Trump 2.0: A Mixed Bag for India

GS 2: International Relations: U.S.-India Relations

Why is it in the news?

• Five years ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed strong support for Donald Trump during an address in Houston, Texas, marking a close personal connection between the two leaders.
• Now, with Trump returning as the S.’s 47th President, India looks forward to the potential benefits of this rapport, while also preparing for Trump’s unconventional tactics, such as using social media for public coercion.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

• Trump’s return offers prospects for deeper India-U.S. relations, especially in trade, defense, and technology. He is expected to revive Free Trade Agreement discussions, which had stalled under Joe Biden.
• Trump is also likely to prioritize economic engagements over environmental pressures, encouraging India to invest in U.S. oil and LNG. This could include reviving the 2019 Driftwood LNG Memorandum, which had projected $2.5 billion in Indian investment into the U.S.

Reduced Scrutiny on Domestic Issues

• Trump’s administration is less likely to focus on India’s internal policies related to democracy, human rights, and minority protections—concerns that were prominent under Biden. This shift may ease pressures on the Modi government regarding NGOs and climate policies.
• However, some Republican Congress members may still inquire about U.S. Christian NGOs operating in India.
• Trump’s past cold relations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could also support India’s stance in its ongoing diplomatic dispute with Canada over the Nijjar case, as Trump’s administration is expected to take a more muted approach to such issues.

Challenges in Trade and Diplomacy

• Despite potential gains, Trump’s focus on reducing tariffs and his previous actions, like withdrawing India’s GSP status, could create trade challenges.
• His habit of disclosing or exaggerating private discussions with world leaders might also cause diplomatic strain. For instance, Trump previously claimed Modi sought his mediation on Kashmir—a claim India denied—and publicly commented on Modi’s mood amid China’s 2020 transgressions at the Line of Actual Control, which India also disputed.
• However, Trump’s administration offered crucial support to India during the China conflict, providing intelligence, leased drones, and winter supplies.

Geopolitical Tensions and Energy Concerns

• During his last term, Trump’s approach to U.S.-Iran tensions led India to halt oil imports from Iran and Venezuela, impacting India’s energy supply. This time, Trump’s relatively open stance toward Russia may reduce pressure on India to cut ties with Moscow.
• India also anticipates Trump’s support in facilitating Middle Eastern diplomacy, particularly in Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, which could positively impact strategic projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.

Impacts on South Asia

• Trump’s re-election may also affect India’s neighbours. His previous administration significantly reduced U.S. aid to Pakistan, a policy that might intensify, potentially complicating Pakistan’s efforts to secure IMF and World Bank loans.
• Trump’s recent criticism of Bangladesh’s treatment of Hindu minorities could create challenges for Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, a Democratic Party ally.
• Unlike Biden, who expanded U.S. engagement with Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives, Trump may give less attention to South Asia, raising concerns among these countries about reduced U.S. involvement in the region.

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme for Higher Education approved

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Scheme for higher education

Why is it in the news?

• The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has introduced PM Vidyalaxmi, a Central Sector scheme aimed at providing financial support to meritorious students, ensuring that financial challenges don’t obstruct access to higher education.
• Aligned with the National Education Policy, 2020, which advocates for financial assistance for students in both public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), the PM Vidyalaxmi scheme offers students accepted into Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) collateral-free, guarantor-free loans from banks and financial institutions to cover full tuition and related course expenses.
• This scheme will be managed through a digital, interoperable, and user-friendly system.

More about the scheme

• The PM Vidyalaxmi scheme focuses on top-ranked Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) identified by the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), including those in the top 100, state government HEIs ranked 101-200, and all central government institutions.
• This initial list of 860 eligible institutions will be updated annually, with over 22 lakh students potentially benefiting.
• For loans up to ₹7.5 lakhs, PM Vidyalaxmi offers a 75% credit guarantee to encourage banks to extend financial support to students.
• Additionally, students with an annual family income up to ₹8 lakhs, who don’t receive other government scholarships or interest subventions, are eligible for a 3% interest subvention on loans up to ₹10 lakhs during the moratorium period.
• Each year, one lakh students—prioritizing those from government institutions in technical or professional courses—can benefit, with a ₹3,600 crore budget from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

Anil Pradhan Wins Rohini Nayyar Prize for Rural Development

GS 2: Polity and Governance: Awards

About the news

• Anil Pradhan, a 28-year-old social worker from Odisha, has been awarded the third Rohini Nayyar Prize for his exceptional contribution to rural development.
• The prestigious award, established by the Rohini Nayyar Foundation in memory of the renowned economist, includes a cash prize of ₹10 lakh, a citation, and a trophy.
• Pradhan, an innovative engineer and educationist, was selected by a jury of academics and activists for his work. Born in the village of Baral, Odisha, he later moved to Bhopal for his education. Notably, he was the chief designer of Asia’s first university rocket team, VSLV.

RNA Editing: A Safer and Flexible Alternative to DNA Editing

GS 3: Science and Technology: RNA Editing

Why is it in the news?

• RNA editing is gaining recognition as a promising technology, offering several advantages over DNA editing, particularly in terms of safety and flexibility.
• Unlike DNA editing, which makes permanent changes to the genome that can lead to irreversible errors, RNA editing makes temporary modifications.
• These temporary changes allow the effects to fade over time, making RNA editing a safer option in clinical settings where treatments can be halted if issues arise, reducing long-term risks.

Pioneering RNA Editing in Clinical Settings

• On October 16, Wave Life Sciences, a biotechnology company based in Massachusetts, became the first to treat a genetic condition through RNA editing in a clinical setting.
• RNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, a concept highlighted by the success of mRNA vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, RNA editing is emerging as a pivotal tool in precision medicine.

How RNA Editing Works

• In RNA editing, cells first create messenger RNA (mRNA) based on the genetic instructions in DNA. Errors in the mRNA sequence can lead to faulty proteins that cause diseases.
• RNA editing allows scientists to correct these errors before the mRNA is used to produce proteins. A technique involving the enzyme adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) converts adenosine in mRNA to inosine, which mimics guanosine. This enables the cell to detect and correct mistakes, resulting in the production of normal proteins.

RNA Editing in Clinical Use

• Wave Life Sciences has applied RNA editing to treat α1-antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a genetic disorder that causes damage to the liver and lungs. Their therapy, WVE-006, uses guide RNA (gRNA) to direct ADAR enzymes to the SERPINA1 gene, correcting a mutation in the mRNA and restoring normal protein production.
• The company plans to expand the use of RNA editing to treat other genetic diseases, including Huntington’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and certain forms of obesity, all of which are caused by single-point mutations.

Other Companies Advancing RNA Editing

• Several other biotechnology companies are advancing RNA editing technology.
• Korro Bio is focusing on AATD and Parkinson’s disease, while ProQR Therapeutics is targeting heart disease and bile acid buildup in the liver. Shape Therapeutics is working on RNA editing for neurological disorders.
• These companies use various guide RNA types and delivery methods to enhance the accuracy of RNA editing. Additionally, researchers are exploring RNA editing for exons, the protein-coding regions of mRNA, to treat conditions such as ABCA4 retinopathy and liver cancer.

Advantages of RNA Editing Over DNA Editing

• RNA editing offers distinct advantages over DNA editing. The primary benefit is its temporary nature, which reduces the risk of permanent errors.
• Furthermore, RNA editing utilizes ADAR enzymes, which are naturally present in the human body, minimizing the risk of immune reactions compared to DNA editing tools like CRISPR-Cas9, which use proteins derived from bacteria.

Challenges in RNA Editing

• Despite its potential, RNA editing faces challenges, especially in terms of ADAR enzymes may inadvertently edit non-targeted areas of the mRNA or fail to target the desired areas, leading to potential side effects. To address this, researchers are working to improve the accuracy of the guide RNA.
• The transient nature of RNA editing also means that repeated treatments are necessary to sustain the effects.
• Additionally, current delivery methods, such as lipid nanoparticles and adeno-associated virus vectors, have limitations in transporting large molecules, adding to the complexity of RNA editing.

Market Growth and Future Outlook

• The RNA editing market is rapidly growing, with over 11 biotechnology companies worldwide developing RNA-based therapies.
• Major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, and Novo Nordisk, are showing significant interest in the field.
• As research and clinical trials advance, RNA editing is poised to become a vital tool in gene editing, with the potential to revolutionize the treatment of various genetic disorders.

Samosa Caucus Expands in U.S. Congress

GS 2: International Relations: Indian-origin Americans in Congress

Why is it in the news?

• Following the recent U.S. presidential election, the “Samosa Caucus,” an informal group of Indian-origin Americans in Congress, has grown to six members in the House of Representatives.
• The term “Samosa Caucus,” coined by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthy in 2018, reflects the group’s cultural roots, with the samosa symbolizing their strong ties to Indian heritage.

Suhas Subramanyam

• Suhas Subramanyam made history by becoming the first Indian-American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from He will represent Virginia’s 10th District.
• A former state senator from Virginia, Subramanyam is also the first South Asian and practicing Hindu to be elected from the region.
• Born to immigrant parents from Bengaluru, Subramanyam is a law graduate from Northwestern University and previously worked as a White House advisor under Barack Obama.

Ami Bera

• Ami Bera, the senior-most Indian-American in Congress, was re-elected for his seventh consecutive term to represent California’s 6th District. A physician by training with an MD from the University of California-Irvine, Bera has been a strong advocate for healthcare reform, focusing on affordable prescription drugs and mental health access.
• He also plays a key role in strengthening U.S.-India relations through his work on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Shri Thanedar

• Shri Thanedar, re-elected to Michigan’s 13th District, has had a diverse career as a businessman and entrepreneur before entering politics. Born into a low-income Brahmin family in Belagavi, Karnataka, Thanedar immigrated to the U.S. in 1979, eventually earning a PhD in Chemistry.
• He built a successful career in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, selling his company for $20 million in 2016. Thanedar previously ran in Michigan’s gubernatorial Democratic primaries and is known for his blunt political style, similar to that of Donald Trump.

Pramila Jayapal

• Pramila Jayapal was re-elected to represent Washington’s 7th District, continuing her strong advocacy for progressive policies such as Medicare for All and immigration reform.
• Born in India to a Malayali family, she became the first South Asian-American woman elected to the U.S. House in 2017. Jayapal chairs the Congressional Progressive Caucus and is known for her support of civil rights, abortion rights, and anti-caste legislation.

Ro Khanna

• Ro Khanna, re-elected to represent California’s 17th District, has been a prominent advocate for technology and innovation. He serves on both the House Armed Services and Agriculture Committees, focusing on tech jobs and sustainable farming.
• Born to Punjabi immigrant parents, Khanna was a high-achieving student and later earned degrees from Chicago University and Yale Law.
• First elected in 2016, Khanna has pushed for “economic patriotism” and the promotion of American-made products. He identifies as a “progressive capitalist” and advocates for policies that benefit rural America.

Raja Krishnamoorthi

• Raja Krishnamoorthi, re-elected to represent Illinois’ 8th District, is known for his work on education and workforce development.
• A Harvard Law graduate and former deputy state treasurer, he serves on the House Intelligence and Oversight Committees and is the ranking member of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
• Born in New Delhi and raised in Illinois, Krishnamoorthi has focused on national security and economic policy.

India-US Relations During Trump’s First Term

GS 2: International Relations: India-U.S. Relations

Why is it in the news?

• In February 2020, just before the Covid-19 pandemic, President Donald Trump visited India and was welcomed with the grand “Namaste, Trump” rally in Ahmedabad, attended by 100,000 people.
• This visit underscored India’s rise from a strategic partner to an essential ally for the US during Trump’s first term (2017-2021), a period marked by frequent high-level meetings between Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which deepened bilateral ties.

Defense, Counterterrorism, and Energy Cooperation

• Trump’s first meeting with Modi in June 2017 laid the groundwork for cooperation in defense, counterterrorism, and energy.
• The US strengthened its support for India’s counterterrorism efforts, backing India’s push to designate Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist at the UN and supporting the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF) grey-listing of Pakistan.
• India’s defense purchases from the US grew to $18 billion annually by 2019, boosted by Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) Tier I status, which granted India access to advanced American defense technology.
• This enhanced cooperation also enabled smooth intelligence-sharing between the countries during the Galwan Valley skirmishes with China in 2020.
• In energy, Trump’s administration launched the Strategic Energy Partnership in 2018, significantly increasing India’s imports of US crude oil and LNG to $6.7 billion within two years, making the US India’s sixth-largest hydrocarbon supplier.

Challenges and Controversies

• Despite these advancements, certain policies under Trump created friction. India’s energy partnership with the US partly stemmed from Trump’s pressure on India to halt oil imports from Iran, a non-negotiable stance.
• Trade tariffs also proved contentious, with Trump pushing for lower tariffs on US products, notably Harley Davidson motorcycles, as a condition for smoother trade. Even with the US as India’s largest trading partner, Trump’s tariff demands remained unmet.
• Immigration policy, especially concerning H1-B visas for skilled Indian workers, was another point of tension.
• The biggest controversy arose when Trump offered to mediate the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan, a sensitive topic in India-US relations. Although he retracted this offer, aligning with the official US position of non-intervention unless requested by both countries, it caused a temporary diplomatic stir.

Converging on China as a Shared Concern

• A key legacy of Trump’s first term was his positioning of China as a strategic threat, aligning US and Indian interests in countering China’s assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Trump revived the Quad alliance, comprising India, the US, Australia, and Japan, strengthening a unified approach to regional security.
• Additionally, Trump’s non-critical stance on India’s human rights record was well-received by New Delhi, allowing bilateral cooperation without critique on domestic issues.

World Solar Report Series

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity: Renewable Energy

Why is it in the news?

• The 3rd edition of the World Solar Report series was released during the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA).

More about the news

• This edition includes four key reports: World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries.
• These reports highlight significant trends, challenges, and advancements in the global shift toward sustainable energy.
• First launched in 2022, the World Solar Report series provides a detailed overview of the solar energy sector, focusing on progress in solar technology, investment patterns, and global challenges.

Key Findings from the Reports

World Solar Market Report

• Solar capacity has surged from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023, reflecting a 40% annual growth rate.
• The solar industry now provides 16.2 million jobs globally, with 7.1 million of those in solar, marking a 44% increase in employment.

World Investment Report

• Global energy investments are expected to rise from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion by 2024, growing at a nearly 5% annual rate.
• The Asia-Pacific region led global solar investments, with $223 billion in solar investments in 2023.

World Technology Report

• Solar PV modules have achieved a record efficiency of 24.9%.
• Additionally, silicon usage has dropped by 88% since 2004, and the cost of utility-scale solar PV has reduced by 90%, making solar energy more affordable and efficient.

Green Hydrogen Readiness in African Countries

• Green hydrogen is identified as a viable alternative to coal, oil, and gas, helping Africa transition to cleaner energy solutions.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA)

• The ISA is an international organization that promotes solar energy, established in 2015 by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President François Hollande. With 120 Member and Signatory countries, the ISA is headquartered in India.
• The ISA aims to unlock $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030, focusing on reducing the cost of solar technology and improving financing access.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

• India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with 8,180 MW coming from nuclear power. Non-fossil fuel-based energy now accounts for nearly 50% of the country’s total installed capacity.

Breakdown of Renewable Energy:

• Solar: 90.76 GW
• Wind: 47.36 GW
• Hydroelectric: 46.92 GW
• Small Hydro: 5.07 GW
• Biomass/Biogas: 11.32 GW
• Total Renewable Energy Capacity (2024): 201.45 GW, accounting for 46.3% of India’s total installed capacity.

India’s Renewable Energy Targets

• India has set an ambitious goal of achieving Net Zero Emissions by 2070.
• Short-term targets include:

1) Increasing renewable energy capacity to 500 GW by 2030.

2) Meeting 50% of energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

3) Reducing emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.

4) Lowering emissions intensity of GDP by 45% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels.