In a significant development for UPSC aspirants, recent current affairs have highlighted several crucial topics that hold substantial relevance for both preliminary and mains examinations. The key areas of focus include India's stance on WTO reforms, Special Economic Zones policy changes, Jharkhand's 25-year statehood journey, and strategic developments in rare earth minerals.
India's Leadership Role in WTO Reforms
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has declared India's willingness to take a leadership position in driving World Trade Organization reforms. During his visit to Visakhapatnam for the CII Partnership Summit 2025, Goyal emphasized that any reform agenda must be developed through consensus with developing and least-developed countries to ensure global welfare rather than serving the interests of advanced nations alone.
The Minister responded to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's remarks encouraging India to lead the reform process. This development comes amid increasing pressure from developed nations including the United States for comprehensive WTO reforms covering dispute settlement mechanisms, special treatment for developing countries, and negotiation procedures.
India has consistently maintained that reform discussions must include all member nations and reach consensus decisions. The upcoming 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled for March next year in Cameroon will be crucial for determining the future direction of these reforms.
Special Economic Zones: New Relief Measures
The government is actively examining proposals to provide relief measures aimed at boosting production in Special Economic Zones. During his visit to the Brandix textiles unit in Andhra Pradesh SEZ, Minister Goyal revealed that the commerce ministry is exploring ways to utilize excess capacities in these zones for domestic market requirements.
This initiative could significantly contribute to import substitution by enabling SEZ units to compete more effectively with imported goods in the domestic market. The ministry is particularly focused on bridging the gap between benefits available to imports versus those for SEZ supplies to Domestic Tariff Areas.
A high-level panel comprising officials from the Commerce and Industry Ministry, NITI Aayog, and exporters is working on new SEZ norms designed to enhance manufacturing capabilities and help exporters access domestic markets. This assumes greater importance given the challenging export environment created by steep US tariffs.
Jharkhand's Silver Jubilee: Reflections on Promise and Progress
Jharkhand marked its 25th foundation day on November 15, 2025, coinciding with the 150th birth anniversary of tribal icon Birsa Munda. The occasion provides an important moment for reflection on the state's journey and the unfinished agenda of regional development.
The Jharkhand movement traces its origins to centuries of Adivasi mobilization against exploitative forces, with the formation of Adivasi Mahasabha in 1938 under Jaipal Singh Munda providing political structure to the autonomy demand. Despite strong electoral performances in the 1950s, the State Reorganisation Commission rejected the Jharkhand proposal in 1956 citing linguistic criteria.
The movement gained renewed momentum with the establishment of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha in 1973 and All Jharkhand Students Union in 1986, eventually leading to statehood in 2000. While the state has made significant progress in infrastructure and social indicators, challenges related to development-induced displacement, migration, and social tensions remain pressing concerns.
Rare Earth Minerals: India's Strategic Shift
Amid China's restrictions on rare earth exports, Indian companies are developing innovative solutions to reduce import dependence. Two Bengaluru-based firms—Simple Energy and Chara Technologies—have created electric motors that eliminate the need for heavy rare earth elements, critical components in modern electric vehicles.
China controls over 90% of global rare earth processing and has implemented export restrictions on multiple rare earth elements throughout 2025. While the immediate impact on India remains limited, these developments highlight supply chain vulnerabilities for the EV and electronics sectors.
India imported 2,270 tonnes of rare earth elements in 2023-24, with 65% sourced from China. Several major Indian EV manufacturers, including Ola Electric and TVS Motor, are reportedly working on rare earth-free technologies to ensure long-term supply chain security.
Breaking Barriers: Women in Territorial Army
In a groundbreaking initiative, the Indian Army plans to induct women soldiers into Territorial Army battalions for the first time. The Directorate General of Territorial Army has allocated specific vacancies for women candidates in some Infantry Battalions TA Home & Hearth units.
This initial phase will see section-strength inductions (approximately 10 soldiers per battalion) in selected TA H&H battalions, with plans to expand the program across all such units gradually. The TA H&H battalions, raised primarily in Jammu and Kashmir and northeastern regions, play crucial roles in counter-insurgency operations and civil assistance.
This development represents another significant step in gender integration within Indian defense forces, building on previous initiatives that opened various combat support and service arms to women officers.
UPSC Examination Relevance
These developments hold substantial importance for UPSC Civil Services Examination preparation across both preliminary and mains stages. WTO reforms connect to international relations and global governance topics, while SEZ policy changes relate to economic development and export strategies.
Jharkhand's statehood anniversary provides important insights into post-independence state reorganization and regional development challenges. The rare earth minerals issue touches upon strategic resources, supply chain security, and technological innovation—all crucial for comprehensive preparation.
UPSC aspirants should focus on understanding the historical context, current developments, and future implications of these topics while connecting them to broader syllabus areas including governance, international relations, economic development, and social justice.
