Content:
- India and France Finalise Agreement for 26 Rafale-Ms
- Role in a Risk Society: How Women Bear a Disproportionate Burden
- In 2024, India’s Military Expenditure Was 9 Times That of Pakistan: SIPRI
- UN Statement a ‘Strong Win’ Despite ‘Dilution’: Officials
- New Initiative Launched to Revive Oceans Through Community-Led Protection
India and France finalise agreement for 26 Rafale-Ms
Agreement Details:
- India and France have finalized an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for the procurement of 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy.
- The total value of the agreement is approximately₹64,000 crore.
- Deliveries are expected to start from mid-2028 and will be completed by 2030.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
Key Components of the Deal:
- Aircraft Package: 22 single-seater jets for aircraft carrier operations and 4 twin-seater trainer jets (not carrier-compatible).
- Additional Equipment: Includes weapons, simulator, performance-based logistics, and associated equipment for the existing Indian Air Force Rafale fleet.
- Training: Crew training will take place both in France and India.
- Transfer of Technology: The deal includes transferring technology for integrating indigenous weapons, such as the Astra missile, onto the Rafale aircraft.
Economic and Employment Impact:
- Job Creation: The deal is expected to generate thousands of jobs, including for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India.
- Local Manufacturing: The establishment of a production facility for Rafale fuselage and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities in India for aircraft engines, sensors, and weapons.
Defense and Strategic Importance:
- Navy Capability: The Rafale-M jets will enhance the operational capabilities of the Indian Navy, particularly in terms of air superiority and defense on aircraft carriers.
- Aircraft Carrier Operations: The deal includes 22 jets capable of operating from aircraft carriers, strengthening India’s naval aviation.
- Strategic Indo-French Ties: The IGA strengthens the defense relationship between India and France, with both nations investing in long-term defense cooperation.
- Several government-to-business agreements were concluded alongside the IGA.
Operational Considerations:
- Timeline: Deliveries will begin 37 months after the signing of the contract, with completion within 66 months.
- Existing Fleet Integration: The deal also aims to enhance the capabilities of the existing Rafale fleet of the Indian Air Force, ensuring better interoperability and operational flexibility.
Significance for Indian Navy’s Future:
- With the INS Vikramaditya and INS Vikrant currently in operation, the addition of Rafale-M jets will significantly boost the Indian Navy’s air capabilities, particularly in terms of modernizing its aircraft carrier-based aviation fleet.
Role in a risk society: how women bear a disproportionate burden
Risk Society Concept:
- Coined by Ulrich Beck, describes a shift from industrial society to one shaped by uncertainty and risks created by modern technological and environmental developments.
- Focus on managing risks like health crises, pollution, and environmental degradation instead of wealth distribution.
Relevance : GS 1(Society ) ,GS 2(Social Issues)
Technological and Environmental Risks:
- Examples like Chernobyl, Fukushima, and COVID-19 highlight how modernisation can amplify risks with devastating consequences.
- Modernisation introduces new risks, including pollution, depletion of natural resources, and global-scale technological hazards.
Stages of Modernity:
- Pre-industrial Society: Risks were natural and localised (e.g., famine, epidemics) managed through social order.
- Industrial Society: Introduced new risks such as pollution and resource depletion from technological advances.
- Risk Society: Risks are no longer external but generated by the very systems meant to ensure security and development.
Natural vs. Manufactured Risks:
- Natural Risks: Unpredictable, localised (e.g., earthquakes, floods).
- Manufactured Risks: Arise from human activities (e.g., nuclear accidents, environmental degradation, pandemics), often global and difficult to predict or control.
Global Impact of Manufactured Risks:
- Risks like climate change disproportionately affect poorer nations, making them more vulnerable due to limited resources.
Gendered Dimension of Risk:
- Women, especially in developing countries, are disproportionately burdened by risks due to gender roles (e.g., caregiving, water collection).
- Unpaid domestic labour and informal sector roles contribute to women’s vulnerability.
- Women are more susceptible to health risks (e.g., water pollution, air quality) due to their roles in household management.
Health and Economic Inequality:
- Women face worse health outcomes due to environmental risks (e.g., respiratory diseases, food scarcity).
- Economic vulnerability: Limited access to resources, land, and property further exacerbates their ability to recover from environmental or economic disasters.
- Gendered caregiving roles contribute to the emotional and physical burden women face in managing risks.
Conclusion:
- Beck’s theory of a risk society highlights the unequal distribution of risks and their gendered impacts, showing how women bear a disproportionate burden of modern risks and crises.
In 2024, India’s military expenditure was 9 times that of Pakistan: SIPRI
Context : India’s Military Expenditure
- In 2024, India spent $86.1 billion on its military.
- This marked a 1.6% increase from the previous year.
- India ranked as the 5th largest military spender globally.
- Its spending was almost 9 times higher than Pakistan’s.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
Pakistan’s Military Expenditure
- Pakistan’s military spending stood at $10.2 billion.
- Despite regional tensions, Pakistan’s defence budget remained far below India’s.
- Highlights the asymmetry in military capability and funding between the two nations.
Global Trends (as per SIPRI)
- Top 5 spenders: United States, China, Russia, Germany, and India — together accounting for 60% of global military spending.
- Total spending by these countries: $1,635 billion.
China’s Position
- China’s military spending reached $314 billion (7% increase).
- 30th consecutive year of increase.
- Makes up 50% of all military expenditure in Asia and Oceania.
- Focus: Military modernisation, cyberwarfare, and nuclear arsenal expansion.
Russia and Ukraine
- Russia: $149 billion (↑38% from 2023), 7.1% of GDP, 19% of government spending.
- Ukraine: $64.7 billion (↑2.9%), equivalent to 34% of GDP, the highest military burden globally.
- Reflects the sustained and escalating nature of the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
European Military Spending
- Military expenditure in Europe (incl. Russia): $693 billion (↑17%).
- Driven by the war in Ukraine and regional insecurity.
- Surpassed Cold War levels of spending.
Strategic Implications for India
- India remains focused on military parity with regional powers like China.
- Growing defence budget indicates concern over regional instability, including:
- Border tensions with China.
- Terror threats from across the Pakistan border (e.g., Pahalgam attack).
- Despite being 5th globally, India faces dual-front threats, necessitating sustained investment.
UN statement a ‘strong win’ despite ‘dilution’: officials
Context : UNSC Statement on Pahalgam Attack
- The UN Security Council condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
- However, the final statement omitted any mention of:
- The Resistance Front (TRF) – a proxy terror group.
- Cross-border linkages to Pakistan.
- The language was diluted due to objections by China and Pakistan, citing the “disputed nature” of Kashmir.
Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)
India’s Position
- Directly blamed Pakistan for the attack, citing cross-border terrorism.
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefed over 20 envoys, including China’s ambassador, with evidence including digital communications.
- Indian officials called the statement a “strong win”, as:
- It was issued despite Pakistan’s UNSC membership.
- It overcame China’s efforts to block/modify language.
- Majority of UNSC members supported the original U.S.-drafted condemnation.
China’s Role and Response
- China supported diluting references to TRF and cross-border terrorism.
- Publicly stated it “welcomes any steps to cool down the situation”.
- Reaffirmed its support for Pakistan as an “ironclad friend” and backed an “impartial investigation”.
- China is aligning strategically with Pakistan, particularly on security issues.
Pakistan’s Reaction
- Called for an international investigation (possibly by China and Russia).
- Continued to deny direct involvement, despite India’s claims and evidence.
- Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif earlier admitted to Pakistan’s history of sponsoring terror, strengthening India’s case globally.
Diplomatic Implications
- UNSC language compromise shows persistent international division on Kashmir.
- India’s aggressive diplomacy signals intent to globalise the issue of cross-border terrorism.
- China’s actions underscore its strategic shielding of Pakistan at multilateral platforms.
India’s Strategic Gains
- Despite dilution, international condemnation was secured.
- Raised awareness of Pakistan’s terror links at global platforms.
- Positioned Pakistan as a “rogue state”, citing even internal confessions.
- Reinforced India’s narrative on state-sponsored terrorism and need for accountability.
New initiative launched to revive oceans through community-led protection
Overview and Goals
- Launched on April 24, 2025, the Revive Our Ocean initiative aims to scale up community-led Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
- Its core mission: end destructive fishing practices (especially bottom trawling) and empower coastal communities to protect ocean ecosystems.
- Aligns with the 30×30 target of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework: protect 30% of oceans by 2030.
Relevance : GS 3(Environment and Ecology)
Geographical Focus
- Initial implementation in seven countries: UK, Portugal, Greece, Turkey, Philippines, Indonesia, and Mexico.
- Builds on successful community-led conservation models across these regions.
Need for Community-led MPAs
- Globally, only 3% of oceans are under full protection, despite 16,000+ MPAs being established.
- Many MPAs are poorly managed or permit harmful activities like bottom trawling.
- Community governance leads to better ecological and economic outcomes.
Success Stories
- Medes Island, Spain: €16 million annual revenue from diving tourism vs. low returns from fishing.
- Isle of Arran, Scotland: Marine biodiversity doubled after establishing no-fishing zones.
- RARE’s Fish Forever (Philippines): 2,000+ communities created zones where fish stocks doubled in 5 years.
- Coastal 500 network: 350+ local leaders advocating marine protection and policy reforms.
Key Barriers Identified
- Lack of awareness about community benefits of MPAs.
- Restrictive national policies that limit local authority.
- Limited access to tools, funding, and capacity-building.
Revive Our Ocean Collective
- A support network bringing together proven local leaders and conservation practitioners.
- Focuses on knowledge-sharing, policy advocacy, and training.
- Led by Kristin Rechberger (Dynamic Planet) and Enric Sala (Pristine Seas, National Geographic).
Financing and Sustainability
- Plans to launch a microfinance program for community-led MPAs.
- Aims to prove that MPAs are financially self-sustaining: via tourism, sustainable fishing, and carbon capture.
- Example: Spain’s reserve costs €2 million annually but yields €16 million in returns.
Environmental and Climate Benefits
- MPAs restore biodiversity, improve fisheries, and enhance food security.
- Capture carbon and help mitigate climate change.
- Combat practices like bottom trawling, which causes €11 billion losses/year in Europe and disturbs oceanic carbon beds.
