First Dr. P. S. Rao Memorial Essay Writing Competition, 2026 NALSAR
The Centre for International Trade and Business Laws (CITBL) at NALSAR University of Law has announced the First Dr. P. S. Rao Memorial Essay Writing Competition, 2026. This competition aims to promote critical thinking on global trade, development, and emerging legal challenges in a rapidly evolving international landscape.
About the NALSAR University of Law
- A premier law university in India known for excellence in legal education and research
- Focuses on interdisciplinary legal studies and global policy engagement
- Produces leading scholars, policymakers, and legal professionals
Centre for International Trade and Business Laws (CITBL)
- Established in September 2022
- Founded under the patronage of Justice B. P. Jeevan Reddy (former Supreme Court judge)
- Dedicated to advancing research in:
- International trade law
- Commercial law
- Global business regulation
- Aims to:
- Promote high-quality academic research
- Facilitate policy discussions
- Encourage international collaboration
Academic Collaborations
- Centre for International Trade Law, IIFT, New Delhi
- World Trade Institute, University of Bern, Switzerland
About Dr. P. S. Rao
- Full name: Dr. Premmaraju Sreenivasa Rao
- First Director of CITBL
- Former head of Legal and Treaties Division, Ministry of External Affairs
- Served as India’s Chief Legal Adviser on international law (1985–2002)
- Ad hoc Judge at the International Court of Justice
- Member of the International Law Commission (1987–2006)
- Held positions such as:
- Special Rapporteur
- Chairman of the Commission
- Visiting Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University
- Special Adviser to the Attorney-General of Qatar
About the Essay Writing Competition
Theme
“Critical Minerals, Digital Economy, and Global Value Chains: Rethinking Trade and Development”
Objective
- Encourage interdisciplinary legal research
- Promote understanding of global trade challenges
- Explore innovative policy and legal frameworks
- Address emerging issues in:
- Technology
- Sustainability
- Economic governance
Key Focus Areas
- Growing importance of critical minerals in global trade
- Impact of digital economy on development
- Transformation of global value chains
- Legal and policy challenges in international trade
Sub-Themes
Participants can write on the following or related topics:
- Trade, security, and geopolitics of critical minerals
- Deep sea mining and legal challenges
- Critical minerals and digital transformation
- Role of developing countries in global value chains
- Human rights and environmental accountability
- Critical minerals and green energy transition
- India’s strategic interests in international trade
Note: Topics are flexible within the main theme.
Eligibility Criteria
- Undergraduate law students (3-year or 5-year LL.B.)
- Postgraduate law students (LL.M. or equivalent)
- Students from related fields:
- International trade
- Environmental studies
- Natural resources policy
- Mineral governance
Awards and Benefits
Prize Money
- First Prize: ₹10,000
- Second Prize: ₹7,000
- Third Prize: ₹5,000
Additional Opportunities
- Presentation at CITBL Conference (fee waiver may apply)
- Opportunity for virtual internship with CITBL
Registration Details
- Single author: ₹450
- Co-authored (maximum 2 authors): ₹700
- Fee is non-refundable
Important Dates
- Registration Opens: 28 April 2026
- Last Date for Registration & Submission: 30 June 2026
How to Apply
- Notification: Click Here
- Register Here: Click Here
Contact Information
For queries, participants can contact:
Email: citbl@nalsar.ac.in
