UK-India Trade Pact to Come into Force on July 15 QS Rankings: IIT-Delhi Tops India List for 2nd Year, Climbs to 118 Globally’ Partial Burning’ Continues to be Key Hurdle in Tackling Farm Fire Pollution G7 Leaders, Top Tech Bosses Discuss AI Security and Mythos Scheme for Crocodile Sanctuaries

1.UK-India Trade Pact to Come into Force on July 15

Source: The HinduSubject: International Relations | Economy

Why in News?

• The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) will come into force on 15 July 2026.
• The implementation follows the resolution of differences over the United Kingdom’s new steel safeguard measures, which had delayed the agreement.
• The accompanying Double Contribution Convention (DCC) on social security will also become operational on the same date.

Key Developments

• India and the UK have finalized arrangements to protect Indian steel exports from the impact of Britain’s revised steel import restrictions.
• The agreement is expected to significantly expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries.
• It will provide enhanced market access for Indian exports while creating new opportunities for farmers, workers, exporters and MSMEs.
• Both countries view the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening their strategic and economic partnership.

Major Benefits for India

• The UK will provide duty-free access to 99% of Indian exports, covering sectors such as textiles, apparel, leather products, footwear, engineering goods, gems and jewellery, marine products and processed foods.
• Improved market access is expected to increase export competitiveness and generate employment in labour-intensive sectors.
• India secured a special carve-out from the UK’s new steel safeguard measures through a combination of Country-Specific Quotas (CSQ), Residual Quotas and the Authorised Use Scheme (AUS).
• As a result, nearly 85% of Indian steel exports to the UK will remain protected from additional restrictions and higher tariffs.

Benefits for the United Kingdom

• India will progressively reduce tariffs on several British products.
• Duties on Scotch whisky will decline from 150% to 40%, improving access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
• Tariffs on British automobiles will be reduced from 100% to 10% under a quota-based system.
• Several industrial products, machinery, cosmetics and premium goods will also benefit from tariff reductions.

Social Security Relief Through DCC

• The Double Contribution Convention (DCC) addresses a long-standing concern of Indian professionals working temporarily in the UK.
• It exempts employees and employers from making social security contributions in both countries simultaneously.
• The exemption period has been increased from three years to five years, reducing costs for Indian professionals and businesses operating in the UK.
• The provision is expected to particularly benefit workers in the IT, consulting, engineering and financial services sectors.

India–UK CETA: Key Provisions and Related Concepts

• The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) was signed in July 2025 after multiple rounds of negotiations aimed at deepening economic integration between India and the UK.
• It is among the most significant trade agreements signed by the UK after Brexit and reflects India’s growing engagement with major global economies.
• The agreement is projected to increase bilateral trade by nearly £25.5 billion annually and generate economic gains for both countries.
• India has protected sensitive sectors such as dairy products, cereals, millets, edible oils and apples, ensuring that domestic producers are not adversely affected by tariff liberalisation.
• The UK’s revised steel safeguard measures reduce tariff-free import quotas and impose additional duties on imports beyond prescribed limits. India’s negotiated exemptions ensure continued market access despite these restrictions.
• The agreement forms part of India’s broader strategy of expanding trade partnerships through deals with countries and blocs such as the UAE (CEPA), Australia (ECTA) and EFTA, with the objective of boosting exports, integrating with global value chains and supporting the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Challenges

• Ensuring Indian exporters effectively utilise the preferential market access provided under the agreement.
• Addressing non-tariff barriers, quality standards and regulatory requirements in the UK market.
• Maintaining competitiveness of domestic industries in sectors exposed to increased imports.
• Monitoring the impact of tariff reductions on sensitive sectors and ensuring balanced trade growth.

Conclusion

The India–UK CETA represents a landmark step in India’s trade diplomacy and economic engagement with developed economies. By expanding market access, safeguarding key domestic interests, easing mobility for professionals and strengthening investment flows, the agreement is expected to deepen bilateral economic ties and contribute significantly to India’s long-term growth and export ambitions.

2.QS Rankings: IIT-Delhi Tops India List for 2nd Year, Climbs to 118 Globally

Source: The HinduSubject: Human Resource Development

Why in News?

• IIT Delhi emerged as the highest-ranked Indian institution in the QS World University Rankings 2027, retaining the top Indian position for the second consecutive year.
• It improved its global position to 118th rank, matching the highest-ever rank achieved by an Indian institution in QS rankings.
• India now has 52 universities featured in the rankings, making it the fifth most represented higher education system globally.

Key Developments

• IIT Delhi climbed five places from the previous edition, reflecting improvements in research impact, employer reputation and graduate outcomes.
• IIT Bombay slipped to 134th rank from 129th last year, while IIT Madras secured 170th position and remained the only other Indian institution within the global top 200.
• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru fell to 221st rank despite maintaining strong research performance.
• Shoolini University of Biotechnology and Management Sciences entered India’s top ten institutions, highlighting the growing presence of private universities in global rankings.
• At the global level, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) retained the first position for the fifteenth consecutive year.

India’s Performance in QS Rankings

• India has expanded its presence from 14 institutions a decade ago to 52 institutions in the 2027 rankings, representing one of the fastest growth rates among G20 countries.
• Among Indian institutions:
  • 26 improved their rankings.
  • 15 registered a decline.
  • 9 remained stable.
  • 2 entered the rankings for the first time.
• The rankings indicate that excellence is gradually expanding beyond the IIT system, with several non-IIT institutions achieving their highest-ever positions.
• The University of Delhi remains the highest-ranked non-STEM institution in India.

Factors Behind IIT Delhi’s RiseStrong performance in Employer Reputation, reflecting industry confidence in graduates. Improvement in Citations per Faculty, indicating greater research impact and academic visibility. Better scores in Employment Outcomes, measuring graduate success and employability. Enhanced international academic engagement and research collaborations. Challenges for Indian Higher EducationMany institutions continue to lag in: International faculty recruitment. International student enrolment. Global academic reputation. Research commercialization and innovation output. Institutions such as IISc perform exceptionally well in research citations but score relatively lower in employer reputation and employment indicators. Sustaining world-class research infrastructure and attracting global talent remain major challenges.

QS World University Rankings: Methodology and Indicators

• The QS World University Rankings are published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global higher education analytics organization.
• The rankings evaluate universities using indicators such as:
  • Academic Reputation
  • Employer Reputation
  • Citations per Faculty
  • Faculty–Student Ratio
  • International Faculty Ratio
  • International Student Ratio
  • Employment Outcomes
  • International Research Network
  • Sustainability
• The rankings aim to assess teaching quality, research excellence, employability and internationalisation.

Significance for India

• Improved rankings enhance the global visibility of Indian institutions and strengthen India’s position as an emerging higher education hub.
• Higher-ranked universities attract international students, researchers, investments and collaborative research opportunities.
• Strong university ecosystems support innovation, skilled workforce development and knowledge-driven economic growth.
• The progress aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which seeks to create globally competitive multidisciplinary institutions.

Conclusion

The QS World University Rankings 2027 reflect the growing international recognition of Indian higher education, led by IIT Delhi’s record performance. While India’s representation in global rankings continues to expand, sustained investments in research, internationalisation, innovation and academic excellence will be essential for achieving long-term global competitiveness.

3.’Partial Burning’ Continues to be Key Hurdle in Tackling Farm Fire Pollution

Source: The HinduSubject: Environment | Agriculture | Air Pollution

Why in News?

• A recent study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) has identified partial burning of crop residue as a major obstacle in eliminating stubble-burning-related air pollution in North India.
• Despite increased adoption of Crop Residue Management (CRM) practices, a significant number of farmers continue to burn portions of crop residue due to economic and operational constraints.

Key Findings of the Study

• Around 31% of surveyed farmers in Punjab continue partial burning, while 63% have moved away from complete burning practices.
• Farmers resort to partial burning mainly because of:
  • Fear of pest infestation and crop diseases.
  • Additional labour and machinery costs.
  • Lack of confidence in residue management alternatives.
  • Time pressure between harvesting paddy and sowing wheat.
• The study found low awareness regarding the Unnat Kisan App, which was launched to facilitate access to crop residue management machinery.
• Existing awareness programmes are often lecture-oriented and have not sufficiently influenced farmer behaviour.
• Research by ISRO suggests that farmers increasingly burn stubble later in the day to avoid satellite detection, leading to possible underreporting of fire incidents.

Stubble Burning and Air Pollution

• Stubble burning remains one of the major contributors to seasonal air pollution in northern India, particularly during October-November.
• It contributes nearly 30–35% of Delhi’s PM2.5 pollution load during peak pollution episodes.
• Burning crop residue releases:
  • Fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO)
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
  • Greenhouse gases such as methane and carbon dioxide
• These pollutants aggravate respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders and winter smog conditions across the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

Crop Residue Management (CRM)

• Crop Residue Management refers to scientific methods of handling crop stubble without burning.
• In-situ management involves retaining and incorporating crop residue into the soil through machinery such as:
  • Happy Seeder
  • Super Seeder
  • Rotavator
  • Mulcher
• Ex-situ management utilizes crop residue for:
  • Biomass-based power generation
  • Compressed Biogas (CBG) production
  • Biofuel and ethanol manufacturing
  • Composting and industrial applications
• The Central Government supports CRM through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) by providing subsidies for machinery and establishing Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).

Institutional Framework for Tackling Stubble Burning

• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is a statutory body responsible for coordinating measures to improve air quality in the National Capital Region and adjoining states.
• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) seeks to reduce particulate pollution levels in non-attainment cities through coordinated action plans.
• State governments of Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh implement CRM measures with financial assistance from the Centre.

Challenges in Eliminating Stubble Burning

• Small and marginal farmers often find residue-management technologies expensive despite subsidies.
• Limited availability of machinery during the narrow sowing window encourages burning as a quicker alternative.
• Weak market linkages for biomass utilization reduce incentives for residue collection.
• Behavioural resistance persists due to long-standing farming practices and perceived risks associated with alternative methods.
• Monitoring and enforcement alone have not been sufficient to ensure sustained behavioural change.

Way Forward

• The study recommends a dedicated Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) strategy under the CRM scheme, tailored to different categories of farmers.
• Greater emphasis should be placed on farmer demonstrations, peer learning models and localized awareness campaigns rather than generic training sessions.
• Expanding Custom Hiring Centres, strengthening biomass supply chains and improving access to CRM technologies can make residue management economically viable.

4.G7 Leaders, Top Tech Bosses Discuss AI Security and Mythos

Source: The HinduSubject: Science & Technology | Artificial Intelligence | International Relations

Why in News?

• Discussions at the G7 Summit focused on the governance, security and global accessibility of advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) models, particularly Anthropic’s Mythos and Fable 5 models.
• The debate highlighted the growing challenge of balancing national security concerns, technological leadership and global access to frontier AI systems.

AI Governance and the Mythos Debate

• French President Emmanuel Macron advocated wider international access to advanced U.S.-developed AI models, arguing that excessive restrictions could undermine trust and global adoption of American AI technologies.
• The United States is considering a “Trusted Partners” framework, under which selected countries may gain controlled access to advanced AI models while ensuring safeguards against misuse.
• Discussions are taking place between the U.S. administration and Anthropic regarding foreign access to its latest AI systems, following restrictions imposed on certain advanced models due to security concerns.
• The proposed framework seeks to establish common principles for responsible AI development, deployment and international collaboration.

Security Concerns Associated with Frontier AI

• Advanced AI models possess capabilities in coding, data analysis, scientific research and autonomous problem-solving that can generate substantial economic and technological benefits.
• At the same time, cybersecurity experts have warned that highly capable AI systems could be exploited to:
  • Identify software vulnerabilities.
  • Automate cyberattacks.
  • Generate sophisticated malicious code.
  • Circumvent existing digital security measures.
• Concerns have also been raised regarding the possibility of “jailbreaking” AI systems, where users bypass safety controls to obtain prohibited or harmful outputs.
• These risks have prompted governments to treat advanced AI models as technologies with strategic and national security implications.

Growing Focus on AI Sovereignty

• Many countries, particularly in Europe, are pursuing technological sovereignty, aiming to reduce dependence on foreign digital infrastructure and AI platforms.
• The rapid concentration of frontier AI development among a few large technology firms has intensified concerns regarding:
  • Technological dependence.
  • Data governance.
  • Strategic autonomy.
  • Access to critical digital infrastructure.
• Wider access to advanced AI systems is increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining competitiveness in research, innovation and economic development.

G7 and Emerging Technology Governance

• The Group of Seven (G7) comprises Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States, with the European Union participating in its deliberations.
• Over time, the G7 agenda has expanded beyond economic coordination to include issues such as:
  • Artificial Intelligence.
  • Cybersecurity.
  • Climate change.
  • Critical technologies.
  • Global supply chains.
• The 2026 summit discussions reflect growing recognition that AI governance requires international cooperation, given the technology’s cross-border impact on economies, security systems and societies.

Challenges

• Balancing innovation with safety without slowing technological progress.
• Preventing the misuse of advanced AI for cyber warfare, disinformation and malicious activities.
• Ensuring equitable access to AI technologies while protecting sensitive capabilities.
• Developing common global standards despite differing national interests and regulatory approaches.
• Addressing concerns related to concentration of AI power among a small number of countries and corporations.

Way Forward

• Countries are increasingly exploring trusted international partnerships, risk-based regulation and shared governance mechanisms for frontier AI systems.
• A balanced framework that promotes innovation, safeguards national security and ensures responsible global access will be essential for harnessing AI’s transformative potential while minimizing associated risks.

5.Scheme for Crocodile Sanctuaries

Source: The HinduSubject: Environment & Ecology | Species Conservation

Why in News?

• Historical records highlight the recommendations made by Dr. H.R. Bustard, a crocodile conservation expert deputed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), for establishing crocodile sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh.
• These recommendations later formed the basis of India’s landmark Crocodile Conservation Project (1975).

India’s Crocodile Conservation Efforts

• During the 1970s, populations of all three crocodilian species found in India had declined drastically due to hunting, habitat destruction and large-scale collection of eggs.
• To prevent their extinction, Dr. Bustard recommended declaring:
  • Coringa Mangrove Forest as a sanctuary for Estuarine Crocodiles.
  • Godavari river stretch between Papi Hills and Perantapalli as a protected area for crocodile conservation.
• He also proposed a scheme for crocodile preservation and captive breeding (crocodile farming) to rebuild depleted populations.
• These recommendations eventually contributed to the launch of the Indian Crocodile Conservation Project in 1975, implemented with assistance from FAO and UNDP.

Indian Crocodile Conservation Project (1975)

• The project was launched to revive India’s rapidly declining crocodile populations through habitat protection, captive breeding and scientific management.
• It adopted the “rear and release” strategy, under which eggs were collected from the wild, hatchlings were raised in captivity until they reached a safer size, and then released into natural habitats.
• Protected breeding centres and sanctuaries were established across several states to facilitate species recovery.
• The project is regarded as one of India’s most successful wildlife conservation programmes, helping restore populations that were once on the verge of extinction.

Crocodile Species Found in India

Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)A freshwater crocodilian recognized by its long and narrow snout adapted for catching fish.Primarily found in river systems such as the Chambal, Girwa, Son and Gandak rivers.Classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN.Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris)Also known as the Indian freshwater crocodile.Found in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, marshes and wetlands across much of the Indian subcontinent.Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN.Estuarine or Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)The largest living reptile in the world.Inhabits estuaries, mangrove ecosystems, coastal lagoons and river mouths.Found mainly in the Sundarbans, Bhitarkanika, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and parts of the eastern coast.Classified as Least Concern globally, though local populations require continued protection.

Important Protected Areas Associated with Crocodile Conservation

• Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh) – One of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and an important habitat for Estuarine Crocodiles.
• Papikonda National Park – Located along the Godavari River and supports crocodile habitats in addition to rich biodiversity.
• Bhitarkanika National Park – Known for hosting one of India’s largest populations of Saltwater Crocodiles and served as a major centre under Project Crocodile.
• National Chambal Sanctuary – India’s most important conservation landscape for the Gharial.

Significance of Crocodile Conservation

• Crocodiles are apex predators that help maintain ecological balance in aquatic ecosystems.
• Their presence indicates healthy riverine, wetland and mangrove habitats.
• Conservation of crocodiles simultaneously protects associated biodiversity, fisheries and wetland ecosystems.
• Successful recovery of crocodile populations demonstrates the effectiveness of species-focused conservation combined with habitat protection.

Way Forward

• Strengthening wetland and river conservation remains essential for sustaining crocodile populations.
• Scientific monitoring, habitat restoration, community participation and mitigation of human-crocodile conflict are crucial for long-term conservation success.
• India’s experience with Project Crocodile continues to serve as a model for species recovery programmes worldwide.