Algorithms of the Mind

Context:
The excessive use of smartphones and artificial intelligence, particularly among India''s youth, is increasingly being associated with cognitive decline, mental health challenges, and social disconnection. These trends are sparking urgent calls for focused policy intervention and widespread awareness initiatives.

Understanding ''Algorithms of the Mind'':

The term "Algorithms of the Mind" refers to a conceptual framework that explains how the human brain processes information through structured and patterned mechanisms—similar to computational algorithms. These processes encompass various cognitive functions such as memory, attention, reasoning, creativity, and decision-making. Mental algorithms are not fixed; they are shaped by an individual’s learning, environment, and life experiences. However, these natural patterns of cognition are now being heavily influenced—and in many cases, disrupted—by external technological tools like smartphones and AI-driven applications.

The Current Indian Landscape:

Smartphone penetration among India’s youth is growing rapidly, with significant implications. According to the Annual Status of Education Report (2024), 90% of rural adolescents aged 14 to 16 have access to smartphones, and 82% are capable of using them. The EY Report (2024) reveals that the average Indian spends five hours a day on their phone, with nearly 69% of that time consumed by entertainment and social media. Alarmingly, the AIIMS Study (2025) shows children under five years old average 2.2 hours of screen time daily—more than double the World Health Organization’s recommended limit.

Indicators of addiction are becoming increasingly evident. A Local Circles Survey (2024) indicates that 50% of urban parents report their children aged 9 to 17 are addicted to digital content such as videos, games, and social media. This overuse is linked to rising levels of aggression, impatience, and lethargy among children and adolescents.

The Cognitive Consequences:

The influence of smartphones and AI tools is manifesting in several cognitive and behavioural dimensions.

One prominent effect is the so-called "brain drain." A 2017 study by the McCombs School of Business found that even the mere presence of a smartphone can diminish attention span, working memory, and the ability to retain information.

In academic settings, this is translating into a marked decline. Students are increasingly reliant on AI for quick information retrieval, undermining their capacity for deep reading and critical reasoning. According to Zhang & Zeng (2024), smartphone addiction correlates strongly with poor academic performance and heightened anxiety.

Behavioural shifts are also noticeable. The reward-based architecture of many apps fosters impulsive behavior and compulsive engagement. Studies such as those by Wacks & Weinstein (2021) associate these patterns with low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and emotional regulation issues.

Additionally, the growing use of generative AI tools for tasks like research and problem-solving is contributing to a phenomenon known as "cognitive offloading"—where the brain defers effortful thinking to machines. This can result in cognitive miserliness, reducing the user’s inclination to engage in complex thought processes or independent reasoning.

Broader Societal and Ethical Implications:

The overuse of digital technologies is eroding essential social skills as digital interactions increasingly replace face-to-face communication. This is contributing to sedentary lifestyles, sleep disorders, and higher anxiety levels, posing serious health risks.

There are also pressing ethical concerns surrounding the design of technology itself. Attention-capturing algorithms, optimized to exploit psychological vulnerabilities, prioritize engagement over well-being. Furthermore, traditional modes of learning and cultural practices, such as reading and oral storytelling, are being displaced, raising questions about cultural continuity and identity.

Key Challenges:

India currently lacks a comprehensive national policy framework dedicated to digital well-being among its youth. There is also a significant gap in parental awareness, with many guardians unable to recognize early signs of digital addiction in their children.

Educational technology (EdTech) apps now share screen space with entertainment platforms, creating a constant tug-of-war for students’ attention. Meanwhile, the digital divide persists: urban populations face overexposure, while certain rural areas continue to grapple with digital deprivation.

This situation reflects a broader technology-capital trade-off—where rapid innovation and economic growth are being prioritized over mental health safeguards.

A Way Forward:

At the individual and family level, cultivating digital hygiene is essential. Practices such as designating device-free times, engaging in physical activity, eating without screens, delaying smartphone access for children, and modelling balanced digital behavior can make a significant difference.

Within the education system, structured interventions like device-free hours, promotion of deep learning through debates and reading clubs, and exercises in AI-independent problem-solving should be encouraged.

From a policy standpoint, the establishment of a National Digital Well-being Mission is urgently needed. This mission could oversee age-appropriate app regulations, control addictive digital features, and run nationwide awareness campaigns across educational institutions and workplaces.

Community initiatives also play a vital role. Creating public spaces where technology is discouraged, organizing offline sports and cultural activities, and setting up peer support systems like “buddy programmes” can strengthen social ties and reduce digital dependency.

On a national scale, digital well-being should be recognized as a public health imperative and integrated into India’s demographic dividend strategy. Investments in research exploring the neurocognitive effects of technology within the Indian context will be critical to shaping long-term responses.

Conclusion:
India’s future success will not only depend on advancements in education, technology, and skills but also on the mental resilience and cognitive strength of its youth. If left unchecked, the pervasive influence of smartphones and AI could diminish our collective capacity to think critically, connect meaningfully, and innovate creatively. To ensure that these technologies serve as tools for progress rather than impediments to development, we must embrace regulation, cultural safeguards, and a conscious effort toward maintaining our intellectual and emotional well-being.

Aarohan Programme

Context:
In the lead-up to Independence Day 2025, the Defence Minister held an interactive session in New Delhi with 30 meritorious tribal students from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This engagement was part of the ''Aarohan: Dweep to Delhi'' initiative—a National Integration Tour designed to promote greater national unity and cultural exchange among youth from remote island regions.

About the Aarohan Programme:

The Aarohan Programme is a structured seven-day National Integration Tour facilitated by the Andaman & Nicobar Command (ANC). It is specifically designed to bridge the cultural, geographic, and developmental divides that often isolate tribal youth living in remote island communities.

Purpose and Objectives:

The central aim of the programme is to foster a stronger sense of national integration and belonging among tribal students by connecting them with the broader Indian identity. Through carefully curated experiences, the initiative introduces these young participants to India’s diverse cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and academic and professional opportunities.

In doing so, it encourages them to look beyond their immediate environments and engage with the broader national narrative. The programme also promotes civic awareness and cultural appreciation, cultivating pride in the country''s diversity and democratic values.

Significance of the Initiative:

The Aarohan Programme plays a crucial role in promoting both national integration and social inclusion. By facilitating direct interaction between tribal youth and mainstream Indian institutions and traditions, it helps to bridge long-standing cultural and geographic divides.

Equally important is the programme’s contribution to youth empowerment and value-based education. Through meaningful exposure to leadership figures, historical landmarks, and modern institutions, students are encouraged to envision themselves as active participants in the nation-building process. The initiative also reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating indigenous cultures, ensuring that traditional identities are not lost in the pursuit of development.

Ultimately, Aarohan serves as a transformative experience, inspiring students to embrace both their unique cultural roots and their roles as citizens of a diverse, unified nation.

Bioactive Peptides

Context:
A recent study conducted by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, has highlighted the potential of bioactive peptides (BAPs) found in fermented foods to provide population-specific health benefits. This finding is a step forward in advancing personalised nutrition strategies suited to India’s genetically and culturally diverse population.

Understanding Bioactive Peptides:

Bioactive peptides are short chains of amino acids, typically ranging from 2 to 20 residues, that are generated during the fermentation of various foods such as yogurt, idli, kimchi, miso, natto, and fermented fish. These peptides are biologically active and are known for their antimicrobial, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and immune-modulatory properties.

Purpose of Research and Objectives:

The primary goal of studying bioactive peptides is to evaluate their efficacy in regulating key physiological functions such as blood pressure, blood sugar levels, immune responses, and inflammation. The broader objective is to use this knowledge to design nutrition solutions that are tailored to India’s diverse genetic makeup and food culture, thereby enabling a precision-based approach to public health.

Key Characteristics and Mechanisms:

Bioactive peptides exert their influence by interacting with biomolecules through mechanisms like electrostatic forces, hydrogen bonding, and hydrophobic interactions. These interactions allow the peptides to affect vital systems in the body, including cardiovascular health, metabolic regulation, and immune function.

Importantly, the health outcomes of consuming bioactive peptides are not uniform across all individuals. Their effectiveness can vary depending on genetic polymorphisms—such as those related to the ACE or IL-6 genes—as well as differences in gut microbiota and habitual dietary patterns. To better understand these complex interactions, researchers advocate for the use of omics-based approaches, including genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics.

Broader Significance and Public Health Potential:

The integration of bioactive peptides into mainstream nutrition has considerable implications for public health in India. With proven benefits in managing lifestyle-related conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and immunity-related disorders, BAPs can be incorporated into dietary guidelines as functional food components.

Additionally, the research reinforces the value of traditional Indian fermented foods within the global nutrition discourse. It validates long-standing indigenous practices while opening up new avenues for innovation in personalised and culturally relevant dietary strategies.

S&P Global Upgrades India’s Sovereign Credit Rating to ‘BBB’

Context:
After a gap of 18 years, S&P Global has upgraded India’s long-term unsolicited sovereign credit rating from ‘BBB-’ to ‘BBB’. The upgrade reflects the country’s robust economic resilience, successful fiscal consolidation efforts, and a steady, credible policy environment.

About S&P Global Ratings:

S&P Global Ratings is among the world’s foremost credit rating agencies. Based in New York City, it provides independent evaluations of credit risk, offering public and private ratings to a wide array of financial market participants.

Its mission is to deliver transparent and trustworthy assessments regarding the ability and willingness of borrowers—be they corporations, governments, or financial institutions—to meet their debt obligations. Apart from assigning ratings, the agency also publishes detailed credit risk analyses that help enhance corporate transparency and investor confidence globally.

Details of India’s Rating Upgrade:

India’s long-term sovereign credit rating has been elevated from ‘BBB-’ to ‘BBB’, placing it more firmly within the investment-grade category. Additionally, the short-term rating has moved from ‘A-3’ to ‘A-2’, while the transfer and convertibility assessment has improved from ‘BBB+’ to ‘A-’. This marks S&P’s first upgrade of India’s sovereign rating since January 2007.

Assessment Criteria and Rationale:

The upgrade is grounded in multiple factors. These include India’s consistently strong GDP growth, sound macroeconomic fundamentals, and a steady trajectory of fiscal consolidation marked by improved public spending quality. Moreover, the stability of the monetary policy framework has anchored inflation expectations and contributed to a more predictable investment environment.

Implications and Significance:

This ratings enhancement positions India more securely within the global investment-grade spectrum, potentially attracting greater foreign portfolio investments—especially in bond markets. It is also likely to reduce borrowing costs for both the government and private sector entities, thereby easing fiscal pressures and supporting capital expansion.

Furthermore, the upgrade sends a strong signal to global markets, reinforcing India’s image as a leading emerging economy with a stable and growth-oriented policy outlook. It sets the stage for future upgrades, particularly if the country succeeds in further reducing its fiscal deficit and debt-to-GDP ratios.

Apricot

Context:
For the first time, fresh apricots from Kargil in Ladakh have been introduced to the Saudi Arabian market. This initiative took place during India’s 79th Independence Day celebrations held in Riyadh and falls under the broader One District One Product (ODOP) scheme aimed at promoting unique local produce in international markets.

Understanding Apricots:

The apricot (Prunus armeniaca) is a temperate fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, closely related to fruits like peaches, plums, almonds, and cherries. The tree bears small, smooth-skinned yellow to orange fruits known as drupes, each containing a hard seed or kernel at its core.

Cultivation Regions:

Globally, apricots are cultivated across temperate zones, with prominent production in Mediterranean countries, Central Asia, and parts of North America. In India, apricots thrive in regions like Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and other dry temperate or mid-hill areas. Ladakh, in particular, is renowned for producing highly flavourful and nutrient-rich apricots.

Key Features of the Apricot Tree and Fruit:

Apricot trees are typically small with a spreading growth habit. They have bright green leaves and bear white, self-pollinating flowers. The trees are drought-resistant and can live for several decades, with some surviving for up to 100 years. Apricots are naturally rich in vitamin A, iron, and natural sugars—qualities that are even more pronounced in their dried form. In India, notable varieties include the wild “Zardalu” and the cultivated “Khubani.”

Culinary and Commercial Uses:

Apricots can be consumed in various forms—fresh, dried, or processed into products such as jams, juices, pickles, and sweets. They are widely used in traditional dishes across Kashmir and Ladakh. The kernels, when roasted, are used for producing oils and flavouring agents. Dried apricots are a significant export commodity for India, particularly from the Ladakh region.

Significance in Multiple Dimensions:

Apricots are not only culturally important but also economically vital for the Himalayan regions. They represent a valuable cash crop that enhances farmer incomes and supports local livelihoods. Their growing popularity in Gulf countries reflects increasing agri-trade potential and boosts India’s agricultural exports.

Nutritionally, apricots are a powerhouse of antioxidants, vitamins, and essential minerals, making them an important component of a balanced diet. The promotion of apricots through international platforms like the ODOP initiative strengthens India’s soft power and promotes regional specialities on the global stage.

Mission Sudarshan Chakra

Context:
During the 79th Independence Day celebrations, the Prime Minister of India announced the launch of Mission Sudarshan Chakra, a comprehensive indigenous defence initiative. The mission is designed to provide a robust, multi-layered protective shield around India’s strategic, civilian, and religious sites, safeguarding them against a wide spectrum of threats from adversaries.

Overview and Vision:

Mission Sudarshan Chakra represents a national security mission with the overarching goal of establishing a sophisticated, layered defence infrastructure around critical installations throughout the country. Drawing symbolic inspiration from the mythological Sudarshan Chakra wielded by Lord Krishna, the mission fuses India’s civilizational ethos with advanced technological defence strategies. The initiative is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Defence, with a clear emphasis on achieving self-reliance in defence technologies under the broader vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Core Objectives:

The primary aim of Mission Sudarshan Chakra is to develop a fully indigenous, research-driven defence system capable of countering modern threats emerging from air, land, sea, and cyberspace. The mission also seeks to proactively secure vital infrastructure including metro cities, energy grids, communication hubs, defence establishments, and revered religious sites. Beyond reactive defence, it envisions an integrated security network that allows real-time threat neutralisation.

Structural and Technological Framework:

The defence mechanism under Mission Sudarshan Chakra is envisioned as multi-layered, incorporating surveillance, detection, interception, and counter-attack capabilities. It will deploy a combination of advanced radar systems, AI-enabled tracking technologies, cyber defence frameworks, and fortified physical security protocols, all designed and produced within India.

The mission’s architecture ensures comprehensive protection across all threat domains. Its implementation roadmap is long-term, with planned phased expansion, continuous modernisation, and system reinforcement projected through the year 2035. This ensures the defence grid remains future-ready and responsive to evolving geopolitical and technological challenges.

Strategic and National Significance:

Mission Sudarshan Chakra holds immense strategic value. In terms of its vision, it is comparable to Israel’s Iron Dome, though it is specifically tailored to India’s diverse threat landscape, which includes both conventional military risks and emerging hybrid warfare tactics such as cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns.

By focusing entirely on indigenous development, the mission reduces India’s dependence on foreign defence imports, thereby enhancing national sovereignty and ensuring strategic autonomy. Its comprehensive scope—covering not just military assets but also urban civilian zones and spiritual heritage sites—reflects a shift towards a holistic national security doctrine.

Kishtwar District

Context:
A devastating cloudburst recently struck the village of Chosoti in Kishtwar district, located in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The disaster claimed at least 12 lives, prompting the immediate suspension of the ongoing Machail Mata Yatra. Rescue and relief operations are currently underway as authorities assess the extent of the damage and provide emergency support.

About the Region:

Kishtwar is a town and the administrative centre of the Kishtwar district in Jammu & Kashmir. It lies within the Jammu division, approximately 209 kilometers from Srinagar and 211 kilometers from Jammu. The district is characterized by rugged mountainous terrain, comparable in altitude and topography to regions like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh. Habitation in Kishtwar extends to elevations of nearly 9,500 feet, and the region is known for experiencing heavy snowfall during winter.

Geographic and Cultural Landscape:

Kishtwar shares its southeastern border with Himachal Pradesh and southwestern boundary with Doda district. It is often referred to as the “Land of Saffron, Sapphire, and Shrines,” highlighting its rich natural resources and cultural heritage. The district is home to dense forests, scenic health resorts, ancient monuments, and sites of religious significance. Its unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual destinations makes it both a tourist hub and a sacred region for many communities.

Machail Mata

The Machail Mata temple is a revered Hindu shrine dedicated to Goddess Durga, situated in Machail village within the Paddar Sub-Division of Kishtwar district. The area surrounding the shrine lies close to tributaries of the Chenab River, and is also inhabited by Buddhist and Thakur communities, the latter known for serpent worship traditions.

Historical Background and Pilgrimage Tradition:

The spiritual significance of Machail Mata gained prominence after Thakur Kulveer Singh of Bhaderwah first visited the shrine in 1981. Since 1987, the region has hosted the annual ‘Chhadi Yatra’, a holy procession of the sacred mace, which begins from Chinote in Bhaderwah and culminates at Machail in Paddar. This pilgrimage has since grown into a major religious event, attracting thousands of devotees every year.

Recent Developments:

Due to the cloudburst disaster in Kishtwar, this year’s pilgrimage has been temporarily suspended to prioritise relief operations and ensure the safety of pilgrims. Authorities remain on high alert, as efforts continue to restore normalcy in the affected areas while preserving the sanctity of the ongoing spiritual observances.