1. Aero India 2025: Advancing India's Aerospace and Defence Capabilities
Introduction:
Aero India 2025, hosted at the Indian Air Force Station in Yelahanka, Bengaluru (February 10-14), is a premier aerospace exhibition. It serves as a platform for innovation, strategic alliances, and technological advancements, strengthening India’s position as a global leader in defence manufacturing and aviation technology. The event aligns with India’s vision of self-reliance in defence production under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative.
- Significance of Aero India 2025:
- 15th Edition: Marks a milestone in India’s aerospace journey.
- International Collaboration: Participation of countries like the US, Russia, France, Israel, UK, Japan, and South Korea.
- Public-Private Synergy: 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) and 35 Indian OEMs, including Larsen & Toubro, BrahMos Aerospace, and Mahindra Defence, will showcase their technological advancements.
- Economic & Strategic Impact: Strengthens India’s defence ecosystem and enhances international partnerships.
- Key Highlights:
- Fighter Jet Demonstrations:
- Russian Su-57 and American F-35 showcased for the first time.
- Indigenous Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s first fifth-generation stealth fighter, to be displayed.
- Indigenization & Innovation:
- Focus on home-grown solutions for domestic and global defence needs.
- ‘Indian Pavilion’ to exhibit cutting-edge military technology and reinforce India’s commitment to self-reliance.
- Visitor Experience & Infrastructure:
- Improved facilities such as expanded roads, traffic management, and shuttle services for over 1 lakh expected visitors.
- Special pavilions dedicated to advanced manufacturing and futuristic aerospace technology.
Conclusion:
Aero India 2025 is a testament to India’s growing stature as a global defence hub. By fostering innovation, boosting indigenous capabilities, and strengthening strategic partnerships, the event will play a crucial role in advancing India’s aerospace sector. It aligns with the broader goal of self-reliance and technological leadership in defence manufacturing.
Bottom of FormMains Practice Question |
Q. Discuss the significance of Aero India 2025 in promoting India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector. How does it align with India’s self-reliance goals in defence? (250 words) |
2. Rising Global Violence and the Evolving Nature of Terrorism
Introduction:
The present period is witnessing escalating violence across the world, particularly in regions like Ukraine, Gaza, and West Asia. The global security situation is deteriorating, with conflicts becoming more complex and unpredictable. The failure of international institutions like the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to prevent conflicts highlights the erosion of a common moral framework in global politics.
- Subterranean Activity and Evolving Terrorism:
- Conflicts in West Asia (e.g., Gaza, Lebanon, Iran) indicate that peace is fragile, and subterranean militant activities continue to influence geopolitics.
- Islamist terrorism is adapting to new methods, moving towards digital propaganda, decentralized groups, and lone-wolf attacks.
- Radicalization is being facilitated through social media and networking platforms.
- The rise of digital jihad and cyber-terrorism poses a significant challenge to global security.
- Revival of Global Jihad and Recent Terror Incidents:
- Islamist terrorism has been evolving since the 1970s, with different factions such as Al-Qaeda and ISIS shaping its trajectory.
- Recent terror incidents, such as the attempted attack in New York and the truck bombing in Kabul, indicate that radicalized individuals still pose a threat despite major counter-terrorism efforts.
- There is an increasing trend of ‘lone-wolf’ attacks in Western countries, raising concerns over security vulnerabilities.
- Counterterrorism Challenges and the Way Forward:
- The return of extremist groups like ISIS and Al-Qaeda requires a reassessment of counterterrorism strategies.
- Western nations and counterterrorism agencies must be prepared for new, decentralized terror networks.
- Strengthening intelligence cooperation, cyber-surveillance, and counter-radicalization programs is necessary to curb the rise of extremist ideologies.
Conclusion:
Global security is facing an evolving terror landscape, with traditional jihadist organizations transforming into more fragmented yet resilient networks. The growing arc of violence demands a collective effort to address root causes, improve intelligence-sharing, and ensure proactive counter-terrorism measures. The world must remain vigilant to prevent the resurgence of large-scale terror activities.
Mains Practice Question |
Q. Discuss the evolving nature of terrorism in the 21st century. How can global counterterrorism efforts adapt to tackle emerging threats? (250 words) |
3. India’s Role in Shaping AI Governance at the AI Action Summit
Introduction:
India has accepted France’s invitation to co-chair the AI Action Summit (February 10-11) in Paris, marking its continued engagement in global AI governance. This summit will focus on AI safety, innovation, public interest AI, and governance, providing India with an opportunity to advocate for the Global South’s priorities. India’s leadership in AI discussions aligns with its broader diplomatic role in shaping responsible technology development.
- India as the Voice of the Global South:
- India’s engagement in AI governance began with participation in AI Safety summits in the UK (2023) and South Korea (2024).
- As a leader in the G20 and Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), India has pushed for equitable AI access and risk mitigation strategies relevant to developing nations.
- India’s AI Safety Institute is expected to play a crucial role in shaping policies on AI ethics and risk management.
- Key Priorities for India at the Paris Summit:
- Democratizing AI Access:
- Ensuring equitable access to AI resources such as computing power, foundation models, and application development platforms.
- Expansion of public-sector computing facilities to reduce reliance on Western AI models.
- Promoting open-source AI models, similar to DeepSeek’s approach, to enhance accessibility.
- Regulatory and Governance Framework:
- Balancing innovation with the need for AI safeguards.
- Advocating risk assessment frameworks suited to Global South challenges, such as the impact of AI on employment and misinformation.
- Proposing the development of AI-related harm repositories to guide regulatory policies.
- AI for Development:
- AI applications in healthcare, agriculture, and education must be tailored to local contexts rather than imposed models.
- Encouraging AI research that addresses real-world problems in developing nations.
- Long-Term Implications for India:
- Strengthening India’s position as a leader in global AI governance.
- Potentially hosting the next AI Summit, further amplifying India’s influence.
- Enhancing partnerships between India and both developed and developing nations on AI cooperation.
Conclusion:
India’s role as co-chair of the AI Action Summit presents an opportunity to push for AI governance that is inclusive, ethical, and beneficial to all. By advocating for democratized access, regulatory safeguards, and AI for development, India can position itself as a key player in shaping the future of AI while representing the interests of the Global South.
Mains Practice Question |
Q. Discuss India’s role in global AI governance. How can India leverage its leadership in AI discussions to benefit the Global South? (250 words) |
