Editorial-analysis

Context On August 5, 2019, Article 370 was revoked and Jammu & Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory. The move aimed at national integration, development, and peace. Six yearson, progress across politics, security, economy, and tourism is mixed, with enduring structural and governance challenges. Political Developments – Democratic Revival with Limited Authority Resumption of Electoral Politics Security – Progress Undone by Pahalgam AttackDecline in Terrorism and MilitancyYear Terrorists Neutralised Local Militant Recruits2019 104 1292024 67 152025 28 1Militancy-related violence has dropped sharply. There have been no recent stone-pelting incidents, hartals, or abductions. Pahalgam Attack Economy – Investment and Revenue Surges Industrial Investments Economic Growth Trends – A Disappointing Performance HTTPS://THECIVILWAY.CO.IN/ 9935082255, 9214077678 Employment and Industrial Slowdown Capital Formation and Investment Reality Fiscal Health and Rising Debt Credit Constraints and Capital Scarcity Inflation and Wage Dynamics HTTPS://THECIVILWAY.CO.IN/ 9935082255, 9214077678 Tourism – High Growth Amid Security Fragility Structural Constraints and Future Outlook ConclusionSix years after Article 370’s abrogation, Jammu & Kashmir displays gains in security andinvestment but continues to face restricted political authority, fiscal fragility, and private-sectorhesitancy. The Pahalgam attack underscores that peace and prosperity must advance in tandem.Addressing structural weaknesses and catalysing private investment are imperative to fulfil thepromise of integration and lasting development.

Executive SummaryThe India–U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) reorients India’s intellectual property (IP) policy by elevating voluntary licensing over compulsory licensing.This shift, enshrined in Chapter 13, Article 13.6, risks undermining India’s hard-won safeguards for affordable medicines and weakens its leverage on technology transfer—both vital for public health and sustainable development. Context CETA’s Chapter 13 governs IP rights and includes Article 13.6: “The Parties recognise the preferable and optimal route to promote and ensure access to medicines is through voluntary mechanisms, such as voluntary licensing which may include technology transfer on mutually agreed terms.” India’s acquiescence marks a departure from its historical advocacy for compulsory licensing to curb high drug prices and enforce patent “working” requirements. Dilution of Compulsory Licensing Erosion of Policy Safeguards Problems with Voluntary Licensing Broader Implications: Technology Transfer RecommendationsStakeholder Action ItemMinistry of Commerce & Industry Reaffirm compulsory licensing as a primary tool forpublic health safeguards.Department of Pharmaceuticals Maintain annual patent working reports to preservetransparency and trigger mechanisms.Ministry of External Affairs Renegotiate Article 13.6 to balance voluntary licenseswith compulsory licensing rights.Ministry of Environment, Forest &Climate ChangeLeverage CETA negotiations to safeguard demands fortechnology transfer on favourable terms. Conclusion CETA’s tilt toward voluntary licensing and relaxed IP reporting undermines India’s capacity to secure affordable medicines and essential technology. Safeguarding compulsory licensing and robust patent “working” requirements is imperative to protect public health, uphold India’s leadership among developing nations, and maintain leverage in climate and technologynegotiations.