Development Concepts with Shashank Priyadarshi

     In an era of global economic realignment, India stands at a pivotal juncture, leveraging new-age Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to propel its ambition of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2030 and a global trade powerhouse. Unlike their predecessors, which focused narrowly on tariff reductions, modern FTAs are comprehensive, encompassing digital trade, intellectual property rights (IPR), sustainability, labor standards, and geopolitical strategies. For India, these agreements are not mere trade pacts but strategic instruments to drive export-led growth, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), enhance industrial competitiveness, and foster inclusive development.      As of May 2025, India’s merchandise exports stand at $437 billion (April 2024–February 2025), with services exports at $340 billion, and FTAs are poised to amplify these figures. Yet, the path is fraught with challenges—trade deficits, domestic capacity constraints, and geopolitical trade-of...

  The Indian government's introduction of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), effective from April 1, 2025, marks a significant shift in retirement planning for central government employees. This new scheme aims to combine the predictability of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) with the contributory nature of the National Pension System (NPS). For employees seeking a stable and assured post-retirement income, UPS presents a compelling alternative to the market-linked NPS. Key Differences Between UPS and NPS 1. Pension Structure 2. Employee and Government Contributions 3. Inflation Adjustment 4. Family Pension 5. Lump Sum Payment at Retirement Comparative Example: UPS vs. NPS UPS : Provides a guaranteed pension amounting to 50% of the average basic pay from the last 12 months of service, given a minimum of 25 years of service. For those with 10 to 25 years of service, the pension is proportionate to their service duration, with a minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month. NPS : Offers a p...