Texas Instruments’ establishment in Bengaluru in 1984 is widely regarded as India’s first Global Capability Centre (GCC).
The firm invested in advanced communication infrastructure (private satellite dish) to transmit software code, even before public internet access existed in India.
The key original attraction then—and now—was India’s large, English-speaking, cost-effective IT workforce.
Scale and Growth of GCCs in India
India hosts over 1,800 GCCs, with roughly one new GCC being set up every week.
GCC revenues grew from $40.4 billion in FY 2019 to $64.6 billion in FY 2024, at a CAGR of 9.8%.
GCCs are now a central pillar of India’s white-collar employment and global services ecosystem.
Changing Geopolitical and Labour Market Dynamics
Earlier, companies preferred sending Indian professionals abroad rather than setting up operations in India.
Stricter immigration policies in the U.S. and other developed economies have reduced overseas mobility, especially for mid-level professionals.
As a result, global firms are increasingly bringing work to India instead of moving workers abroad.
For Indian professionals, GCCs now offer a credible alternative to overseas employment, with competitive pay and global exposure.
Nature of Employment and Workplace Culture
GCCs typically hire mid- to senior-level lateral talent, not fresh graduates.
GCCs are not mass recruiters and do not follow the traditional IT services “bench” model.
COVID-19 as a Turning Point
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the GCC boom, creating “hockey-stick” growth.
Remote work normalisation reduced the disadvantages of distance.
Indian States now actively compete to attract GCC investments with pro-business policies and facilitation agencies.
Evolution of the GCC Concept and Branding
Early offshore units were called “captive centres”, later Global In-house Centres, and now Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
The rebranding reflects a shift from:
Cost arbitrage and back-office work
To deep capability building in areas such as:
Product engineering
Finance and accounting transformation
Cybersecurity
Artificial intelligence and data science
GCCs increasingly influence and shape core global business strategies, not just support functions.
Support Ecosystem for GCCs
A specialised industry has emerged to help firms set up GCCs, handling:
Office infrastructure
Talent acquisition
Regulatory compliance
Operational setup
Productivity in GCCs is estimated to be 25–30% higher due to experienced lateral hiring.
GCC employees earn ₹1.2–1.5 lakh per month on average, placing many in the top 2% of income earners in India.
Economic and Social Implications
Positive impacts:
Retention of high-value talent within India
Higher tax revenues
Integration of Indian professionals into global value chains
Limitations:
GCCs do not provide large-scale upward mobility for poorer, educated Indians.
Employment benefits are concentrated among already well-positioned professionals.
Critical Concerns and Long-Term Risks
GCCs primarily strengthen the global dominance of foreign firms, especially U.S. companies.
Skills acquired in GCCs may not automatically translate into:
Domestic innovation
Indian multinational champions
If foreign firms reduce GCC investments:
There may be limited domestic demand to absorb highly specialised skills.
Indian talent may continue to serve global firms rather than domestic industry.
Low investment in domestic R&D and advanced capabilities remains a structural weakness.
Future Trajectory
Average GCC size is expected to shrink as smaller global firms establish centres in India.
New models are emerging where Indian intermediaries hire and manage employees on behalf of foreign firms.
The sector may be headed for another rebranding, with “Global Innovation Hubs” proposed to reflect deeper strategic roles.
Overall Assessment
GCCs represent a mature phase of India’s integration into global enterprise services, moving beyond back-office outsourcing.
While they strengthen India’s position in the global knowledge economy, their ability to drive broad-based, indigenous technological development remains uncertain.
Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI): December 2025
Overall Performance
The combined Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) grew by 3.7% (provisional) in December 2025 compared to December 2024.
The final growth rate for November 2025 stood at 2.1%.
The cumulative growth rate of ICI during April–December 2025-26 was 2.6% (provisional) year-on-year.
Significance of ICI
The ICI tracks the performance of eight core industries:
Coal
Crude Oil
Natural Gas
Petroleum Refinery Products
Fertilizers
Steel
Cement
Electricity
These eight industries together account for 40.27% of the weight of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), making ICI a key indicator of industrial and economic activity.
Industry-wise Performance in December 2025 (YoY)
Coal (10.33% weight):
Production increased by 3.6%
Cumulative output declined by 0.7% (April–December 2025-26)
Crude Oil (8.98% weight):
Production declined by 5.6%
Cumulative output declined by 1.9%
Natural Gas (6.88% weight):
Production declined by 4.4%
Cumulative output declined by 3.2%
Petroleum Refinery Products (28.04% weight):
Production declined marginally by 1.0%
Cumulative output increased by 0.1%
Fertilizers (2.63% weight):
Production increased by 4.1%
Cumulative output increased by 1.7%
Steel (17.92% weight):
Production increased by 6.9%
Cumulative output increased by 9.5%
Cement (5.37% weight):
Production increased by 13.5% (highest among core industries)
Cumulative output increased by 8.8%
Electricity (19.85% weight):
Generation increased by 5.3%
Cumulative output increased marginally by 0.3%
Key Observations
Growth in December 2025 was primarily driven by Cement, Steel, Electricity, Fertilizers, and Coal.
Energy-related sectors such as Crude Oil and Natural Gas continued to witness contraction.
Strong performance of cement and steel reflects sustained momentum in infrastructure and construction activities.
Technical & Methodological Notes
November 2025 data is final; December 2025 data is provisional and subject to revision.
Since April 2014, electricity generation from renewable sources has been included in the index.
Since March 2019, Hot Rolled Pickled and Oiled (HRPO) steel has been included under finished steel production.
Industry weights are derived from IIP and scaled to a combined ICI weight of 100.
Upcoming Release
The Index for January 2026 will be released on 20 February 2026.
11th Meeting of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS)
Event Overview
The 11th Meeting of the National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) was held on 20 January 2026 at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
The meeting was chaired by Shri Anupam Prasad, Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC) and NCDS.
Institutional and Legal Context
The NCDS is a statutory body constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
It functions as a policy advisory and think tank to the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
The Committee’s mandate includes recommending regulations, ensuring uniform national dam safety standards, and preventing dam-failure-related disasters.
Participation and Representation
Senior representatives attended from key central agencies:
Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation
CWC, NDMA, CEA, MoEF&CC, IMD, GSI, NRSC, and NDSA
State-level participation included officials from Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh.
Heads of 28 State Dam Safety Organisations and representatives from 3 Union Territories were present.
Eminent experts contributed to deliberations, notably:
Shri S. K. Sibal, Former Member, CWC
Dr Yogendra Singh, Professor, IIT Roorkee
Chairman’s Key Observations
Highlighted NDSA achievements over four years of operationalisation.
Identified emerging dam safety challenges, particularly:
Expanding statutory obligations of dam owners under the Dam Safety Act, 2021
Gaps in in-house technical capacity of dam-owning agencies
Emphasized the need for:
Strong stakeholder coordination
Technical excellence
Sustained collective commitment for effective Act implementation
Major Agenda Items Deliberated
SOP for Comprehensive Dam Safety Evaluation (CDSE) under Sections 38–40
SOP for Pre-Initial Filling Reservoir Plan under Section 27
Remuneration framework for national and international dam safety experts
Framework finalisation for:
Level 2 Semi-Quantitative Risk Assessment (SQRA)
Level 3 Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) under Section 35(2)
Clarification of the definition of under-construction dams/barrages
Approval processes for:
New dam construction
Rehabilitation of existing dams under Section 26
Mechanism for appraisal and approval of non-structural safety documents
Optimisation of seismic instrumentation requirements
Safety concerns relating to Chandraprabha Dam, Uttar Pradesh
Significance of New Dam Safety Elements
CDSE, SQRA, and QRA identified as new and complex requirements for Indian dam owners.
Recognised need for practical, implementable frameworks and capacity building.
Key Recommendations and Decisions
NDSA to revise and enhance CDSE draft frameworks to improve clarity, depth, and practicality.
Pre-Initial Filling Reservoir Plan to include quantified and measurable reservoir filling parameters.
An expert committee to be constituted for finalising the SQRA framework, given its national importance.
Approval mechanisms for new and rehabilitated dams to be:
Discussed extensively with dam owners
Reconsidered in the next NCDS meeting
Appraisal of non-structural documents to be undertaken by:
State Dam Safety Organisations through dedicated Expert Committees
Decision to retain existing NDSA regulations on seismic instrumentation without modification.
State-Specific Observation
The Committee appreciated the Government of Uttar Pradesh for effective measures taken to arrest seepage in Chandraprabha Dam.
Strategic Way Forward
Reiterated the need for strong Centre–State coordination in dam safety governance.
Emphasized formulation and implementation of a comprehensive national capacity-building action plan.
Reaffirmed commitment to:
Strengthening institutional frameworks
Accelerating implementation of the Dam Safety Act, 2021
Ensuring long-term dam safety and sustainability
Broader National Objectives Supported
Enhanced dam safety to support:
Water security
Irrigation
Hydropower generation
Flood moderation and disaster risk reduction
National Committee on Dam Safety (NCDS) – Key Details
Statutory Basis
Constituted under Section 5 of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
A statutory national-level body for dam safety governance in India.
Purpose and Role
Functions as a policy-making and advisory committee on dam safety matters.
Acts as a policy think tank for the National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA).
Aims to ensure uniform dam safety standards across the country.
Focuses on prevention of dam failures and associated disasters.
Legal Mandate
Functions and responsibilities are laid down in the First Schedule of the Dam Safety Act, 2021.
Empowered to deliberate on dam safety policies and recommend:
Regulations
Guidelines
Standard procedures
Supports implementation and enforcement of the Dam Safety Act.
Key Functions
Recommend policies, regulations, and standards related to dam safety.
Advise on inspection, surveillance, maintenance, and operation of dams.
Promote risk assessment–based approaches to dam safety management.
Facilitate coordination between Central and State authorities.
Guide capacity building and technical strengthening of dam-owning agencies.
Review and suggest improvements in emerging dam safety practices, including seismic safety and disaster preparedness.
Composition
Chaired by the Chairman, Central Water Commission (CWC).
Members include representatives from:
Central ministries and technical organisations (e.g., CWC, NDMA, CEA, MoEF&CC, IMD, GSI, NRSC)
National Dam Safety Authority (NDSA)
State Governments and State Dam Safety Organisations
May include eminent experts in dam engineering, geology, hydrology, seismic safety, and disaster management.
Relationship with NDSA
NCDS provides policy direction and expert guidance to NDSA.
NDSA implements regulations, frameworks, and procedures recommended by NCDS.
Ensures consistency and harmonisation in dam safety practices nationwide.
Meeting and Functioning
Meets periodically to review dam safety–related issues and regulatory proposals.
Deliberates on:
New regulatory frameworks (e.g., CDSE, SQRA, QRA)
Safety issues of specific dams
Institutional and capacity-building challenges
Decisions are recommendatory in nature but carry significant policy weight.
One Station One Product (OSOP) Scheme
Overview of the Initiative
One Station One Product (OSOP) is an initiative of Indian Railways aimed at promoting local and indigenous products through railway stations.
The scheme transforms railway stations into marketplaces showcasing regional identity, culture, and craftsmanship.
It aligns strongly with the national vision of “Vocal for Local” and grassroots entrepreneurship.
Objectives of OSOP
Promote local artisans, weavers, craftsmen, and small producers.
Provide direct market access to millions of railway passengers.
Revive and sustain traditional crafts and regional specialties.
Support inclusive and decentralized economic growth.
Enhance the passenger experience by integrating commerce with culture.
Scale and Expansion
As of 19 January 2026:
OSOP has expanded to 2,002 railway stations.
A total of 2,326 OSOP outlets are operational across the country.
The rapid expansion reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to nationwide outreach.
Economic Impact
Since its launch in 2022, OSOP has created direct economic opportunities for over 1.32 lakh beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries include:
Artisans
Weavers
Handicraft producers
Small-scale and local entrepreneurs
The scheme reduces dependency on middlemen by enabling direct sales.
Cultural and Social Significance
OSOP plays a crucial role in reviving fading traditional crafts.
Products showcased reflect regional uniqueness, such as:
Bamboo and cane products from the Northeast
Handmade pottery
Handloom textiles
Spices, regional foods, and local sweets
Helps preserve cultural heritage while making it economically viable.
Integration with Indian Railways Network
Railway stations serve as high-footfall commercial hubs, ensuring visibility and demand.
OSOP integrates local heritage with national connectivity, giving artisans access to a pan-India customer base.
Impact on Passengers
Passengers gain access to authentic, locally made products.
Enhances travel experience by offering a taste of regional culture at stations.
Encourages cultural awareness and appreciation among travelers.
Broader Developmental Significance
Supports grassroots entrepreneurship and rural livelihoods.
Encourages self-reliance and sustainable local economies.
Demonstrates how public infrastructure can be leveraged for social and economic transformation.
Conclusion
The One Station One Product initiative stands out as a successful convergence of culture, commerce, and connectivity.
It empowers communities, preserves traditions, and enriches passenger experience.
OSOP serves as a model initiative for inclusive development through innovative use of public assets.
Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026
Objective of the Amendments
The Government of India notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 to improve user fee (toll) compliance on National Highways.
The amendments aim to reduce toll evasion, strengthen Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) efficiency, and support future barrier-less tolling systems.
Legal Framework Updated
The amendments modify the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989.
They align toll enforcement with provisions of the National Highways Act, 1956.
Introduction of ‘Unpaid User Fee’
A new statutory definition of “unpaid user fee” has been introduced.
It refers to toll charges payable when a vehicle’s passage is recorded by the ETCsystem, but payment is not successfully received.
Integration of Toll Dues with Vehicle Regulatory Services
Clearance of unpaid user fee is now mandatory for accessing key vehicle-related services:
No Objection Certificate (NOC) for:
Transfer of ownership
Transfer of vehicle between States
Certificate of Fitness (CoF):
Renewal or issuance is blocked if toll dues are pending
National Permit for commercial vehicles:
Vehicles must have no outstanding user fee to qualify
Amendments to Form 28 (NOC Application)
Applicants are required to declare pending unpaid user fee demands.
Details of toll plaza-related dues must be disclosed.
Enables electronic issuance of relevant portions of Form 28 via an online portal.
Enhances transparency and reduces manual processing.
Support for Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling
The amendments establish a regulatory mechanism to enforce toll payments in a barrier-less tolling environment.
Ensures post-journey recovery of toll dues where physical checkpoints are absent.
Consultative Rule-Making Process
Draft rules were published in the Gazette on 11 July 2025.
Public access to the draft was provided from 14 July 2025.
Stakeholder and public feedback were considered before final notification.
Expected Benefits
Strengthens compliance through linkage of toll dues with essential vehicle services.
Promotes digital governance and automation in toll collection.
Reduces revenue leakage due to toll evasion.
Improves long-term funding for maintenance and expansion of National Highways.
Enhances NHAI’s ability to operate technology-driven tolling systems nationwide.
Overall Significance
Marks a shift from physical enforcement to data-driven regulatory enforcement.
Integrates transport regulation with digital infrastructure to ensure accountability, efficiency, and sustainability in highway toll management.
ECOFIX
Policy Focus and Ministerial Recommendation
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, advocated the use of steel slag–based technology for sustainable and resilient road construction.
Special emphasis was placed on Himalayan States and Union Territories, where adoption remains limited despite high suitability.
The Minister called for accelerated outreach, training, and awareness-building to promote wider implementation.
Context of the Announcement
The remarks were made during the signing of an agreement between the Technology Development Board (TDB) and Ramuka Global Eco Work Private Limited, Visakhapatnam.
The agreement enables commercial production of “ECOFIX”, a ready-to-use pothole repair mix.
Capacity Building and Outreach Measures
Workshops are being organised to familiarise state agencies and road construction departments with steel slag technology.
A two-day workshop is scheduled in Jammu & Kashmir, followed by similar programmes in other States and UTs.
The initiative aims to sensitise engineers and officials about the technology’s application, durability, and benefits.
Relevance for Himalayan and Hilly Regions
Hill states face challenges such as:
Short construction seasons
Heavy rainfall
Frequent road damage
Steel slag–based solutions are particularly beneficial under these conditions.
Despite this, ground-level awareness remains uneven, even among senior engineers.
Evolution and Testing of the Technology
Trials began around two years ago with pilot projects in:
The Minister noted that many potential users are still unaware, highlighting gaps in dissemination.
ECOFIX: Technology and Features
Developed by CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CRRI).
Commercialisation supported by Technology Development Board (TDB).
Made using processed iron and steel slag, converting industrial waste into a construction resource.
Designed as a ready-to-use mix:
Can be applied in wet or waterlogged conditions
Reduces repair time and traffic disruption
Technical Validation and Economic Benefits
The technology has undergone:
Laboratory validation
Field testing under Indian climatic and traffic conditions
Studies show:
Higher durability
Lower lifecycle costs compared to conventional pothole repair methods
Reduces dependence on natural aggregates, supporting resource conservation.
Alignment with Circular Economy Goals
Utilises steel and iron slag, addressing:
Industrial waste disposal challenges
Sustainability and environmental concerns
Contributes to circular economy principles by recycling waste into infrastructure inputs.
Public–Private Partnership (PPP) Dimension
Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed that publicly funded research must yield tangible public benefits.
The ECOFIX project exemplifies lab-to-land translation of science.
Notable shift in PPP model:
Private sector investment matches government support
Reflects more balanced and mature collaboration
Future Plans and Industrial Impact
TDB and Ramuka Global Eco Work plan to set up a steel slag processing facility.
Expected capacity: ~2 lakh tonnes per year.
Commercial production targeted by end of 2027.
Strategic location near steel plants ensures:
Steady raw material supply
Direct and indirect employment generation
MD in Anaesthesiology can Prescribe Narcotic Drugs for Pain Relief
Context of the Case
The case was heard by the Karnataka High Court.
It arose from a dispute involving the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists (Mangaluru branch) and certain hospitals.
The dispute concerned compliance with the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act and Rules.
Issue Before the Court
The State’s Assistant Drugs Controller had refused to renew Registered Medical Institution (RMI) certification under the NDPS Act.
The refusal was based on the nomination of doctors with an MD in Anaesthesiology as designated medical practitioners under the NDPS Rules.
Authorities claimed that such doctors required separate or additional training to be eligible to prescribe and dispense essential narcotic drugs.
Court’s Findings and Legal Reasoning
The High Court held that MD in Anaesthesiology is a recognised postgraduate qualification under the National Medical Commission.
The court ruled that this qualification adequately equips practitioners to handle:
Pain management
Palliative care
Opioid-based treatment
It concluded that no additional or separate training is required under the NDPS Rules for such practitioners.
The court clarified that a postgraduate degree in anaesthesiology satisfies the training requirement for designation as a registered medical practitioner under NDPS Rules.
Judgment and Relief Granted
Justice Suraj Govindaraj allowed the plea filed by the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists and others.
The court set aside the State authority’s communication refusing NDPS registration renewal.
Hospitals are legally entitled to:
Nominate MD Anaesthesiologists as designated practitioners
Obtain or renew RMI certification under the NDPS Act on that basis
Legal and Practical Implications
Prevents administrative overreach by drug control authorities.
Ensures continuity of access to essential narcotic drugs for legitimate medical use.
Strengthens the professional standing of anaesthesiologists in pain and palliative care.
Removes uncertainty for hospitals regarding NDPS compliance.
Supports broader public health objectives related to effective pain management and end-of-life care.
Overall Significance
The judgment reinforces the principle that recognised postgraduate medical qualifications should be respected by regulatory authorities.
It prioritises patient care and medical necessity over procedural technicalities.
Sets an important precedent for uniform interpretation of NDPS Rules across medical institutions.
India-UAE bilateral engagements
Context
The India-UAE bilateral engagements during the visit of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India.
The visit occurred against the backdrop of rising military tension in the Gulf region, including conflicts and political unrest in Gaza, Iran, and Yemen.
Key Agreements and Strategic Initiatives
Bilateral Strategic Defence Partnership
India and UAE signed a “Letter of Intent (LoI) for a Bilateral Strategic Defence Partnership”.
The LoI is intended to work towards a framework agreement for a formal strategic defence partnership.
Emphasis: natural evolution of existing defence cooperation, not aimed at involving India in any specific Gulf conflict.
Economic Cooperation
Both sides set a goal to double bilateral trade to $200 billion by 2032.
Signed an energy deal between HPCL (India) and ADNOC (UAE):
HPCL will purchase 0.5 Million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMPTA) of LNG from ADNOC.
Duration: 10 years starting from 2028.
Space Cooperation
Another LoI signed between India’s IN-SPACe and the UAE Space Agency.
Purpose: collaboration in the UAE space industry development.
Diplomatic Discussions
Gaza: Discussed the evolving situation and the coming weeks’ test of US President Trump’s peace plan.
Iran: Discussed ongoing protests and regional stability concerns.
Yemen: Addressed tensions arising from the Saudi-UAE relations in the conflict.
Regional Security Context
Saudi-Pakistan Defence Cooperation
Pakistan’s military involvement in safeguarding Saudi defence and security interests has increased.
Saudi-Pakistan alliance active in Yemen theatre, increasing pressure on UAE.
Saudi-Pakistan cooperation intensified since a mutual defence agreement on September 17, 2025.
India-UAE Partnership Position
Clarified by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri:
The partnership is a continuation of existing cooperation, not a response to specific regional conflicts.
India is not committing to any future Gulf conflict scenario.
Significance
Strategic: Strengthens India-UAE defence and security ties amid regional tensions.
Economic: Enhances energy security and trade prospects, particularly in LNG imports.
Technological: Promotes space industry collaboration between India and UAE.
Diplomatic: Signals India’s balanced, non-aligned approach in the Gulf while maintaining strong bilateral ties.
High Seas Treaty
Overview
The High Seas Treaty has officially entered into force, marking the first legally binding global agreement aimed at protecting marine life in international waters.
The treaty comes after nearly 20 years of negotiations, highlighting the complexity and political sensitivity of governing areas beyond national jurisdiction.
Ratification and Entry Into Force
The treaty became active 120 days after 60 countries ratified it, reaching that threshold in September.
As of the most recent update, 83 countries have ratified the agreement.
Notably, major maritime powers such as China and Japan are among the ratifying nations, strengthening the treaty’s global legitimacy.
Scope and Importance
The treaty governs the high seas, which:
Cover nearly half of the Earth’s surface
Represent about two-thirds of the world’s oceans
Exist outside the control of any single country
These waters have historically lacked effective regulation despite intense human activity.
Threats Addressed
The treaty responds to growing pressures on international waters, including:
Destructive and unregulated fishing practices
Overfishing
Shipping impacts
Plastic pollution
Prospective deep-sea mining
The compounding effects of climate change
Environmental and Climate Significance
Oceans play a crucial role in:
Absorbing carbon dioxide
Producing oxygen
Protecting ocean health is therefore directly linked to addressing the global climate crisis.
Key Provisions of the Treaty
Establishes the first-ever framework for creating Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in international waters.
Currently, only about 1% of high seas areas are protected.
Requires countries to:
Cooperate on ocean science and technology
Support capacity-building for developing nations to participate in ocean governance
Mandates environmental impact assessments for commercial or industrial activities that may harm marine ecosystems.
Introduces transparency and benefit-sharing rules for:
Research on marine genetic resources, such as organisms used in pharmaceutical development
Sharing research findings with other countries
Broader Implications
The treaty fills a long-standing legal and governance gap in ocean management.
Its success will depend on:
Effective international cooperation
Enforcement mechanisms
Adequate funding and political commitment from member states
