23 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC

1. India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council Meeting.

(Source – 23^rd April PIB)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context

Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the 2nd India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. The session emphasized strengthening bilateral ties across sectors like space, health, sports, and postal services.

 

Key Outcomes and Agreements

• Signed four MoUs covering Space, Health, Sports Anti-Doping, and Postal Cooperation.
• Strong condemnation of terrorism, especially referencing the recent Pahalgam attack.
• Pledged deeper energy and defense cooperation.
• India invited the Saudi Crown Prince to co-chair the next SPC meeting in New Delhi.

Strategic Significance

• Reinforces India’s “Extended Neighbourhood” West Asia policy.
• Consolidates energy security and counterterrorism cooperation.
• Boosts India’s soft power in the Gulf region.

Practice Question: Discuss the strategic importance of the India–Saudi Arabia relationship in the context of India’s energy and counter-terrorism policies. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. UPSC Civil Services Examination 2024 – Final Results Declared

(Source – 23^rd April PIB)

Topic: General Awareness / GS2 – Governance

Context

The UPSC released the final results for the Civil Services Examination 2024. Over 5.8 lakh candidates appeared for the exam out of nearly 10 lakh applicants.

 Highlights

• Increased participation from non-traditional backgrounds.
• Continued rise in female and rural representation.
• Emphasis on transparency and efficiency in the selection process.

Relevance for Aspirants

• Opportunity to analyze trends in merit list and representation.
• Benchmark for aspirational preparation and performance standards.

Practice Question:  How has the democratization of Civil Services recruitment affected governance and inclusivity in India? (150 Words /10 marks)

3. Boosting Hand and Power Tools Sector – $25 Billion Export Goal

 (Source – 23^rd April PIB)

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy / Industry

Context

NITI Aayog released a comprehensive report on scaling India’s exports in hand and power tools from $1 billion to $25 billion by 2035.

 Key Highlights

• Current exports: $600M in hand tools, $470M in power tools.
• China dominates with over 40–50% share.
• India aims for 10–25% market share with reforms and productivity boost.

Recommendations

• Establish industrial clusters under PPP model.
• Ease Quality Control Orders and rationalize duties.
• Introduce ₹8,000 crore support package with expected 2–3x tax returns.

Practice Question:  How can India enhance its global competitiveness in the Hand and Power Tools sector to achieve its $25 billion export target? (150 Words /10 marks)

Check this out 22 April 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC