What caused ‘human-made hunger crisis’ in Gaza: UNRWA’s senior official explains

• An estimated 50 people were shot at and injured in Rafah this week after thousands of Palestinians desperate for food swarmed an aid distribution site operated by Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an NGO backed by the US and Israel.
• Gaza had been under a total blockade for almost three months until this week. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has said it cannot work with GHF. Jake Wood, head of GHF, quit on May 25, saying its work was not in accordance with “humanitarian principles”.

Is famine imminent in Gaza?

• Since the assessment of the [UN-backed] Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) came out the situation has worsened every day. There is a human-made hunger crisis in Gaza.
• Even before the [January 19 to March 18] ceasefire [between Hamas and Israel], there were famine-like conditions in pockets of Gaza as the amount of aid that was allowed to enter was pitiful compared to the needs.
• The ceasefire allowed international organisations and NGOs to scale up aid to the minimum required level, which helped stave off hunger in the initial days. But as soon as the blockade began [on March 2] and the ceasefire collapsed, these organisations began to ration the aid. No aid was allowed for nearly 11 weeks, which led to food insecurity.
• This is against international humanitarian law. One cannot starve populations as part of a military goal (Article 54 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions). Israel cannot use food as leverage to get hostages released.

Why have the UN and other aid agencies refused to work with GHF?

• Under the new distribution system, pockets have been created where people can come to collect aid. This is incompatible with the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. Aid has to go to people who need it, wherever they may be. Otherwise it would exclude people who have disabilities, who are injured, or are unable to move easily.
• Limiting aid distribution to restricted collection points also risks augmenting the forced displacement of the population. People in Gaza have already been displaced once a month on average since the start of the war. They are being squashed into supposed safe zones, which are not safe at all.

What is the situation like for aid workers in Gaza now?

• Gaza is currently the most dangerous place in the world for aid workers. Our staff, who are overwhelmingly Palestinian, have been dying regularly since the beginning of this war. (More than 400 aid workers, including more than 300 UNRWA staffers, have been killed so far.) There is no precedent for such a high number of UN staff being killed in any conflict since the organisation was formed in 1945.
• We have repeatedly seen the failure of proportionality. International humanitarian law says decisions must be based on the proportional potential impact on non-combatants. One cannot bomb a camp full of displaced people to kill five combatants, or target aid workers, hospitals, schools.
• Aid workers are also facing the hunger crisis in Gaza. They too are losing their relatives. Our colleagues have pulled the bodies of their children from under the rubble; some have been unable to even retrieve the bodies.

How has Israel’s ban on UNRWA’s operations impacted its work?

• The two laws passed in October 2024 came into effect at the end of January. The first prohibited UNRWA from operating in Israel’s sovereign territory. This impacted UNRWA’s operations in East Jerusalem, which is an occupied territory in the eyes of international law.
• Visas of international UNRWA staff were curtailed; they had to vacate the organisation’s facility in East Jerusalem. Israeli authorities forcibly closed UNRWA schools in East Jerusalem, denying around 800 students their right to education. There is a fear that UNRWA clinics, on which some 70,000 Palestinians depend, will be shut down.
• The second law, which barred contact between UNRWA and Israeli officials, has severely impacted operations in the West Bank and Gaza. UNRWA had a formal line of communication with the Israeli military, which helped in certain situations such as when children needed to be evacuated from school in case of a nearby military operation. This does not happen now.

What is UNRWA’s role currently in Gaza?

• UNRWA is not banned from operating in Gaza as the law prohibits operations only in Israel’s sovereign territories. UNRWA is the largest humanitarian agency working in the Strip; it has 12,000 members there; the rest of the UN system has 300.
• It also has a large logistical network including several warehouses for aid. It has set up mobile healthcare points, its staff go from tent to tent to treat patients.
• More than 20,000 children are part of UNRWA’s ‘Back to Learning’ initiative, which has play activities, psychosocial social support, basic literacy, numeracy, etc. UNRWA’s sanitation labourers collect trash and clean refugee camps. UNRWA does not run these camps, only provides facilities and services in them.
• UNRWA “as a whole” has been accused of being “a haven for Hamas’ radical ideology”. How does it ensure that its operations and staff remain neutral?
• There are solid mechanisms to deal with people who breach or allegedly breach UN impartiality rules. Whenever allegations have emerged, staff have been sanctioned depending on the nature of breaches of neutrality.
• If there are allegations against a dozen staff members or even 50, they are not representative of the entire organisation, which has 30,000 people.
• Last year, the Israelis made allegations against 19 staff members. UNRWA immediately moved to suspend them, and handed over investigations to the UN’s Office of Internal Oversight Services. The Office struggled to get any evidence from the Israeli authorities. In nine cases, it was felt that there was a sufficient balance of probability that the staff may have been involved in some unspecified breaches of neutrality. Their termination was upheld.

What role can countries like India play in the crisis in Gaza?

• Any country that believes in the importance of multilateralism needs to advocate for international law, and decisions of the International Court of Justice and UN General Assembly, to be upheld in Gaza. Multilateralism is not perfect, but it is the best system that currently exists. If it is destroyed, the world will become much more dangerous.

Study: Only 24% present-day glaciers will remain if world gets warmer by 2.7°C

• If the world gets warmer by 2.7°C due to the current trajectory of climate policies, only 24% of the world’s present-day glaciers will remain, said a new study published signalling that glaciers are more sensitive to global warming than had been previously estimated.
• India’s key river basins – Ganga, Indus and Brahmaputra – support millions of livelihoods in north India, north east and the Indo-Gangetic plains. In the Hindu Kush Himalayas, only 25% of ice from 2020 levels will be left at 2°C of warming.
  To get these results, a team of 21 scientists from 10 countries used eight glacier models to calculate the potential ice loss of the more than 200,000 glaciers worldwide, under a wide range of global temperature scenarios.

Here’s a breakdown of its findings:

1. Glacier Loss Under Different Warming Scenarios

• Limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C (Paris Agreement target) could preserve up to 54% of glacier mass.
• If warming reaches 2.7°C, only 24% of current glacier mass would remain.
• Even if temperatures stopped rising today, glaciers would still lose 39% of their mass, leading to a 113 mm sea level rise.

2. Most Vulnerable Glacier Regions

• Scandinavia: No glacier ice would remain at 2°C warming.
• Rockies (Western Canada & U.S.) & European Alps: Only 10-15% of glaciers would survive at 2°C warming.
• Hindu Kush Himalayas: Only 25% of 2020 ice levels would remain at 2°C warming, threatening India’s key river basins—Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra.

3. Long-Term Glacier Response

• Some glacier systems, especially in polar regions, may take up to a thousand years to fully respond to today’s climate.
• Every 0.1°C increase between 1.5°C and 3°C accelerates glacier loss by 2% globally, with steeper losses in Indian sub-regions.

4. Urgency for Climate Action

• Scientists stress the need for rapid decarbonization to prevent glacier tipping points.
• The first global UN conference on glaciers in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is addressing the crisis, with leaders from over 50 countries discussing solutions
• Glacial retreat impacts on India’s river basins, agricultural economy, and long-term environmental planning.

1. Impact on India’s Water Security

• Hindu Kush Himalayan glaciers feed India’s key river basins—Ganga, Indus, and Brahmaputra, supporting millions of livelihoods.
• With 2°C warming, only 25% of 2020 ice levels would remain, significantly reducing water availability.
• Seasonal river flows may become erratic, causing water scarcity and drought risks in North India and the Indo-Gangetic plains.

2. Agricultural & Economic Consequences

Irrigation Disruptions:

• Declining glacial meltwater will affect crop production, impacting food security.
• Punjab & Haryana’s wheat yields depend on steady river flows, which could weaken.

Hydroelectric Power Generation:

• Reduced glacier-fed rivers may impact hydropower projects, affecting India’s energy supply.
• Dams and reservoirs may struggle to maintain optimal water levels.

Policy Measures for Climate Adaptation

• Strengthening River Basin Management:
• Governments must optimize water conservation strategies in high-risk regions.
• Investing in Sustainable Agriculture:
• Developing drought-resistant crops and improving rainwater harvesting is vital.
• Accelerating Renewable Energy Transition:
• Reducing dependence on hydroelectric power and expanding solar & wind energy are long-term solutions.

Looking Ahead

India’s Policy Initiatives to Address Glacier Loss

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC)
• Includes Missions like the National Water Mission & Sustainable Himalayan Development Program to mitigate glacial retreat effects.
• Himalayan Monitoring Initiatives
• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses remote sensing data to track glacier health & retreat rates.
• Early Warning Systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
• Authorities are deploying satellite-based monitoring to predict dangerous glacial lake overflows.

 How India’s Response Compares to Global Climate Efforts

Long-Term Climate Adaptation Strategies for India

Strengthening Glacier Basin Water Management

• Expanding sustainable water reservoirs & conservation projects.
• Investing in Renewable Energy Alternatives
• Reducing reliance on hydropower, expanding solar & wind energy capacity.
• Enhancing Local Climate Resilience Programs
• Supporting eco-friendly land use in Himalayan regions to counter temperature increases.

Rising ‘black carbon’ heating Himalayan snow: Study

• Levels of black carbon — ultra-fine particles of carbon that come from vehicles, stoves and wood-fire — in the Himalayas have been rising for most of the past two decades, according to a study by the think-tank Climate Trends. This is contributing to warmer snow, increasing the risk of unseasonal flooding by glacier-fed rivers, it said.
• While not a peer-reviewed analysis, the study analysed satellite-based measurements of black carbon and changes in the temperature of snow between 2000 and 2023. Climate science says that aerosols — particulate matter emissions from a variety of sources, from fertiliser to vehicle exhaust — clog the atmosphere, deflecting sunlight away from the carbon and are known to mask the heating effect of greenhouse gases.
• Black carbon is different, in that it absorbs sunlight and if it settles on the surface can thus heat the ground. This is one reason climatologists consider black carbon as a catalyst to global warming, even though it is relatively short-lived in the atmosphere unlike carbon dioxide, the most pervasive greenhouse gas.

Reduces sunlight reflection

• “The snow surface temperature in the Himalayas has shown a consistent warming trend over the past two decades, which may have serious implications for snow and glacier stability,” the study notes. The average snow-surface temperature has increased from -11.27°C from 2000–2009 to -7.13°C during 2020–2023, with an overall mean of -8.57°C for the 23-year period.
• Among the three major regions, the Eastern Himalayas record the warmest snow surfaces, followed by the Central and Western Himalayas. This warming was “likely driven,” the study surmised, in part by the deposition of light-absorbing particles like black carbon, which lowers snow albedo — the ability to reflect sunlight — and accelerates surface heating. The decadal average for 2010–2019 showed the highest warming in the Eastern Himalayas at -5.69°C.

Accelerating glacier melt

• “Continued temperature rise in snow-covered areas can shorten snow season duration and advance melting onset, impacting hydrological systems and water security for millions downstream. Thus, temperature increases, in conjunction with [black carbon] BC presence, are significantly altering the snow thermal regime in the Himalayas,” the study underlined.
• “Glacier melt is accelerating, threatening freshwater resources to nearly two billion people downstream,” Palak Baliyan, lead author of the study, said in a statement.

Snow depth rises

• There is no direct correlation between black carbon concentrations and ‘snow depth’, a measure of the thickness of snow. In fact, this actually increased during the study period, with spatial and temporal variability. The mean snow depth increased from 0.059 m during 2000–2009 to 0.117 m during 2020–2023, resulting in a 23-year average of 0.076 m.
• The increase in snow depth despite rising temperatures could be attributed to factors like increased snowfall events, seasonal precipitation changes, or measurement uncertainties due to surface snow redistribution by wind.
• The Western Himalaya exhibited the highest snow depths, possibly due to its higher elevations and greater exposure to western disturbances that bring winter precipitation.
• Meanwhile, the Eastern and Central Himalayas, closer to BC sources, showed lower snow depths. This variability in snow depth highlights the complex interplay of climatic and atmospheric factors influencing snow-pack dynamics across the Himalayan arc,”.
• The major generators of black carbon include biomass combustion, fossil fuel use, and open burning, particularly in the Indo-Gangetic plain, which acts as a hotspot for emissions. Previous studies have reported that biofuel use alone accounts for nearly 42% of black carbon emissions in India, with States like Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra contributing significantly through forest and agricultural fires, according to the study.

Black Carbon’s Role in Glacier Melt & Climate Impact

• Absorbs Sunlight & Heats the Ground
• Unlike greenhouse gases, black carbon directly warms snow surfaces, accelerating glacial retreat.
• Himalayan Snow Warming Trends
• The Eastern Himalayas recorded the warmest snow surfaces, followed by the Central and Western Himalayas.
• The average snow temperature increased from -11.27°C (2000–2009) to -7.13°C (2020–2023).
• Water Security Threats
• Glacier melt affects river systems feeding India, Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan, impacting agriculture, hydropower, and drinking water supply.

 India’s Mitigation Strategies

• Regulating Biomass & Fossil Fuel Emissions
• Banning open biomass burning near Himalayan regions.
• Transitioning rural households to clean cooking fuels (LPG, electric stoves, solar energy).
• Expanding Black Carbon Monitoring Networks
• ISRO’s satellite-based black carbon tracking in the Himalayas helps identify hotspots and high-risk areas.
• Early Warning Systems for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
• High-resolution climate models predict potential flooding zones from accelerated glacier melt

Scientists in Japan develop plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours

• Researchers in Japan have developed a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, offering up a potential solution for a modern-day scourge polluting oceans and harming wildlife.
• While scientists have long experimented with biodegradable plastics, researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo say their new material breaks down much more quickly and leaves no residual trace.
• At a lab in Wako city near Tokyo, the team demonstrated a small piece of plastic vanishing in a container of salt water after it was stirred up for about an hour.
• While the team has not yet detailed any plans for commercialisation, project lead Takuzo Aida said their research has attracted significant interest, including from those in the packaging sector.
• Scientists worldwide are racing to develop innovative solutions to the growing plastic waste crisis, an effort championed by awareness campaigns such as World Environment Day taking place on June 5.
• Plastic pollution is set to triple by 2040, the UN Environment Programme has predicted, adding 23-37 million metric tons of waste into the world’s oceans each Today
• Researchers in Japan have developed a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, offering up a potential solution for a modern-day scourge polluting oceans and harming wildlife. While scientists have long experimented with biodegradable plastics, researchers from the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo say their new material breaks down much more quickly and leaves no residual trace.
• At a lab in Wako city near Tokyo, the team demonstrated a small piece of plastic vanishing in a container of salt water after it was stirred up for about an hour. While the team has not yet detailed any plans for commercialisation, project lead Takuzo Aida said their research has attracted significant interest, including from those in the packaging sector.
• Scientists worldwide are racing to develop innovative solutions to the growing plastic waste crisis, an effort championed by awareness campaigns such as World Environment Day taking place on June 5. Plastic pollution is set to triple by 2040, the UN Environment Programme has predicted, adding 23-37 million metric tons of waste into the world’s oceans each year.
• “Children cannot choose the planet they will live on. It is our duty as scientists to ensure that we leave them with best possible environment,” Aida said. Aida said the new material is as strong as petroleum-based plastics but breaks down into its original components when exposed to salt.
• Those components can then be further processed by naturally occurring bacteria, thereby avoiding generating microplastics that can harm aquatic life and enter the food chain. As salt is also present in soil, a piece about five c
• This is incredible news! Japanese researchers have developed a plastic that dissolves in seawater within hours, offering a potential breakthrough in tackling ocean pollution. Scientists at the RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science and the University of Tokyo have designed a material that breaks down quickly and leaves no residual trace, setting it apart from traditional biodegradable plastics.
• During a demonstration in Wako city near Tokyo, the team showed how a small piece of this plastic disappeared in salt water within an hour when stirred. The material is as strong as petroleum-based plastics but, upon exposure to salt, breaks down into its original components, which can then be processed by naturally occurring bacteria—preventing the formation of harmful microplastics.
• Given the massive plastic pollution crisis, with projections estimating 23-37 million metric tons of waste entering the oceans annually by 2040, innovations like this are desperately needed.

Indian Government Initiatives

• India has taken bold steps to ban single-use plastics and promote plastic waste management. The Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, 2021 prohibit several non-recyclable plastic items, while state-level efforts focus on recycling and sustainable alternatives. The government is also pushing for extended producer responsibility (EPR) to hold manufacturers accountable for plastic waste.

Tata Power’s Circular Economy Program

• Tata Power’s Anokha Dhaaga Smart Circularity initiative has converted 5,000 kgs of plastic waste into recycled fabric products like T-shirts and tote bags. This program empowers women entrepreneurs, generating INR 20 lakhs in fair-trade earnings while tackling plastic pollution.

ClimateNXT 2025 Summit

• India’s ClimateNXT 2025 Summit, held on World Environment Day, focuses on eliminating plastic pollution by 2030 and accelerating climate-tech innovation. The event brings together policymakers, investors, and startups to explore recycling solutions and sustainable material

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India

• The Centre on Monday issued detailed guidelines for a new scheme aimed at promoting domestic manufacturing of electric passenger vehicles, marking a key step in its broader push for green mobility and sustainable industrial development.
• The “Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Electric Passenger Cars in India” (SPMEPCI), notified by the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI), is intended to attract global investments in India’s electric vehicle (EV) sector while strengthening the country’s position as a global automotive manufacturing hub.
• Announced in March 2024, the scheme aligns with India’s climate goals, including its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The initiative also supports the government’s vision of fostering economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability through strategic policy interventions in the EV ecosystem.
• The scheme is designed not only to bring cutting-edge EV technologies into the Indian market but also to build indigenous manufacturing capabilities through a clear framework of domestic value addition (DVA) targets.
• Under the scheme, approved companies will be allowed to import a limited number of completely built electric four-wheelers (e-4W) at a reduced customs duty rate of 15 per cent for a period of five years. These imports must meet a minimum cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value of USD 35,000 per unit. The concession is capped at 8,000 units per year, with the flexibility to carry forward unused quotas. However, the total duty foregone will be limited to either Rs 6,484 crore or the actual investment made by the applicant, whichever is lower.
• To qualify for these benefits, applicants must commit to a minimum investment of Rs 4,150 crore within three years of receiving approval. They must also establish manufacturing facilities and commence production within this period. The guidelines stipulate that a minimum of 25 per cent domestic value addition should be achieved within three years, rising to 50 per cent within five years. The DVA assessment will follow the existing Standard Operating Procedure of the PLI Scheme for Automobile and Auto Components, with certifications to be carried out by MHI-approved testing agencies.
• While there is no cap on maximum investment, only specific categories of expenditure—such as new plant and machinery, engineering research and development, and essential buildings—will be counted towards the investment threshold. Notably, expenditure on land is excluded, while spending on charging infrastructure will be considered up to a limit of five per cent of the total committed investment.
• Applicants will be required to furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to the higher of the duty foregone or Rs 4,150 crore, valid for the entire duration of the scheme. The application window, expected to open soon, will remain active for a minimum of 120 days, with the government retaining the option to reopen it until March 2026. A non-refundable application fee of Rs 5 lakh will be applicable.
• Eligibility is restricted to companies or global groups with an automotive manufacturing revenue of at least Rs 10,000 crore and fixed asset investments of not less than Rs 3,000 crore, based on their latest audited financial statements.
• The Ministry of Heavy Industries said the scheme would catalyse the development of a competitive and self-reliant EV manufacturing ecosystem in India, contributing to the larger goals of the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives. The effort is also expected to generate high-quality employment, accelerate the adoption of clean energy technologies, and position India as a preferred destination for global automotive innovation.

Key Highlights of the Scheme

• Reduced Customs Duty: Approved companies can import electric four-wheelers at a 15% customs duty (down from 110%) for five years.
• Investment Commitment: Companies must invest ₹4,150 crore within three years and establish manufacturing facilities4.
• Domestic Value Addition (DVA): A minimum of 25% DVA must be achieved within three years, increasing to 50% within five years5.
• Import Limits: Companies can import up to 8,000 EVs per year, with unused quotas carried forward5.
• Bank Guarantee Requirement: Applicants must furnish a bank guarantee equivalent to the duty foregone or ₹4,150 crore, valid for the scheme’s duration5.
• Eligibility Criteria: Only companies with ₹10,000 crore in automotive revenue and ₹3,000 crore in fixed assets qualify.

Indian Army tests next-gen indigenous defence technologies under simulated combat conditions

• The Indian Army is conducting large-scale trials of next-generation indigenous defence technologies under simulated combat conditions across strategic locations in India, including Pokhran, Babina, Joshimath, Agra, and Gopalpur. These Capacity Development Demonstrations aim to rigorously assess cutting-edge military systems through electronic warfare simulations.

Key Highlights

• General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, reviewed the trials at Babina Field Firing Ranges on May 27, 2025.
• The trials align with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

Advanced technologies being tested include:

• Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
• UAV-launched precision-guided munitions
• Runway-independent remotely piloted aerial systems
• Counter-drone solutions
• Loitering munitions
• Specialized vertical launch drones
• Multi-munition delivery systems
• Integrated drone detection and interdiction systems
• Lightweight radar systems
• Next-generation very short-range air defence infrared systems
• Electronic warfare platforms.
• These trials aim to accelerate the integration of emerging technologies into India’s military operations, enhancing combat readiness and strengthening indigenous defence capabilities

Global Military Tech Trends vs. India''s Defence Trials

• India''s next-gen defence trials align with several global military technology trends.

1. Counter-Drone Technology

• Global Trend: Militaries worldwide are investing in counter-drone systems to neutralize threats from UAVs.
• India''s Trials: Testing integrated drone detection and interdiction systems to enhance airspace security.

2. Hypersonic Weapons

• Global Trend: Countries like the U.S., China, and Russia are developing hypersonic missiles capable of evading traditional air defenses.
• India''s Trials: While hypersonic weapons are not part of the current trials, India is actively working on hypersonic cruise missile technology.

3. AI & Robotics in Warfare

• Global Trend: AI-driven autonomous combat systems and robotic soldiers are being developed.
• India''s Trials: Testing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and runway-independent remotely piloted aerial systems.

4. Loitering Munitions

• Global Trend: Loitering munitions (or "suicide drones") are widely used in modern warfare, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East.
• India''s Trials: Evaluating loitering munitions for precision strikes.

5. Electronic Warfare & Cyber Defense

• Global Trend: Nations are investing in electronic warfare platforms to disrupt enemy communications and radar systems.
• India''s Trials: Conducting electronic warfare simulations to assess next-gen EW platform

ISRO’s Gaganyatri to carry out microgravity research experiments during upcoming Axiom-4 mission

• The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, scheduled for launch on June 8, will mark a historic milestone for India''s space program. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will become the first ISRO astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), making him the second Indian in space after Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

Key Highlights of Ax-4 Mission

• Microgravity Research: ISRO has selected seven experiments proposed by Indian Principal Investigators (PIs) from national research labs and academic institutions.

Scientific Focus Areas:

• Impact of microgravity and ISS radiation on edible microalgae.
• Sprouting salad seeds in space for crew nutrition.
• Survival, revival, and reproduction of the eutardigrade Paramacrobiotus sp. BLR strain.
• Effect of metabolic supplements on muscle regeneration under microgravity.
• Human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity.
• Influence of microgravity on food crop seed growth and yield.
• Safety & Evaluation: The experiments are undergoing rigorous reviews before launch to ensure mission safety.
• International Crew: Alongside Shukla, the Ax-4 crew includes:
• Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland, ESA astronaut).
• Tibor Kapu (Hungary, ESA astronaut).
• Peggy Whitson (Mission Commander, former NASA astronaut).
• The microgravity experiments aboard the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission could have a major impact on future space missions, particularly in long-duration space travel and human spaceflight sustainability.

Key Impacts on Future Space Missions

Space Nutrition & Food Production

• Studies on edible microalgae and sprouting salad seeds could lead to self-sustaining food systems for astronauts.
• Research on cyanobacteria explores their potential as space superfoods, using nitrogen recycling to support closed-loop life support systems.

Human Health & Muscle Regeneration

• Experiments on muscle regeneration under microgravity aim to counteract muscle atrophy, a major challenge for long-duration missions.
• Findings could help develop therapeutic strategies for astronauts and even benefit medical treatments on Earth.

Survival of Extremophiles in Space

• Studies on tardigrades (water bears) examine their ability to survive extreme space conditions, offering insights into life sustainability beyond Earth.

Cognitive & Operational Efficiency

• Research on human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity could improve spacecraft interface designs, making astronaut tasks more efficient.

Microgravity Research Ecosystem in India

• The Ax-4 mission will nurture India''s microgravity research capabilities, paving the way for advanced experiments in future Indian space missions.
• The Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission is expected to provide valuable insights for India''s Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space aboard an indigenous spacecraft. The microgravity experiments conducted on Ax-4 will help refine scientific research methodologies for future Indian human spaceflight missions.

How Ax-4 Supports Gaganyaan

• Human Health Research
• Studies on muscle regeneration and microgravity effects on metabolism will help optimize astronaut health for long-duration space missions.
• Findings could contribute to counteracting muscle atrophy in astronauts aboard Gaganyaan.

Space Agriculture & Food Sustainability

• Experiments on edible microalgae and food crop seed growth will inform self-sustaining food systems for future space missions.
• These studies will be crucial for long-term space habitation beyond Earth.

Survival of Extremophiles in Space

• Research on tardigrades (water bears) will provide insights into biological resilience in extreme space conditions.
• This could help develop life-support technologies for deep-space missions.

Operational Efficiency & Spacecraft Design

• Studies on human interaction with electronic displays in microgravity will improve spacecraft interface designs for Gaganyaan.
• Optimized control systems will enhance astronaut efficiency during missions.

Microgravity Research Ecosystem in India

• The Ax-4 mission will nurture India''s microgravity research capabilities, paving the way for advanced experiments in future Indian space missions.

India vs. Global Human Spaceflight Programs

1. India’s Gaganyaan Mission

• India’s first human spaceflight mission, aiming to send three astronauts into low-Earth orbit.
• Focuses on indigenous spacecraft development and self-reliance in human spaceflight.
• Expected launch: 2025-2026.

2. NASA’s Artemis Program (USA)

• Aims to return humans to the Moon and establish a sustainable lunar presence.
• Plans for Mars exploration in the 2030s.
• Uses Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System (SLS).

3. China’s Tiangong Space Station

• China has built its own permanent space station, Tiangong, operational since 2022.
• Conducts long-duration human space missions.
• Plans for lunar landings by 2030.

4. Russia’s Human Spaceflight Program

• Russia has a long history of human spaceflight, dating back to Yuri Gagarin in 1961.
• Operates Soyuz spacecraft for ISS missions.
• Plans for new space station after ISS retirement.
• 5. European Space Agency (ESA) & Private Spaceflight
• ESA collaborates with NASA and Russia for astronaut missions.
• Private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are revolutionizing commercial space travel.

India’s Unique Position

• Gaganyaan will make India the fourth country to send humans into space independently.
• India is prioritizing cost-effective space missions, making human spaceflight affordable.
• Microgravity research from missions like Ax-4 will enhance India’s future space capabilities.

IndiaAI mission gets boost as compute capacity tops 34,000 GPUs

• AIndia’s AI infrastructure is undergoing a major expansion, with the country’s compute capacity surpassing 34,000 GPUs. This growth is part of the IndiaAI Mission, which aims to democratize AI access and strengthen indigenous AI capabilities.

Key Developments

• GPU Expansion: India has added 15,916 new GPUs to its existing 18,417, boosting AI research and development.
• Foundation Model Startups: Three new startups have been selected to develop India-specific AI models:
• Soket AI – Building a 120-billion parameter model optimized for India’s linguistic diversity, targeting defense, education, and healthcare.
• Gnani AI – Developing a 14-billion parameter multilingual Voice AI model for real-time speech processing.
• Gan AI – Creating a 70-billion parameter multilingual model with advanced text-to-speech (TTS) capabilities.
• AI Kosh Open Data Repository: 367 datasets have been uploaded to support AI research.
• India’s Sovereign LLM Ecosystem: Sarvam AI is leading the development of a 120-billion parameter open-source model for public service applications like Citizen Connect 2047 and AI4Pragati

Key AI Policy Innovations

IndiaAI Mission Expansion

• Compute capacity now exceeds 34,000 GPUs, supporting AI research and startups.
• Three new startups selected to develop indigenous AI foundation models.

AI Ethics & Governance

• India is prioritizing responsible AI, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability.
• The Data Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act provides a framework for privacy and AI innovation.

AI Compute & Semiconductor Infrastructure

• India is rapidly building high-performance AI computing facilities.
• Plans to develop indigenous GPUs within 3-5 years, reducing reliance on imports.

AI Talent Development & Open Data

• 367 datasets uploaded to AI Kosh, India’s AI-specific open data repository.
• AI education initiatives aim to train professionals in AI research and development.

Global AI Leadership & Collaboration

• India is actively participating in international AI forums like GPAI and G20 AI discussions.
• The IndiaAI Foundation Model pillar focuses on large-scale AI models trained on India-specific data.