• India and the U.S. have signed an interim trade agreement ending a period of elevated tariffs (50%) imposed since August 2025.
• The deal involves U.S. tariff reduction to 18% on Indian imports, while India agrees to lower tariffs on U.S. industrial and agricultural goods, commit to purchase $500 billion in U.S. products over 5 years, and reportedly stop Russian oil imports.
• Farmer groups and Opposition have raised concerns about the deal's impact on agriculture, cotton farmers, GM food imports, and India's sovereignty.

• Article 246 + Seventh Schedule: Trade and commerce with foreign countries is a Union subject (Entry 41, Union List).
• Article 302-305: Constitutional provisions on trade, commerce, and intercourse within India.
• WTO Framework: India is a founding member of WTO; MFN principle and national treatment obligations apply.
• India's FTA History: FTAs with ASEAN, Japan, South Korea, UAE (CEPA 2022), EU (2025). India has historically excluded sensitive agricultural items (cereals) from tariff liberalization.
• M.S. Swaminathan Commission (2006): Recommended MSP at C2+50%. Cotton MSP currently at ₹7,710/quintal vs. recommended ₹10,075/quintal.
• Trump's Tariff War: 25% tariffs imposed on India (Aug 2025) + additional 25% penalty for Russian crude oil imports.

Stakeholder Impact Analysis

Issue Linkage Map

• Asymmetric Deal: India eliminates tariffs on U.S. goods while the U.S. retains 18% tariff on Indian exports — a 7-fold increase from pre-trade-war average of ~2.5%. Brazil and China refused similar pressure.
• Agriculture Ambiguity: Unlike all previous Indian FTAs (including EU-India), the interim agreement does not explicitly exclude cereals from tariff reduction — raising fears of full agricultural market opening.
• GM Food Backdoor: By agreeing to resolve 'long-standing NTBs' on U.S. food products, India may have opened the door to GM food imports — the U.S.'s primary non-tariff concern.
• Cotton Farmer Crisis: U.S. cotton imports surged 95.5% in one year. Zero-tariff raw cotton will depress domestic prices further, intensifying farmer distress in Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana.
• Sovereignty Concern: Trump's Executive Order allows re-imposition of 25% tariffs if India resumes Russian oil imports — effectively giving the U.S. surveillance power over India's energy choices.
• Bangladesh Parity: Bangladesh also secured a trade deal (Feb 9) with duty-free textile access to the U.S., diluting India's purported comparative advantage.
• Ethical Dimension (GS-IV): Conflict between national interest vs. strategic alignment; duty of government to protect vulnerable farmers vs. geopolitical compulsions.

• Explicit Cereal Exclusion: Final deal must unambiguously exclude cereals and sensitive agricultural products, consistent with India's FTA history.
• GM Food Clarity: India must retain its sovereign right to regulate GM food imports; Precautionary Principle under Cartagena Protocol must be upheld.
• Cotton Farmer Protection: Implement Swaminathan formula (C2+50%) for cotton MSP; create Price Stabilization Fund for cotton.
• Diversify Energy Sources: Pursue multi-source energy policy; avoid binary dependence. Strengthen ties with Gulf nations, develop domestic renewable capacity.
• Parliamentary Scrutiny: Trade deals with major fiscal implications should be debated in Parliament (UK model of treaty scrutiny).
• SDG Linkage: SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 17 (Partnerships).

• India hosts the AI Impact Summit 2026 (Feb 16-20) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi — the first such global AI summit in the Global South.
• Leaders from ~20 countries, tech CEOs (Sundar Pichai, Sam Altman, Dario Amodei), and 3,000+ speakers expected. India champions a 'human-centric' AI approach.

• India's AI Governance Guidelines (Nov 2025): Anchored in trust-based AI development.
• South Korea's AI Basic Act (Jan 22, 2026): Foundation for trustworthy AI governance.
• Previous AI Summits: UK (Bletchley Park, 2023), South Korea (Seoul, 2024), France (Paris, 2025).
• UNESCO Recommendation on Ethics of AI (2021): First global normative instrument on AI ethics.
• IndiaAI Mission (2024): ₹10,372 crore allocation for compute, datasets, innovation.
• NITI Aayog National Strategy for AI (2018): 5 sectors — healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, transportation.

Global AI Governance Approaches

• Digital Divide: Global South countries are largely consumers of AI systems built elsewhere, with limited influence over design and governance.
• Compute Access Gap: AI training requires massive GPU clusters. India's compute infrastructure remains dependent on imports. U.S. export controls constrain access.
• Data Sovereignty: Transnational data flows and absence of common cybersecurity practices pose challenges. DPDP Act (2023) needs harmonization with AI governance.
• Talent Asymmetry: Brain drain of AI talent to U.S. and Europe persists.
• Ethical Concerns: AI-driven misinformation, deepfakes, algorithmic bias, and job displacement require robust frameworks.

• Shared Trust Framework: Establish interoperable AI governance standards across Asia, building on UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendation and ISO 42001.
• AI Compute as Public Good: Build shared computing infrastructure accessible to developing nations; India's DPI model can be replicated.
• Multilingual AI Datasets: Invest in high-quality datasets reflecting India's linguistic and cultural diversity (22 scheduled languages).
• Regulatory Balance: Avoid heavy-handed EU-style regulation while ensuring accountability. Proportionate, risk-based approach.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry & Innovation), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), SDG 16 (Institutions).

• Editorial argues for creation of an Indian Scientific Service (ISS) — a permanent, all-India scientific cadre to integrate scientific expertise into governance.
• Government scientists currently operate under CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 — rules designed for generalist administrators, not scientific independence.

• CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964: Govern conduct of all civil servants including scientists; emphasize discipline and neutrality.
• Article 312: All-India Services can be created by Parliament (Rajya Sabha resolution + 2/3 majority).
• CSIR, ICAR, ICMR: Have separate recruitment/promotion rules but remain bound by CCS Conduct Rules.
• Global Models: U.S. Scientific Integrity Policies; UK/France/Germany/Japan have dedicated scientific cadres.
• Article 51A(h): Fundamental Duty — develop scientific temper, humanism, spirit of inquiry and reform.

Current System vs. Proposed ISS

• Science as 'Decoration': Under current rules, scientific inputs remain advisory. Scientists cannot formally record dissent — their role becomes 'symbolic rather than substantive.'
• Structural Mismatch: Scientific work requires questioning assumptions and presenting challenging evidence. Administrative rules prioritize discipline — fundamentally incompatible.
• Implementation Challenge: Creating a new All-India Service requires Constitutional process (Art. 312) and political consensus.
• Bureaucratic Resistance: IAS and existing cadres may resist loss of turf in technically intensive sectors.
• Ethical Core (GS-IV): Tension between scientific integrity and political convenience; duty to present evidence vs. loyalty to hierarchy.

• Constitutional Route: Begin with Rajya Sabha resolution under Article 312; build consensus across States.
• Scientific Integrity Framework: Adopt U.S.-style policies that prevent political interference and protect transparent documentation.
• Pilot in Key Ministries: Start ISS in Environment, Health, and Disaster Management; expand based on results.
• Lateral Entry Enhancement: Expand current lateral entry scheme for domain experts with scientific credentials.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 16 (Effective Institutions); aligns with Art. 51A(h) — scientific temper.

• UAE-India bilateral trade reached $100 billion — five years ahead of the 2030 target under CEPA (2022). New target: $200 billion by 2032.
• Partnership evolved beyond energy to advanced manufacturing, fintech, AI, logistics, and defence. Nearly 5 million Indians form UAE's largest diaspora.

• India-UAE CEPA (2022): Eliminated tariffs on ~90% of tariff lines; first FTA with a Gulf country.
• Bilateral Investment Treaty (2024): Investment protection framework.
• Delhi Declaration (2025): India-Arab cooperation through 2028.
• Bharat Mart (under construction): Wholesale hub for Indian goods targeting Africa, West Asia, Eurasia.
• GIFT City: ADIA — first sovereign wealth fund to establish base in India's IFSC.

• Beyond Energy: Non-oil trade grew 20% to $65 billion — structural diversification away from energy dependence.
• Third-Market Expansion: Bharat Mart will serve as India's gateway to Africa, West Asia, Eurasia — force multiplier for exports.
• AI Frontier: UAE (world's first AI Minister of State, 2017) and India are natural partners in AI infrastructure.
• Risks: Over-dependence on a single corridor; geopolitical volatility in Gulf; need to ensure MSME benefits.

• Deepen MSME integration; use Bharat Mart for connecting Indian MSMEs with African/Eurasian markets.
• Establish joint AI research centres and shared computing infrastructure.
• Leverage UPI-like digital payment infrastructure for cross-border transactions.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work), SDG 9 (Innovation), SDG 17 (Partnerships).

• TN CM Stalin transferred ₹5,000 each to 1.31 Cr women under KMUT — total ₹6,550 crore in one day, weeks before Assembly elections.
• Similar pre-poll welfare seen in Bihar (₹10,000 to 75L women), Maharashtra (Ladki Bahin), West Bengal (Yuva Sathi).
• Raises questions about MCC effectiveness and ECI's consistency.

• Model Code of Conduct: Non-statutory guidelines by ECI; prohibits new schemes after election announcement.
• Article 324: ECI's superintendence and control of elections.
• S. Subramaniam Balaji vs. TN (2013): SC held freebies not corrupt practice under RPA; larger question referred to Constitution Bench.
• ECI Inconsistency: Suspended TN farmer cash scheme (2004), free TVs (2011), but ignored Bihar's ₹10,000 transfer (2025).

• ECI Double Standards: Suspended TN schemes (2004, 2011) but turned 'blind eye' to Bihar (2025). Inconsistency undermines MCC credibility.
• Fiscal Irresponsibility: TN's unplanned ₹2,620 Cr 'summer assistance' adds to fiscal stress — even as TN accuses Centre of withholding ₹3,548 Cr.
• Welfare vs. Freebie: KMUT is ongoing since 2023 with 32% SC/ST beneficiaries — has welfare merit. But timing and 'summer bonus' are clearly electoral.
• Cross-Party Practice: No party is exempt — BJP, TMC, AIADMK, DMK all engaged. This is a systemic issue.
• Ethical Dimension (GS-IV): Conflict between welfare duty and electoral manipulation; use of public exchequer for partisan advantage.

• MCC Reform: Make MCC legally binding; define clear timelines for when new schemes/enhancements cannot be announced.
• Fiscal Responsibility: Link welfare schemes to measurable outcomes and sunset clauses.
• ECI Consistency: Apply uniform standards across all States and parties.
• SC Guidance: S. Subramaniam Balaji case (Constitution Bench referral) must be decided urgently.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Strong Institutions).

• As of Dec 31, 2025: 574 persons on death row (550 men, 24 women) — 43.5% increase since 2016.
• Of 1,310 death sentences imposed in a decade, only 8.31% upheld by HCs and none confirmed by SC in 3 years.
• 34.65% of HC-decided death sentences resulted in acquittals; SC acquitted 10 in 2025 — highest since 2016.

• Bachan Singh vs. State of Punjab (1980): Death penalty constitutional; only in 'rarest of rare' cases.
• Machhi Singh vs. State of Punjab (1983): Categories for 'rarest of rare.'
• Law Commission 262nd Report (2015): Recommended abolition except for terrorism.
• Article 72/161: Pardoning power of President/Governor.
• Global Trend: 112 countries have abolished death penalty.

• Trial Court Quality Crisis: 34.65% acquittal rate reveals fundamental problems with evidence handling, procedural fairness at Sessions Court level.
• Zero SC Confirmations: Strongest signal that 'rarest of rare' doctrine is being misapplied by lower courts.
• Socioeconomic Bias: Death row inmates disproportionately from marginalized communities — poor, Dalits, minorities.
• HC Variation: Patna HC acquitted 78.31% vs. Karnataka HC 50.46% — arbitrary and inconsistent.
• Ethical Dimension (GS-IV): Retributive vs. restorative justice; irreversibility of error; state's moral authority to take life.

• Implement Law Commission 262: Abolish death penalty except for terrorism; move towards life without remission.
• Trial Court Reform: Mandatory judicial training on sentencing; improve forensic capabilities; ensure quality legal aid.
• Sentencing Guidelines: SC should issue comprehensive guidelines to reduce arbitrariness.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions); ICCPR Article 6 (Right to Life).

• Tarique Rahman's BNP won 209/297 seats in Bangladesh's first elections since Hasina's ouster (Aug 2024). JeI alliance won 77 seats — strongest Opposition since 1996.
• LS Speaker Om Birla to represent India at swearing-in (Feb 18). PM Modi declined, citing Macron's visit and AI Summit.

• Student-Led Uprising (Aug 2024): Toppled Awami League; Muhammad Yunus led interim government.
• BNP: Founded by Ziaur Rahman; historically seen as less favorable to India than Awami League.
• India-Bangladesh: Land Boundary Agreement (2015), Ganges Water Treaty (1996), Teesta dispute (unresolved).
• Neighborhood First Policy: Bangladesh central to India's eastern neighborhood diplomacy.

• Democratic Transition: Smooth transfer strengthens democratic credentials; Yunus's tenure 'successful' for this.
• India's Diplomatic Response: Sending Speaker (not PM/FM) signals calibrated engagement — assessing BNP's posture.
• China Factor: BNP historically closer to China; JeI to Pakistan/Turkey. India must proactively engage.
• Constitutional Reform: 60%+ voters participated in reform referendum — may reshape Bangladesh's governance.

• Proactive Engagement: Invite Rahman for early bilateral visit; resolve Teesta as goodwill gesture.
• Development Partnership: Accelerate India-funded infrastructure; ensure visible benefits for Bangladeshis.
• People-to-People: Ease visas; expand cultural/educational exchanges; leverage shared 1971 history.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 16 (Peace & Justice), SDG 17 (Partnerships).

• Trump revoked the EPA's 'Endangerment Finding' (2009) — the legal foundation for all U.S. vehicle emission standards.
• Editorial warns of implications for India's automotive sector — automakers may cite U.S. deregulation to lobby for weaker domestic standards.

• Massachusetts vs. EPA (2007): U.S. SC held GHGs are 'air pollutants' under Clean Air Act.
• EPA Endangerment Finding (2009): Six GHGs (CO2, methane, N2O, HFCs, PFCs, SF6) endanger public health — based on IPCC.
• India's BS-VI Norms (2020): Leapfrogged from BS-IV; CAFE norms also in force.
• Paris Agreement: India committed to 45% carbon intensity reduction by 2030; Net Zero by 2070.

• Irreversible Industry Shift: Auto manufacturers have invested decades into electrification. Production lines are optimized for clean vehicles — reversal unlikely.
• China's Dominance: China dominates EV value chain. U.S. rollback won't restore American competitiveness.
• India Risk: Indian automakers may cite U.S. deregulation to lobby for weaker fuel efficiency standards — must be resisted.
• Climate Justice: U.S. (historically largest cumulative emitter) abdicating climate responsibility shifts burden to developing nations.

• India must maintain and strengthen BS-VI and CAFE norms regardless of U.S. policy.
• Accelerate National Electric Mobility Mission and FAME-III; indigenize EV supply chain.
• Strengthen carbon pricing mechanisms; consider carbon border adjustments.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), SDG 13 (Climate Action).

• U.S. INDO-PACOM Commander Admiral Paparo praised India's Operation Sindoor, highlighting tactical execution and restraint.
• PM Modi noted record ₹7.85 lakh crore defence budget (2026-27) — 15% higher — and cited Operation Sindoor's lessons.
• Admiral Paparo flagged Chinese-origin weapons used by Pakistan and called for deeper India-U.S. cooperation in AI, space, electronic warfare.

• Operation Sindoor: Indian military operation against Pakistan; triggered by Pahalgam attack.
• Defence Agreements with U.S.: LEMOA (2016), COMCASA (2018), BECA (2020), iCET (2023).
• Major Procurements: Apache helicopters, MQ-9 Reaper drones, GE-414 engines, P-8I, MH-60 Romeo.
• Defence Budget 2026-27: ₹7.85 lakh crore — largest allocation to any ministry.

• Chinese Weapons Proliferation: Pakistan's use of Chinese-origin weapons highlights growing China-Pakistan military nexus.
• Kill Chain Complexity: Modern warfare integrates sensors, comms, propulsion, warheads, seekers. India needs indigenous capability.
• AI in Defence: INDO-PACOM employing AI in military operations. India-U.S. AI defence cooperation is a strategic opportunity.
• Self-Reliance Gap: Despite Atmanirbhar Bharat, India remains dependent on imports for critical platforms.

• Deepen India-U.S. defence tech sharing under iCET framework; focus on AI, space, EW.
• Accelerate indigenous defence production; achieve 25% defence export target.
• Invest in counter-space and cyber warfare; develop integrated theatre commands.
• SDG Linkage: SDG 16 (Peace & Strong Institutions).