India navigates a complex landscape of international trade deals, internal data security challenges, critical infrastructure project costs, and evolving national policies.
India-UK Trade Deal: A New Template?
The recently finalized India-UK trade deal marks a significant milestone for both nations. For the UK, it’s a major pact after Brexit, while for India, it’s the first substantial trade agreement with a key Western nation since last year’s broad-based European Free Trade Association (EFTA) deal.
This agreement could set a precedent for India’s ongoing negotiations with the European Union and, crucially, with the United States. Negotiations with the U.S. are reportedly rushed, driven by the looming threat of significant tariffs if a deal isn’t struck soon.
Key areas like agriculture remained a “red line” for India, excluding many high-sensitivity products from tariff concessions. However, duties on Scotch whisky from the UK will be significantly reduced, signaling a strategic balance between revenue interests and trade liberalization. The deal also includes provisions for social security contributions, benefiting Indian firms and workers in the UK.
Data Breach Rocks ICAR
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), the country’s leading agricultural research body, suffered a major security breach earlier this year. This incident led to the loss of “crucial data” spanning various critical areas, including recruitment, financial records, scientist information, and ongoing research projects.
The breach, which occurred in April, affected ICAR’s main server in Delhi and its replication server in Hyderabad. Issues with the system, including non-functional email communications, have been reported by scientists across multiple centers.
In response, ICAR has formed a committee to investigate the data center’s non-functionality and recommend measures to prevent future incidents. The security lapse raises concerns about cyber resilience within India’s vital agricultural research sector.
Jal Jeevan Mission: Cost Escalations Under Scrutiny
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), launched in 2019 to provide tap connections to rural households, has seen significant changes to its operational guidelines in 2022. The Ministry of Jal Shakti clarified that these amendments were made at the request of states, seeking central support to cover increased raw material costs due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
However, concerns have emerged regarding these changes, which reportedly lifted expenditure checks, leading to substantial cost escalations. An investigation revealed additional costs totaling Rs 16,839 crore for 14,586 schemes, a 14.58% increase from their initial estimates. The mission, initially set to achieve saturation by December 2024, has now been extended until December 2028.
New National Cooperative Policy Takes Shape
After 23 years, India is set to unveil a new national cooperative policy. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Cooperation formed in 2021, aims to strengthen the cooperative sector and guide its growth for the next two decades (2025-2045).
The need for a new policy stems from global shifts and technological advancements over the past two decades. The Ministry of Cooperation, operating under the vision of ‘Sahakar se Samriddhi’ (Prosperity through Cooperation), has already overseen major initiatives like the Multi-State Cooperative Societies Act, 2023, and plans for the “world’s largest grain storage scheme.”
Cooperatives play a vital role in India’s economy, contributing significantly to agricultural credit, fertilizer distribution, sugar and milk production, and employment, highlighting the government’s renewed focus on this sector.
