India's Expansion of Free Trade Agreements Context: The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry has stated that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are currently being finalized with 12 additional countries and blocs, including Brazil. India has already signed Free Trade Agreements with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), the European Union (EU), the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) which comprises four European nations Australia, Mauritius, Oman, and New Zealand. Compared to the previous financial year, the country's exports have registered an increase during the first three weeks of the current month of April. This growth has been recorded despite the challenges posed by the conflict in West Asia. India is currently engaged in negotiations for Free Trade Agreements with Chile, Peru, Israel, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Canada, South Africa and its neighboring regions, Brazil and its neighboring countries, and Russia. Accordingly, 12 additional agreements are currently in the pipeline. Current Facts Rithika Sri from Tamil Nadu has made history by becoming India’s first transgender cricket umpire. This achievement comes after the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association introduced an ‘Other’ category in its umpire examination system, paving the way for greater inclusivity.
