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July 7, 2025 Current Affairs
Mains Analysis
AI Warfare and Multi-Domain Operations: Challenges and Opportunities for India As the nature of warfare transforms through the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), global military dynamics are shifting rapidly. Nations like China are pioneering AI-enabled multi-domain operations, creating strategic challenges for countries like India. This article examines how AI is revolutionizing modern combat—from autonomous systems and data-driven decision-making to cyber and electromagnetic warfare—and explores the critical role of energy, particularly nuclear power, in sustaining this AI-driven defence paradigm. It also emphasizes the urgency for India to bridge its technological and energy deficits to remain competitive in this emerging landscape. 1. China''s Lead in Military AI Integration China has taken a clear lead in operationalizing AI within its military, well before the public launch of models like DeepSeek. Under its concept of "intelligentised warfare," the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has integrated AI into several core functions:
This early and rapid development places China at a significant strategic advantage. 2. The China-Pakistan AI Axis: Strategic Implications for India China’s collaboration with Pakistan in military AI is raising alarm in Indian strategic circles. Since the establishment of Pakistan’s Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing in 2020, Chinese assistance has focused on:
This growing axis underscores the need for India to take urgent countermeasures in defence AI. 3. C4ISR and the Case for Civil-Military Fusion A cornerstone of AI-driven warfare is effective C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance). Mastery in virtual domains such as:
...demands seamless civil-military integration. China’s fusion of its civilian tech industry with military objectives exemplifies this model, while India still lags in implementing such synergy. To bridge this gap, India must:
4. Energy Infrastructure: The Hidden Pillar of AI Warfare AI-enabled warfare operates on vast amounts of data requiring constant and massive energy inputs. From machine learning and NLP to big data analytics, the energy demand is unprecedented.
5. India’s Nuclear Energy Gap: A Strategic Vulnerability India’s current nuclear power capacity is only 7.5 GW, about one-third of South Korea’s. This poses a serious hurdle in supporting AI-intensive military systems. Key concerns include:
Strategic planners are now revisiting nuclear and private thermal options to ensure energy resilience. 6. India’s Legacy in Military AI Development India was an early entrant in military AI, having established the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) under DRDO in 1986. CAIR has worked on:
However, despite this head start, India’s advancements have been incremental compared to China''s aggressive AI expansion and its active support to Pakistan’s military tech sector. 7. Global Case Studies: Ukraine and Israel Recent conflicts have highlighted how AI is already shaping warfare:
These examples offer valuable lessons for India in operationalizing AI for real-world combat scenarios. Conclusion: Technology + Energy = Strategic Superiority AI is redefining the nature of modern warfare, offering unprecedented speed, precision, and autonomy. However, its success is fundamentally tied to stable and scalable energy infrastructure. For India to emerge as a serious player in AI-driven, multi-domain operations, it must invest not only in cutting-edge defence technologies but also in the energy ecosystems—particularly nuclear power—that will fuel them. India’s window for strategic catch-up is narrowing. Bridging its AI, energy, and civil-military integration gaps is no longer optional—it''s essential. |
India’s Invisible Trade: Why Services and Remittances Now Drive the Economy When we think of international trade, images of ships laden with containers and cargo aircrafts often come to mind. Yet, in today''s global economy, intangible flows—such as services, remittances, capital, and data—are playing an increasingly central role. For India, this shift has been especially transformative. In fact, these “invisible” components of trade now outpace the country''s physical exports in shaping its external economic position. This article explores how India’s trade narrative needs to evolve in step with this quiet but powerful transformation. 1. India’s Changing Trade Profile: From Tangibles to Intangibles Stagnation in Goods, Surge in Invisibles India’s merchandise exports expanded rapidly from $66.3 billion in 2003–04 to $318.6 billion by 2013–14, but growth has since plateaued. After reaching a high of $456.1 billion in 2022–23, exports declined to $441.8 billion in 2024–25. In contrast, invisible receipts—primarily services exports and remittances—have demonstrated consistent, long-term growth, rising from $53.5 billion in 2003–04 to $576.5 billion in 2024–25. In 2013–14, goods exports exceeded invisibles by $85 billion. By 2024–25, invisibles surpassed merchandise trade by $135 billion—a historic reversal. 2. Time to Rethink Trade Narratives Despite this shift, trade policy and diplomacy continue to focus disproportionately on physical goods. Even in key negotiations—such as those with the United States—issues like textile tariffs and agricultural access dominate, while services trade and worker mobility remain sidelined. India’s external engagement is increasingly intangible. A policy framework fixated on cargo and customs risks overlooking the actual drivers of India’s global economic integration. 3. Breaking Down India’s Invisible Trade Services Exports: The Backbone In 2024–25, services accounted for $387.5 billion of India''s invisible receipts—up from just $26.9 billion in 2003–04 and $151.8 billion in 2013–14. These include:
Remittances: The Global Indian Dividend Remittances contributed $135.4 billion in 2024–25, up from $22.2 billion in 2003–04. This is fueled by India''s expansive diaspora—from skilled professionals in the U.S. and Europe to migrant workers across the Gulf. Together, services and remittances make up a resilient and growing component of India''s foreign earnings. 4. Resilience Without Incentives Unlike physical exports, invisibles have grown steadily without reliance on trade agreements, export incentives, or production-linked schemes. They’ve proven resilient to:
This durability highlights their strategic importance. Yet, they remain underrepresented in formal trade discussions and economic policymaking. 5. India vs. China: Contrasting Global Trade Models India’s Invisible Surplus vs. Merchandise Deficit
China’s Opposite Pattern
Where China dominates as the “factory of the world,” India is emerging as the “office of the world,” offering skilled services, digital infrastructure, and human capital on a global scale. 6. Conclusion: Invisible Trade, Visible Impact India’s global economic engagement is no longer defined by goods shipped across borders. Services and remittances have become the real drivers of trade performance, resilience, and foreign exchange stability. Recognizing this shift requires more than statistical acknowledgement—it demands a recalibration of trade strategy. From diplomatic negotiations to investment priorities, India must place invisibles at the heart of its external economic agenda. In the 21st century, India''s greatest exports may not be things—but skills, services, and ideas. |
India Opposes Amendments to Plant Treaty over Sovereignty and Farmers’ Rights India has strongly opposed proposed amendments to the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA), raising alarm over potential threats to national sovereignty, farmers'' rights, and federal autonomy. As negotiations unfold in Peru, Indian officials, agricultural experts, and farmers'' groups are united in rejecting proposals that could obligate the country to relinquish control over its plant genetic resources. 1. The Plant Treaty: An Overview The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture, adopted in 2001 under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, is a legally binding agreement aimed at:
India ratified the treaty in 2002. 2. What’s Changing? The Peru Negotiations and Annex I Amendments The 10th Governing Body session of the Plant Treaty, taking place in Peru from July 7 to 11, 2025, is reviewing a proposal to amend Annex I of the treaty. The key change under consideration is: Expanding the Multilateral System (MLS) to cover all PGRFA—effectively requiring countries to place all plant germplasm into a shared international system. This would replace the treaty’s current scope, which only mandates access to a list of select food crops vital to global food security. 3. India’s Core Objections: Sovereignty and Farmers’ Rights at Stake India''s concerns are focused on how these changes would affect its seed sovereignty and farmers’ autonomy. Major farmers’ groups, including the Bharath Beej Swaraj Manch and Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh, have expressed opposition, arguing that:
4. Institutional and Diplomatic Position India’s delegation to the Peru meeting is led by Dr. Sunil Archak, Principal Scientist at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). He also co-chairs the Ad Hoc Working Group negotiating the proposed changes. ICAR has assured that India’s national interests and farmers’ rights will be protected, stating that Dr. Archak is well-qualified to represent the country’s position. 5. Federal Concerns: States Demand Consultation The Kerala Government has raised constitutional concerns, pointing out that:
6. Broader Implications for India’s Agricultural Policy If the proposed amendments are adopted:
Conclusion: A Critical Moment for India’s Seed Sovereignty India''s resistance to the proposed changes in the Plant Treaty reflects a larger battle for control over biological heritage and traditional agricultural practices. As the negotiations continue in Peru, India’s stance sends a clear message: international frameworks must not come at the cost of national sovereignty, farmers’ rights, and constitutional federalism. |
Embracing Genetic Innovation for India’s Agricultural Future Context India is under growing international pressure to liberalize its agricultural biotechnology regime, especially regarding genetically modified (GM) crops. Yet, domestic progress in agricultural biotech remains stalled due to regulatory and political constraints. Currently, only Bt cotton is approved for commercial cultivation, while key innovations like GM mustard and Bt brinjal remain stuck in bureaucratic limbo. The State of Indian Agriculture 1. Declining Productivity and Global Lag
2. Limited Biotech Penetration
3. Technological Disparities
Government Interventions and Policy Evolution
Major Challenges
Key Concerns Over GM Crops
Why Genetic Innovation Still Matters
Conclusion India’s agricultural growth cannot rely solely on traditional methods or trade protectionism. Science-led innovation—anchored in transparent regulation and farmer-centric policy—is essential to improve yields, ensure food security, and maintain global competitiveness. Commercializing rigorously tested GM crops like Bt brinjal and GM mustard is no longer just a technological choice, but a strategic imperative for India’s rural prosperity and future resilience. |
Indian Army Unveils Comprehensive Defence Modernisation Roadmap The Indian Army has introduced a forward-looking modernisation roadmap aimed at transforming its warfighting capabilities to meet the complex demands of future multi-domain warfare. The plan focuses on technological integration, operational synergy, and indigenous innovation. Key Pillars of the Modernisation Strategy 1. Advanced Weapon Systems
2. Cyber and Electronic Warfare (EW)
3. Soldier-Centric Technological Enhancements
4. Logistics and Infrastructure Modernisation
5. Tri-Sectoral Synergy
National Initiatives Supporting Defence Modernisation
Conclusion The Indian Army’s modernisation roadmap reflects a decisive shift toward tech-driven, network-centric warfare. By investing in cutting-edge systems, soldier welfare, and seamless logistics—supported by institutional reform and public-private collaboration—India aims to build a future-ready force that is agile, autonomous, and resilient. |
Prelims Bytes
National Biobank: Advancing India’s Genomic and Health Research Overview The National Biobank, recently inaugurated at the CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology (IGIB), is a major initiative under the Phenome India Project. It aims to create a comprehensive, long-term database of health, genomic, and lifestyle data from 10,000 individuals across India. This biobank is poised to become a cornerstone of biomedical research in India by capturing the country''s vast genetic, geographic, ethnic, and socio-economic diversity. Key Features of the National Biobank
About the Phenome India Project Official Name: Phenome India–CSIR Health Cohort Knowledgebase (PI-CheCK) Launched by: Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) on December 7, 2023 Primary Objective: To develop India-specific risk prediction models for cardio-metabolic disorders such as:
Participants: Approximately 10,000 individuals, primarily consisting of:
Significance
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Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): India’s Nuclear Watchdog Recent Development The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) has recently granted operational licenses for two indigenously developed 700 MWe Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) in Gujarat. This marks a significant step forward in India''s nuclear energy self-reliance. What is a PHWR?
Development History
How Does a PHWR Work?
Key Features of the 700 MWe PHWRs
Significance of the Recent License
About AERB Establishment and Legal Authority
Mission To ensure that the use of ionizing radiation and nuclear energy in India does not pose undue risk to human health or the environment. Functions and Regulatory Role
Organizational Structure
Importance of AERB Licensing
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National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Overview: About NCM:
Minority Communities Recognized:
Composition and Tenure:
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Aadhaar-based Face Authentication (FaceAuth) Context: About Aadhaar-based Face Authentication:
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National Medical Commission (NMC) Recent Development: The NMC has issued the Medical Institutions (Qualifications of Faculty) Regulations, 2025 through the Post Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), its autonomous body. About NMC:
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National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) Recent Judgment: NCLAT ruled that the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 does not have the power to override the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002. About NCLAT:
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Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 Context: About the Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018:
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Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV): A Rare but Fatal Zoonotic Threat Recent Context An Australian man has recently died after contracting the Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), highlighting the persistent but low-frequency threat posed by this deadly virus. About ABLV
Transmission
Symptoms in Humans
Public Health Implication Emphasizes the importance of bat handling precautions, immediate wound cleaning, and post-exposure vaccination if contact with a bat occurs. |
Dudhwa Tiger Reserve (DTR) Recent Update: The leopard population in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve has increased by nearly 199% since 2022. About Dudhwa Tiger Reserve:
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Wildlife Institute of India (WII): Strengthening Wildlife Research and Conservation Recent Update A review by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has called for integrated scientific, infrastructural, and community-based efforts to enhance the ecological management of wildlife sanctuaries in Andhra Pradesh. Overview of WII
Mandate and Role
Research and Training Areas
Objectives of WII
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Satkosia Tiger Reserve Recent Development: The Odisha government recently issued a tender for the construction of a high-level bridge over the Mahanadi River, near the ecologically sensitive Satkosia Tiger Reserve, sparking fresh controversy. About Satkosia Tiger Reserve:
Geographical and Ecological Significance:
Vegetation and Flora:
Fauna:
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Seine River Recent Update: For the first time since 1923, swimmers officially returned to the River Seine on Saturday, marking the reopening of this iconic French waterway for public bathing after more than a century. About the Seine River:
Course and Geography:
River Sections: The Seine’s course is divided into five distinct sections:
Additional Details:
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Pethia dibrugarhensis Discovery: About Pethia dibrugarhensis:
Distinctive Features:
What Are Barb Fishes?
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AIR LORA Context: About AIR LORA:
Key Features:
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Penico: Peru’s Newly Unearthed Ancient City Context: About Penico:
Key Features:
Significance:
Relation to Caral Civilization:
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Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901–1953) Tribute: About Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee:
Key Contributions:
Literary Works:
Values:
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17th BRICS Summit Context: About BRICS:
Rio de Janeiro Declaration Highlights
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Prime Minister’s Visit to Brazil Context: About the LAC Region:
India-LAC Economic Relations:
Trade Details:
Trade Agreements:
Strategic Cooperation:
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