[UPPSC-UP Special Syllabus Decoded] Trade, Commerce, and Industries of UP

1. Industrial Policy & Investment Ecosystem

Trend: Shift from general policy questions to “Sector-Specific Policies” (e.g., Data Center, FDI) and “Investment Summits” outcomes.

A. Industrial Policies

• UP Industrial Investment & Employment Promotion Policy 2022: Key Incentives, Land Bank.
• New Sectoral Policies : UP FDI Policy 2025, UP Semiconductor Policy 2024, UP Warehousing & Logistics Policy.

B. Investment Facilitation: Nivesh Mitra: Single Window System :Invest UP: The dedicated agency for investment promotion; Ground Breaking Ceremonies (GBC): Transition from MoU signing to actual project implementation.

Current Affairs Linkage :

• GBC-5 (Nov 2025): Targeted to launch projects worth ₹10 Lakh Crore, focusing on renewable energy and data centers.
• GIS 2026: Roadmap unveiled for the Global Investors Summit (Feb 2026), targeting foreign investments from nations like Japan and South Korea.

2. Key Industries & Manufacturing Hubs

Trend: Questions on “Traditional Industries” (Sugar, Textile) vs. “Sunrise Sectors” (EV, Defense).

A. Traditional Industries

• Sugar Industry: UP is the largest ethanol producer
• Textile & Handloom: Clusters: Varanasi, Bhadohi, Kanpur, Lucknow (Chikankari).

• PM MITRA Park: Mega textile park approved in Lucknow-Hardoi (1,000+ acres).

• MSME Sector: 90 Lakh+ units (highest in India): Schemes: Vishwakarma Shram Samman Yojana, ODOP Margin Money Scheme.

B. Sunrise Sectors

• Defense Manufacturing: UP Defense Industrial Corridor (UPDIC) Investments
• IT & Electronics: Data Centers; Electronics Manufacturing Clusters (EMC)

3. One District One Product (ODOP) Scheme

Trend: “Export Potential” and “Global Branding” of local crafts.

A. Scheme Structure

• Objective: Preserving indigenous crafts and boosting district-level GDP.
• Support: Common Facility Centers (CFCs), Marketing Development Assistance (MDA), and Skill Development.

B. Success Stories

• Exports: UP exports touched ₹1.71 Lakh Crore (2023-24), with ODOP products like Moradabad Brass and Firozabad Glass leading.
• E-Commerce: Tie-ups with Amazon/Flipkart to take rural artisans global.
• G20 Impact: ODOP gifts to foreign delegates (e.g., Kannauj Ittra, Banaras Pink Meenakari) boosted global visibility.

Current Affairs Linkage :

• ODOP Marts: Establishment of “Unity Malls” in Agra, Varanasi, and Lucknow to showcase ODOP products under one roof.
• GI Tags: UP leads with the second-highest number of GI tags (75+), including recent additions like Banaras Tirangi Barfi and Jalesar Metal Craft.

4. Infrastructure for Trade (Logistics)

Trend: “Connectivity” leading to “Industrial Corridors.”

A. Expressways (The Economic Spine)

• Ganga Expressway (594 km): Main carriageway operational by late 2025; linking West UP to East UP.
• Bundelkhand Expressway: Transforming a backward region into a defense logistics hub.
• Gorakhpur Link Expressway: Boosting trade in the Terai region.

B. Multi-Modal Connectivity

• Air: Noida International Airport (Jewar) – Trial flights in late 2025; set to be Asia’s largest cargo hub.
• Water: National Waterway-1 (Varanasi-Haldia): Multi-modal terminal at Varanasi facilitating freight movement.
• Rail: Eastern & Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) meeting at Dadri, making UP the logistics center of North India.

5. New Industrial Cities & Urbanization

Trend: “New Townships” and “Special Investment Regions.”

A. Bundelkhand Industrial Development Authority (BIDA)

• Location: Jhansi.
• Significance: First new industrial city established after NOIDA (1976); aimed at anchoring the Defense Corridor.

B. Greater Noida & YEIDA

• Medical Device Park: Upcoming in Greater Noida (North India’s first).
• Toy Park & Apparel Park: Specialized clusters in the Yamuna Expressway region (YEIDA).