1. India-European Commission Partnership: A Strategic Alliance

Context: A high-level delegation led by European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited India to explore a Security and Defence Partnership. This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the India-EU relationship across multiple domains, including trade, security, climate action, and digital transformation.

The European Commission (EC):

Historical Evolution:

• 1958: Established as the European Economic Community (EEC) following the Treaty of Rome.
• 1993: Strengthened under the Maastricht Treaty.
• 2009: Further consolidated through the Lisbon Treaty, making it a key pillar of EU governance.

Structure and Governance:

• Executive Body of the European Union (EU), headquartered in Brussels, Belgium.
• Independent from national governments of EU member states.
• 27 Commissioners, one from each member state, serving a five-year term.

Key Components:

1. President of the Commission:
   • Nominated by the European Council and approved by the European Parliament.
   • Defines the political agenda and appoints Vice-Presidents.
2. Commissioners (College of Commissioners):
   • Each EU member nominates one Commissioner.
   • Handles specific policy areas such as trade, environment, and competition.
3. Directorates-General (DGs):
   • Operate like ministries, responsible for policy-making and implementation.
4. High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:
   • Oversees EU’s diplomatic and security strategies.
   • Serves as Vice-President of the Commission.

Core Functions of the EC:

• Legislative Initiative
• Enforcement of EU Laws
• Policy Implementation & Budget Management
• International Representation

India-European Commission (EC) Partnership:

Historical Milestones:

• 1962: Diplomatic ties established with the European Economic Community (EEC).
• 1994: India-EU Cooperation Agreement signed.
• 2004: Upgraded to a Strategic Partnership, deepening collaboration in trade, security, and global governance.
• 2020: Introduction of ‘India-EU Strategic Partnership: A Roadmap to 2025’, expanding cooperation in digital innovation, climate action, and multilateralism.

Economic Cooperation:

Trade Relations:

• The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for 11% of India’s total trade, surpassing China (10.5%) and almost equal to the USA (10.8%).
• Bilateral trade (2023): Approximately €120 billion.
• The EU is the second-largest destination for Indian exports (17.5%), after the USA (17.6%), while China ranks fourth (3.7%).

Investment and Business Collaborations:

• The EU is one of the largest foreign investors in India, with cumulative FDI inflows exceeding $100 billion.
• Investment sectors include automobiles, renewable energy, and IT.

Supply Chain Resilience:

• Both partners aim to diversify supply chains, focusing on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and critical minerals.

India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA):

• The India-EU Broad-Based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA) has been under negotiation since 2007.
• Goals: Enhancing market access, reducing tariffs, and streamlining trade regulations.

Strategic and Security Cooperation:

• Maritime Security: Collaboration between EU’s Global Gateway Strategy and India’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to ensure free and open sea lanes in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific.
• Counter-Terrorism: India-EU Counter-Terrorism Dialogue facilitates intelligence sharing and counter-radicalization efforts.
• Defence Collaboration: Joint initiatives include military exercises, cybersecurity cooperation, and technology-sharing agreements.

Climate Action & Sustainable Development:

• India-EU Clean Energy and Climate Partnership: Focuses on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green financing.
• International Solar Alliance (ISA): The EU actively supports India’s ISA to promote global solar energy deployment.
• EU-India Green Hydrogen Partnership: Aims to accelerate the use of green hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions in industrial sectors.

Technology & Digital Transformation:

• India-EU Digital Partnership: Strengthening collaboration in 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
• Data Protection & Privacy: Ongoing discussions to align data protection laws for a secure digital ecosystem.

Research & Innovation:

• India’s participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s leading research and innovation program.
• Joint efforts in space, biotechnology, and health sciences.

Geopolitical & Multilateral Engagement:

• G20: India hosted the G20 Summit in 2023, with strong EU participation.
• United Nations: India supports the EU’s role in global governance.
• World Trade Organization (WTO): Both advocate for fair trade practices.

Challenges in the India-EU Partnership:

• Trade Barriers: Tariff and non-tariff barriers, especially in agriculture, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, hinder FTA progress.
• Human Rights & Labor Standards: The EU has raised concerns regarding labor rights, environmental standards, and digital governance in India.
• Geopolitical Divergences: India’s neutral stance on the Russia-Ukraine war has led to diplomatic tensions with some EU nations.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Differences in data privacy laws, intellectual property rights (IPR), and digital taxation need further alignment.

Future Prospects:

1. Greater Indian involvement in EU-led global initiatives, such as the Global Gateway and climate financing projects.
2. Potential conclusion of the long-pending India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
3. Expanded defence cooperation, including joint defence production and technology sharing.
4. Strengthened collaboration in space technology and AI-driven innovation.

Conclusion:

The India-European Commission partnership is evolving into a strong, multifaceted alliance with economic, strategic, and technological collaborations at its core. With both sides committed to deepening their relationship, this partnership is set to play a transformative role in shaping the global economic and security landscape in the coming decades.

2. Strengthening India’s Maritime Sector: Key Initiatives and Future Prospects

Context: India’s Ministry of Shipping, Ports, and Waterways has launched several major initiatives to modernize maritime infrastructure, enhance global trade connectivity, and promote sustainability. These efforts aim to position India as a leading maritime power, leveraging its strategic location and growing trade potential.

Major Initiatives to Boost the Maritime Sector:

1. One Nation-One Port Process (ONOP): Aiming to standardize and streamline port operations across India’s major ports, ONOP focuses on reducing inefficiencies, minimizing operational delays, and cutting costs to enhance overall productivity.
2. Sagar Ankalan – Logistics Port Performance Index (LPPI):  A performance assessment tool designed to boost efficiency and global competitiveness of Indian ports by evaluating key metrics such as cargo handling, turnaround time, and logistics efficiency.
3. Bharat Global Ports Consortium:  This initiative aims to expand India’s maritime presence globally, strengthening trade resilience and fostering international partnerships.
4. MAITRI (Master Application for International Trade and Regulatory Interface) App:  A digital trade facilitation tool that simplifies customs clearances, reduces bureaucratic delays, and enhances ease of doing business for global traders.
5. India Maritime Week (October 27-31, 2025): A bi-annual global maritime summit that will bring together 100 countries and over 100,000 delegates to showcase India’s maritime heritage and advancements.

India’s Maritime Sector: A Global Trading Powerhouse: 

Strategic Importance:

India is positioned along some of the world’s busiest shipping routes, making it a crucial global trade hub. With 95% of trade by volume and 70% by value moving through its ports, India’s maritime sector plays a vital role in the national economy.

Rapid Growth and Expansion:

• Cargo Handling Capacity: Between 2014-15 and 2023-24, major ports increased their cargo-handling capacity by 87.01%.
• Rising Exports: India’s merchandise exports surged to USD 451 billion in FY23, up from USD 417 billion in FY22.
• Global Maritime Ranking: India ranks as the 16th-largest maritime nation, with key international trade routes passing through its waters.

Future Expansion Plans:

• Investment of USD 82 billion in port infrastructure by 2035 to modernize and expand facilities.
• Establishment of a new national shipping company, aiming to expand India’s merchant fleet by at least 1,000 ships within a decade.

Challenges Facing the Maritime Industry:

1. Infrastructure Limitations: Many ports still lack modern infrastructure, limiting efficiency and capacity.

2. Port Congestion: High traffic volumes at major ports lead to delays and reduced operational productivity.
3. Environmental Concerns: Pollution, emissions from ships, and unsustainable port operations pose significant challenges to maritime sustainability.
4. Logistics and Connectivity Issues:  Poor integration between ports, railways, and roadways leads to inefficiencies in cargo transportation.
5. Global Competition:  India faces rising competition from global maritime hubs and must continuously invest in modernization and technological advancements.

Government-Led Maritime Initiatives:

1. Sagarmala Programme:

• Focuses on leveraging India’s coastline and navigable waterways to improve logistics and trade.
• Supports port modernization, coastal infrastructure, and better connectivity.
• Provides financial aid for key projects, including coastal berths, fish harbors, and cruise terminals.

2. Maritime India Vision 2030 (MIV 2030):

• Aims to make India one of the top 10 shipbuilding nations by 2030.
• Encompasses 150+ strategic initiatives across ten key maritime sectors.

3. Inland Waterways Development:

• 26 new national waterways have been identified to provide an alternative, eco-friendly transport system, easing road and rail congestion.

4. Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP):

• Aims to replace fuel-based harbor tugs with eco-friendly, sustainable fuel-powered alternatives.
• Full transition to green tugs expected by 2040 across all major ports.

5. Sagarmanthan Dialogue:

• A global maritime strategic dialogue aimed at positioning India as a center for international maritime discussions.

6. Maritime Development Fund:

• 25,000 crore fund to support long-term financing for modernizing ports and shipping infrastructure.
• Encourages private sector investment in the maritime sector.

7. Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy (SBFAP 2.0):

• Modernized financial support program to help Indian shipyards compete globally.

Conclusion: India’s maritime sector is on a transformative journey, driven by strategic initiatives, strong policy frameworks, and global collaborations. The first edition of the Sagarmanthan Dialogue has reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a maritime superpower, focusing on sustainability, connectivity, and innovation.

3. Amir Khusrau: The Melodic Guardian of Sufi Harmony and Ganga-Jamuni Heritage

Context: At the 25th Jahan-e-Khusrau festival, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the event as a reflection of the “fragrance of Hindustan’s soil.”

This three-day global festival unites artists from around the world to celebrate the life and works of Amir Khusrau, fondly known as Tuti-yi-Hind (Parrot of India).

A defining figure in North India’s Ganga-Jamuni culture, Khusrau revolutionized Indian classical music and qawwali, while also shaping Hindavi, a forerunner of modern Hindi and Urdu.

Khusrau: The ‘Indian Turk’:

• Early Life and Family Background: Amir Khusrau’s father was a Turkic noble who fled Genghis Khan’s Mongol invasions and settled in India during the reign of Sultan Iltutmish (1211–36). He married an Indian Muslim woman, and in 1253, their son Abu’l Hasan Yamin ud-Din Khusrau was born.
• A Fusion of Cultures: Khusrau embraced his Turkic roots while wholeheartedly adopting Indian traditions, embodying a perfect cultural synthesis. He often referred to himself as an “Indian Turk,” showcasing his dual heritage in his poetry.

Where Was He Born?

Although Patiyali (Etah, Uttar Pradesh) is widely considered his birthplace, Khusrau never directly mentioned it in his writings.

The Poet of the Delhi Sultans:

• A Life Devoted to Poetry: At just 20 years old, Amir Khusrau became a professional court poet, a position he held until his death. Initially serving nobles and princes, he soon earned a permanent place in the Delhi Sultanate’s royal court.
• The Power of Praise Poetry:  In medieval Islamic courts, poetry was more than just art—it was a tool for establishing royal prestige and legitimacy. Poets, reliant on royal patronage, often competed fiercely for favor.

Serving Five Delhi Sultans: Over five decades, Khusrau gained recognition under five Delhi Sultans:

• Muizuddin Qaiqabad
• Jalaluddin Khalji
• Alauddin Khalji
• Qutbuddin Mubarak Shah
• Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq

His command over Persian (the court language) and Hindavi made him an irreplaceable literary figure.

Honors and Recognition:

Sultan Jalaluddin Khalji honored him with the prestigious title of ‘Amir’, a mark of immense respect.

The historian Ziauddin Barani documented in Tarikh-i-Firuz Shahi that Khusrau held a key position in Jalaluddin Khalji’s court, even serving as the keeper of the Qur’an.

• His Deep Bond with Nizamuddin Auliya: Amir Khusrau was more than just a court poet—he was also the dearest disciple of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya.
• A Saint’s Unwavering Affection: Nizamuddin Auliya cherished Khusrau so deeply that he once declared:
  “He is the keeper of my secrets, and I shall not enter Paradise without him.”

A Life Balanced Between the Court and the Khanqah:

Despite being deeply engaged in both royal courts and Sufi traditions, Khusrau’s loyalty was never questioned. As poet Saifullah Saifi described: “Neither the king nor the saint doubted him, as he honored both with equal devotion.”

A Shared Departure in 1325:

When Nizamuddin Auliya passed away in 1325, Khusrau was devastated. His grief was immortalized in a haunting verse: “Beauty sleeps on the bed, her hair across her face. Come Khusrau, let’s go home, night has set over this place.”

Within months, Khusrau followed his master in death, choosing eternal rest beside his beloved mentor.

Enduring Legacy of Amir Khusrau:

A Poet for the Ages:

Even after seven centuries, Khusrau’s words continue to enchant readers. He explored royal eulogies, folk songs, riddles, and playful verses, bridging literary sophistication with everyday life.

Champion of Cultural Harmony:

Khusrau was instrumental in blending Persian, Turkic, and Indian influences, shaping the unique Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb—a harmonious fusion of Hindu and Muslim traditions.

His appreciation for Indian thought is evident in his words: “The Brahmans of India have a greater wealth of philosophical thought than what Rumi revealed.”

Musical Contributions:

A true pioneer in Indian classical music, Khusrau’s legacy continues through his famous compositions:

• Chhaap Tilak
• Zehal-e-Maskeen
• Sakal Ban Phool Rahi Sarson

His innovations also influenced:

• The creation of new ragas
• The evolution of Khayal music
• The invention of sitar and tabla (though historical evidence remains debated)

Conclusion: Amir Khusrau was not just a poet, musician, or courtier—he was a cultural visionary who helped shape the soul of Indian heritage. His works continue to resonate in Sufi dargahs, Indian classical concerts, and even Bollywood, proving that his art and philosophy remain timeless.

His life’s journey—from the opulence of royal courts to the spiritual depths of Sufi mysticism—cements his status as an eternal symbol of unity, devotion, and artistic brilliance. 

4. Colonial-Era Dramatic Performances Act: Its Legacy, Legal Scrutiny, and Repeal in India

5. Vice President Dhankhar Criticizes Overuse of Special Leave Petitions Under Article 136

Context Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar has raised concerns over the extensive use of Article 136 of the Indian Constitution, emphasizing its impact on the arbitration process.

Speaking at a colloquium on “International Arbitration: Indian Perspective”, organized by the India International Arbitration Centre in New Delhi, he pointed out how the original intent of Article 136 has drastically expanded beyond its intended scope.

Understanding Article 136 of the Constitution:

Discretionary Power of the Supreme Court:

• Article 136 grants the Supreme Court the discretionary authority to allow appeals against rulings from any court or tribunal in India, except those related to the Armed Forces.
• This power is not a litigant’s right but a privilege granted by the Supreme Court.

Plenary Jurisdiction:

• The Supreme Court, under Article 136, holds plenary jurisdiction, allowing it to hear appeals against any judgment, decree, determination, sentence, or order from any court or tribunal.
• This power exists irrespective of other appeal provisions in the Constitution or statutory laws.

Scope of Application:

• Article 136 is meant to be a residual power—only to be invoked in cases where there are substantial legal questions or gross miscarriages of justice.
• It serves as a critical safeguard to ensure justice but was originally intended to be used sparingly.

Concerns Raised by Vice President Dhankhar:

Article 136 Was Meant to Be a “Narrow-Slit” Provision:

• Dhankhar highlighted that Article 136 was not intended for frequent use but has now become a widely-used legal tool.
• The original intention was to keep it a “narrow-slit” intervention—only for exceptional cases.

Excessive Use of Special Leave Petitions (SLPs):

• Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) are now being used to challenge decisions at every level, including:
  • Magistrate courts
  • Sessions courts
  • District courts
  • High courts
• This overuse burdens the Supreme Court and prolongs legal proceedings.

Adverse Impact on Arbitration:

• The excessive reliance on SLPs in arbitration cases has made the arbitration process more complex and time-consuming.
• Instead of providing efficient dispute resolution, arbitration is now bogged down by excessive litigation.

The Need for Domain Experts in Arbitration:

Vice President Dhankhar also underscored the importance of domain experts in arbitration, rather than relying solely on retired judges.

Dominance of Retired Judges in Arbitration:

• Former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud had previously pointed out that arbitration has become an “old boys’ club”, dominated by retired judges.
• Dhankhar clarified that while retired judges play a valuable role, certain technical fields require subject-matter specialists.

Inclusion of Experts in Specialized Fields:

• He stressed the need for specialists from diverse sectors to supplement arbitration panels, such as:
  • Oceanography
  • Aviation
  • Infrastructure
• Having technical experts alongside legal experts would ensure better, faster, and more effective arbitration outcomes.

Conclusion:

Vice President Dhankhar’s remarks highlight the urgent need for legal reform in the use of Article 136. Originally designed as a rare judicial intervention, it has now become a common litigation tool, impacting judicial efficiency and arbitration processes.

To ensure arbitration remains swift and effective, reforms must curtail unnecessary appeals while incorporating domain experts to enhance decision-making in technical disputes.

6. CBSE Restores 14 Regional Languages in Draft Policy After Public Outcry

Context: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has decided to reinstate 14 regional languages, including Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Punjabi, Odia, and Assamese, after widespread protests against their exclusion from the Class 10 board examination policy.

The controversy erupted after CBSE’s draft policy, released on February 25, included only English and Hindi as mandatory languages, omitting several prominent regional languages, particularly from southern states.

NEP 2020 and the Two-Exam System:

The uproar over the language exclusion is tied to the National Education Policy (NEP 2020), which recommended a revised examination structure for Class 10.

Key Features of the Draft Policy:

• Two board exams for Class 10
• English as Language-1
• Hindi as Language-2
• A list of regional and foreign languages for students to choose from
• Exclusion of 14 major regional languages, including Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, and Punjabi

The omission of these languages sparked widespread opposition, particularly in southern states, where it was viewed as an attempt to impose Hindi at the cost of regional languages.

Language Controversy: A Larger Debate:

The exclusion of regional languages is part of a broader national debate over language policies in education.

Key Concerns:

• The move was seen as an effort to promote Hindi and Sanskrit over regional languages, raising fears about linguistic marginalization.
• Many states, especially Tamil Nadu, have strongly opposed the three-language formula, viewing it as a form of Hindi imposition.
• Critics argue that such policies undermine India’s linguistic diversity, making education less inclusive.

NEP 2020 and the Three-Language Formula:

The Three-Language Formula is designed to promote multilingualism and national integration by ensuring students learn at least three languages during their schooling years.

Key Aspects of NEP 2020’s Language Policy:

• Encourages students to learn three languages, with at least two being Indian languages.
• The choice of languages is left to states, regions, and students, ensuring that no language is imposed.
• Offers greater flexibility, allowing different regions to prioritize their linguistic needs.

Tamil Nadu’s Strong Opposition:

Tamil Nadu has a long history of opposing Hindi imposition, dating back to the Anti-Hindi Agitations of the 1930s and 1960s.

Why Tamil Nadu Rejects the Three-Language Formula?

• The state follows a two-language formula—Tamil and English—and has resisted including Hindi in its curriculum.
• There are concerns that forcing Hindi into the system threatens regional languages and cultures.
• The controversy over the CBSE draft policy further fueled opposition, with political leaders and activists calling it linguistic discrimination.

Conclusion:

The CBSE’s decision to restore 14 regional languages after nationwide protests highlights the sensitivity of language policies in India.

While the NEP 2020 aims for linguistic flexibility, concerns remain over equitable representation of all Indian languages. The issue underscores the need for a balanced approach that respects regional identities while promoting multilingual education.