India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have made significant strides in deepening their economic partnership, with the recent signing of the Terms of Reference (ToR) to launch negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). This move comes at a time when India seeks to diversify its trade relationships in the face of rising US tariff threats and stalled trade talks with the United States.
The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is a regional economic organization aimed at fostering economic integration among its member states.
Established: The EAEU was formed through the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union in 2015, with the goal of creating a single market for goods, services, capital, and labor.
Armenia
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Russia (the largest and most influential member)
Headquarters: Moscow, Russia.
Ensure free movement of goods, services, labor, and capital.
Promote coordinated economic policies across member states.
Enhance the competitiveness of member economies and ensure their sustainable development.
The EAEU's market is valued at USD 6.5 trillion. By negotiating an FTA, India would gain preferential access to this vast market, especially in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and electronics.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India stand to benefit from expanded market access, potentially boosting exports in a diversified portfolio of goods.
The India-EAEU FTA would help India reduce dependency on traditional markets like the US and EU, especially in the context of rising trade disputes and tariff threats.
With bilateral trade between India and the EAEU expected to reach USD 69 billion in 2024 (a 7% increase from 2023), the partnership has the potential for substantial growth.
The EAEU (especially Russia) is a major supplier of natural resources, including crude oil, natural gas, and metals—critical for India’s energy and industrial needs.
Russia already supplies 35-40% of India’s crude oil imports, and securing long-term cooperation through the EAEU will further bolster India’s energy security.
The EAEU partnership complements India’s ongoing projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) and the Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor, which aim to reduce logistics costs and transit times between India and EAEU nations.
Improved connectivity can enhance trade efficiency and open up new avenues for economic cooperation, especially in transportation and logistics.
India’s trade deficit with Russia has surged significantly—from USD 6.6 billion in 2021 to USD 58.9 billion in 2024–25, largely due to hydrocarbon imports.
Energy imports continue to dominate, which may hinder India’s goal of balanced trade with the region.
A trade deal led by Russia may raise concerns in NATO and among Western allies, requiring India to balance its strategic interests with its geopolitical stance.
Sanctions against Russia (due to the Ukraine conflict) pose a challenge, especially as increasing trade with Russia may risk further US and EU sanctions against India. India must also carefully manage its engagement with the US amid 50% tariffs on Indian goods.
Cheap imports from Russia and other EAEU countries, especially in oil, metals, and minerals, could potentially undermine India’s domestic industries.
The Indian government may need to consider safeguards or quotas for sectors that are vulnerable to dumping or disruptive competition from these imports.
India’s FTA utilization rate remains low at around 25%, much lower than the 70-80% rate seen in developed countries.
India needs to address the underuse of its existing trade agreements to ensure that future FTAs with the EAEU are fully leveraged.
Despite the FTA, non-tariff barriers such as bureaucratic delays, customs procedures, and complex regulations remain significant hurdles to the free flow of goods and services.
Addressing these trade facilitation issues is critical to ensuring that the benefits of the FTA are realized.
Indian agricultural exports face difficulties due to strict sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards in EAEU countries, which make market entry challenging.
Ensuring that Indian products meet SPS standards will be key to expanding agricultural exports to the EAEU.
Trade between India and the EAEU largely relies on the US dollar, leading to exchange rate risks and uncertainties.
While there are ongoing efforts to use the rupee-ruble mechanism, there is limited liquidity and cross-border payment infrastructure, especially with the backdrop of Russian sanctions.
Finalize and implement the Program of Economic Cooperation with Russia and extend it to all EAEU members. This will enhance cooperation in key sectors such as energy, agriculture, industry, education, and culture, fostering deeper ties.
India should aim to diversify its exports beyond hydrocarbons to include sectors like pharmaceuticals, agriculture, textiles, machinery, and services.
Expanding into these areas will reduce India’s dependence on hydrocarbons and strengthen its economic relationship with the EAEU.
Scaling up the use of local currencies (Indian rupee, Russian ruble) can help reduce dependency on the US dollar and mitigate currency risks.
India should work with the EAEU to develop and standardize Local Currency Settlement (LCS) frameworks, ensuring sufficient liquidity to facilitate seamless trade.
India should engage more actively with multilateral economic groupings like BRICS and revive regional platforms such as RIC (Russia–India–China).
Diversifying supply chains and expanding India’s network of trade alliances will bolster its resilience in a rapidly changing global trade environment.
Enhancing logistics infrastructure is crucial. India should focus on improving connectivity through initiatives like the INSTC, the Northern Sea Route, and the Chennai–Vladivostok Corridor to reduce transit times and costs.
Integrated transportation networks would enhance trade flow and foster better economic cooperation with EAEU nations.
India’s engagement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) presents both opportunities and challenges. An FTA with the EAEU offers significant potential for market access, trade diversification, and energy security. However, India must address several challenges, including its trade deficit with Russia, geopolitical sensitivities, and domestic industry concerns. By implementing strategic measures such as innovative financial mechanisms, diversifying exports, and strengthening multilateral partnerships, India can deepen its economic ties with the EAEU and enhance its position in global trade
As India commemorated its 79th Independence Day, it is essential to reflect on the significant yet often underappreciated role that women played in the nation’s freedom struggle. Their contributions went beyond just fighting against British colonial rule—they also challenged the social restrictions that kept them invisible and powerless within their own society. Women were instrumental in shaping the course of India's independence, and their activism combined political courage with a vision of gender equality and social reform.
Women were a critical force in mass movements that spanned the length of the Indian freedom struggle.
Inspired by the figure of “Bharat Mata”, women rallied across regions, uniting diverse communities to foster a common nationalist sentiment. This unification helped mobilize significant support for the anti-colonial movement.
During the Non-Cooperation Movement (1920–1922), women played a vital role by boycotting British goods, promoting khadi, joining marches, and willingly courting imprisonment. This showcased not only their courage but also their growing political awareness.
In the Salt Satyagraha (1930), women like Sarojini Naidu and Kamala Nehru were at the forefront, leading marches and picketing salt shops, while also mobilizing rural women. Their participation was pivotal in integrating women into the mainstream struggle for independence.
Women also led efforts during the Quit India Movement (1942) by organizing rallies, spreading nationalist messages, operating underground radios, and continuing the movement’s momentum in the face of arrests of male leaders.
In addition to mass movements, women contributed significantly to revolutionary activities. Pritilata Waddedar and Kalpana Dutta were active in underground revolutionary networks, participating in attacks on British establishments like the Chittagong raids.
Rani Laxmibai of Jhansi, Matangini Hazra, and Kanaklata Barua became symbols of sacrifice and bravery, inspiring others to join the fight. These women not only fought for freedom but also embodied the spirit of selflessness and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
Women also made strides in leadership and organizational roles, shaping the political landscape of the freedom movement. The formation of women-centric organizations such as the All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) and Women’s Indian Association (WIA) provided platforms for political activism and social reform.
Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, Aruna Asaf Ali, and Sucheta Kriplani guided protests, represented India at international forums, and fostered a culture of female leadership in political spaces. Their leadership roles proved that women were not just followers but trailblazers in the struggle for independence.
Beyond political resistance, many women in India’s freedom movement were also deeply involved in social reform efforts, advocating for gender equality, education, and social justice.
Savitribai Phule, India's first female teacher, worked tirelessly to promote women's education, legal equality, property rights, and opposed regressive practices like child marriage and purdah. She laid the foundation for the empowerment of rural and urban women through literacy drives and social activism.
Pandita Ramabai, a pioneering social reformer, founded Sharada Sadan for widows and worked for women’s suffrage, education, and against child marriage.
Rani Lakshmibai of Jhansi became an enduring symbol of resistance during the First War of Indian Independence (1857). She defied the Doctrine of Lapse and led her troops into battle, becoming a martyr for the cause of independence.
The Queen of Kitturu (Karnataka), Rani Chennamma, was one of the first women to lead an anti-colonial rebellion in 1824. She revolted against the British after they refused to recognize her adopted son as the heir to the throne under the Doctrine of Lapse.
Known as the “Nightingale of India”, Sarojini Naidu was not just a poet but also a key figure in the freedom struggle. She became the first Indian woman President of the Indian National Congress and was an active participant in the Salt March, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India Movements. Naidu also became the first woman to lead a major political movement in India.
Sucheta Kriplani was an active participant in the Civil Disobedience Movement and Quit India Movement. Later, she became the first woman Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and served as a major political leader in the post-independence period.
A prominent social reformer and freedom fighter, Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay was instrumental in encouraging women's participation in the Salt Satyagraha. She was also the first woman to contest a legislative seat in Madras and played a key role in the formation of the AIWC.
Rani Gaidinliu was a Naga freedom fighter who led a movement against British rule at the age of just 16. After the execution of her cousin, she took charge of the Heraka Movement, which promoted the Naga identity and resisted British control in the region.
A key figure in the Quit India Movement, Aruna Asaf Ali is remembered for hoisting the Indian National Congress flag during the movement, even though she was under threat from the British. She became known as the “Heroine of 1942”.
Bina Das was an Indian revolutionary who attempted to assassinate the Governor of Bengal, Stanley Jackson, in 1932. She was deeply involved in underground resistance activities, wearing khadi, distributing revolutionary literature, and secretly participating in protests.
A key figure in the Chittagong Armoury Raid, Pritilata Waddedar became a martyr after leading an attack on the Pahartali European Club in 1932. Her bravery remains a significant chapter in Bengal’s revolutionary history.
Matangini Hazra, known as Gandhi Buri, was a frontline participant in the Quit India Movement. She was shot while holding the Indian flag and chanting “Vande Mataram”, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice for independence.
Fatima Sheikh, an educator, played a pivotal role in the women’s empowerment movement, particularly in the education sector. She laid the foundation for girls' education in India and played an active role in social reform movements.
Usha Mehta ran an underground Congress radio during the Quit India Movement, broadcasting messages that kept the spirit of the freedom struggle alive even during times of intense British repression.
The contributions of women in India's freedom struggle were nothing short of revolutionary. These women were not just participants; they were architects of the nation’s independence, combining courage, strategic action, and social reform to shape the nation’s trajectory. They challenged both colonial oppression and social hierarchies, forging a path that empowered women while laying the foundations of India’s future. Their efforts remind us of the intersection of political struggle and social liberation, inspiring generations to continue the work of both freedom and gender equality.
As India charts its course towards becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047, women are emerging as a central force driving the country’s economic transformation. Their active participation in the workforce, entrepreneurship, and access to finance is reshaping India's growth story. Empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic move to unlock the nation's full economic potential.
Workforce participation among Indian women has significantly risen from 22% in 2017-18 to 40.3% in 2023-24. This increase is a reflection of growing economic opportunities for women across the country.
The unemployment rate for women has also dropped, from 5.6% to 3.2%, indicating both an increase in job creation and the growing integration of women in the economy.
Rural female employment has surged by an impressive 96%, while urban female employment has grown by 43%, signaling a rise in opportunities for women in both rural and urban areas.
Female graduate employability has risen from 42% in 2013 to 47.53% in 2024, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for women with postgraduate and higher qualifications grew from 34.5% in 2017-18 to 40% in 2023-24.
The gender budgets allocated by the government have surged by 429% over the last decade, from Rs 0.85 lakh crore in 2013-14 to Rs 4.49 lakh crore in 2025-26. This indicates a systemic shift towards women-led development, where women are not just beneficiaries but active drivers of economic growth.
Programs like Startup India have been instrumental in encouraging women entrepreneurship, with 50% of DPIIT-registered startups having at least one woman director.
Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have almost doubled from 1 crore in 2010-11 to 1.92 crore in 2023-24, creating 89 lakh jobs for women between FY21–FY23.
Over two crore women have emerged as Lakhpati Didis, benefiting from government schemes like Namo Drone Didi, which help boost their entrepreneurial spirit.
Women have become a significant force in financial inclusion, receiving 68% of MUDRA loans worth Rs 14.72 lakh crore, and accounting for 44% of PM SVANidhi beneficiaries among street vendors.
Financial inclusion has played a pivotal role in enabling women to access credit, start businesses, and improve their livelihoods. Women’s access to finance, such as through MUDRA loans, has empowered them to build financial independence and contribute to the broader economy.
The shift from viewing women as mere welfare recipients to agents of change is one of the most profound transformations in India’s development narrative. This transition is pivotal in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and self-sufficient economy.
Bridging the gender gap in employment can lead to a potential 30% increase in India's GDP. By providing equal opportunities to women in the workforce, India can significantly enhance its overall economic output and growth trajectory.
India currently ranks 131st out of 148 countries in the Global Gender Gap Report 2025, signaling the need for intensified efforts towards gender equality to unlock the true potential of the nation.
Empowering women fosters a more inclusive economy, where the benefits of growth are shared more equitably. Women’s participation in the workforce boosts productivity, enhances innovation, and ensures that more voices are heard in decision-making processes, both in the corporate and governmental spheres.
Empowering women leads to meaningful change at multiple levels. It provides women with autonomy, access to opportunities, and the ability to influence both personal and professional decisions. This not only transforms the individual but also ripples out to benefit families and communities, fostering an environment of social progress.
Despite significant strides, several challenges remain to fully realizing the potential of women-led development in India.
Deep-rooted patriarchy still limits women's decision-making power, while unpaid domestic work continues to burden many women, restricting their ability to participate in the formal economy.
Issues such as early marriage, domestic responsibilities, and personal security concerns (India records 51 cases of crime against women every hour) hinder women’s ability to progress in their careers and fully participate in society.
While female literacy has improved, it remains 65.4% according to the 2011 census, below the global average. This limits women's access to high-skill jobs and hampers their economic mobility.
Women remain underrepresented in leadership roles across politics, corporate sectors, and decision-making bodies. India’s women’s representation in Parliament is still well below the global average of 25%, reducing their influence on policies and laws that affect their lives.
Many women lack access to technology and digital literacy, further excluding them from participating in the modern, digital economy. Technological exclusion in rural areas is particularly high, limiting women’s opportunities to innovate, access resources, or gain employment in emerging sectors.
Women continue to face challenges such as unequal pay, the glass ceiling, occupational segregation, and limited representation in formal and high-skilled sectors. Workplace safety remains a major concern, as many women experience harassment, and safety measures at work are often inadequate.
To further mainstream women in India’s economic growth, targeted interventions are needed across multiple fronts.
Establishing a National Crèche Grid, workplace crèches, and paid maternity leave for women in the informal sector can enhance women’s participation in the workforce. Professionalizing care workers and extending benefits to the informal sector would enable women to retain their jobs while balancing family responsibilities.
Gender-responsive budgeting should be mandated in critical sectors like sanitation, transport, and housing. Implementing Digital Saksharta and PMGDISHA programs as part of national infrastructure and rural internet projects will help bridge the digital divide and empower women with the tools they need to succeed in a digital economy.
Gender quotas should be enforced in corporate boards, panchayats, and MSME councils, alongside incentives tied to women’s inclusion in decision-making processes. Capacity building in gender budgeting can further enhance women’s representation in governance.
Gender Action Plans should be institutionalized at the Gram Panchayat, block, and district levels, with inputs from Mahila Sabhas and SHG networks. This will ensure that women’s voices are integrated into local development planning, financing, and decision-making.
Building women-friendly infrastructure, creating accessible spaces, and establishing Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013 will ensure women’s safety at work. Promoting a zero-tolerance culture towards harassment and discrimination in workplaces is critical for their continued participation.
Women are no longer just contributors to India’s economy—they are becoming the backbone of the nation’s progress. From rural enterprises to corporate leadership, women are leading India towards a future where their participation drives growth, innovation, and sustainable development. As Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “The status of a nation can be judged by the condition of its women.” Empowering women is central to India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, and by embracing Nari Shakti (women’s strength), India is paving the way for a more inclusive, prosperous, and equitable society.
The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Education (CMS:E) 2025, part of the 80th Round of the National Sample Survey (NSS), sheds light on key trends and insights in India’s education sector.
School Enrolment Patterns:
Government schools dominate the enrolment landscape, accounting for 55.9% of total school enrolments.
Rural areas continue to rely heavily on government schools, with 66% of students enrolled in government schools, compared to 30.1% in urban areas.
Education Spending:
Average per-student expenditure on education is much higher in urban India (Rs 23,470) than in rural India (Rs 8,382).
This disparity highlights the unequal access to resources between urban and rural regions.
Private Coaching:
27% of students engaged in private coaching, with urban students (30.7%) participating more than rural students (25.5%).
Sources of Educational Finance:
A vast majority of educational expenses are borne by households/family members, constituting 95% of educational funding.
Government scholarships play a minimal role, with only 1.2% of students relying on them as their primary source of funding.
Digital, Online, and STEM Education:
The PM eVidya initiative and increasing investments in edtech (USD 3.94 billion in FY22) are expanding access to education, especially in remote areas.
STEM education is receiving a major boost through over 8,000 Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL), fostering creativity and innovation.
Vocational & Skill-Based Education:
The NEP 2020 integrates skill development at various educational levels to improve employability.
Skill India Mission has trained millions, and the Union Budget 2025-26 allocated Rs. 500 crore to create a Centre of Excellence in AI for Education.
Rising Private Investment & FDI in Education:
100% FDI is now allowed in the education sector, attracting foreign players and improving infrastructure.
The Indian school market is expected to reach USD 125.8 billion by 2032, with Rs. 83,550 crore in FDI inflows (April 2000–Sep 2024).
Expansion of Higher Education & Research:
India now boasts 1,362 universities and 52,538 colleges (FY25), a 10% growth since 2020.
Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) has risen to 28.4%, and initiatives like Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Research and Innovation in Higher Education (RISE) are fostering research and innovation.
Regional Language & Inclusive Education:
NEP 2020 emphasizes multilingual education to reduce disparities and preserve cultural identity.
PM e-Vidya allocates Rs. 500 crore to create digital learning materials in multiple languages for better access.
Infrastructure Challenges:
Rural schools lack essential amenities. For example, only 47% of schools have drinking water, and 53% have separate toilets for girls.
Teacher Shortage & Quality:
6% decrease in sanctioned teaching positions between 2021-22 and 2023-24, with over 4,500 secondary teachers lacking proper qualifications. Less than 25% of teachers are properly trained.
Inadequate Funding:
India spends 3-4% of its GDP on education, far below the global standard of 6% recommended by NEP 2020.
Socio-economic Disparities:
Tribal and economically disadvantaged children face significant barriers, including language issues, particularly in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
Focus on Rote Learning:
A significant proportion of students struggle with basic literacy, with 75% of Class 3 students unable to read Grade 2-level text.
Technological Barriers:
18.47% of rural schools and 47.29% of urban schools had internet access in 2024, highlighting the digital divide.
Gender-Based Barriers:
33% of girls drop out due to domestic work and other gender-specific challenges (UNICEF).
Infrastructure Investment:
Enhance infrastructure in rural and remote schools by providing clean water, electricity, toilets, safe classrooms, and digital resources.
Teacher Training:
Invest in pre-service and in-service teacher training, focusing on modern pedagogy, subject expertise, and technology integration.
Increased Investment:
Boost public investment in education, aiming for 6% of GDP as suggested by NEP 2020. Leveraging Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and targeted grants will enhance both quality and equity.
Inclusive Education Policies:
Strengthen support for tribal and disadvantaged children, emphasizing multilingual education, bridge courses, and the expansion of schemes like Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).
Curriculum Reform:
Transition from rote learning to competency-based learning with an emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and project-based learning.
Implement formative assessments under initiatives like PARAKH.
Digital Divide:
Expand broadband connectivity in rural areas and provide affordable devices to students and teachers. Promote digital literacy programs to bridge the gap.
Promote Gender Inclusivity:
Ensure scholarships, safety measures, and awareness campaigns for girls’ education, particularly in rural areas. Focus on reducing barriers to education for girls.
India’s education system, though poised for transformation under NEP 2020 and supported by initiatives like PM eVidya, faces significant challenges such as infrastructure gaps, teacher shortages, and socio-economic disparities. To realize the vision of UN-SDG 4 (Quality Education), the nation must address these challenges through inclusive policies, investment in infrastructure, teacher empowerment, and technological advancements. These efforts will pave the way for an education system that is equitable, innovative, and resilient, ensuring that every child, in every classroom, gets access to quality education.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
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