Quick Overview
India’s textile industry, a cornerstone of the national economy, faces intense global competition due to high input costs, outdated technology, and low labour productivity. To restore its competitiveness, the government is formulating a comprehensive cost roadmap that aligns with global benchmarks and aims to enhance exports, sustainability, and innovation. Simultaneously, landmark judicial rulings and cultural milestones—such as the K.S. Shivappa vs. K. Neelamma case strengthening minors’ property rights, and the 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj—reflect the dynamic interplay between India’s economic, legal, and social progress. Strategic developments, including the US waiver for the Chabahar Port and India’s achievement of 500 GW installed power capacity, highlight the nation’s growing global footprint and leadership in sustainable development.
Boosting Textile Competitiveness
India’s textile sector remains a vital contributor to national growth, accounting for 2.3% of GDP, 13% of industrial output, and 12% of exports. With over 45 million workers—mostly women and rural labour—the industry anchors employment generation and inclusive development. However, rising competition from Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China has exposed cost inefficiencies and structural weaknesses.
Challenges in Global Competitiveness
The sector struggles with high input costs due to restrictive Quality Control Orders (QCOs), lower labour productivity (20–40% below competitors), and the absence of major Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), particularly with the European Union. Moreover, outdated machinery, MSME credit constraints, and technological stagnation hinder modernization.
Reform Roadmap
The government’s three-phase cost benchmarking plan aims to reduce raw material, compliance, and energy costs while boosting innovation. Strategic reforms include modernizing ports, rationalizing import duties, facilitating credit for MSMEs, and integrating sustainability practices such as circular economy models and water recycling. Achieving the USD 100 billion export target by 2030 will require harmonized efforts across trade, labour, and innovation policies.
Supreme Court Strengthens Minors’ Property Rights
In K.S. Shivappa vs. Smt. K. Neelamma (2025), the Supreme Court reaffirmed minors’ protection under property law by recognizing repudiation through conduct. It ruled that an individual can reject a guardian’s unauthorized property sale either through a formal suit or through explicit conduct, such as resale after attaining majority.
This judgment reinforces minors’ rights under the Indian Contract Act, Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, and Guardian and Wards Act, with a three-year limitation period for repudiation. It upholds fiduciary accountability and simplifies the process for reclaiming wrongfully sold property, marking a significant step in child and property law jurisprudence.
150 Years of Arya Samaj: Reform, Rationalism, and Revival
The 150th anniversary of the Arya Samaj, founded by Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati in 1875, celebrates a landmark in India’s reformist history. The movement promoted rational Vedic teachings, women’s education, widow remarriage, and the Shuddhi Movement. Maharshi Dayanand’s Satyarth Prakash emphasized reason, equality, and justice while opposing caste discrimination and social evils.
Arya Samaj’s educational legacy, including the Dayanand Anglo-Vedic (DAV) institutions, remains instrumental in combining traditional and modern education. Its enduring message—Back to the Vedas—continues to inspire India’s cultural, moral, and nationalist identity.
India Secures US Waiver for Chabahar Port
In a strategic diplomatic gain, India received a six-month US waiver for its operations at Iran’s Chabahar Port until April 2026. The port, located in Iran’s Sistan-Baluchestan province, provides India a direct route to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan. Integrated with the International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC), it is crucial for India’s connectivity and energy security.
The waiver ensures continuity in India’s westward trade outreach and counterbalances China’s influence through the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It reinforces India’s commitment to regional stability and multilateral transport cooperation.
India Crosses 500 GW Power Capacity Milestone
India has achieved an energy milestone, surpassing 500 GW of total installed electricity capacity—of which over 51% now comes from non-fossil fuel sources. This marks the early fulfillment of a key COP26 target—achieving 50% renewable capacity by 2030, five years ahead of schedule.
With 127.33 GW solar, 53.12 GW wind, and 30.29 GW hydro capacity, India ranks 3rd globally in solar and 4th in wind and total renewable capacity. Flagship initiatives such as the National Green Hydrogen Mission, PLI Scheme for Solar, and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana drive this green transformation. India’s progress underscores its leadership in sustainable energy transition and climate resilience.
CLAT/Exam Relevance Summary
For UPSC Aspirants
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GS Paper 3: Textile sector reforms, cost competitiveness, and trade policy.
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GS Paper 2: Property rights jurisprudence and guardianship law.
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GS Paper 1: Socio-religious reform movements (Arya Samaj).
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GS Paper 2 & 3: India’s foreign policy and energy security (Chabahar Port, renewable energy milestones).