Raman Academy · Daily Current Affairs
The Hindu — Important News Articles & Editorial Analysis
Saturday · 10 October 2026Edition: International
Article 1 · Page 01GS II · International RelationsPrelims + Mains
International jurist Navi Pillay wins Nobel Peace Prize
The reported award of the Nobel Peace Prize — on the 125th anniversary of the prize — to Navi Pillay, a South African-born jurist of Tamil descent and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlights the importance of international law, accountability and justice in maintaining global peace. Her work on human rights and international criminal justice draws attention to the role of legal institutions in addressing alleged violations of international humanitarian law and protecting vulnerable populations during armed conflicts.
Who Is Navi Pillay?
- Background: A distinguished jurist of Indian origin from South Africa, born to parents of Tamil descent under apartheid; served as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights from 2008 to 2014.
- Judicial journey: Challenged discrimination and exclusion in apartheid-era South Africa; held judicial posts in South Africa’s High Court, the Rwanda tribunal, and the International Criminal Court; currently serves as a judge at the International Court of Justice in the genocide case against Myanmar.
- UN Commission of Inquiry: Chaired the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel (created by the UN-backed Human Rights Council), which examined alleged violations of international law; its findings — including allegations of genocide in Gaza — have been strongly disputed by Israel.
- The citation’s spirit: “Judges guard the thin red line between order and chaos” — the world needs jurists of courage, vision and determination; her win is read as a high-profile rebuke to leaders who rejected the commission’s findings.
Keep the institutions straight — ICJ vs ICC vs UNHRC
| Institution | What it does | Key instrument |
|---|---|---|
| International Court of Justice (ICJ) | Resolves legal disputes between states and gives advisory opinions | UN Charter (principal judicial organ of the UN) |
| International Criminal Court (ICC) | Prosecutes individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression, subject to its jurisdiction | Rome Statute, 1998 — India is not a party, reflecting concerns over the Court’s jurisdiction and institutional framework |
| UN Human Rights Council | Examines human-rights situations; can establish commissions of inquiry to investigate alleged violations | UNGA resolution (2006) — successor to the Commission on Human Rights |
Significance, Static Frame & Challenges
- Rule of law over power: International peace requires states and individuals to be accountable under established legal principles, irrespective of political or military influence; justice — accountability, reconciliation and remedies for victims — is a foundation of sustainable peace, and impartial, evidence-based investigation preserves institutional legitimacy.
- International legal framework: UN Charter; Universal Declaration of Human Rights, 1948; Geneva Conventions, 1949 (protection of victims of armed conflict); Genocide Convention, 1948; Rome Statute, 1998.
- India’s perspective: India supports peaceful settlement of disputes, sovereign equality, multilateralism and respect for international law — while staying outside the Rome Statute.
- Challenges to international justice: Selective enforcement; institutions’ dependence on state cooperation; geopolitical divisions obstructing collective action; and credibility concerns requiring evidence-based, impartial investigation.
India Implications
- Effective global governance requires independent legal institutions, credible investigations and consistent application of international law — for India, strengthening multilateral institutions while insisting on fairness, accountability and sovereign equality remains central to a rules-based international order.
- Himachal angle: The institutional ladder of rights protection — UNHRC and treaty bodies at the top, NHRC and the HP State Human Rights Commission at home — is a favourite HPAS linkage, and the ICJ/ICC/UNHRC distinction in today’s table is exactly the kind of one-mark separation HPAS Prelims and interviews probe; Pillay’s Indian-origin story also feeds the diaspora dimension of IR answers.
The development highlights the enduring relationship between justice and peace in international relations. Effective global governance requires independent legal institutions, credible investigations, consistent application of international law and cooperation among states. For India, strengthening multilateral institutions while ensuring fairness, accountability and respect for sovereign equality remains central to building a rules-based international order.
Q. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by which of the following?
- A. Swedish Academy
- B. Norwegian Nobel Committee
- C. UN Human Rights Council
- D. International Court of Justice
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (B) Norwegian Nobel Committee. Uniquely among the Nobel Prizes, the Peace Prize is decided by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee appointed by Norway’s Parliament (the Storting) and is presented in Oslo — the others are awarded by Swedish institutions in Stockholm.
Q. Discuss the role of international institutions in promoting human rights and strengthening the rule of law in global governance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 2 · Page 03GS II · International RelationsPrelims + Mains
Govt. slams J.D. Vance over his ‘indentured servants’ remark
India–U.S. relations are based on strategic cooperation, trade, technology and people-to-people ties. However, remarks by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance describing foreign workers — including Indian IT professionals — as “indentured servants” have triggered diplomatic concerns. The U.S. decision to suspend the Permanent Labour Certification (PERM) programme for eight major technology companies adds another dimension to the economic relationship.
Key Developments
- India’s response: The Ministry of External Affairs termed the remarks “unwarranted” and “deeply offensive”, emphasising the contribution of skilled Indian professionals to the U.S. economy and innovation ecosystem — the U.S. is “shaped by generations of immigrants”.
- Suspension of PERM: The U.S. administration suspended the programme for eight companies — Infosys, TCS, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL, Capgemini, Microsoft and Adobe — alleging that certain companies employed foreign workers at comparatively lower wages, potentially disadvantaging American workers.
- Why it matters to India: Indian nationals account for approximately 70% of H-1B visa holders, highlighting their centrality to the U.S. technology sector; the row lands amid unresolved India–U.S. trade negotiations.
- The historical weight of “indentured”: Indentured labour historically involved workers bound by contractual obligations in often exploitative conditions — colonial-era systems operated across the Caribbean and other territories — so the term carries significant historical and ethical sensitivities.
PERM, H-1B and Green Card — the three rungs, kept distinct
| Instrument | What it is | Key point |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B visa | Allows eligible U.S. employers to employ foreign professionals in specialty occupations, subject to applicable requirements | A temporary employment visa — it does not by itself confer permanent residence |
| PERM (Permanent Labour Certification) | Administered by the U.S. Department of Labor; an employer sponsoring a foreign worker for employment-based permanent residence must show there are insufficient available, qualified and willing U.S. workers, and that wages/conditions of similarly employed U.S. workers are not adversely affected | The gateway step from temporary employment toward employment-based permanent residence |
| Green Card | Grants lawful permanent resident status in the United States | The key distinction: H-1B is temporary; a Green Card is permanent residence |
India Implications
- Economic: Potential disruption to IT companies, international assignments and employment-based immigration pathways; trade & investment: uncertainty may affect business confidence and complicate ongoing trade negotiations; diplomatic: a test of bilateral engagement on labour mobility and the treatment of skilled professionals who drive research, innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S.
- Way forward: Strengthen bilateral dialogue on skilled-worker mobility and transparent labour-market safeguards; ensure immigration policies follow legal procedures and protect workers; diversify international markets while deepening India’s domestic research and high-skilled employment ecosystem; resolve disputes institutionally without undermining long-term cooperation.
- Himachal angle: The H-1B economy is a lived reality for HP households — engineering and IT graduates from Hamirpur, Kangra and Shimla staff Indian IT majors (several now under the PERM suspension) and U.S. tech firms, and their remittances and return-migration feed the hill economy; for aspirants, PERM/H-1B/Green Card distinctions and the indentured-labour history (central to Girmitiya diaspora questions) are reliable HPAS IR and GS-I material.
The controversy highlights the intersection of immigration policy, labour-market protection and international economic cooperation. For India and the U.S., the challenge is to reconcile legitimate domestic employment concerns with the contribution of skilled migrants. A rules-based, evidence-driven and constructive approach can help preserve bilateral trust and sustain cooperation in technology, trade and innovation.
Q. With reference to the U.S. H-1B visa, consider the following statements:
- It allows U.S. employers to employ eligible foreign workers in specialty occupations.
- It automatically grants permanent resident status to the visa holder.
- Its use is subject to applicable immigration rules and eligibility requirements.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 2 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (C) 1 and 3 only. Statement 2 is incorrect — the H-1B is a temporary employment visa; permanent residence (a Green Card) requires a separate process, typically via employer sponsorship through PERM labour certification.
Q. Analyse the opportunities and challenges in India–U.S. relations, with particular reference to trade, technology and skilled-worker mobility. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 3 · Page 06GS III · Indian EconomyPrelims + Mains
Delivery completed — with the latest reforms, GST might finally become a ‘good and simple tax’
The Goods and Services Tax (GST), introduced in India in 2017, aimed to simplify indirect taxation by creating a unified national market. However, complex compliance procedures, refund delays, disputes over Input Tax Credit (ITC) and excessive administrative discretion have affected its implementation. The decisions taken at the 57th GST Council meeting — in GST’s tenth year — indicate a shift towards taxpayer trust, procedural simplification and technology-driven tax administration: trust the taxpayer to comply and crack down only on non-compliance, replacing a “guilty until proven innocent” approach.
The 57th GST Council package — reform by reform
| Reform | What changes |
|---|---|
| Simplified registration | Greater automation of GST registration reduces delays and human intervention |
| Reduced compliance burden | Rationalised return-filing requirements, easing the load on the thousands of genuine small businesses filing returns |
| Faster refunds | Computer-based verification makes refund processing more efficient and transparent — critical for firms whose working capital dries up when refunds stall |
| Input Tax Credit fix | A committee tasked with the problem of genuine businesses denied ITC because their suppliers had not filed returns — a committee to find an implementable solution by April 1 |
| Reduced enforcement powers | Proposed changes to arrest powers and stricter safeguards for inspections, searches and seizures, to prevent arbitrary enforcement and reduce harassment |
| Faceless assessment | Extended to Central GST-registered companies — on the lines of faceless income-tax assessment — cutting direct taxpayer–official interaction |
| Predictable rates | Rates reviewed once a year, with changes implemented at the beginning of the financial year — removing the uncertainty that follows every Council meeting |
Static Dimensions & Significance
- What is GST: A destination-based, value-added indirect tax on the supply of goods and services, replacing several central and state indirect taxes to reduce cascading; CGST (Centre, intra-State), SGST (State, intra-State), IGST (inter-State supplies and imports).
- Constitutional framework: Article 246A — power of Parliament and State Legislatures to make GST laws (Parliament exclusive over inter-State supplies); Article 269A — levy and collection of GST on inter-State trade; Article 279A — the GST Council.
- Significance: Ease of doing business for MSMEs; working-capital relief through timely refunds and a fair ITC mechanism; cooperative federalism via the Council; good governance — automation and faceless assessment reduce discretion and rent-seeking; formalisation; revenue stability through predictable rules.
- Challenges ahead: Preventing fraudulent ITC claims while protecting genuine taxpayers; ensuring automated systems do not create fresh compliance barriers; resolving pending disputes and refund delays; balancing taxpayer rights with action against evasion; uniform implementation across States.
India Implications
- The reforms signal a transition from enforcement-heavy administration towards greater taxpayer trust — with adoption of a trust-based compliance system backed by data analytics, risk-based scrutiny, time-bound refunds and accountable enforcement as the way forward.
- Himachal angle: Every line of this package lands on an HP balance sheet — faster, computer-verified refunds are oxygen for BBN’s pharma exporters sitting on ITC refund queues; the supplier-default ITC fix protects HP’s small manufacturers buying inputs from outside the state; simplified registration helps homestays, hoteliers and apple-economy traders formalise; and as a consuming state, HP’s SGST health rides on compliance-friendly buoyancy.
GST’s success should be measured not merely by revenue collection but also by simplicity, predictability and fairness. The recent reforms signal a transition from enforcement-heavy administration towards greater taxpayer trust. Effective implementation, strong safeguards against evasion and cooperative federalism will be essential to realise the original vision of “One Nation, One Tax” and make GST a genuinely good and simple tax.
Q. With reference to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), consider the following statements:
- GST is a destination-based, value-added indirect tax levied on the supply of goods and services.
- IGST is applicable to inter-State supplies and imports.
- The GST Council is a statutory body established by an Act of Parliament.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 2 and 3 only
- C. 1 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (A) 1 and 2 only. Statement 3 is incorrect — the GST Council is a constitutional body created under Article 279A (inserted by the 101st Constitutional Amendment), not a statutory body set up by an ordinary Act of Parliament.
Q. “GST’s success should be measured not merely by revenue collection but by simplicity, predictability and fairness.” Discuss in the light of the recent GST reforms. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 4 · Page 06GS II · International RelationsPrelims + Mains
BRICS in a fragmented world order — a test of relevance
BRICS is a multilateral grouping that seeks to strengthen cooperation among emerging economies and promote a more representative global governance system. The 18th BRICS Summit, held in New Delhi on September 12–13, 2026, highlighted the grouping’s commitment to consensus, multipolarity and cooperation on global challenges. However, persistent geopolitical rivalries, China’s growing economic dominance and limited progress on institutional reforms raise questions about BRICS’ effectiveness in an increasingly fragmented world order.
New Delhi outcomes vs structural challenges
| What the Summit delivered | What still constrains BRICS |
|---|---|
| Global governance reforms: a more representative UN; greater developing-country voice in international financial institutions | Limited institutional reform: long-standing demands on the IMF, World Bank and UN Security Council remain unrealised |
| Trade & finance: local-currency trade, interoperable cross-border payment systems, a stronger rules-based multilateral trading system | Weak economic integration: BRICS has not developed the integration needed to function as a unified economic bloc; a common currency is far from inevitable |
| Economic cooperation: BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030 and a Global Value Chain Action Plan 2026–2030 | China’s dominance: economic weight creates imbalance and complicates collective decisions; India–China tensions constrain deeper cooperation |
| AI & conflicts: recognised AI’s potential with wider technology access; backed de-escalation in West Asia, humanitarian access in Gaza, international-law-based resolution | Divergent interests & flexible coalitions: members differ on geopolitical priorities; world politics increasingly favours issue-based partnerships over deep alliances |
Static Frame & India’s Stakes
- What is BRICS: A grouping of major emerging economies promoting economic cooperation, developing-country representation and multipolarity; original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, joined later by South Africa, with subsequent expansion reflecting growing ambitions.
- Why it matters: Multipolarity; Global South representation on trade, finance, climate and development; economic alternatives — trade diversification, local-currency settlements, and development financing through the New Development Bank (NDB); strategic autonomy — engaging countries with different political and economic systems simultaneously.
- Implications for India: Diplomatic leverage to shape global-governance debates; complements engagement with the U.S., Europe and the Quad; greater trade, investment and payment connectivity — while guarding against arrangements that disproportionately strengthen any single member.
- Way forward: Practical cooperation in trade, technology, public health, climate finance and development; incremental reform of global institutions; South–South cooperation respecting sovereignty; interoperable payments without assuming a common currency; consensus-based diplomacy to keep bilateral tensions from paralysing collective work.
India Implications
- BRICS remains relevant as a platform for dialogue, economic cooperation and a more representative order — but declarations alone cannot overcome strategic rivalries and institutional weakness; India should use BRICS pragmatically while diversifying partnerships and protecting strategic autonomy. The future relevance of BRICS will depend not on the symbolism of its summits, but on its capacity to translate consensus into measurable outcomes.
- Himachal angle: BRICS, the NDB and multipolarity are guaranteed HPAS Mains IR fodder — and the NDB’s India portfolio (state roads, water and urban projects) illustrates the multilateral-financing route hill states pursue for infrastructure; the local-currency trade and GVC Action Plan threads also connect neatly to HP’s export niches (pharma, horticulture) when writing “Global South” answers with concrete hooks.
BRICS remains relevant as a platform for dialogue, economic cooperation and demands for a more representative international order. However, diplomatic declarations alone cannot overcome strategic rivalries, economic asymmetries and institutional weaknesses. For India, the objective should be to use BRICS pragmatically while diversifying partnerships and protecting its strategic autonomy. The future relevance of BRICS will depend not on the symbolism of its summits, but on its capacity to translate consensus into measurable outcomes.
Q. With reference to BRICS, consider the following statements:
- Its original members were Brazil, Russia, India and China.
- South Africa joined the grouping after its initial formation.
- BRICS is a military alliance with a collective-defence obligation among its members.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- A. 1 only
- B. 1 and 2 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Click to reveal answer
Answer: (B) 1 and 2 only. BRIC began with Brazil, Russia, India and China (South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS). Statement 3 is incorrect — BRICS is an economic-diplomatic grouping, not a military alliance, and carries no collective-defence obligation.
Q. What is BRICS? Explain its significance in promoting the interests of the Global South and reforming global governance. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Article 5 · Page 10GS III · Indian EconomyMains Focus
India’s share of global greenfield investments more than double China’s during 2020–25
According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Trade and Development Report 2026, India accounted for 5.7% of global greenfield investments during 2020–2025, compared with China’s 2.8% — reflecting India’s growing attractiveness as an investment destination amid the restructuring of global supply chains. However, the concentration of strategic investments in developed economies highlights persistent inequalities in the global investment landscape.
The UNCTAD report in numbers (2020–25)
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Country shares of global greenfield investment | India 5.7% · Malaysia 4% · Indonesia 3.8% · China 2.8% |
| Strategic sectors’ share | Grew from 16% to 44% of global greenfield investment between 2020 and 2025 |
| Total global greenfield investment | $845.7 billion over the period |
| Leading strategic sectors | AI infrastructure & related technologies 12.4% · semiconductor value chain 8.1% · energy-transition technologies & services 7.8% |
| Geographical concentration | Europe 28.4% and North America 28% of strategic investment; among developing economies, capital funnelled primarily into developing Asia (26.5%) — China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore leading |
| Industrial policies (2008–21) | India implemented 1,416, behind only China (4,201) and the U.S. (4,025) |
Static Dimensions & Why India Is Attracting Investment
- Greenfield investment: A form of FDI in which a company establishes a new business facility or operation in another country (a new factory, data centre or production facility) — creating employment, transferring technology and managerial expertise, building industrial infrastructure and supply chains, and improving export competitiveness. Brownfield investment, by contrast, is investing in or acquiring an existing facility or enterprise.
- Why strategic sectors matter: AI (digital infrastructure, data processing, innovation), semiconductors (electronics, telecom, automobiles, defence) and energy transition (renewables, storage, decarbonisation) are increasingly central to economic security, technological competitiveness and resilient supply chains.
- India’s pull factors: A large domestic market; Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes; improved logistics, industrial corridors and digital connectivity; supply-chain diversification away from concentrated production networks; and policy support — Make in India and semiconductor-development programmes.
- Challenges: Dependence on imported components, advanced technologies and semiconductor equipment; infrastructure and logistics costs; skill gaps and R&D depth; uneven investment distribution across States; competition from other Asian economies and continued concentration of strategic capital in developed countries.
India Implications
- India’s 5.7% share signals growing importance in international production networks — but attracting investment is only the first step: long-term benefit depends on technology absorption, employment generation, domestic value addition and export competitiveness, with MSMEs integrated into global value chains.
- Himachal angle: The report’s “uneven distribution across States” warning is HP’s brief in one line — the state’s greenfield magnets are real but concentrated: BBN pharma, the Nalagarh medical-devices park and the Una bulk-drug park ride exactly the supply-chain-diversification and PLI wave UNCTAD describes, while the way-forward item — “expand regional cooperation to attract investment beyond established industrial centres” — is the case HP presses for power-tariff and connectivity parity.
India’s 5.7% share of global greenfield investment indicates its growing importance in international production networks. Nevertheless, attracting investment is only the first step; its long-term benefits depend on technology absorption, employment generation, domestic value addition and export competitiveness. India should convert investment inflows into sustainable industrial development while promoting more geographically inclusive and resilient global value chains.
Q. What is greenfield investment? Explain its significance for employment generation, technology transfer and industrial development in India. (10 Marks, 150 Words)
Editorial Analysis · Page 06GS II & III · Governance & EconomyMains Focus
India’s ‘WorldSkills’ medals reflect patient investment
Context: In an op-ed, Jayant Chaudhary — Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship — reflects on India’s performance at the 48th WorldSkills Competition, Shanghai (September 2026): 10th position globally, with six silver medals and 20 Medallions for Excellence — 26 recognitions, India’s best ever and its first top-10 finish. Opening with the Bhagavad Gita (18.46) — a person attains perfection by worshipping through their own work — the article argues that a workbench, a kitchen or a workshop floor can be a place of devotion, and that skilling deserves the same honour as any degree.
India’s WorldSkills climb — and the machinery behind it
| Dimension | Detail |
|---|---|
| Global ranking | 39th (2011) → 19th (2017) → 13th (2019 and 2024) → 10th (2026) |
| Best-ever tally | 6 silver medals + 20 Medallions for Excellence = 26 recognitions; silvers in dental prosthetics, digital interactive media design, retail sales, bakery, industrial design technology, and logistics & freight forwarding — India competed in 11 skills for the first time |
| The contingent | India’s largest-ever team: 70 competitors across 63 skills |
| The funnel | More than 3.65 lakh registered for IndiaSkills across 63 skills → five regional competitions → ≈650 national finalists (Greater Noida) → 70 chosen for the world stage |
| The investment | PM-SETU (Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs): a ₹60,000-crore scheme upgrading 1,000 government ITIs as 200 hubs and 800 spokes, with industry partners managing the clusters |
What Is WorldSkills & India’s Skilling Framework
- WorldSkills: The “Olympics of skills” — a biennial international competition assessing practical and technical competencies across occupations from manufacturing and construction to hospitality, digital technology and advanced engineering; around 1,400 young people from about 70 countries compete, judged by international experts. It sets international benchmarks for vocational skills, encourages excellence in technical education, improves the recognition and social status of skilled professions, and promotes industry-oriented training.
- Humble beginnings to excellence: The medallists’ journeys — a craftsman’s son from Lucknow who learnt his craft while working in a private car company’s workshop after Class 10, winners from Cuddalore and across the districts — rose through State and national IndiaSkills rounds, trained with industry (Maruti Suzuki, Axalta) and gained exposure in Germany and Denmark; what they needed was a fair test, comprehensive training and an ecosystem that took their craft seriously.
- Government initiatives: Skill India Mission; PMKVY (short-term training and recognition of prior learning); NAPS (apprenticeship promotion); ITIs; PM-SETU — the hub-and-spoke ITI upgrade at scale.
- Significance: Demographic dividend — converting a large working-age population into a productive workforce; employment generation; manufacturing competitiveness (electronics, automobiles, semiconductors, logistics); productivity; social mobility for youth from diverse backgrounds; global positioning in value chains.
- Challenges: Social preference for conventional degrees; skill–industry mismatches; uneven training infrastructure; limited modern equipment and qualified instructors; inadequate industry participation in apprenticeships; rapid technological change demanding continuous reskilling.
India Implications
- The op-ed’s core frame: alongside Capex (assets) and Opex (keeping them running), nations must spend seriously on “Skill-Ex” — deliberate investment in the people who make every asset work; a factory is only as good as the people who run it, and industry must match the government’s whole-of-government push.
- Way forward: integrate vocational education with mainstream schooling and higher education; modernise ITIs; industry-led apprenticeships; digital, green and advanced-manufacturing skills; career counselling and recognition of prior learning; dignity of labour with fair wages and progression.
- Himachal angle: HP’s skilling stack maps straight onto the piece — government ITIs across the districts are candidates in PM-SETU’s 200-hub/800-spoke upgrade, the HP Kaushal Vikas Nigam runs the state’s IndiaSkills funnel, and HP’s natural skill lanes (hospitality and tourism, electricians and plumbing for the construction economy, food processing in the fruit belt) are exactly where “Skill-Ex” converts into local wages — a ready case study for HPAS answers on employment and human-capital policy.
India’s WorldSkills achievement demonstrates that international excellence can emerge from sustained investment in talent, practical training and institutional collaboration. However, medals alone cannot measure the success of a national skilling ecosystem. India must ensure that quality vocational education translates into productive employment, higher wages and social recognition. Alongside capital expenditure (Capex) and operational expenditure (Opex), investment in human capabilities — described in the article as “Skill-Ex” — must become a central pillar of India’s development strategy.
Q. Explain the importance of apprenticeship-based training in bridging the gap between education and employment. (15 Marks, 250 Words)
