Bridging a divide with an Indian Scientific Service'

India's post-Independence service rules were designed to ensure stability through generalist administrators - an approach that was essential for nation-building.

However, governance has since become increasingly shaped by science, technology, and environmental challenges. As scientists joined government service, they remained governed by rules created for a different era. This mismatch has limited the effective integration of scientific expertise into policymaking. Unlike many advanced countries with dedicated scientific cadres, India lacks a specialised framework for scientific governance, making the case for separate scientific service rules increasingly compelling.

A dedicated scientific cadre is needed to strengthen governance as science, technology and environmental challenges become central

The UAE-India corridor is sparking a growth story

Something remarkable has happened in the economic relationship between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). When the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was signed in 2022, both sides had set a target of $100 billion in bilateral trade by 2030. That milestone was reached five years ahead of schedule. In January this year, leaders set a new target of $200 billion by 2032. Few economic corridors in the world today are moving with the speed and ambition of this one.

A common framework to build trust in Al in Asia

A shared framework that ensures technological progress and translates into inclusive human development is the need of the hour for Asia

Ambiguities in the U.S.-India trade deal

Advocates of the agreement point out that the reduction in U.S. tariffs would provide opportunities to Indian businesses to expand their presence in the world's biggest economy.

The interim agreement does not explicitly state that India would not reduce tariff-sensitive agricultural products, especially cereals, as has been the case in all its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), including the recent EU-India FTA.

The U.S. has consistently opposed India's refusal to import Genetically Modified (GM) food products, long considered as India's most significant NTB on food products.

What are bio-based chemicals and enzymes?

The story so far:

Bio-based chemicals are industrial chemicals produced using biological feedstocks like sugarcane, corn, starch, or biomass residues, often through fermentation or enzymatic processes. Examples include organic acids (such as lactic acid), bio-alcohols, solvents, surfactants, and intermediates used in plastics, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Enzymes are biological catalysts widely used in detergents, food processing, pharmaceuticals, textiles, pulp and paper, and increasingly in biomanufacturing. Enzymes often work at lower temperatures and pressures, reducing energy use and emissions.

India has prioritised bio-based chemicals and enzymes as a priority area under the Department of Biotechnology's BioE3 policy.