IASbaba's Daily Current Affairs Analysis
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(PRELIMS Focus)
Subject: Environment & Ecology (Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS), Wetland Conservation, Crop Wild Relatives, Biological Diversity Act, 2002)
Why in News?
The Borjuli Wetland in Sonitpur district, Assam, has been notified as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS) for conserving the wild rice species Oryza rufipogon, an invaluable genetic resource for developing climate-resilient rice varieties. The recognition was granted under the In-situ Conservation and Management of Wild Rice project being implemented since 2022.
About Borjuli Wetland
- Located in Borjuli village, Sonitpur district, Assam.
- A 0.41-hectare freshwater marshy wetland situated in the Brahmaputra floodplain.
- Harbours one of India’s important natural populations of Oryza rufipogon, the wild progenitor of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa).
- The project is funded by the National Rainfed Area Authority (NRAA) and implemented by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR) in collaboration with the Assam State Biodiversity Board.
Significance
- Oryza rufipogon possesses genes for:
- Pest and disease resistance.
- Flood and salinity tolerance.
- Climate resilience.
- These traits are extensively used in breeding high-yielding and climate-resilient rice varieties.
- Borjuli has become India’s 55th Biodiversity Heritage Site and one of Assam’s Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Biodiversity Heritage Sites are a high-probability UPSC topic. Aspirants should remember that they are notified under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 by the State Government, in consultation with local bodies, to conserve ecologically significant areas while permitting compatible community practices. Borjuli is significant for protecting Oryza rufipogon, the wild ancestor of cultivated rice, making it crucial for food security and climate-resilient agriculture. UPSC may ask about the difference between Biodiversity Heritage Sites and Protected Areas, the implementing agencies, or the importance of crop wild relatives in agricultural biodiversity.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Agriculture / Environment & Ecology (Rice Cultivation, Climate-Smart Agriculture, Water Conservation, Sustainable Farming Practices)
Why in News?
The Chhattisgarh Government has advised farmers to adopt the Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method during the 2026 Kharif season to address possible rainfall uncertainty associated with El Niño and promote water-efficient agriculture. Simultaneously, several states, including Punjab, are expanding DSR cultivation to conserve groundwater and reduce cultivation costs.
About Direct Seeded Rice (DSR)
- A rice cultivation technique in which seeds are sown directly into the field, eliminating the need for raising nurseries and transplanting seedlings.
- Suitable for medium-textured (loam) to heavy-textured (clay) soils with good drainage.
- Types of DSR:
- Dry DSR – Dry seeds sown in dry soil.
- Wet DSR – Pre-germinated seeds sown in moist/puddled soil.
- Water Seeding – Seeds broadcast into standing water.
Advantages
- Saves up to 50% irrigation water.
- Reduces labour requirement and cultivation cost by eliminating transplanting.
- Lowers methane emissions, making it climate-friendly.
- Improves soil structure and benefits succeeding crops.
- Facilitates mechanisation and timely sowing.
Challenges
- Severe weed infestation requiring effective herbicide management.
- Higher risk of uneven crop establishment and lodging.
- Greater exposure of seeds to birds and pests.
- Requires precise land levelling and proper irrigation management.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
DSR is a high-probability agriculture topic due to its role in addressing groundwater depletion, labour shortages, and climate change. Aspirants should distinguish DSR from Puddled Transplanted Rice (PTR)—PTR requires nursery raising, transplanting, and continuous flooding, whereas DSR involves direct sowing with significantly lower water and labour requirements. UPSC may ask about types of DSR, advantages and limitations, or its role in climate-resilient agriculture, water-use efficiency, and greenhouse gas mitigation. The topic also links with sustainable agriculture, resource conservation technologies, and food security.
Source/Reference:
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/192474/OPS/GD6G6UMVN.1+G20G6UQMQ.1.html
Subject: Environment & Ecology (Invasive Alien Species, Biodiversity Conservation, Zoonotic Diseases, Agricultural Pests)
Why in News?
The Giant African Snail has spread rapidly across Tirunavaya Panchayat in Malappuram district, Kerala, entering school campuses and raising concerns over children’s health and agricultural damage. The invasive species is proliferating during the monsoon due to favourable warm and humid conditions.
About the Giant African Snail
- Scientific Name: Lissachatina fulica (formerly Achatina fulica).
- Native to East Africa but now established across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Recognised by the IUCN as one of the World’s 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species.
- Introduced into India in the 19th century and now widespread, particularly in Kerala.
Key Characteristics
- One of the largest terrestrial snails, with shells measuring 50–100 mm, occasionally reaching 200 mm.
- Hermaphroditic, enabling rapid reproduction.
- Feeds on over 500 species of crops and ornamental plants, severely affecting agriculture.
- Thrives in warm, humid environments including agricultural lands, wetlands, forests, and urban areas.
Health & Ecological Impact
- Acts as a carrier of the rat lungworm parasite (Angiostrongylus cantonensis), which can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans.
- Competes with native mollusc species, damages biodiversity, and causes extensive crop losses.
- Mucus and contaminated surfaces may pose health risks; handling should be avoided without protective gear.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Invasive alien species are a recurring UPSC Prelims theme. Aspirants should remember that the Giant African Snail is not native to India and is listed among the IUCN’s 100 Worst Invasive Alien Species. Its ability to reproduce rapidly, consume hundreds of plant species, and transmit the rat lungworm parasite makes it significant from both ecological and public health perspectives. UPSC may ask about its scientific name, invasive status, reservoir of disease, ecological impacts, or compare it with other invasive species such as Water Hyacinth, Lantana camara, Prosopis juliflora, and African Catfish.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology (Marine Biodiversity, Deep-Sea Ecosystems, Taxonomy, ICAR Institutions, Arabian Sea)
Why in News?
Scientists at the ICAR–Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi, have discovered a new deep-sea fish species, Cyttopsis indica, commonly called the Indian dory, from the Arabian Sea. The discovery corrected a long-standing taxonomic misidentification through morphological and DNA analyses, enriching India’s documented marine biodiversity.
About Cyttopsis indica
- A newly identified deep-sea fish belonging to the genus Cyttopsis, a primitive group of marine fishes commonly known as dories.
- Discovered at depths of 350–500 metres along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea in the Arabian Sea.
- The discovery was based on six specimens collected from Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour, Kollam (Kerala).
- Earlier, Indian Ocean specimens were incorrectly identified as Cyttopsis rosea, now confirmed to be restricted to the Atlantic Ocean.
- DNA sequencing established that Cyttopsis indica is genetically distinct from all known species in the genus.
About ICAR-CMFRI
- Established in 1947; became part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967.
- Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala.
- India’s premier institute for marine fisheries research, marine biodiversity assessment, and sustainable fisheries management.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Marine biodiversity is an emerging UPSC theme, especially discoveries of new species. Aspirants should remember that Cyttopsis indica is a deep-sea fish discovered in the eastern Lakshadweep Sea, not a freshwater or coastal species. UPSC may ask about the discovering institution (ICAR-CMFRI), the role of DNA barcoding in taxonomy, or distinguish between the Arabian Sea, Lakshadweep Sea, and continental slope. The topic also links with India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), deep-sea exploration, and marine conservation.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Environment & Ecology / Science & Technology (Wildlife Conservation, Animal Tracking Techniques, Biodiversity Monitoring, Radio Telemetry)
Why in News?
Radio telemetry came into focus after the death of the radio-tagged White-rumped Vulture (Z25) due to electrocution in the Nilgiris. Data from its radio transmitter had earlier enabled conservationists to repeatedly rescue and monitor the bird, highlighting the importance of telemetry in wildlife conservation.
About Radio Telemetry
- A technique that uses radio waves to automatically transmit data from a remote source to a receiving station for monitoring and analysis.
- Widely used in wildlife tracking, weather monitoring, medical monitoring, and industrial process control.
- Since the 1960s, it has been an essential tool for studying wildlife movement, migration, habitat use, breeding behaviour, and survival.
Components of a Radio Telemetry System
- Radio Transmitter: Attached to an animal using a collar, ear tag, wing tag, or implant.
- Radio Antenna: Detects the transmitted radio signal.
- Radio Receiver: Tuned to the transmitter’s frequency and converts the signal into audible or digital data.
- As the receiver approaches the tagged animal, the signal strength or beeping sound increases, helping determine its location.
Applications
- Monitoring migration routes and home ranges.
- Studying behaviour, breeding, and habitat preferences.
- Population estimation and mortality monitoring.
- Human–wildlife conflict mitigation and conservation planning.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Wildlife monitoring techniques are increasingly important for UPSC. Aspirants should distinguish radio telemetry from GPS/satellite telemetry. Conventional VHF radio telemetry requires researchers to manually track signals using a receiver, whereas GPS or satellite telemetry automatically records and often transmits location data over long distances. UPSC may ask about the components of a radio telemetry system, its applications in wildlife conservation, or compare it with other tracking technologies. The topic also links with species conservation programmes involving tigers, elephants, vultures, snow leopards, and migratory birds.
Source/Reference:
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/192474/OPS/GD6G6UMVP.1+GTCG70KJH.1.html
Subject: Economy (Capital Markets, SEBI, Mutual Funds, Portfolio Management Services (PMS), Financial Market Reforms)
Why in News?
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) reported an encouraging response to Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs). As of 31 May 2026, SIFs had accumulated over ₹13,500 crore in Assets Under Management (AUM) across 56,000+ investor folios, reflecting growing demand for sophisticated investment products.
About Specialised Investment Funds (SIFs)
- Introduced by SEBI under the SEBI (Mutual Funds) Regulations, 1996 through a regulatory framework issued in February 2025.
- Operational from 1 April 2025.
- Designed to bridge the gap between:
- Traditional Mutual Funds, and
- Portfolio Management Services (PMS).
- Allows sophisticated investment strategies while remaining within the regulated mutual fund ecosystem.
Key Features
- Minimum investment: ₹10 lakh per investor (not applicable to SEBI-accredited investors).
- Can be launched only by eligible Asset Management Companies (AMCs) meeting SEBI’s prescribed criteria.
- Permitted strategies include:
- Equity Long-Short
- Debt Long-Short
- Hybrid Long-Short
- Sectoral and Active Asset Allocation strategies.
- Fund managers can use derivatives, hedging, and long-short investment strategies.
- Among the 21 strategies launched, Hybrid Long-Short has attracted the highest investments.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
Financial market reforms are an important UPSC theme. Aspirants should remember that SIFs are neither Mutual Funds nor PMS, but a new investment category positioned between the two. Unlike PMS, which requires a minimum investment of ₹50 lakh, SIFs require only ₹10 lakh while offering greater portfolio flexibility than conventional mutual funds. UPSC may ask about the regulator (SEBI), minimum investment threshold, permitted investment strategies, or distinguish SIFs from Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and PMS. The topic also links with capital market deepening, investor protection, and financial sector reforms.
Source/Reference:
Subject: Polity & Governance / Economy (Digital Governance, Rural Development, DAY–NRLM, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Financial Inclusion, Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI))
Why in News?
The Ministry of Rural Development released a PIB Backgrounder highlighting the LokOS Platform as the digital backbone of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY–NRLM). The platform has emerged as a key enabler of digital governance, financial transparency, and women’s economic empowerment, and now also hosts the newly launched SHE-LEAPS platform for rural entrepreneurship.
About LokOS
- LokOS stands for Lok (People) + Operating System (OS).
- A web and mobile-based digital platform under DAY–NRLM, implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD).
- Developed and managed by the Digital India Corporation (DIC).
- Enables end-to-end digitisation of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs), including:
- Self-Help Groups (SHGs)
- Village Organisations (VOs)
- Cluster Level Federations (CLFs).
Key Features
- Digital management of member profiles, savings, loans, repayments, and livelihood activities.
- Generates Aadhaar- and bank-linked digital identities for CBOs and members.
- Provides real-time dashboards, analytics, approvals, and monitoring from village to national level.
- Records nearly ₹2 lakh crore worth of annual SHG financial transactions.
- Hosts SHE-LEAPS, a platform for managing women-led farm and non-farm enterprises under the Lakhpati Didi Mission.
Coverage (2026)
- Operational across 34 States/UTs.
- Covers 762 districts, 7,241 blocks, 2.57 lakh Gram Panchayats, and 5.92 lakh villages.
- Digitally connects over 94 lakh SHGs and 10 crore SHG members.
UPSC Prelims Analysis
LokOS is an important example of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in rural governance. Aspirants should remember that it is not a banking or payment platform, but a digital management system for SHGs and Community-Based Organisations under DAY–NRLM. UPSC may ask about its implementing ministry, implementing agency (Digital India Corporation), objectives, and linkage with SHE-LEAPS and the Lakhpati Didi Mission. The topic also connects with financial inclusion, rural livelihoods, women-led development, and e-governance initiatives.
Source/Reference:
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2280986®=48&lang=1
(MAINS Focus)
GS III – Economy / GS III – Environment
Energy Security, Biofuels, and Environmental Sustainability
Introduction
The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has become a cornerstone of India’s energy transition, achieving 20% ethanol blending in 2025–26, five years ahead of target. It has reduced crude oil imports, saved over ₹1.9 lakh crore in foreign exchange, lowered emissions, and significantly increased farmers’ incomes, advancing energy security, environmental sustainability, and rural development.
Policy Evolution and Key Milestones
Blending Trajectory
- 2013-14: <1.5% blending
- 2025-26: 20% blending (achieved 5 years ahead of schedule)
- Ethanol Procurement: 38 crore litres (ESY 2013-14) → 1,200+ crore litres (projected 2025-26)
- Production Capacity: 421 crore litres (2014) → 2,000 crore litres (2026) – nearly 5-fold increase
Programme Impact
- Foreign Exchange Saved: ₹1.90+ lakh crore (since ESY 2014-15)
- Crude Oil Substituted: 310+ lakh MT
- CO2 Emissions Cut: 930+ lakh MT
- Additional Farmer Earnings: ₹1.60+ lakh crore
Addressing Key Concerns: Evidence vs. Myths
Engine Performance and Durability
- Mileage: 30% figure refers to ethanol’s lower calorific value, not real-world mileage. Actual drop: ~0.6 km/litre (for 20 km/litre vehicle); driving habits and maintenance matter more.
- Engine Damage: No widespread pattern of engine failure linked to E20. Cleared after extensive testing by SIAM, ARAI, IOCL, and vehicle makers. Maruti Suzuki serviced 2.84 crore vehicles in FY26; over 1.5 crore older (non-E20 certified) vehicles showed no E20-related damage.
- Performance: Ethanol is high-octane (RON ~108.5 vs. 84.4 for petrol); E20 raises effective octane to ~95, improving acceleration and reducing emissions.
Insurance and Warranty
- Clarification: Insurers and OEMs confirm E20 has no impact on insurance or warranty validity. SIAM categorically confirmed warranties honoured for vehicles running spec-compliant E20.
Pricing and Water Use
- Pricing: 2020-21 NITI Aayog report cited ethanol cheaper than petrol; procurement costs have since risen above refined petrol costs. Mandate continues for energy security, environmental, and farm income gains.
- Water Use: Ethanol plant uses 3-5 litres of processed water per litre of ethanol; modern distilleries run Zero Liquid Discharge. Attributing entire agricultural water footprint to ethanol is incorrect. Only surplus rice (permitted by DFPD after meeting food security) is diverted for ethanol.
Misleading Claims
- Sugarcane Juice in Petrol: Viral videos misleading. Ethanol produced through fermentation and industrial processing, meeting strict fuel quality specifications.
- Ants/Bees Swarming: Fuel ethanol is distilled – residual sugars eliminated; contains denaturants; petrol’s odour dominates.
- Water Absorption: Keeping water out of fuel tanks is basic design; modern vehicles have safeguards.
Industry and Global Confidence
Industry Voices
- Toyota: E20 proven, high-performance fuel; rigorous independent certification.
- Maruti Suzuki: Serviced 2.84 crore vehicles; no E20-related damage; mileage drop negligible; better acceleration, lower pollution.
- Hero MotoCorp: Analysis of extensive service data found no higher damage in vehicles running on E20.
- Engineers India Limited: Programme developed through extensive consultation, supported by scientific evidence, global best practices, BIS standards, and BS-VI norms.
Global Best Practices
- United States: E10 standard; E15 expanding; millions of flex-fuel vehicles (up to E85)
- Brazil: Global leader; mandates E27, raising to ~35%; 80%+ new cars flex-fuel
- Japan: Phased E10 rollout
- Others: Canada, Thailand, several European nations have adopted ethanol blending
Challenges
- Feedstock Availability: Balancing food vs. fuel; ensuring surplus grain diversion only
- Water Use: Sustainable water management for feedstock cultivation
- Infrastructure: Storage, distribution, and retail network for E20
- Vehicle Compatibility: Older vehicles not E20-certified; phased transition needed
- Price Volatility: Ethanol procurement costs have risen above petrol; subsidy implications
Way Forward
Strengthening Feedstock Security
- Expand maize and surplus rice-based ethanol production
- Promote second-generation (2G) ethanol from agricultural waste
- Ensure food security through surplus-only diversion policies
Infrastructure and Compliance
- Expand storage and blending infrastructure nationwide
- Ensure uniform E20 availability at all retail outlets
- Strengthen quality testing and BIS compliance
Vehicle Transition
- Continue awareness campaigns for consumers
- Support OEMs in E20-certified vehicle production
- Phased transition for older vehicle fleet
Sustainability
- Promote water-efficient feedstock cultivation
- Strengthen Zero Liquid Discharge in distilleries
- Integrate with circular economy and waste-to-energy initiatives
Conclusion
India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme has become a key pillar of energy security, achieving 20% blending five years ahead of target. It has reduced import dependence, lowered emissions, and boosted farmers’ incomes. Going forward, its success will depend on sustainable feedstock, stronger infrastructure, and greater consumer awareness.
Practice Question
- Evaluate the achievements of India’s Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme. Discuss the key challenges and suggest measures for its sustainable expansion. (250 words, 15 marks)
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2281287®=3&lang=1
GS II – International Relations
Bilateral Relations, Critical Minerals, and Supply Chain Resilience
Introduction
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Indonesia (July 6–8, 2026) highlights India’s push to strengthen ties with a key maritime partner. As the world’s largest archipelagic state with vast nickel reserves, Indonesia is central to India’s clean energy and EV ambitions. The visit builds on the 2018 Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, focusing on critical minerals, defence, connectivity, and maritime security.
Strategic Significance of the Visit
Critical Minerals and Clean Energy
- Nickel Reserves: Indonesia holds world’s largest nickel reserves
- Strategic Importance: Essential for EV batteries and clean energy transition
- Chinese Dominance: Beijing has established dominant position in downstream processing
- Urgency: India has limited time to secure presence in nickel value chain
- Other Minerals: Indonesia also possesses cobalt, bauxite, tin, and rare earths
Defence and Maritime Cooperation
- BrahMos Missiles: Substantial progress expected towards acquisition by Indonesia
- Maritime Security: Shared boundary in Andaman Sea; Indonesia straddles Malacca Strait
- Sabang Port: Strategic potential in Aceh province under Act East Policy
- Regional Stability: Shared interest in preserving freedom of navigation, ASEAN centrality
- India’s Role: Western approach of Malacca Strait guarded by India
Shared Historical and Strategic Ties
- Ancient Links: Indian cultural connections with Java, Bali, Sumatra
- Bandung Conference (1955): Foundation of Non-Aligned Movement
- Largest Democracies in Asia: Shared democratic values
- BRICS and IORA: Common platforms for advancing shared interests
- UNGA Camaraderie: Decades of diplomatic trust from alphabetic seating
Economic and Commercial Dimensions
Bilateral Trade and Investment
- Indonesia: India’s second-largest ASEAN trading partner
- Trade Deficit: India runs ~US$20 billion deficit
- Target: Expand bilateral trade to US$100 billion by 2030
- Critical Mineral Strategy: Need for joint ventures, upstream equity, mineral-processing partnerships
- Industry Challenge: Indian companies must match speed of Chinese counterparts
Connectivity Gaps
- Limited Direct Flights: Constrains people-to-people ties
- Inadequate Shipping Links: Hampers trade and connectivity
- Restrictive Visa Protocols: Limits tourism and business travel
- Potential: Initiatives linking Andaman & Nicobar with Aceh need momentum
Sectors for Cooperation
- Digital Public Infrastructure: India’s DPI expertise
- Healthcare and Space: Emerging areas of collaboration
- Tourism: Unexplored potential
- Supply Chain Resilience: Critical minerals and rare earths
Geopolitical Context
China’s Maritime Assertiveness
- Nine-Dash Line: Overlaps Indonesia’s EEZ around Natuna Islands
- Chinese Investment: Dominant in nickel processing; strategic concern for India
- India’s Response: Quad arrangements; bilateral cooperation
- Indonesia’s Balancing: Close economic ties with China, expanding maritime cooperation with India
India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
- ASEAN Centrality: Indonesia as leading voice and partner
- Act East Policy: Aligns with Indonesia’s maritime ambitions
- Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2018): Framework for cooperation
- Indo-Pacific Vision: Shared interest in stable, rules-based order
BRICS and Multilateral Cooperation
- Indonesia’s BRICS Membership: Expands engagement platforms
- Indian Ocean Rim Association: Common membership
- UNSC Reform: Potential coordination
- Climate Action: Shared vulnerability and interests
Challenges
- Chinese Competition: Beijing’s head start and deep investment in Indonesia
- Trade Deficit: Economic ties below potential
- Connectivity: Infrastructure gaps limit engagement
- Implementation: Translating agreements into tangible outcomes
- Geopolitical Balancing: Indonesia’s ties with China
- Domestic Capacity: Indian industry must act swiftly
Way Forward
Critical Minerals Strategy
- Joint Ventures: Indian companies must partner in mining and processing
- Equity Stakes: Acquire upstream assets in nickel and other minerals
- Processing Partnerships: Establish joint processing facilities
- R&D: Collaborate on battery technology and recycling
Strengthening Defence and Maritime Ties
- Finalise BrahMos Deal: Strengthen Indonesia’s deterrent capability
- Maritime Exercises: Expand joint patrols and exercises
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Share information on Malacca Strait and Andaman Sea
- Infrastructure: Develop Sabang port and other strategic facilities
Economic and Connectivity Enhancement
- Improve Direct Flights: Increase frequency and routes
- Shipping Links: Enhance maritime connectivity
- Visa Liberalisation: Simplify travel for business and tourism
- Target US$100 Billion: Framework for doubling trade by 2030
Multilateral and Regional Cooperation
- ASEAN-India Cooperation: Strengthen engagement through Indonesia
- Quad and Indo-Pacific: Coordinate with Indonesia where possible
- BRICS and IORA: Advance shared interests
- Climate and Energy: Collaborate on sustainable transition
Conclusion
PM Modi’s Indonesia visit underscores India’s effort to deepen ties with a key maritime partner. Securing access to Indonesia’s nickel reserves is vital for India’s clean energy goals, while defence cooperation, connectivity, and maritime security remain key priorities. The visit’s success will depend on concrete progress in critical minerals, defence, and economic cooperation, strengthening regional stability and India’s strategic interests.
Practice Question
- Examine the strategic significance of India–Indonesia relations in the Indo-Pacific, with special reference to critical minerals and defence cooperation. Discuss the key opportunities and challenges. (250 words, 15 marks)
