Yojana Magazine April 2025 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


Y O J A N A
Y O J A N A
APRI L 2025
SUMMARY OF
NEW DELHI | AHMEDABAD | ANAND | BHUBANESWAR | CHANDI GARH | DEHRADUN | GANDHI NAGAR | HYDERABAD | I NDORE | 
JAI PUR | KANPUR | KOLKATA | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | PATNA | RAI PUR | RAJKOT | SURAT | THANE | VADODARA | VARANASI
What s app No. 931 32- 1 8734, 82877- 76460 ( cont act @chahal academy . com)
Ski l l I ndi a: The Road Ahead 
Enhanci ng Ski l l s f or Expor t  
Tr ans f or mi ng I ndi a ' s Fi nanci al Lands cape 
Nat i onal Manuf act ur i ng Mi s s i on 
SKI LLI NG I NDI A' S WORKFORCE
Page 2


Y O J A N A
Y O J A N A
APRI L 2025
SUMMARY OF
NEW DELHI | AHMEDABAD | ANAND | BHUBANESWAR | CHANDI GARH | DEHRADUN | GANDHI NAGAR | HYDERABAD | I NDORE | 
JAI PUR | KANPUR | KOLKATA | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | PATNA | RAI PUR | RAJKOT | SURAT | THANE | VADODARA | VARANASI
What s app No. 931 32- 1 8734, 82877- 76460 ( cont act @chahal academy . com)
Ski l l I ndi a: The Road Ahead 
Enhanci ng Ski l l s f or Expor t  
Tr ans f or mi ng I ndi a ' s Fi nanci al Lands cape 
Nat i onal Manuf act ur i ng Mi s s i on 
SKI LLI NG I NDI A' S WORKFORCE
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
1
TOPIC 1: ENHANCING SKILLS FOR 
INDIA’S EXPORTS
Introduction
India stands at a critical juncture, where 
embracing an export-led growth strategy can 
significantly reshape its economic destiny. 
Leveraging digital skills, increasing industrial 
capacity, and becoming a reliable partner in 
global value chains (GVCs) can transform India 
into a leading export powerhouse. To achieve 
the $20 trillion economic target, focused efforts 
must be made in:
 ¾ Green and space technology
 ¾ High-value manufacturing
 ¾ Infrastructure improvements
 ¾ Empowerment of MSMEs
Current Trends in Global and Indian Exports
(i) Global T rade Scenario:- Global merchandise 
trade growth slowed to 2% in the previous year. 
(ii) India’s Export Performance: 
• Non-petroleum exports rose by 7%, driven 
by:
 ¾ Chemicals
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Engineering products
 ¾ Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics exports grew from USD 11 billion 
(FY21) to USD 26 billion (FY25).
• Textile exports also rebounded with a 7.6% 
increase (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
•	 Supportive factors include:
 ¾ Incentive-based policies
 ¾ Improved regulatory frameworks
Lessons from Global Examples
•	 Countries like China, South Korea, and 
Vietnam highlight the positive impact of 
export-led growth on economic prosperity.
•	 India needs to:
 ¾ Move beyond its services and capital-
intensive dependence.
 ¾ Leverage its labour force
 ¾ Attract multinational corporations 
(MNCs)
 ¾ Generate over 200 million high-quality 
jobs
Why Export-Led India is the Future
(i) Employment Generation and Inclusive 
Development
•	 Export industries create jobs, addressing 
underemployment.
• PLI schemes spurred smartphone 
manufacturing and job creation.
•	Export-oriented growth promotes 
industrialisation in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, 
especially in:Tamil Nadu , Karnataka, and 
Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Technological and Competitive Advantage
•	 Participation in global value chains enables: 
Technology transfer, Higher productivity, 
and International competitiveness
(iii) Geopolitical Soft Power
•	Enhancing exports boosts economic 
diplomacy and bilateral ties, especially with: 
ASEAN & USA.
•	 Emerging sectors like renewables and green 
energy can lead the global energy transition.
Challenges to India’s Export Growth
(i) Infrastructure and Logistics Constraints
•	 High logistics costs
• Inadequate trade infrastructure
•	 Despite PM Gati Shakti, India’s logistics 
cost-to-GDP remains high.
• Issues include:
 ¾ Port congestion
 ¾ Container shortages
 ¾ Poor last-mile connectivity
(ii) Export Portfolio Limitations
•	 Over-dependence on:
 ¾ IT services
 ¾ Petroleum products
 ¾ Gems and jewellery
• Green energy exports remain 
underdeveloped.
• Lack of value-added exports in agriculture 
and textiles.
(iii) Global and Domestic Trade Barriers
• Protectionism, taxation, and geopolitical 
disruptions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war)
•	 New challenges from:
 ¾ Carbon tariffs
Page 3


Y O J A N A
Y O J A N A
APRI L 2025
SUMMARY OF
NEW DELHI | AHMEDABAD | ANAND | BHUBANESWAR | CHANDI GARH | DEHRADUN | GANDHI NAGAR | HYDERABAD | I NDORE | 
JAI PUR | KANPUR | KOLKATA | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | PATNA | RAI PUR | RAJKOT | SURAT | THANE | VADODARA | VARANASI
What s app No. 931 32- 1 8734, 82877- 76460 ( cont act @chahal academy . com)
Ski l l I ndi a: The Road Ahead 
Enhanci ng Ski l l s f or Expor t  
Tr ans f or mi ng I ndi a ' s Fi nanci al Lands cape 
Nat i onal Manuf act ur i ng Mi s s i on 
SKI LLI NG I NDI A' S WORKFORCE
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
1
TOPIC 1: ENHANCING SKILLS FOR 
INDIA’S EXPORTS
Introduction
India stands at a critical juncture, where 
embracing an export-led growth strategy can 
significantly reshape its economic destiny. 
Leveraging digital skills, increasing industrial 
capacity, and becoming a reliable partner in 
global value chains (GVCs) can transform India 
into a leading export powerhouse. To achieve 
the $20 trillion economic target, focused efforts 
must be made in:
 ¾ Green and space technology
 ¾ High-value manufacturing
 ¾ Infrastructure improvements
 ¾ Empowerment of MSMEs
Current Trends in Global and Indian Exports
(i) Global T rade Scenario:- Global merchandise 
trade growth slowed to 2% in the previous year. 
(ii) India’s Export Performance: 
• Non-petroleum exports rose by 7%, driven 
by:
 ¾ Chemicals
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Engineering products
 ¾ Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics exports grew from USD 11 billion 
(FY21) to USD 26 billion (FY25).
• Textile exports also rebounded with a 7.6% 
increase (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
•	 Supportive factors include:
 ¾ Incentive-based policies
 ¾ Improved regulatory frameworks
Lessons from Global Examples
•	 Countries like China, South Korea, and 
Vietnam highlight the positive impact of 
export-led growth on economic prosperity.
•	 India needs to:
 ¾ Move beyond its services and capital-
intensive dependence.
 ¾ Leverage its labour force
 ¾ Attract multinational corporations 
(MNCs)
 ¾ Generate over 200 million high-quality 
jobs
Why Export-Led India is the Future
(i) Employment Generation and Inclusive 
Development
•	 Export industries create jobs, addressing 
underemployment.
• PLI schemes spurred smartphone 
manufacturing and job creation.
•	Export-oriented growth promotes 
industrialisation in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, 
especially in:Tamil Nadu , Karnataka, and 
Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Technological and Competitive Advantage
•	 Participation in global value chains enables: 
Technology transfer, Higher productivity, 
and International competitiveness
(iii) Geopolitical Soft Power
•	Enhancing exports boosts economic 
diplomacy and bilateral ties, especially with: 
ASEAN & USA.
•	 Emerging sectors like renewables and green 
energy can lead the global energy transition.
Challenges to India’s Export Growth
(i) Infrastructure and Logistics Constraints
•	 High logistics costs
• Inadequate trade infrastructure
•	 Despite PM Gati Shakti, India’s logistics 
cost-to-GDP remains high.
• Issues include:
 ¾ Port congestion
 ¾ Container shortages
 ¾ Poor last-mile connectivity
(ii) Export Portfolio Limitations
•	 Over-dependence on:
 ¾ IT services
 ¾ Petroleum products
 ¾ Gems and jewellery
• Green energy exports remain 
underdeveloped.
• Lack of value-added exports in agriculture 
and textiles.
(iii) Global and Domestic Trade Barriers
• Protectionism, taxation, and geopolitical 
disruptions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war)
•	 New challenges from:
 ¾ Carbon tariffs
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
2
 ¾Environmental norms in developed 
countries
(iv) Constraints Faced by MSMEs
•	 Limited access to export credit
•	 Complex financial rules
•	 Lack of awareness about export schemes
•	 High compliance costs due to non-tariff 
barriers (NTBs)
•	 US Customs rejected 3,925 Indian shipments 
over 5 years due to sanitary and phytosanitary 
issues.
Government Initiatives to Boost Exports
(i) Export Promotion Mission (Rs 2,250 crore)
•	 Enhance access to export finance
•	 Eliminate NTBs
•	 Address structural and sectoral bottlenecks
(ii) BharatTradeNet and Digital Reforms
•	 A unified digital platform for: Trade 
documentation and Financial transactions
•	 Inspired by systems in Singapore and EU
•	 Real-time monitoring for cost reduction and 
transparency
(iii) Infrastructure Development
• Focus on:
 ¾ Air cargo improvements
 ¾ Geospatial data integration
 ¾ Aim: Lower trade-related costs and 
improve global competitiveness
(iv)  Skill Development and Digital 
Empowerment
• Recalibrated Skill India Mission (2025) 
targeting:
 ¾ Employment generation
 ¾ Export-readiness
 ¾ Support for manufacturing & digital 
sectors
Strategies for Enhancing Export Growth & 
Competitiveness
(i)  Trade Infrastructure and Supply Chain 
Strengthening
• PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala 
to improve multi-modal connectivity
•	 Adoption of:
 ¾ AI-based customs systems
 ¾ Export hubs near ports
(ii)  High-Value Manufacturing & Technology 
Exports
•	 Diversify beyond traditional commodities by 
promoting:
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Solar equipment
 ¾ Electric vehicles (EVs)
•	Tap into global demand for green 
technologies
(iii) Leveraging Trade Agreements
•	 Expand markets through:
 ¾ India-Australia ECTA
 ¾ India-UAE CEPA
•	 Explore non-traditional markets: Latin 
America, Africa, Oceania
(iv) Empowering MSMEs
•	 MSMEs contribute over 45% of India’s 
exports
•	 Integrate:
 ¾ TIES with RAMP
 ¾ Low-interest export finance
 ¾ Global access via GeM
•	 Promote automation, robotics, AI for quality 
and cost efficiency
(v)  Expanding Production Linked Incentives 
(PLI)
•	Cover emerging sectors like precision 
machinery
•	 Merge Digital India with smart 
manufacturing clusters
•	 Support joint ventures with MNCs for:
 ¾ FDI
 ¾ Technology access
Future Competitiveness through Innovation 
and R&D
(i) Investment in Technological Advancements
•	 Rs 20,000 crore allocated for:
 ¾ AI
 ¾ Semiconductors
 ¾ Geospatial technologies
• Goals:
 ¾ Equip youth with future-ready skills
 ¾ Support innovation ecosystems
Page 4


Y O J A N A
Y O J A N A
APRI L 2025
SUMMARY OF
NEW DELHI | AHMEDABAD | ANAND | BHUBANESWAR | CHANDI GARH | DEHRADUN | GANDHI NAGAR | HYDERABAD | I NDORE | 
JAI PUR | KANPUR | KOLKATA | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | PATNA | RAI PUR | RAJKOT | SURAT | THANE | VADODARA | VARANASI
What s app No. 931 32- 1 8734, 82877- 76460 ( cont act @chahal academy . com)
Ski l l I ndi a: The Road Ahead 
Enhanci ng Ski l l s f or Expor t  
Tr ans f or mi ng I ndi a ' s Fi nanci al Lands cape 
Nat i onal Manuf act ur i ng Mi s s i on 
SKI LLI NG I NDI A' S WORKFORCE
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
1
TOPIC 1: ENHANCING SKILLS FOR 
INDIA’S EXPORTS
Introduction
India stands at a critical juncture, where 
embracing an export-led growth strategy can 
significantly reshape its economic destiny. 
Leveraging digital skills, increasing industrial 
capacity, and becoming a reliable partner in 
global value chains (GVCs) can transform India 
into a leading export powerhouse. To achieve 
the $20 trillion economic target, focused efforts 
must be made in:
 ¾ Green and space technology
 ¾ High-value manufacturing
 ¾ Infrastructure improvements
 ¾ Empowerment of MSMEs
Current Trends in Global and Indian Exports
(i) Global T rade Scenario:- Global merchandise 
trade growth slowed to 2% in the previous year. 
(ii) India’s Export Performance: 
• Non-petroleum exports rose by 7%, driven 
by:
 ¾ Chemicals
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Engineering products
 ¾ Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics exports grew from USD 11 billion 
(FY21) to USD 26 billion (FY25).
• Textile exports also rebounded with a 7.6% 
increase (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
•	 Supportive factors include:
 ¾ Incentive-based policies
 ¾ Improved regulatory frameworks
Lessons from Global Examples
•	 Countries like China, South Korea, and 
Vietnam highlight the positive impact of 
export-led growth on economic prosperity.
•	 India needs to:
 ¾ Move beyond its services and capital-
intensive dependence.
 ¾ Leverage its labour force
 ¾ Attract multinational corporations 
(MNCs)
 ¾ Generate over 200 million high-quality 
jobs
Why Export-Led India is the Future
(i) Employment Generation and Inclusive 
Development
•	 Export industries create jobs, addressing 
underemployment.
• PLI schemes spurred smartphone 
manufacturing and job creation.
•	Export-oriented growth promotes 
industrialisation in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, 
especially in:Tamil Nadu , Karnataka, and 
Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Technological and Competitive Advantage
•	 Participation in global value chains enables: 
Technology transfer, Higher productivity, 
and International competitiveness
(iii) Geopolitical Soft Power
•	Enhancing exports boosts economic 
diplomacy and bilateral ties, especially with: 
ASEAN & USA.
•	 Emerging sectors like renewables and green 
energy can lead the global energy transition.
Challenges to India’s Export Growth
(i) Infrastructure and Logistics Constraints
•	 High logistics costs
• Inadequate trade infrastructure
•	 Despite PM Gati Shakti, India’s logistics 
cost-to-GDP remains high.
• Issues include:
 ¾ Port congestion
 ¾ Container shortages
 ¾ Poor last-mile connectivity
(ii) Export Portfolio Limitations
•	 Over-dependence on:
 ¾ IT services
 ¾ Petroleum products
 ¾ Gems and jewellery
• Green energy exports remain 
underdeveloped.
• Lack of value-added exports in agriculture 
and textiles.
(iii) Global and Domestic Trade Barriers
• Protectionism, taxation, and geopolitical 
disruptions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war)
•	 New challenges from:
 ¾ Carbon tariffs
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
2
 ¾Environmental norms in developed 
countries
(iv) Constraints Faced by MSMEs
•	 Limited access to export credit
•	 Complex financial rules
•	 Lack of awareness about export schemes
•	 High compliance costs due to non-tariff 
barriers (NTBs)
•	 US Customs rejected 3,925 Indian shipments 
over 5 years due to sanitary and phytosanitary 
issues.
Government Initiatives to Boost Exports
(i) Export Promotion Mission (Rs 2,250 crore)
•	 Enhance access to export finance
•	 Eliminate NTBs
•	 Address structural and sectoral bottlenecks
(ii) BharatTradeNet and Digital Reforms
•	 A unified digital platform for: Trade 
documentation and Financial transactions
•	 Inspired by systems in Singapore and EU
•	 Real-time monitoring for cost reduction and 
transparency
(iii) Infrastructure Development
• Focus on:
 ¾ Air cargo improvements
 ¾ Geospatial data integration
 ¾ Aim: Lower trade-related costs and 
improve global competitiveness
(iv)  Skill Development and Digital 
Empowerment
• Recalibrated Skill India Mission (2025) 
targeting:
 ¾ Employment generation
 ¾ Export-readiness
 ¾ Support for manufacturing & digital 
sectors
Strategies for Enhancing Export Growth & 
Competitiveness
(i)  Trade Infrastructure and Supply Chain 
Strengthening
• PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala 
to improve multi-modal connectivity
•	 Adoption of:
 ¾ AI-based customs systems
 ¾ Export hubs near ports
(ii)  High-Value Manufacturing & Technology 
Exports
•	 Diversify beyond traditional commodities by 
promoting:
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Solar equipment
 ¾ Electric vehicles (EVs)
•	Tap into global demand for green 
technologies
(iii) Leveraging Trade Agreements
•	 Expand markets through:
 ¾ India-Australia ECTA
 ¾ India-UAE CEPA
•	 Explore non-traditional markets: Latin 
America, Africa, Oceania
(iv) Empowering MSMEs
•	 MSMEs contribute over 45% of India’s 
exports
•	 Integrate:
 ¾ TIES with RAMP
 ¾ Low-interest export finance
 ¾ Global access via GeM
•	 Promote automation, robotics, AI for quality 
and cost efficiency
(v)  Expanding Production Linked Incentives 
(PLI)
•	Cover emerging sectors like precision 
machinery
•	 Merge Digital India with smart 
manufacturing clusters
•	 Support joint ventures with MNCs for:
 ¾ FDI
 ¾ Technology access
Future Competitiveness through Innovation 
and R&D
(i) Investment in Technological Advancements
•	 Rs 20,000 crore allocated for:
 ¾ AI
 ¾ Semiconductors
 ¾ Geospatial technologies
• Goals:
 ¾ Equip youth with future-ready skills
 ¾ Support innovation ecosystems
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
3
(ii)  Reforming Regulatory & Quality 
Frameworks
•	 Establish domestic testing & certification 
systems
•	 Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements 
(MRAs) with trading partners
•	 Partner Quality Council of India (QCI) with 
export councils
(iii) Tapping into Digital Trade & E-Commerce
•	 Promote cross-border digital payments
•	 Integrate Indian sellers into global platforms
•	 Leverage Open Network for Digital 
Commerce (ONDC)
(iv) Building the “Brand India”
•	 Global awareness campaigns to promote:
 ¾ Indian goods and services
 ¾ Quality and authenticity
Expanding Skilled Workforce and Service 
Exports
•	 Train Indian professionals in sectors like:
 ¾ Healthcare
 ¾ IT
 ¾ Construction
•	 Collaborate with countries facing:
 ¾ Labour shortages
 ¾ Ageing populations
•	 Align skill development with host country 
needs
Conclusion
India’s path to becoming a global export leader 
rests on a multi-pronged strategy: Technological 
adoption, export diversification, regulatory 
reform and human capital development. 
Future success will hinge on: Consistent policy 
execution, Digitalisation, Green growth 
practices and strategic global partnerships 
By aligning all stakeholders — government, 
industry, and civil society — India can drive 
inclusive, sustainable, and resilient export-led 
economic development.
TOPIC 2: A DECADE OF 
TRANSFORMATION AND THE ROAD 
AHEAD: SKILL INDIA MISSION AND 
THE FUTURE OF SKILLING
Introduction
The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, 
marked a pivotal shift in India’s approach to 
human capital development. It aimed to address 
the mismatch between the skill sets of the youth 
and industry demands. Over the past decade, 
it has transformed into a holistic, inclusive, 
and technology-driven ecosystem, aligning 
India’s workforce with national goals and global 
opportunities. According to the Ministry of Skill 
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), 
more than 5 crore individuals have been trained 
under various schemes since 2015. This massive 
upskilling push, embedded within the broader 
framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit 
Bharat @2047, reflects India’s aspiration to 
emerge as the “Skill Capital of the World.”
Building a Robust Skilling Framework
(i) Institutional Reforms
• Ministry of Skill Development & 
Entrepreneurship (MSDE): Created in 
2014 to consolidate 20+ fragmented skill 
programmes.
• National Skill Development Mission 
(NSDM): Launched in 2015 to operationalize 
skill training in a structured, scalable, and 
sustainable manner.
(ii) Policy Integration
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
 ¾ Emphasizes vocational integration from 
Grade 6.
 ¾ Promotes multidisciplinary learning, 
with credit-based skill learning.
• National Credit Framework (NCrF), 2023:
 ¾Facilitates mobility between formal 
education and skill tracks.
 ¾ Introduced Academic Bank of Credits 
(ABC) and academic equivalency for ITI 
students.
Page 5


Y O J A N A
Y O J A N A
APRI L 2025
SUMMARY OF
NEW DELHI | AHMEDABAD | ANAND | BHUBANESWAR | CHANDI GARH | DEHRADUN | GANDHI NAGAR | HYDERABAD | I NDORE | 
JAI PUR | KANPUR | KOLKATA | LUCKNOW | MUMBAI | PATNA | RAI PUR | RAJKOT | SURAT | THANE | VADODARA | VARANASI
What s app No. 931 32- 1 8734, 82877- 76460 ( cont act @chahal academy . com)
Ski l l I ndi a: The Road Ahead 
Enhanci ng Ski l l s f or Expor t  
Tr ans f or mi ng I ndi a ' s Fi nanci al Lands cape 
Nat i onal Manuf act ur i ng Mi s s i on 
SKI LLI NG I NDI A' S WORKFORCE
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
1
TOPIC 1: ENHANCING SKILLS FOR 
INDIA’S EXPORTS
Introduction
India stands at a critical juncture, where 
embracing an export-led growth strategy can 
significantly reshape its economic destiny. 
Leveraging digital skills, increasing industrial 
capacity, and becoming a reliable partner in 
global value chains (GVCs) can transform India 
into a leading export powerhouse. To achieve 
the $20 trillion economic target, focused efforts 
must be made in:
 ¾ Green and space technology
 ¾ High-value manufacturing
 ¾ Infrastructure improvements
 ¾ Empowerment of MSMEs
Current Trends in Global and Indian Exports
(i) Global T rade Scenario:- Global merchandise 
trade growth slowed to 2% in the previous year. 
(ii) India’s Export Performance: 
• Non-petroleum exports rose by 7%, driven 
by:
 ¾ Chemicals
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Engineering products
 ¾ Pharmaceuticals
• Electronics exports grew from USD 11 billion 
(FY21) to USD 26 billion (FY25).
• Textile exports also rebounded with a 7.6% 
increase (Ministry of Finance, 2025).
•	 Supportive factors include:
 ¾ Incentive-based policies
 ¾ Improved regulatory frameworks
Lessons from Global Examples
•	 Countries like China, South Korea, and 
Vietnam highlight the positive impact of 
export-led growth on economic prosperity.
•	 India needs to:
 ¾ Move beyond its services and capital-
intensive dependence.
 ¾ Leverage its labour force
 ¾ Attract multinational corporations 
(MNCs)
 ¾ Generate over 200 million high-quality 
jobs
Why Export-Led India is the Future
(i) Employment Generation and Inclusive 
Development
•	 Export industries create jobs, addressing 
underemployment.
• PLI schemes spurred smartphone 
manufacturing and job creation.
•	Export-oriented growth promotes 
industrialisation in Tier 2 & Tier 3 cities, 
especially in:Tamil Nadu , Karnataka, and 
Uttar Pradesh
(ii) Technological and Competitive Advantage
•	 Participation in global value chains enables: 
Technology transfer, Higher productivity, 
and International competitiveness
(iii) Geopolitical Soft Power
•	Enhancing exports boosts economic 
diplomacy and bilateral ties, especially with: 
ASEAN & USA.
•	 Emerging sectors like renewables and green 
energy can lead the global energy transition.
Challenges to India’s Export Growth
(i) Infrastructure and Logistics Constraints
•	 High logistics costs
• Inadequate trade infrastructure
•	 Despite PM Gati Shakti, India’s logistics 
cost-to-GDP remains high.
• Issues include:
 ¾ Port congestion
 ¾ Container shortages
 ¾ Poor last-mile connectivity
(ii) Export Portfolio Limitations
•	 Over-dependence on:
 ¾ IT services
 ¾ Petroleum products
 ¾ Gems and jewellery
• Green energy exports remain 
underdeveloped.
• Lack of value-added exports in agriculture 
and textiles.
(iii) Global and Domestic Trade Barriers
• Protectionism, taxation, and geopolitical 
disruptions (e.g., Russia-Ukraine war)
•	 New challenges from:
 ¾ Carbon tariffs
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
2
 ¾Environmental norms in developed 
countries
(iv) Constraints Faced by MSMEs
•	 Limited access to export credit
•	 Complex financial rules
•	 Lack of awareness about export schemes
•	 High compliance costs due to non-tariff 
barriers (NTBs)
•	 US Customs rejected 3,925 Indian shipments 
over 5 years due to sanitary and phytosanitary 
issues.
Government Initiatives to Boost Exports
(i) Export Promotion Mission (Rs 2,250 crore)
•	 Enhance access to export finance
•	 Eliminate NTBs
•	 Address structural and sectoral bottlenecks
(ii) BharatTradeNet and Digital Reforms
•	 A unified digital platform for: Trade 
documentation and Financial transactions
•	 Inspired by systems in Singapore and EU
•	 Real-time monitoring for cost reduction and 
transparency
(iii) Infrastructure Development
• Focus on:
 ¾ Air cargo improvements
 ¾ Geospatial data integration
 ¾ Aim: Lower trade-related costs and 
improve global competitiveness
(iv)  Skill Development and Digital 
Empowerment
• Recalibrated Skill India Mission (2025) 
targeting:
 ¾ Employment generation
 ¾ Export-readiness
 ¾ Support for manufacturing & digital 
sectors
Strategies for Enhancing Export Growth & 
Competitiveness
(i)  Trade Infrastructure and Supply Chain 
Strengthening
• PM Gati Shakti, Bharatmala, and Sagarmala 
to improve multi-modal connectivity
•	 Adoption of:
 ¾ AI-based customs systems
 ¾ Export hubs near ports
(ii)  High-Value Manufacturing & Technology 
Exports
•	 Diversify beyond traditional commodities by 
promoting:
 ¾ Electronics
 ¾ Solar equipment
 ¾ Electric vehicles (EVs)
•	Tap into global demand for green 
technologies
(iii) Leveraging Trade Agreements
•	 Expand markets through:
 ¾ India-Australia ECTA
 ¾ India-UAE CEPA
•	 Explore non-traditional markets: Latin 
America, Africa, Oceania
(iv) Empowering MSMEs
•	 MSMEs contribute over 45% of India’s 
exports
•	 Integrate:
 ¾ TIES with RAMP
 ¾ Low-interest export finance
 ¾ Global access via GeM
•	 Promote automation, robotics, AI for quality 
and cost efficiency
(v)  Expanding Production Linked Incentives 
(PLI)
•	Cover emerging sectors like precision 
machinery
•	 Merge Digital India with smart 
manufacturing clusters
•	 Support joint ventures with MNCs for:
 ¾ FDI
 ¾ Technology access
Future Competitiveness through Innovation 
and R&D
(i) Investment in Technological Advancements
•	 Rs 20,000 crore allocated for:
 ¾ AI
 ¾ Semiconductors
 ¾ Geospatial technologies
• Goals:
 ¾ Equip youth with future-ready skills
 ¾ Support innovation ecosystems
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
3
(ii)  Reforming Regulatory & Quality 
Frameworks
•	 Establish domestic testing & certification 
systems
•	 Sign Mutual Recognition Agreements 
(MRAs) with trading partners
•	 Partner Quality Council of India (QCI) with 
export councils
(iii) Tapping into Digital Trade & E-Commerce
•	 Promote cross-border digital payments
•	 Integrate Indian sellers into global platforms
•	 Leverage Open Network for Digital 
Commerce (ONDC)
(iv) Building the “Brand India”
•	 Global awareness campaigns to promote:
 ¾ Indian goods and services
 ¾ Quality and authenticity
Expanding Skilled Workforce and Service 
Exports
•	 Train Indian professionals in sectors like:
 ¾ Healthcare
 ¾ IT
 ¾ Construction
•	 Collaborate with countries facing:
 ¾ Labour shortages
 ¾ Ageing populations
•	 Align skill development with host country 
needs
Conclusion
India’s path to becoming a global export leader 
rests on a multi-pronged strategy: Technological 
adoption, export diversification, regulatory 
reform and human capital development. 
Future success will hinge on: Consistent policy 
execution, Digitalisation, Green growth 
practices and strategic global partnerships 
By aligning all stakeholders — government, 
industry, and civil society — India can drive 
inclusive, sustainable, and resilient export-led 
economic development.
TOPIC 2: A DECADE OF 
TRANSFORMATION AND THE ROAD 
AHEAD: SKILL INDIA MISSION AND 
THE FUTURE OF SKILLING
Introduction
The Skill India Mission, launched in 2015, 
marked a pivotal shift in India’s approach to 
human capital development. It aimed to address 
the mismatch between the skill sets of the youth 
and industry demands. Over the past decade, 
it has transformed into a holistic, inclusive, 
and technology-driven ecosystem, aligning 
India’s workforce with national goals and global 
opportunities. According to the Ministry of Skill 
Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), 
more than 5 crore individuals have been trained 
under various schemes since 2015. This massive 
upskilling push, embedded within the broader 
framework of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit 
Bharat @2047, reflects India’s aspiration to 
emerge as the “Skill Capital of the World.”
Building a Robust Skilling Framework
(i) Institutional Reforms
• Ministry of Skill Development & 
Entrepreneurship (MSDE): Created in 
2014 to consolidate 20+ fragmented skill 
programmes.
• National Skill Development Mission 
(NSDM): Launched in 2015 to operationalize 
skill training in a structured, scalable, and 
sustainable manner.
(ii) Policy Integration
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:
 ¾ Emphasizes vocational integration from 
Grade 6.
 ¾ Promotes multidisciplinary learning, 
with credit-based skill learning.
• National Credit Framework (NCrF), 2023:
 ¾Facilitates mobility between formal 
education and skill tracks.
 ¾ Introduced Academic Bank of Credits 
(ABC) and academic equivalency for ITI 
students.
YOJANA April 2025: SKILLING INDIA’S WORKFORCE 2025-26
4
Industry Linkages and Apprenticeship 
Expansion
(i) Strengthening Industry Connect
• 100+ industry consultations led to revised 
curricula in line with market needs.
•	 Introduction of:
 ¾ Dual System of Training (DST) in ITIs.
 ¾ Flexi MoUs to enable customized training.
(ii) Revamping Apprenticeship Ecosystem
• National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme 
(NAPS):
 ¾ Over 42 lakh apprentices trained across 
50,000+ establishments.
 ¾ Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures 
transparency.
(iii)  Accelerated Employment Development 
Programme (AEDP)
•	 Fast-tracks skilling in high-growth sectors.
•	 Industry partners: Samsung, Dassault, IBM, 
Microsoft have co-developed specialized 
modules.
Embracing Technology and Digital Skilling
(i) Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)
•	 AI/VR-powered learning, career mapping.
•	 Digital Skill Card with portable credentials.
•	 Real-time analytics on skill uptake and 
employability.
(ii) Focus Areas
•	 Skilling in emerging domains:
 ¾ Artificial Intelligence (AI)
 ¾ Internet of Things (IoT)
 ¾ Electric Vehicles (EVs)
 ¾ Renewable Energy (Green Hydrogen)
•	Partnership with Google, Microsoft, 
NVIDIA for AI skilling access.
Internationalisation of Skilling
(i) Global Workforce Demand
• 3.7 million jobs identified across 16 countries 
(2023 study).
•	 Focus countries: Japan, Germany, UAE, 
Israel, Australia
(ii) Infrastructure for Global Mobility
• 30 Skill India International Centres (SIICs) : 
Offer certification, foreign language training, 
and soft skills.
•	 India’s WorldSkills rank improved from 
39th (2011) to 13th (2024), showcasing 
competitiveness.