways. It enhances India’s scientific capability in space research and improves mass–radius calibration crucial for exoplanet studies and astrophysical modelling. Mission 100% Electrification: Powering the Future of Indian Railways  Why is it in news? Indian Railways has reached ~99.2% Broad Gauge (BG) electrification as of Nov 2025 (≈ 69,427 RKM electrified out of 70,001 RKM), signalling near-completion of Mission 100% Electrification. Electrification pace rose from 1.42 km/day (2004–14) to >15 km/day (2019–25) — a 10× acceleration. Solar capacity on the network expanded from 3.68 MW (2014) to 898 MW (Nov 2025), of which 629 MW for traction and 269 MW for non-traction uses. India now ranks among the most extensively electrified rail networks globally, comparable to Switzerland (100%), and ahead of China (82%) and Japan (64%). Relevance GS-3 | Infrastructure, Energy & Economy Enhances logistics efficiency, freight competitiveness, operating cost savings Reduces diesel import dependence → strengthens energy security Demonstrates large-scale infrastructure modernisation + mechanised project execution Basics — What is Railway Electrification?  Meaning: Replacing diesel traction with electric traction powered through Overhead Equipment (OHE) and traction substations. Traction energy mix: Grid electricity + increasing share of solar and renewable power. Operational logic Higher energy efficiency (electric traction ≈ 70% more economical than diesel) Higher haulage capacity & acceleration Lower maintenance + lower dependency on imported fuel Environmental logic Reduced GHG emissions, air pollution, noise Enables future migration to green grids / RE integration Status Snapshot Network electrified: 69,427 RKM (≈ 99.2% of BG network) Electrified since 2014: 46,900 RKM Electrified share over time 2000: 24% 2017: 40% 2024: >96% 2025: ~99.2% States — Residual Sections (574 RKM pending; 0.8%) State % Electrified Balance (RKM) Rajasthan 99% 93 Tamil Nadu 97% 117 Karnataka 96% 151 Assam 92% 197 Goa 91% 16 25 States/UTs already 100% electrified. Global Positioning  Switzerland: 100% India: ~99%+ China: 82% Spain: 67% Japan: 64% France: 60% Russia: 52% UK: 39% Inference: India is among the world leaders in network-scale electrification. Solar Power Integration — Data Highlights Total solar installed: 898 MW 629 MW (≈70%) — Traction supply 269 MW — Non-traction (stations, workshops, service buildings, housing) Stations using solar power: 2,626 Outcome Reduced grid draw + electricity costs Greater energy security + decarbonisation of traction Engineering & Technology Interventions Cylindrical mechanised foundations (augering) Faster OHE mast installation, less manual excavation, superior consistency Automatic Wiring Train Simultaneous catenary + contact wire installation Accurate tensioning → higher safety, faster execution Mechanisation + standardisation Shorter project cycles, fewer failures, improved quality Why Electrification Matters ? Economic Lower fuel bill, reduced dependence on diesel imports Higher throughput → freight efficiency & logistics competitiveness Environmental Lower emissions; enables shift toward renewable-powered mobility Operational Higher speeds, reliability, and network capacity Regional development Electrified corridors catalyse industrial & rural connectivity Conclusion   Near-complete railway electrification, backed by rapid pace and large-scale solar integration, marks a major leap in infrastructure modernisation, energy efficiency, and logistics competitiveness. It significantly reduces diesel dependence and emissions, positioning Indian Railways as a global leader in sustainable, low-carbon transport transformation.

Content Dangerous paradigm The right to disconnect in an ‘always-on’ economy Dangerous paradigm  Context The United States, under President Donald Trump, conducted a military operation in Venezuela on 3 rd of January, resulting in the capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the United States to face federal drug-related charges, provoking global diplomatic controversy and legal debate. The action has triggered widespread international condemnation, emergency United Nations discussions about violations of sovereignty and international law, and concerns over potential new geopolitical crises and erosion of global norms on use of force. Relevance   GS-2 International Relations Sovereignty, non-interference, and the UN Charter’s principles on use of force. Shifts in U.S. foreign policy and implications for global governance. GS-3 Security & Diplomacy Military intervention norms, extraterritorial jurisdiction, and global strategic balances. Influence of resource security (oil) and counter-narcotics policy in geopolitics. Practice Question “The unilateral U.S. operation in Venezuela marks a dangerous erosion of international legal norms.” Examine in the context of sovereignty, extraterritorial jurisdiction, and the UN Charter’s prohibition on the use of force..(250 Words) Operation Details and Aftermath Maduro capture: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were seized by U.S. forces in Caracas and flown to New York, where they pleaded not guilty to narcotics and weapons charges in federal court. Military engagement: The operation involved U.S. military action in Venezuelan territory, including reported strikes and casualties among Venezuelan and allied forces. Political transition attempt: Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez was sworn in as interim president, opposed by Maduro loyalists and facing internal turmoil. Security escalation: Armed militias and paramilitary groups increased their presence within Venezuela to assert control amid national chaos. Global Reaction United Nations: The United Nations Security Council held an emergency session, with many members condemning the U.S. action as a violation of international law and Venezuelan sovereignty.  International law concerns: Experts and several countries cited concerns over violations of the UN Charter and the legal principles governing sovereign equality and non-use of force.  Mixed diplomatic response: While some U.S. allies expressed caution, major powers like Russia, China, Brazil, Cuba, and Colombia publicly denounced the intervention. U.S. Government Position The Trump administration described the operation as part of a law enforcement action to hold Maduro accountable for alleged narcotics trafficking, arguing that extradition and domestic legal claims justify the intervention even without explicit international authorization.  Despite internal U.S. debates, the White House asserted that the goal includes stabilising Venezuela, potentially overseeing a transition, and addressing oil infrastructure and national security interests. Why this matters? 1. Erosion of International Norms The operation signifies a sharp departure from conventional restraint in international relations, bypassing established frameworks for military intervention and extradition, thus risking the weakening of sovereignty norms and the UN Charter’s prohibition on unilateral force. It raises the spectre of a precedent where powerful states may justify extraterritorial military actions under broad or ambiguous pretexts, increasing global instability. 2. Geopolitical Ramifications The intervention intensifies U.S.–Latin America tensions, with implications for hemispheric relations and alliances, and may accelerate foreign policy realignments in the region. It has the potential to exacerbate proxy dynamics involving Russia and China, who are strategic partners of Venezuela, thereby impacting broader geopolitical competition. 3. Rule of Law and Precedent The legal basis for arresting and trying a sitting president abroad without host nation consent or UN mandate is contested, stimulating debate on the limits of international law and extraterritorial jurisdiction. Legal scholars argue such actions risk undermining legal protections for heads of state and could encourage reciprocal actions by other countries. 4. Regional Security and Conflict Risk Military actions of this scale in sovereign territory risk escalation into wider conflict, as seen in historical parallels (e.g., U.S. invasion of Panama in 1989) where unilateral interventions have had long-term regional impacts. Conclusion The U.S. military capture and transfer of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in January 2026 represents a dramatic shift in international conduct, sparking wide debate over legality, sovereignty, and the norms governing the use of force. The episode underscores rising geopolitical tensions and highlights the potential erosion of global rules designed to prevent unilateral intervention by powerful states.  The right to disconnect in an ‘always-on’ economy  Why is it in news? A Private Member’s Bill proposing a statutory “Right to Disconnect” has been introduced to amend the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code (2020), aiming to legally protect workers from employer-mandated digital availability beyond working hours. The proposal comes amid rising evidence of over-work, burnout, and mental-health stress in India’s workforce, and aligns India with countries such as France, Portugal, Italy, Ireland, and Australia, which have already legislated similar protections. Relevance GS-2: Governance & Labour Rights — regulatory frameworks, social justice, welfare of workers. GS-3: Economy & Human Capital — productivity, mental health, sustainable workforce, gig economy regulation. Practice Question “The Right to Disconnect is not merely a labour reform but a public-health and productivity imperative.” Critically examine in the Indian context, citing evidence.(250 Words) Issues Highlighted Long working hours 51% of India’s workforce works >49 hours/week — 2nd highest globally (ILO). Burnout prevalence 78% of Indian employees report job burnout → physical fatigue, emotional exhaustion, productivity decline. Health burden Over-work linked to hypertension, diabetes, anxiety, depression, and lifestyle disorders. Work-related stress accounts for ~10–12% of mental-health cases (National Mental Health Survey). Work culture risks 24×7 digital availability → fear of penalty for ignoring after-hours calls/emails → power imbalance favoring employers. Tragic over-work incidents (e.g., 2024 corporate exhaustion fatality) highlight systemic risks. Legal & Institutional Gaps  The OSHWC Code 2020 regulates hours mainly for traditional “workers” — Contractual, gig, freelance, platform economy employees remain weakly protected. No statutory safeguard against After-hours digital work demands Retaliatory action for non-response Absence of structured grievance redressal mechanisms. What the Proposed Law Seeks to Do ? Define & limit working hours for all employees, including gig/contractual workforce. Right to Disconnect — employees cannot be penalised for declining after-hours digital communication. Mandatory grievance redressal for violations. Integrates mental-health and well-being as part of occupational safety norms. Complements emerging State-level initiatives (e.g., Kerala) → seeks uniform national framework. Global Context  Countries with legislated “Right to Disconnect”: France (2017) → organisational protocols on after-hours email/calls Portugal, Italy, Ireland, Australia → codified rest-time protections Empirical takeaway: Protected downtime improves productivity, retention, and health outcomes rather than harming growth. Policy Rationale — Data-Driven Analysis Economic productivity Chronic fatigue → higher error rates, lower creativity, rising attrition costs. Quality-based work output outperforms time-duration-driven cultures. Public-health imperative Prevents lifestyle-disease escalation & mental-health burden on healthcare systems. Social stability & workforce sustainability Protects India’s youth demographic dividend from burnout risks. Future-of-work alignment Essential for digital economy, remote work, platform labour. Conclusion The Right to Disconnect legislation seeks to correct the structural imbalance created by 24×7 digital work culture, protecting worker health while improving sustainable productivity. By extending safeguards to all categories of employees — including gig and contractual workers — it reframes work-life balance as a public-health, economic, and social-stability priority for India.

Content Aditya-L1 AO Data Call — ISRO Opens Solar Mission Data to Indian Scientists Indigenous Biomaterials — A Pathway to Cut Fossil-Based Imports and Build a Bio-Economy Classical Language Heritage — Govt Releases 55 Volumes of Indian Literary Works Grasslands in Climate Policy — Recognising Rangelands as Carbon Sinks Beyond Forests FTA Impact — India’s Trade Deficit with Partner Countries Widens Despite Export Gains Aditya-L1 AO Data Call — ISRO Opens Solar Mission Data to Indian Scientists Why is it in news? On the 2nd anniversary of India’s Aditya-L1 solar mission, ISRO has issued an Announcement of Opportunity (AO) inviting Indian scientists and researchers to analyse the mission’s first AO-cycle data for solar science research. The Aditya-L1 spacecraft reached Lagrange Point-1 (L1) on 6 January 2024 (127 days after launch on 2 September 2023) and has since been carrying out continuous observations of the Sun; ISRO has now placed >23 TB of mission data in the public domain for global scientific utilisation. Relevance GS-3 | Science & Technology — Space Research, Heliophysics, Space-based Observations Facts & Data — Mission Status and Scientific Output Mission Objective: First Indian dedicated mission to study the Sun from L1 (≈1.5 million km from Earth) enabling continuous, eclipse-free observations. Orbit Position: Halo orbit around L1 → uninterrupted monitoring of solar corona, solar wind, CMEs, magnetic fields, and solar radiation. Data Generated: >23 terabytes (TB) of solar observation data already released Multiple peer-reviewed scientific papers published using mission data Instruments Studied (examples): VELC, SUIT, ASPEX, PAPA, SoLEXS, HEL1OS, MAG → spectrometry, coronagraphy, particle and magnetic-field measurements. What ISRO’s AO Call Involves ? Open to: Indian scientists/researchers in universities, institutes, and colleges working in solar & space sciences. Role Invited: Apply as Principal Investigators (PIs) with proposals for scientific justification, data-analysis methodology, and clear research outcomes. Goal: Maximise scientific return from mission data through wider community participation and collaborative research. Why this matters ? Strengthens India’s solar physics ecosystem by democratising access to high-value space-science data. Enhances space-weather forecasting capability (impact on satellites, power grids, communications, aviation). Positions India as a front-line contributor to heliophysics research alongside global missions (SOHO, Parker Solar Probe, Solar Orbiter). Encourages domestic research capacity, publications, and innovation in astrophysics and instrumentation science. Indigenous Biomaterials — A Pathway to Cut Fossil-Based Imports and Build a Bio-Economy Why is it in news? The article highlights India’s growing focus on indigenous biomaterials and biomanufacturing as a strategic pathway to reduce dependence on fossil-based imports, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support environmental sustainability and farmer incomes. With global markets shifting toward low-carbon, circular and bio-based materials, India’s biomaterials sector is emerging as a $500-million (2024) opportunity in bioplastics, biopolymers and bio-derived materials, but requires scaling infrastructure, feedstocks, waste systems, and policy coordination to stay globally competitive. Relevance   GS-3 | Economy, Environment, Science & Technology — bio-economy, circular economy, import substitution, sustainable materials, industrial policy, farmer value-chains. Facts & Data — What are Biomaterials?  Definition: Materials derived wholly/partly from biological sources or engineered through biological processes, designed to replace, complement, or interact with conventional petroleum-based materials. Application sectors: Packaging, textiles, construction, healthcare, composites, consumer products. Three categories Drop-in biomaterials — chemically identical to petro-materials; compatible with existing manufacturing (e.g., bio-PET). Drop-out biomaterials — chemically different; need new processing or end-of-life systems (e.g., PLA – polylactic acid). Novel biomaterials — new properties (e.g., self-healing materials, bioactive implants, advanced biocomposites). Why Biomaterials Matter for India ? Strategic import substitution Cuts reliance on fossil-based imports in plastics, chemicals, materials. Economic & industrial growth Expands bio-manufacturing value chains → boosts domestic industry. Farmer livelihood diversification Creates new revenue streams from agricultural residues & feedstocks. Climate & sustainability alignment Supports single-use plastic bans, circular economy norms, climate action. Export competitiveness Aligns Indian products with global low-carbon regulations & consumer demand. Where India Stands — Sector Snapshot? Bioplastics market value (India, 2024): ~USD 500 million with strong growth outlook. Key domestic initiatives Balrampur Chini Mills — PLA plant (Uttar Pradesh) → among India’s largest planned biomaterials investments. Praj Industries — demonstration-scale bioplastics facility. Start-ups: Phool.co (temple-waste-to-biomaterials) and others building circular bio-economy models. Capability gap Dependence on foreign technologies for conversion of biomass feedstocks into market-ready biomaterials persists in some segments. Risks & Constraints ? Feedstock competition with food crops if scaling is unmanaged. Resource stress from intensive cultivation → water & soil degradation risks. Weak waste & composting systems may negate environmental benefits. Fragmented policy silos across agriculture–industry–environment. Global race risk — slower action may leave India dependent on imported biomaterials as others scale faster. Way Forward — Action Priorities Scale biomanufacturing capacity: fermentation, polymerisation, pilot plants, shared R&D facilities. Improve feedstock productivity: sugarcane, maize, agri-residues using advanced agritech & bio-process innovations. Invest in R&D & standards: promote drop-in + novel biomaterials for high-value applications. Regulatory clarity: definitions, labelling norms, recycling/composting pathways. Market-shaping tools: government procurement, time-bound incentives, de-risking early investments. Classical Language Heritage — Govt Releases 55 Volumes of Indian Literary Works Why is it in news? The Union Education Minister has released 55 volumes of literary works in classical Indian languages — including Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, and Tamil — along with a sign-language series of the Tirukkural by Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. The release is part of a national initiative to promote India’s linguistic heritage, led by the Centres of Excellence for Classical Languages under the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL) and the Central Institute of Classical Tamil. Relevance GS-1 | Indian Heritage & Culture — Classical Languages, Literature, Civilisational Legacy GS-2 | Governance — NEP 2020, Cultural Policy, Inclusion & Accessibility Facts & Data — What was released? Total works released: 55 volumes 41 works developed by CIIL Centres of Excellence 13 books + sign-language Tirukkural series from the Central Institute of Classical Tamil Languages covered: Kannada, Odia, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil Formats included: Literary texts, translations, and scholarly works Indian Sign-Language Tirukkural series to expand accessibility Key Literary Works & Highlights Tamil: Tirukkural (including sign-language edition), Silappathikaram, Nannool translations and classical commentaries Malayalam: Works such as Purananooru, Pathuppattu Odia: Classical literature including Charyapada and Madalapanji Kannada & Telugu: Classical and medieval texts, translations, linguistic documentation Focus on revival, preservation, and wider access to ancient and medieval Indian literature Purpose & Policy Linkages Aligns with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasis on Indian languages, knowledge systems, cultural heritage Inclusion of classical texts, translations, and linguistic diversity Promotes languages as a “unifying force” and bridge for dialogue and harmony Strengthens research, translation, and public accessibility to classical literature Why this matters ? Cultural preservation: Institutional support for classical and regional literary traditions Academic value: Expands research resources for linguistics, literature, and history Inclusive access: Sign-language editions promote linguistic accessibility Soft power & identity: Reinforces India’s civilisational heritage and linguistic diversity 11 Classical Languages Recognised by the Government of India Tamil Sanskrit Telugu Kannada Malayalam Odia Marathi Pali Prakrit Assamese Bengali Grasslands in Climate Policy — Recognising Rangelands as Carbon Sinks Beyond Forests Why is it in news? With the UN declaring 2026 as the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists, the article highlights the growing global demand to recognise grasslands and savannahs in climate policy, especially after repeated UNFCCC climate summits (including COP30 in Belém, Brazil) continued to prioritise forests over grasslands in climate action and financing. Scientists, indigenous communities, and policy groups warn that grasslands are among the world’s most threatened biomes, facing rapid loss from agriculture, invasive species, mining, fire suppression, and policy neglect — despite their major role in carbon storage, water systems, biodiversity, and livelihoods. Relevance GS-3 | Environment, Climate Change, Conservation, Land Use GS-2 | Multilateralism, Indigenous Rights, Governance of Natural Resources Facts & Data — Why Grasslands Matter Biome significance Grasslands and savannahs cover ~40% of the Earth’s land surface globally. They support pastoralist communities, biodiversity, and hydrological systems (e.g., Brazil’s cerrado houses 8 of 12 major river systems). Carbon & ecosystem services Grasslands store a large share of carbon underground in soils, making them stable long-term carbon sinks (often more resilient than forests to fires & droughts). Suppression of indigenous land management (e.g., controlled burns, regulated grazing) increases wildfire intensity and carbon release. Current Threats Australia — desert grasslands Facing climate-induced dry spells & flash floods and spread of buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) → burns hotter, displaces native grasses. Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) uses cultural burning, invasive-species control, and ranger monitoring — but funding remains inadequate. Brazil — Cerrado savannah Losing habitat at nearly twice the rate of the Amazon due to agriculture, mining, and land-use change. 70% of Brazil’s agricultural toxic waste is dumped in the cerrado → ecological and health risks. Grasslands are ecologically linked to the Amazon — “No cerrado, no Amazon”. Policy & Multilateral Context UNFCCC climate focus remains forest-centric (e.g., Tropical Forest Forever Facility at COP30). Grasslands better recognised under CBD & UNCCD: UNCCD COP16 — Resolution L15: calls rangelands complex socio-ecological systems, urges tenure security & investment. WWF & IUCN report at COP30: “Protecting the Overlooked Carbon Sink” Recommends integrating grasslands across all three Rio Conventions and into country NDCs. India-Specific Insights Grasslands in India fall under 18 different Ministries → fragmented policy and conflicting classifications E.g., Environment Ministry treats grasslands as afforestation areas Rural Development Ministry categorises them as “wastelands” → open to conversion. India’s NDC currently targets 2.5–3 billion tonnes CO₂ sink via forests/tree cover by 2030 Including grasslands as carbon sinks would strengthen mitigation and correct forest-bias. What Needs to Change ? Recognise grasslands as independent ecosystems, not “empty land” or wasteland. Integrate grasslands into: Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) Land-degradation neutrality & biodiversity frameworks Ensure: Indigenous & community land rights + co-management Ecosystem-based approaches (fires, grazing, rangeland stewardship) Build cross-convention coordination — UNFCCC-CBD-UNCCD → break institutional silos. FTA Impact — India’s Trade Deficit with Partner Countries Widens Despite Export Gains Why is it in news? NITI Aayog’s ‘Trade Watch Quarterly’ report (Jan 2026) finds that India’s trade deficit with FTA partner countries has widened sharply, rising 59.2% between April–June 2025 compared to the previous year — even as electronics exports grew strongly. The report comes at a time when India is expanding FTA negotiations with the EU, U.S., Australia, EAEU, GCC, Canada, SACU, and exploring new PTAs with Brazil and Israel, raising questions about trade imbalances and sectoral competitiveness under FTAs. Relevance GS-3 | Economy — External Sector, FTAs, Trade Balance, Manufacturing Competitiveness Facts & Data — Trade Deficit with FTA Partners Trade deficit growth (Apr–Jun 2025): +59.2% YoY Drivers of widening deficit Petroleum imports up, due to higher crude prices and volumes Weak export growth in several sectors Stronger import demand from FTA partners Countries contributing to deficit trends ASEAN, South Korea, Japan, Thailand, UAE — rising import bills Some FTA partners saw export declines (e.g., Singapore −13.3%, Australia −8.7%, Saudi Arabia −8.5%) Sectoral Performance Electronics — strong export surge Became 2nd-largest export sector 47% YoY growth in Apr–Jun 2025 Export gains driven by: Mobile phones, electronic circuits, components Petroleum & commodities — deficit pressure Gold imports from UAE increased sharply Petroleum oils & bituminous minerals up Iraq and Russia remain key crude suppliers; import values rose Geography-wise Trends Rising imports from UAE (+28.7%) China (+16.8%) USA (+16.9%) Export growth markets South Korea (+15.6%) Japan (+2.8%) Thailand (+2.9%) Bhutan (+10.2%) Declining export markets Singapore, Australia, Saudi Arabia — contraction noted Policy Context India signed FTAs with UAE & Australia (2022), UK & EFTA under discussion, ASEAN review pending Report flags: Structural export weakness outside electronics High import dependence in fuels, gold, intermediates Need for sector-specific competitiveness & supply-chain depth Significance Highlights a pattern seen in past FTAs — imports rise faster than exports unless domestic industry upgrades capacity & value-addition. Suggests that electronics PLI-led gains are promising but broad-based export strength is still lacking. Signals the need to align FTA strategy with industrial policy, RoO enforcement, and trade-deficit risk management.