The impending Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United Kingdom and India is expected to enhance bilateral economic engagement significantly, particularly in the realm of Global Capability Centres (GCCs). This summary outlines the potential benefits and developments surrounding the FTA, along with relevant data and government initiatives.

Key Highlights:

• Global Capability Centres in India:

  • India has established over 1,500 GCCs, which employ approximately 1.9 million people.
  • These centres are integral to the global operations of multinational corporations focusing on innovation and digital transformation.

• Strategic Role of the FTA:

  • The FTA is seen as a catalyst to strengthen collaboration in sectors like research and development, analytics, and cybersecurity.
  • Key provisions could include easing regulatory barriers, enhancing professional mobility, and harmonizing digital governance standards.

• High-Level Engagement:

  • UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds made recent visits to India to reinforce commitment towards the partnership.
  • Prime Ministers Keir Starmer and Narendra Modi had a productive discussion at the G-20 Summit in Brazil in 2024, further indicating the positive trajectory of UK-India relations.

• Economic Opportunities:

  • The FTA offers the UK access to one of the fastest-growing digital economies, which is significant post-Brexit.
  • India stands to benefit from increased UK investments, aligning with its ambitions for a robust digital economy and becoming a global hub for high-value services.

• Integration of Services and Technology:

  • The UK India Business Council (UKIBC) emphasizes the growing importance of services, skills, and technology in trade, advocating for the role of GCCs at this intersection.
  • The FTA could foster easier cross-border collaboration, create robust intellectual property frameworks, and implement smart mobility solutions for talent.

Addressing Challenges:

• Business Challenges:

  • The FTA aims to tackle issues such as double taxation, data localization mandates, and discrepancies in standards, which currently hinder the growth of GCCs.

• Policy Initiatives:

  • India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is spearheading efforts to establish a dedicated national GCC policy by 2025, involving stakeholder consultation with entities like NASSCOM and KPMG.
  • State initiatives, notably in Uttar Pradesh, are promoting GCCs beyond the National Capital Region, providing incentives and showcasing infrastructure potential.

• Consultative Efforts:

  • UKIBC conducted closed-door meetings with industry leaders to explore the role of GCCs in driving economic growth and discussed governance best practices.
  • The consultations examined whether multiple state-level policies cause fragmentation and competitiveness issues.

Implications for Economic Diplomacy:

• International Collaboration:

  • The discourse emphasized how the UK-India FTA can enhance the global value chain for Indian GCCs, particularly focusing on talent diversity and professional mobility.

• Overall Vision:

  • The evolving partnership is positioned as a foundation for a resilient knowledge-based economic corridor between the UK and India, which is anticipated to drive innovation and sustain economic growth.

The dialogue encapsulates a proactive approach to leveraging the economic capabilities of both nations, facilitating a strategic alliance that aligns with their respective developmental goals.

Conclusion:

The UK-India FTA stands as a promising initiative that capitalizes on changing global economic dynamics, reinforced through collaboration in technology and services through GCCs. Both nations are poised to strengthen their economic ties through this comprehensive framework, heralding potential growth opportunities.

Important Sentences:

• India has established over 1,500 GCCs, employing 1.9 million people.
• The FTA is anticipated to enhance collaboration in research, analytics, and cyber solutions.
• UK Prime Ministers discussed boosting bilateral relations at the G-20 Summit.
• The FTA could alleviate business challenges like double taxation and data localization.
• India’s MeitY is developing a national GCC policy for sustainable growth.
• UKIBC is advocating for enhanced governance best practices for GCC development.
• The partnership aims to create a knowledge-based economic corridor between the two nations.

The article discusses a transformative movement among India's senior citizens, referred to as the "second-innings generation," who are actively defying traditional notions of aging. It highlights the demographic changes in India, the rising life expectancy, and the increasing economic and social engagement of seniors.

Key Insights:

• Demographic Shift:

  • By 2050, the population aged 60 and above is projected to reach 319 million, comprising 20% of India’s total population (UNFPA India Ageing Report, 2023).
  • Life expectancy has increased significantly from 63 years in 2000 to over 70.9 years in 2024.

• Changing Lifestyle Patterns:

  • A 2022 NASSCOM study indicates a 50% rise in digital adoption among seniors in five years.
  • More than 30% of Indians aged 60 to 69 remain economically active, taking on new jobs or ventures post-retirement.

• Economic Implications:

  • The top decile of Indians, largely seniors, controls over 70% of national wealth, indicating their substantial purchasing power.
  • The “longevity economy,” focused on the economic activities driven by those over 50, is emerging as a significant growth opportunity in India.

• Rethinking Aging:

  • The article emphasizes that aging should not be viewed as a decline but as an opportunity for continued engagement and contribution to society.
  • It highlights individual stories, such as that of Roshini Devi Sangwan, showcasing seniors reclaiming agency and purpose.

• Shift in Family Structures:

  • With about 70% of urban families becoming nuclear and high rates of emigration, seniors increasingly live independently.
  • This change presents both challenges and opportunities for autonomous aging, requiring support systems.

• Challenges Faced by Seniors:

  • Current urban planning and healthcare delivery often overlook the needs of older adults, with a significant disconnect in healthcare service provision.
  • There is a dire shortage of geriatric specialists (fewer than 1,000 currently) to cater to the elderly population.

• Policy Recommendations:

  • The National Policy on Senior Citizens needs updating to align with contemporary realities, shifting towards longer, active lifespans.
  • Labour policy must reconsider fixed retirement ages and offer flexible work arrangements to fully utilize senior talent.
  • Urban planning should incorporate age-friendly designs, improving accessibility and promoting intergenerational interaction.

• Global Insights:

  • Examples from South Korea and Singapore illustrate successful senior participation policies and healthcare delivery models that can be adapted to Indian contexts.

• Cultural and Economic Opportunity:

  • Recognizing the potential of active seniors is not merely a responsibility but a cultural opportunity that requires a paradigm shift in societal attitudes.
  • The response to this demographic transition can position India to leverage its "wisdom dividend," transitioning from a youth-driven economy to one that values contributions from its elderly population.

The article concludes by urging coordinated action among government, private sector, and civil society to create an ecosystem that allows older adults not just to survive, but to thrive, suggesting that aging is more about evolution than decline.

Important Sentences:

• The population aged 60-plus is projected to reach 319 million by 2050.
• Life expectancy rose from 63 in 2000 to over 70.9 in 2024.
• A 2022 NASSCOM study reported a 50% increase in digital adoption among seniors.
• Over 30% of Indians aged 60 to 69 remain economically engaged post-retirement.
• The top decile of seniors controls over 70% of India’s wealth.
• Urban Indian families have shifted towards a nuclear structure, with 70% now nuclear.
• Fewer than 1,000 certified geriatricians are available for India’s ageing population.
• The National Policy on Senior Citizens requires significant updates to address current demographic realities.
• Successful international models can provide insights for India’s ageing population challenges.

Summary of News Article on Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC)

The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) launched the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) as a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the employability of Indian youth through skill development. This scheme has been operational for over ten years and has seen substantial participation and training outputs reported until June 30, 2025.

Key Highlights:

• Training Statistics:

  • Over 1.6 crore candidates have been trained under PMKVY.
  • 1.29 crore candidates have received certifications.
  • An additional 1.74 crore candidates trained under various NSDC programs.
  • NSDC has facilitated the certification of over 2.32 lakh trainers.

• Government Oversight:

  • The Government of India retains 49% equity in NSDC, which allows for oversight despite its majority private sector ownership.
  • MSDE's efforts ensure the quality of training through various measures and strategic initiatives.

• Quality Improvements:

  • PMKVY 4.0 focuses on quality, relevance to industry, and flexibility in skill development.
  • Emphasis on On-Job Training (OJT) as a key component.
  • Courses are aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF).

• Digital Monitoring:

  • The Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH) facilitates digital tracking of the training life cycle.
  • Implementation of Aadhaar-based enrolment and biometric attendance ensures accountability and transparency.
  • Monitoring through geo-tagging and real-time dashboards is being utilized.

• Compliance and Legal Mechanisms:

  • A framework for Accreditation and Affiliation to ensure compliance among training centers.
  • Actions such as FIRs, blacklisting, and financial recovery are employed against non-compliant training entities.

• Inclusivity Measures:

  • Special focus on marginalized communities through targeted outreach.
  • Geographic spread and specific allocations for Aspirational and LWE-affected districts to ensure equitable skill development.

• Funding and State-Level Disbursements:

  • A total of ₹1538.29 crores has been allocated for FY 2024-25.
  • State-wise distribution of funds showcases targeted support across various regions, with the highest allocations observed in:
    • Uttar Pradesh - ₹352.64 crores
    • Rajasthan - ₹292.42 crores
    • Madhya Pradesh - ₹205.84 crores

Allocation Breakdown by State/UT:

1. Uttar Pradesh - ₹352.64 crores
2. Rajasthan - ₹292.42 crores
3. Madhya Pradesh - ₹205.84 crores
4. Punjab - ₹104.17 crores
5. Bihar - ₹62.33 crores
6. Other states received varied amounts ranging from ₹0.07 crores to ₹69.30 crores.

• Labor Market Alignment:
  • Regular skill gap analysis ensures training is responsive to current job-market demands.
  • Training includes futuristic job roles in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, Electric Vehicles, Robotics, 5G, and Data Analytics.

Conclusion:

The PMKVY scheme, bolstered by the support of NSDC, reflects the Indian government’s commitment to skill development as a critical factor in enhancing employability and bridging the labor market gaps. With ongoing reforms and technological integration, the program aims to maintain relevance in the evolving job landscape while promoting inclusivity across society.

Important Points to Note:

• PMKVY has trained over 1.6 crore candidates.
• 1.29 crore certifications as of June 2025.
• The 49% government stake in NSDC allows oversight.
• Introduction of PMKVY 4.0 focusing on quality and flexibility.
• Implementation of digital tracking via Skill India Digital Hub.
• Allocated funding for FY 2024-25 is ₹1538.29 crores.
• Targeted initiatives for marginalized communities and geographic inclusivity.
• Responsive training adapted for future industries and market demands.

The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Avanti Fellows aimed at promoting inclusive education and empowering tribal youth in India. This initiative specifically targets students of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) and focuses on coaching for national-level competitive exams, namely IIT-JEE (Joint Entrance Examination) and NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).

Key Aspects of the MoU:

• Objective: The MoU aims to provide coaching support to enhance the performance of tribal students in highly competitive exams, thus bridging the educational gap.
• Duration: The agreement is a five-year plan, effective from the academic year 2025-26.
• Coaching Centers: A Center of Excellence (CoE) will be established at EMRS Bhopal in Madhya Pradesh, accommodating 80 students selected via a structured entrance examination.
• Expansion Plans: Additional centers will be established in various regions and states over the coming years.

Significance:

• Empowerment of Tribal Youth: The collaboration seeks to equip EMRS students with the necessary skills, mentorship, and academic support, thereby instilling confidence and enabling them to aspire for careers in engineering and medicine.
• Strengthening Tribal Education: NESTS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, focused on offering quality education to tribal children through a network of EMRSs.
• Avanti Fellows: This organization operates as a public charitable trust, dedicated to educational initiatives and providing the necessary academic support through specialized coaching.

Contextual Framework:

• Government Schemes: This initiative aligns with broader government efforts to enhance the educational landscape for marginalized sections of society, particularly tribal populations, as part of initiatives to ensure equitable access to education.
• National Importance: As India's population includes a significant tribal demographic, ensuring their access to quality education is crucial for national development and social equity.

Potential Impact:

• Future of Tribal Students: By providing targeted coaching for competitive examinations, this partnership is expected to not only shape the future of tribal youth but also contribute to building a more inclusive society through improved educational outcomes.
• Long-term Goals: The initiative is positioned within the framework of sustainable educational practices that aim to foster skill development and career opportunities for tribal youth on a national scale.

This collaboration between NESTS and Avanti Fellows is thus a landmark step towards enhancing educational provisions for tribal students, ensuring they have equal opportunities to participate in India's educational and professional spheres.

Important Points:

• MoU between NESTS and Avanti Fellows signed for coaching support.
• Focus on JEE and NEET examination preparation.
• MoU is effective from the academic year 2025-26 for five years.
• EMRS Bhopal will house the first Center of Excellence for 80 students.
• Expansion to other states and regions planned.
• NESTS operates under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to support tribal education.
• Avanti Fellows registered under the Indian Trust Act, 1882.
• Aims to bridge educational gaps and empower tribal youth.
• Initiative aligns with government schemes for equitable education access.
• Expected to enhance tribal students' participation in national competitions.