World Trade Report 2025

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released its World Trade Report 2025. It states that if the digital divide is bridged and inclusive policies are adopted, Artificial Intelligence (AI) could boost global trade by 34–37% and global GDP by 12–13% by 2040.

What is the World Trade Report 2025?

• Annual flagship publication: Published by the WTO, it analyzes trade trends, policies, and the future of the multilateral trading system.
• Theme of 2025: “Making Trade and AI Work Together to the Benefit of All” — focuses on the impact of AI on global trade and inclusive development.

Key Highlights of the Report

• AI as a trade multiplier: Adoption of AI could increase global trade in goods and services by nearly 40% by 2040.
• Boost to global GDP: If the digital divide is reduced and AI expands across all income groups, global GDP could rise by 12–13%.
• AI-enabled goods trade: Trade in AI-enabled goods like chips, semiconductors, and servers already reached USD 2.3 trillion in 2023, and could expand further with open trade policies.
• Challenge of digital divide: Without policy interventions, low- and middle-income countries may miss out on AI-driven trade benefits.
• Impact on labor markets: AI could reduce routine cognitive jobs (translation, transcription) but increase demand for data annotation, engineering, and AI monitoring.
• Regulatory fragmentation: Quantitative restrictions on AI-related goods rose from 130 in 2012 to 500 in 2024 — WTO warns this could stifle innovation.
• AI-trade synergy: AI reduces logistics costs, improves supply chain management, and automates customs procedures.
• Need for inclusion: Emphasis on reskilling, social protection, and open data access to avoid rising inequality.
• Role of WTO: Calls for greater participation in the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) and updating GATS to include AI-driven digital services.

Opportunities

• Lower trade costs: AI-based supply chain management, predictive logistics, automated customs.
• New services trade: AI-powered digital services (telemedicine, analytics) boost export potential.
• Knowledge diffusion: 10% increase in digital trade → 2.6% rise in AI patent citations.
• Inclusive growth potential: AI could slightly reduce skill-based wage gaps.
• Entry points for developing countries: Data annotation, cloud services, and local AI model customization can generate new jobs.

Challenges

• Lack of digital infrastructure: Low-income countries face shortages in computing power, connectivity, and skilled workforce.
• Regulatory fragmentation: Data localization, export controls, and divergent AI standards increase trade barriers.
• Concentration of AI capabilities: Dominance by a few countries/companies risks monopolization of AI inputs.
• Labor market disruption: Loss of jobs in translation and transcription could worsen inequality.
• Energy and sustainability concerns: Data centers already consume 1.5% of global electricity — green transition is vital.

WTO Recommendations

• Bridge digital infrastructure gap: Invest in broadband, cloud, and computing capacity in low- and middle-income countries.
• Inclusive workforce reskilling: Global AI training initiatives to prepare workers for new jobs.
• Open and predictable trade policy: Reduce tariff and non-tariff barriers on AI-enabled goods, promote harmonized AI standards.
• Global AI governance: Establish multilateral frameworks for data flows, algorithmic transparency, and ethical AI.
• Sustainability alignment: Promote Green AI — energy-efficient data centers and carbon-neutral cloud services.

Conclusion

AI presents a transformative opportunity for trade-driven growth, but only if the digital divide is bridged and regulatory fragmentation is avoided. A balanced mix of trade, technology, and social policies is essential to ensure AI becomes a tool for global prosperity rather than a driver of inequality.

Blue Ports

Source: PIB

Context: India’s Department of Fisheries (DoF) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have signed a Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to develop world-class Blue Ports.

India & FAO Agreement to Build World-Class Blue Ports

What is it?

• A joint initiative under FAO’s TCP aimed at transforming fishing harbours into smart, sustainable, and inclusive Blue Ports, ensuring both economic growth and ecological protection.

Organisations Involved:

• Department of Fisheries (DoF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying (MoFAHD), Government of India.
• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

Objectives:

• Modernize fishing harbour infrastructure.
• Enhance post-harvest efficiency and ensure traceability.
• Promote climate-resilient, technology-driven fisheries value chains.
• Improve food and nutritional security, strengthen export competitiveness, and empower coastal communities.

Features of Blue Ports

• Smart Technology Integration: IoT sensors, AI, 5G, automation, satellite communication, real-time data analytics.
• Eco-Friendly Infrastructure: Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, robust waste management, and sewage treatment systems.
• Climate Resilience: Pollution control, debris clean-up systems, and energy transition in port operations.

About the Blue Port Framework

What is it?

• A flagship initiative of the Department of Fisheries (DoF) under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying.
• Supported under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and backed by FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme.

Key Features:

• Technological Integration: IoT devices, sensor networks, satellite communication, and data analytics for real-time monitoring.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient lighting, electric equipment, and waste & sewage treatment facilities.
• Operational Efficiency: Digital platforms for harbour management, traceability, and faster fish handling.
• Social Inclusion: Safer working conditions, women-friendly infrastructure, and stakeholder participation.

Pilot Harbours:

• Vanakbara (Diu), Jakhau (Gujarat), and Karaikal (Puducherry) — with an investment of ₹369.8 crore.

Significance

• Boosts Blue Economy: Strengthens the fisheries sector, increases exports, and raises fisherfolk incomes.
• Supports PMMSY Goals: Aligns with Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana for modern harbour infrastructure.
• Environmental Stewardship: Reduces marine pollution and promotes sustainable fishing practices.

UNESCO: Seven New Natural Heritage Sites from India Added to the Tentative List

Seven new natural heritage sites from India have been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, bringing the total number of Indian sites under consideration to 69.

• The Tentative List is the first step in the process of attaining World Heritage Site status under UNESCO.
• Inclusion signifies international recognition and initiates the process for future nomination and access to global conservation funds/support.

Objectives

• Preservation of Geological and Natural Heritage: Highlight sites with unique ecological, geological, and scientific importance.
• Promotion of Global Recognition: Strengthen India’s cultural diplomacy and soft power by showcasing natural wonders.

Nominated Sites and Key Features

1. Deccan Traps, Maharashtra – Among the world’s best-preserved lava flows, located in Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary (already a UNESCO site).
2. St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka – Rare columnar basaltic rock formations from the Late Cretaceous period (~85 million years ago).
3. Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya – Includes Mawmluh Cave, the global stratotype for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch.
4. Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland – Exposes uplifted oceanic crust on land, crucial for understanding plate tectonics.
5. Erra Matti Dibbalu, Andhra Pradesh – Red sand dunes containing paleo-climatic evidence, showcasing coastal geomorphology.
6. Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh – Home to the Eparchaean Unconformity (1.5 billion years old) and the Silathoranam Arch.
7. Varkala Cliffs, Kerala – Spectacular coastal cliffs exposing the Warkalli Formation, featuring natural springs and scenic beauty.

Significance

• Strengthens India’s Global Standing: Positions India as a leader in geodiversity and nature conservation.
• Boosts Research & Education: Provides opportunities for geological, ecological, and climate studies.
• Supports Eco-Tourism: Attracts global tourists, generating employment while maintaining ecological balance.

India–AI Impact Summit 2026

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has unveiled the logo and key initiatives of the India–AI Impact Summit 2026. The summit will be held on 19–20 February 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

• A global platform showcasing the transformative role of AI in inclusive development, sustainability, and social welfare.
• The first such summit hosted by a Global South country, positioning India as a thought leader in responsible AI adoption.
• Organizer: Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

Objectives:

• To create a shared global vision for AI that is ethical, inclusive, and equitable.
• To ensure equal access to data, computing, and models, and to promote a secure and trustworthy AI ecosystem.
• To harness AI for economic growth, governance, health, education, and climate resilience.

Key Highlights

Guiding Principles (Three Pillars):

• People: AI for human dignity, cultural inclusion, and equitable opportunities.
• Planet: Resource-efficient AI for sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental protection.
• Progress: Democratization of AI resources and fair distribution of benefits.

Major Initiatives:

• UDAAN Global AI Pitch Fest: Showcase of startups from India and abroad.
• YuvaAI Innovation Challenge & AI by HER: Youth and women-led innovations.
• Global Innovation Challenge for All: Solving public-interest problems through AI.
• AI Expo: 300+ exhibitors, 30+ countries, 10+ thematic pavilions.
• Research Symposium: Cutting-edge AI research and collaboration.
• Launch of 8 indigenous foundational AI models covering health, agriculture, governance, industry, multilingual AI, and material science research.
• 570 Data & AI Labs Network: Launch of 30 labs in the first wave, focusing on data annotation, curation, and future skills training.
• IndiaAI Fellowship Program: Expanded to 13,500 scholars (UG, PG, PhD) to build a strong AI talent pipeline across disciplines.

Moran Community

The Moran community in Assam has intensified its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

• The Moran are a relatively lesser-known community of Assam, primarily concentrated in Tinsukia district, and also residing in Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is said that before the arrival of the Ahoms, the Morans had their own independent kingdom at Bengmara (present-day Tinsukia).
• They had their own dialect, derived from the Bodo group of the Tibeto-Burman language family. Later, they adopted the Assamese language.
• The Morans follow Vaishnavism and are associated with the Moamoria sect.
• They were introduced to Vaishnavism by Sri Aniruddha Deva, a disciple of Sri Sankara Deva.
• Before converting to Vaishnavism, they followed the Shakta faith and worshipped the Mother Goddess at Kechaikhati Than.
• Gasar Talar Bihu (Bihu dance performed under a tree) is very popular among the Moran tribe.
• They also celebrate the Kheri festival.

Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB)

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) recently invited suggestions and comments from stakeholders and consumers on an LPG interoperability framework. Under this framework, households would be able to take refills from distributors of other public sector oil companies, similar to mobile number portability.

About PNGRB:

• It is a statutory body established under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act, 2006.
• Objective: To protect the interests of consumers and entities engaged in activities related to petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas, to promote competitive markets, and to manage related matters.
• The Board is mandated to regulate refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and sale of petroleum, petroleum products, and natural gas, excluding crude oil and natural gas production, to ensure continuous and adequate supply across India.
• Functions: PNGRB authorizes CGD networks, natural gas and petroleum product pipelines, determines tariffs, and lays down technical and safety standards.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Structure: 1 Chairperson, 3 Members, and 1 Legal Member (total 5 members)

Powers of the Board:

• Resolve disputes between entities, or between an entity and an individual related to refining, processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing, and sale, unless parties have opted for arbitration.
• Receive complaints from any person and conduct investigations, particularly in cases of—
  • Violation of retail service obligations
  • Violation of marketing service obligations
  • Non-compliance with display of retail prices at outlets
  • Breach of conditions related to pipelines or gas distribution networks
  • Violation of the Act or rules/regulations/orders made under it
• The Board may issue orders, directions, or refer matters for investigation as deemed necessary.
• The Board’s decisions are binding and enforceable with powers equivalent to a civil court.
• The Board can review its own decisions through a review petition.
• Decisions can be challenged before the Appellate Tribunal.

This framework aims to increase consumer convenience, competition, and accessibility in the LPG sector.