India and Switzerland sign key pacts on mobility, infrastructure, and high-tech innovation to deepen bilateral strategic cooperation.
Distilled Policy Brief
- The two nations signed key bilateral pacts, including a Transport, Mobility, and Infrastructure Agreement, alongside a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement and a Young Professionals Agreement to enhance opportunities for students and researchers.
- Bilateral cooperation is expanding into high-tech sectors with joint research projects in health, clean energy, and space, capacity building for Indian science start-ups with Zurich University, and collaboration on responsible AI ahead of the Geneva AI Summit.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
Member states of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), key targets of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), and bilateral mobility frameworks.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Analyze the strategic and economic significance of the India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) in diversifying India's trade relations and attracting high-tech investments.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to recent developments in India–Switzerland bilateral ties and the India–European Free Trade Association (EFTA) Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA), consider the following statements: 1. TEPA represents India's first Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with any European economic bloc. 2. The TEPA framework sets a target to attract $100 billion in investment and create 10 lakh direct jobs in India over a period of 15 years. 3. A Young Professionals Agreement was signed between India and Switzerland to enhance opportunities for students and researchers. Which of the statements given above are correct?
- [A] 1 and 2 only
- [B] 2 and 3 only
- [C] 1 and 3 only
- [D] 1, 2 and 3
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
All three statements are correct. The Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with EFTA is India's first FTA with a European economic bloc, aiming to attract $100 billion in investment and create 10 lakh direct jobs in India over 15 years. Additionally, key bilateral pacts signed with Switzerland include a Transport, Mobility, and Infrastructure Agreement, a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, and a Young Professionals Agreement to boost academic and research mobility.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.