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There are substantial gaps in per capita income and development across states in India while it has emerged as one of the world’s largest economies since the 1991 economic reforms. India’s Growth: From the 1991 Reforms Till Now The LPG Reforms 1991 (liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation) integrated India more closely with the global economy and accelerated growth.

Key factual points

• There are substantial gaps in per capita income and development across states in India while it has emerged as one of the world’s largest economies since the 1991 economic reforms.
• India’s Growth: From the 1991 Reforms Till Now
• The LPG Reforms 1991 (liberalisation, privatisation and globalisation) integrated India more closely with the global economy and accelerated growth.
• It is now the world’s sixth-largest economy in nominal terms, behind only five economies i.e. the United States, China, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.
• It is the third-largest in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.
• Economic activity tends to cluster around regions with existing infrastructure, markets, skilled labour and industrial networks.
• Consequently, growth has altered the composition of leading states more often than it has enabled sustained convergence among lagging states.
• Growth in India’s Per Capita Income
• India’s per capita income has increased manifold since the reform era, reflecting significant economic transformation and poverty reduction.
• But, India remains a lower-middle-income economy, and its per capita income continues to lag behind that of many countries.
• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s per capita income has risen more than 40 times in three and a half decades.
• But, on a per capita income basis, India trails more than 140 nations.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• It is the third-largest in purchasing power parity (PPP) terms.
• Economic activity tends to cluster around regions with existing infrastructure, markets, skilled labour and industrial networks.
• Consequently, growth has altered the composition of leading states more often than it has enabled sustained convergence among lagging states.
• Growth in India’s Per Capita Income
• India’s per capita income has increased manifold since the reform era, reflecting significant economic transformation and poverty reduction.
• But, India remains a lower-middle-income economy, and its per capita income continues to lag behind that of many countries.
• According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), India’s per capita income has risen more than 40 times in three and a half decades.
• But, on a per capita income basis, India trails more than 140 nations.
• It reflects India’s demographic challenge: a large population makes it difficult for aggregate economic growth to translate automatically into high average incomes.
• For India to achieve developed-country status by 2047, rapid and sustained growth in per capita income, rather than GDP alone, will be crucial.
• These achievements demonstrate the transformative potential of reforms, but their benefits remain unevenly distributed.
• Concerns and Issues: Challenge of Regional Disparities

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Meta is set to introduce new default restrictions for teenagers on Instagram and Facebook in the US after signing an $18 billion settlement with 52 state attorneys general that requires new safety measures for young users. The settlement comes amid a set of lawsuits over alleged harms caused by social-media platforms to children and teenagers. The states alleged that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to keep young people compulsively engaged, knew about serious risks and misled the public about them.

Key factual points

• Meta is set to introduce new default restrictions for teenagers on Instagram and Facebook in the US after signing an $18 billion settlement with 52 state attorneys general that requires new safety measures for young users.
• The settlement comes amid a set of lawsuits over alleged harms caused by social-media platforms to children and teenagers.
• The states alleged that Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to keep young people compulsively engaged, knew about serious risks and misled the public about them.
• They also accused Meta of collecting personal information from children under 13 without complying with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).
• Instagram and Facebook’s new features for minors include the following:
• A two-hour daily limit that’s cumulative across Facebook and Instagram, which teens can only turn off with a parent’s permission and which doesn’t include messaging.
• “Night mode,” in which teens will not have access to features such as their feed, stories and reels between midnight and 6 a.m.
• They will still be able to access messaging.
• The ability for teens or parents to disable autoplay on the two platforms, requiring the teens to tap or swipe to see more content.
• The removal of like and reaction statistics on all forms of posts.
• Teens or parents can choose a non-algorithmic feed that isn’t personalized by the systems’ recommendations and will only include content from accounts that teens follow or are otherwise connected to.
• Stronger age assurance technology to remove under 13-year-olds and ensure 13-to 17-year-olds access the age-appropriate versions of the apps.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Instagram and Facebook’s new features for minors include the following:
• A two-hour daily limit that’s cumulative across Facebook and Instagram, which teens can only turn off with a parent’s permission and which doesn’t include messaging.
• “Night mode,” in which teens will not have access to features such as their feed, stories and reels between midnight and 6 a.m.
• They will still be able to access messaging.
• The ability for teens or parents to disable autoplay on the two platforms, requiring the teens to tap or swipe to see more content.
• The removal of like and reaction statistics on all forms of posts.
• Teens or parents can choose a non-algorithmic feed that isn’t personalized by the systems’ recommendations and will only include content from accounts that teens follow or are otherwise connected to.
• Stronger age assurance technology to remove under 13-year-olds and ensure 13-to 17-year-olds access the age-appropriate versions of the apps.
• The agreement is also tied to Meta’s push for similar restrictions across other social media platforms.
• Ban of Social Media for underage Children
• Though India is yet to make a regulatory move at the central level, preliminary discussions around age-based social media restrictions are learnt to have begun at the IT Ministry.
• The Economic Survey 2025-26 also called on the government to implement age-based limits for social media usage for children and digital ads targeted at them.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

Context: India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route under emergency procurement powers. The FGM-148 Javelin is an American-made, shoulder-fired, man-portable third-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system. It is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier precision infantry weapons designed to neutralize heavily armored main battle tanks (MBTs), armored fighting vehicles, fortified bunkers, and low-flying helicopters.

Key factual points

• Context: India has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) with the United States to procure the FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route under emergency procurement powers.
• The FGM-148 Javelin is an American-made, shoulder-fired, man-portable third-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) system.
• It is widely recognized as one of the world’s premier precision infantry weapons designed to neutralize heavily armored main battle tanks (MBTs), armored fighting vehicles, fortified bunkers, and low-flying helicopters.
• Produced by the Javelin Joint Venture (JJV)—a dedicated defense partnership between Raytheon (RTX) and Lockheed Martin.
• Developed for the United States Armed Forces, entering operational service in 1996 and extensively combat-tested globally.
• Aim: To provide dismounted infantry units and light combat formations with a lightweight, highly survivable, point-and-shoot weapon capable of defeating advanced armored threats and enemy fortifications without requiring wire guidance or stationary exposure after launch.
• Key Characteristics of the Javelin System:
• Fire-and-Forget Guidance: Uses a passive Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker to lock onto targets before launch and guide itself autonomously, enabling rapid shoot-and-scoot operations.
• Top-Attack Capability: Climbs to about 150 m before striking the tank’s vulnerable roof; direct-attack mode targets bunkers, buildings and helicopters.
• Tandem-Charge HEAT Warhead: A precursor charge defeats Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), allowing the main charge to penetrate about 750–800 mm RHA.
• Soft-Launch Capability: Ejects the missile before its main motor ignites, reducing backblast and enabling firing from rooms, bunkers and confined spaces.
• Range & Reusable Optics: Uses a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) with day/thermal sights; range is about 2.5 km, extending to 4–4.75 km in newer variants.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• Developed for the United States Armed Forces, entering operational service in 1996 and extensively combat-tested globally.
• Aim: To provide dismounted infantry units and light combat formations with a lightweight, highly survivable, point-and-shoot weapon capable of defeating advanced armored threats and enemy fortifications without requiring wire guidance or stationary exposure after launch.
• Key Characteristics of the Javelin System:
• Fire-and-Forget Guidance: Uses a passive Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker to lock onto targets before launch and guide itself autonomously, enabling rapid shoot-and-scoot operations.
• Top-Attack Capability: Climbs to about 150 m before striking the tank’s vulnerable roof; direct-attack mode targets bunkers, buildings and helicopters.
• Tandem-Charge HEAT Warhead: A precursor charge defeats Explosive Reactive Armour (ERA), allowing the main charge to penetrate about 750–800 mm RHA.
• Soft-Launch Capability: Ejects the missile before its main motor ignites, reducing backblast and enabling firing from rooms, bunkers and confined spaces.
• Range & Reusable Optics: Uses a reusable Command Launch Unit (CLU) with day/thermal sights; range is about 2.5 km, extending to 4–4.75 km in newer variants.
• Replaces older Milan-2T and Konkurs-M systems with mobile, fire-and-forget capability, strengthening anti-tank deterrence along the LAC, LoC and desert sectors.
• The FMS procurement strengthens defence-industrial ties and creates scope for future technology transfer, co-development and co-production.
• India and the United States have signed a ₹292-crore government-to-government deal for around 60 Javelin anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs) for the Indian Army.
• The FGM-148 Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget ATGM, developed and produced by the Javelin Joint Venture of Lockheed Martin and RTX for the US military.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

The inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) was held in New Delhi. Both countries agreed to further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation across a wide range of areas, including training, military exercises, military medicine, staff talks, defence industry, and Research and Development. The first meeting of the JDC marked an important step towards operationalising the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation signed in 2024.

Key factual points

• The inaugural meeting of the India-Kuwait Joint Defence Committee (JDC) was held in New Delhi.
• Both countries agreed to further strengthen the bilateral defence cooperation across a wide range of areas, including training, military exercises, military medicine, staff talks, defence industry, and Research and Development.
• The first meeting of the JDC marked an important step towards operationalising the objectives outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Defence Cooperation signed in 2024.
• Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1961.
• The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.
• The year 2026-27 marked the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.
• Hydrocarbon sector: During FY 2025-26, Kuwait accounted for about 3.5 % of India’s total energy needs, ranking as India’s 6th largest Crude supplier and 4th largest LPG source.
• Bilateral Trade: Total bilateral trade with Kuwait during FY 2025 -26 amounted to USD 9.57 billion, of which Indian Exports was USD 1.65 billion.
• Manpower cooperation: Indians are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait (approximately 1 million), including in private and domestic sectors of Kuwait.
• There is an existing mechanism of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development to discuss these issues, which has been meeting regularly.
• Indian Community: The Indian community with a strength of over 1 million is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriate communities.
• Diaspora & Remittances: With over 1 million Indians, Kuwait hosts India’s largest expatriate community there, contributing significantly to remittances and people-to-people ties.

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.
• The year 2026-27 marked the 65th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between two countries.
• Hydrocarbon sector: During FY 2025-26, Kuwait accounted for about 3.5 % of India’s total energy needs, ranking as India’s 6th largest Crude supplier and 4th largest LPG source.
• Bilateral Trade: Total bilateral trade with Kuwait during FY 2025 -26 amounted to USD 9.57 billion, of which Indian Exports was USD 1.65 billion.
• Manpower cooperation: Indians are the largest expatriate community in Kuwait (approximately 1 million), including in private and domestic sectors of Kuwait.
• There is an existing mechanism of a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Labour, Employment and Manpower Development to discuss these issues, which has been meeting regularly.
• Indian Community: The Indian community with a strength of over 1 million is the largest expatriate community in Kuwait and is regarded as the community of first preference among the expatriate communities.
• Diaspora & Remittances: With over 1 million Indians, Kuwait hosts India’s largest expatriate community there, contributing significantly to remittances and people-to-people ties.
• Energy: As one of India’s top oil suppliers, Kuwait plays a crucial role in fueling India’s energy needs.
• With India being the one of the largest importer of oil globally, ensuring a steady flow of energy from Kuwait is vital.
• Defence Cooperation: The emerging defence partnership offers opportunities for joint training, maritime security, military medicine, defence industry and R&D cooperation.
• Strategic Location: Kuwait’s location in the Gulf region gives it strategic importance for India’s maritime security, protection of sea lanes and wider engagement with West Asia.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.

India is reinforcing nuclear power as a secure, sustainable and future-ready foundation of national development with the help of the SHANTI Act, 2025, Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and indigenous technology. Nuclear power plants generate energy from heat produced in a well-controlled process called nuclear fission. The heat boils water, and the steam turns a turbine coupled to a generator.

Key factual points

• India is reinforcing nuclear power as a secure, sustainable and future-ready foundation of national development with the help of the SHANTI Act, 2025, Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and indigenous technology.
• Nuclear power plants generate energy from heat produced in a well-controlled process called nuclear fission.
• The heat boils water, and the steam turns a turbine coupled to a generator.
• The electricity is used to provide power for homes, industry and essential services.
• All of this occurs within a system of established safety barriers and an effective regulatory framework.
• It has been a part of India’s development journey from the inception of Tarapur Atomic Power Station in 1969.
• It delivers reliable low-carbon electricity to today’s households, industries, and economic growth.
• India has 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW.
• Nine reactor units are under development with an installed capacity of 7.5 GW.
• India commissioned the world’s first nuclear process heat-based hydrogen-generating plant at Kalpakkam in 2026.
• The indigenous technology helps in clean energy & energy security and India’s Net Zero and National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
• The Government has also approved 10 indigenously produced Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in fleet mode and pre-project activities for two 500MW Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).

Prelims traps

• Distinguish the immediate development from the permanent mandate or structure of the institution concerned.
• Revise exact names, dates, locations and legal or institutional terms from the source points; do not infer facts not stated there.

Background and key dimensions

• All of this occurs within a system of established safety barriers and an effective regulatory framework.
• It has been a part of India’s development journey from the inception of Tarapur Atomic Power Station in 1969.
• It delivers reliable low-carbon electricity to today’s households, industries, and economic growth.
• India has 24 nuclear power reactors with an installed capacity of 8.78 GW.
• Nine reactor units are under development with an installed capacity of 7.5 GW.
• India commissioned the world’s first nuclear process heat-based hydrogen-generating plant at Kalpakkam in 2026.
• The indigenous technology helps in clean energy & energy security and India’s Net Zero and National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
• The Government has also approved 10 indigenously produced Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) in fleet mode and pre-project activities for two 500MW Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs).
• Steps Taken and Various Developments
• India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Programme: India’s Three-Stage Nuclear Power Program, conceived by Dr.
• Bhabha in 1954, is based on the use of indigenous resources and long-term energy security.
• Stage I uses PHWRs running on natural uranium as fuel and reprocessing of spent fuel to recover plutonium.

Analytical use

• Connect the development with its institutional, policy, economic, social, environmental or security implications only where supported above.
• In a Mains answer, separate the verified development from broader evaluation and use the named evidence precisely.

Way forward

• Base recommendations on the gaps and institutional responsibilities identified in the source-grounded points.