‘Most ambitious and aspirational FTAs’: India-U.K. trade deal set to come into force on July 15
Distilled Policy Brief
- The India-U.K. trade deal is set to come into force on July 15, marking the largest free trade agreement (FTA) signed by India to date.
- The deal is expected to boost bilateral trade by 10-15% in the next five years, increasing it to $145 billion, and reduce tariffs on over 70% of India's exports to the U.K.
- The implementation of the deal will be overseen by a joint committee, which will review its progress and provide recommendations for future enhancements, with the first review scheduled to take place within six months of its entry into force.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
With reference to the bilateral research and industrial cooperation engagements between India and Germany, consider the following statements: 1. Roundtables held with German research organizations, such as the Fraunhofer Institutes, prioritized key fields including microelectronics, power electronics, and smart manufacturing. 2. Expanding industry-academia innovation networks and collaboration in battery technologies form key components of the enhanced strategic cooperation. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Both statements are correct. High-level roundtables with German research institutes, including Fraunhofer Institutes, focused on microelectronics, power electronics, smart manufacturing, battery technologies, and logistics. Furthermore, the engagement emphasized strengthening industry-academia innovation networks, science and technology cooperation, and advanced manufacturing capabilities between India and Germany.
🏛️ 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.