India's industrial activity growth slowed to 4% in August 2025, down from a six-month high of 4.3% in July. The slowdown was primarily driven by the consumer durables and non-durables sectors, along with slower growth in manufacturing, capital goods, and infrastructure. Conversely, mining, primary goods, and electricity showed positive turnarounds. Experts noted that recent tariff and GST reforms had no immediate effect on these figures. The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) data, released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, highlighted that while growth slowed, it remained significantly higher than the 0% growth recorded in August of the previous year.
The Index of Industrial Production (IIP) growth slowed to 4% in August 2025.
Consumer durables and non-durables sectors were the primary drags on industrial growth.
Mining and primary goods sectors saw a turnaround, with primary goods hitting a seven-month high of 5.2%.
Exam Points
IIP data is released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
Primary goods sector growth reached a seven-month high of 5.2% in August 2025.
The mining and quarrying sector grew by 6% in August, a 14-month high.
The detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk under the National Security Act (NSA) has exacerbated tensions in Ladakh. Wangchuk led a movement for Ladakh's statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to protect indigenous culture. While the BJP previously committed to these safeguards, recent developments have alienated the local population. Although the Centre plans to continue negotiations, critics argue that talks held while key leaders are jailed lack legitimacy. The situation highlights a deterioration in the sensitive border region, with the opposition calling for a more statesmanlike approach to address job creation and constitutional safeguards.
Sonam Wangchuk was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following protests for Ladakh's statehood.
Protesters are demanding the inclusion of Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
The movement seeks to protect the indigenous culture, heritage, and land of the region after its 2019 bifurcation.
Exam Points
The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides for the administration of tribal areas in certain states.
Ladakh was bifurcated from Jammu and Kashmir and made a Union Territory in 2019.
The National Security Act (NSA) allows for preventive detention by the government.
South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC) has emerged as a vital complement to traditional aid, focusing on solidarity, mutual respect, and shared learning among developing nations. India has taken a leadership role, championing SSTC through initiatives like the India-UN Development Partnership Fund and the Voice of the Global South Summits. By sharing digital public infrastructure (Aadhaar, UPI) and cost-effective innovations in climate resilience and health, India is helping other nations achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. SSTC offers better returns on investment and is crucial as funding for traditional humanitarian sectors declines.
SSTC is based on the 1978 Buenos Aires Plan of Action (BAPA) for technical cooperation among developing nations.
India promotes its digital public infrastructure (DPI) models, like UPI and Aadhaar, as scalable solutions for the Global South.
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund has financed 75 projects across 56 developing countries since 2017.
Exam Points
September 12 is recognized by the UN as the Day for South-South and Triangular Cooperation.
The India-UN Development Partnership Fund was established in 2017.
Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2) aims for 'Zero Hunger'.
Women's participation in Indian agriculture has surged, with nearly two out of every three working women now engaged in the sector. However, this 'feminisation of agriculture' is marked by significant challenges: nearly half of these women are unpaid family workers, and they often lack official recognition as farmers. This invisibility prevents them from accessing credit, land ownership, and government subsidies. While global trade trends and digital tools like e-NAM offer opportunities for income-generating entrepreneurship, structural barriers like low digital literacy and limited land rights persist. Policies must recognize women as independent farmers to ensure equitable growth.
Women's employment in agriculture surged by 135% over eight years, now accounting for over 42% of the sector's workforce.
Approximately 59.1 million women in the agriculture sector are classified as unpaid family workers as of 2023-24.
Only 13-14% of women in agriculture are official landholders, limiting their access to institutional credit and insurance.
Exam Points
Data is sourced from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24.
The number of unpaid female family workers in agriculture rose from 23.6 million in 2017-18 to 59.1 million in 2023-24.
States like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh see over 80% of working women in agriculture.
The Indian government has announced the development of two railway links connecting India and Bhutan: the Kokrajhar-Gelephu line (Assam) and the Banarhat-Samtse line (West Bengal). Spanning a total of 89 km and costing ₹4,033 crore, these projects aim to boost the Bhutanese economy, tourism, and people-to-people movement. India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, and these links will provide Bhutanese goods better access to the global market via the Indian railway network. This initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership, including hydropower projects and development assistance under India's 13th Five-Year Plan.
The Kokrajhar-Gelephu and Banarhat-Samtse lines will be the first rail connectivity projects between India and Bhutan.
The projects are designed to support Vande Bharat trains and will include major bridges and viaducts.
India has pledged ₹10,000 crore in development assistance to Bhutan for its 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-2029).
Exam Points
The total distance of the two rail links is 89 km, with an estimated cost of ₹4,033 crore.
India's 13th Five-Year Plan assistance to Bhutan (2024-2029) is ₹10,000 crore.
Major hydropower collaborations include Chukha, Tala, Mangdechhu, Kurichhu, and Punatsangchhu II.
The Union government has issued guidelines for the ₹10,000-crore PM E-drive scheme, specifically allocating ₹2,000 crore for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. The scheme offers up to 100% subsidies for setting up charging stations, battery swapping stations, and long-range chargers in high-density cities and along major highways. The goal is to install 72,300 EV chargers to boost consumer confidence and support the adoption of two-wheelers, cars, buses, and trucks. The government aims for a charging grid coverage of at least one station every 3km in cities and every 25km on highways.
The PM E-drive scheme has a total outlay of ₹10,000 crore, with ₹2,000 crore dedicated to charging infrastructure.
Subsidies of up to 100% are available for charging stations in government buildings and private establishments.
The target is to install 72,300 EV chargers across various vehicle categories.
Exam Points
The PM E-drive scheme's total budget is ₹10,000 crore.
The specific allocation for charging infrastructure is ₹2,000 crore.
The target for EV charger installation is 72,300 units.
Despite government efforts to promote formal e-waste recycling through the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework, the informal sector continues to play a dominant role. Millions of tons of electronics are disposed of annually, but only about one-third is processed through proper channels. The informal sector often harvests components for repair rather than recycling, which disrupts the 'circular economy' and leads to environmental hazards. Policymakers face a dilemma as informal set-ups provide livelihoods but lack the technology for safe metal extraction. Strengthening the EPR framework and improving material traceability are essential to secure critical minerals like lithium and cobalt.
India generated approximately 4.17 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2022, but only a third is processed formally.
The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework requires manufacturers to collect and recycle their end-of-life products.
Informal recyclers often prioritize component harvesting for repairs over the extraction of precious metals.
Exam Points
India generated 4.17 million metric tonnes of e-waste in 2022.
The EPR framework is the primary regulatory tool for e-waste management in India.
China's decision to curb REE exports has increased the strategic importance of domestic e-waste recycling.
The Karnataka High Court dismissed a petition by X (formerly Twitter) challenging the Union government’s Sahyog portal, which automates the issuance of content takedown orders. X argued that the portal bypassed the procedural safeguards of Section 69A of the IT Act. However, the Court ruled that the portal is merely an administrative tool to facilitate compliance with Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, which requires intermediaries to remove unlawful content upon receiving 'actual knowledge' from the government. The ruling emphasizes that social media platforms cannot be 'anarchic zones' and must comply with national laws aimed at protecting sovereignty and public order.
The Sahyog portal is operated by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Section 69A of the IT Act allows the Centre to block online material on specific grounds like national security.
Section 79(3)(b) requires intermediaries to remove content once they have 'actual knowledge' of its illegality.
Exam Points
The Sahyog portal was launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in October 2024.
The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000 is the primary legislation governing digital content in India.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) manages the Sahyog portal.
European Union envoys have raised concerns regarding India's continued engagement with Russia, specifically its purchase of Russian oil and participation in the Zapad-2025 military exercises. While India and the EU are working to deepen ties in trade, technology, and strategic partnerships, EU officials suggest that India's stance on Russia could affect the growth of the relationship. The EU emphasizes the need for 'sensitivity' toward European concerns over the Ukraine conflict. Despite these friction points, both sides expressed hope for concluding a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) by the end of 2025, highlighting 'strategic convergence' in other areas.
EU envoys questioned India's participation in the Russia-Belarus Zapad-2025 military exercises.
The 'Russia question' remains a point of misalignment in the otherwise strengthening India-EU relationship.
India maintains a stance of peace while continuing to purchase Russian energy for its domestic needs.
Exam Points
The Zapad-2025 military exercise took place from September 12 to 16.
Herve Delphin is the European Union's Ambassador to India.
The EU and India aim to complete their FTA by the end of 2025.
The Union Commerce Ministry informed the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that higher tariffs imposed by the U.S. will have a significant long-term impact on Indian exports, particularly the marine sector. Shrimp exports are especially vulnerable, facing effective levies exceeding 58% when combined with existing duties. To mitigate this, the government is working on market diversification, pushing for the registration of more export units in the EU and engaging with other countries like Russia. The PAC also reviewed the 'Performance Audit' of the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme, questioning its effectiveness in boosting manufacturing growth.
U.S. tariffs on Indian shrimp exports have reached an effective levy of over 58%.
The Commerce Ministry is seeking to diversify export markets to the EU and Russia to reduce dependence on the U.S.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is reviewing the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme.
Exam Points
The effective levy on Indian shrimp in the U.S. exceeds 58%.
The EPCG scheme saw ₹42,714 crore in foregone duties over a three-year period (2018-21).
K.C. Venugopal is the Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
Pakistan's recent appointments to key UN bodies, including the vice-chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Taliban Sanctions Committee, have sparked international debate. Critics argue that giving leadership roles to a nation with a history of harboring terrorist groups like LeT and JeM undermines the UN's credibility. India has expressed concerns, as these positions allow Pakistan to influence global counter-terrorism policies and potentially shield its own terror links. The situation highlights a trend of geopolitical maneuvering within the UN, where powerful nations support such elevations for strategic interests, potentially overlooking state-sponsored terrorism.
Pakistan has been appointed as vice-chair of the UN Counter-Terrorism Committee and the Taliban Sanctions Committee.
These appointments are seen as contradictory to the UN's mission given Pakistan's history with groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba.
India faces challenges in blocking such appointments despite its diplomatic outreach to UN Security Council members.
Exam Points
Pakistan assumed the Presidency of the UN Security Council for the month of July.
The IMF recently approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility for Pakistan.
The Taliban Sanctions Committee is a 15-nation UN body.
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