Content:
- Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence
- An aerospace expo to further India’s global presence
- A gift horse’s teeth
Keeping a watch on the growing arc of violence
Context of Rising Violence
- The world is experiencing an unpredictable period with escalating conflicts in multiple regions.
- Post-1945 world order has effectively collapsed, with international institutions failing to mitigate violence.
- The prolonged Ukraine war and civilian casualties in Gaza highlight the ineffectiveness of the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice.
Relevance : GS 2(international Relations)
Practice Question : Recent global trends indicate a resurgence of terrorism, particularly in digital and decentralized forms.” Discuss the evolving nature of terrorism and the challenges it presents to global security. (250 words)
West Asia: Pyrrhic Victories and Future Instability
- Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, alongside U.S. strategies, aim to weaken Iran’s influence.
- However, these efforts provide only temporary advantages, as subterranean activities indicate potential future conflicts.
- The belief in a stable West Asia is misleading; radical movements and extremist networks continue to thrive.
Evolution of Islamist Terrorism
- Despite the weakening of al-Qaeda and ISIS, terrorism remains a formidable global threat.
- Terrorism 3.0 is decentralized, digitally advanced, and continuously adapting to new environments.
- Radicalization is now primarily online, facilitating extremist recruitment and lone–wolf attacks.
Revival of Terror Networks
- Al-Qaeda has re-established training camps in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan.
- ISIS-K (Islamic State in Khorasan Province) is expanding beyond Afghanistan and Pakistan.
- Recent terrorist activities have been observed in Moscow, Iran, Türkiye, and South Asian nations like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand.
- These attacks, though sporadic, suggest a possible resurgence of global terrorism.
Rising Threats in Western Nations
- Small-scale attacks in the West signal the re-emergence of radical terror.
- Two high-profile incidents in the U.S. have raised security concerns:
- A cyber-truck explosion in Las Vegas outside a hotel where Donald Trump was staying.
- A vehicle-ramming attack in New Orleans, killing 14 people and injuring 35.
- Both attackers had a military background, suggesting new recruitment patterns within terror groups.
Technological Advancements in Terrorism
- AI-driven radicalization and recruitment efforts by IS and al-Qaeda raise alarms.
- Advanced propaganda and communication methods are making extremist narratives more accessible.
- Intelligence agencies emphasize that counter-terrorism measures must evolve rapidly to counter digital extremism.
Counter-Terrorism Measures: Need for Proactive Strategies
- Warnings from intelligence agencies indicate the early stages of a possible new wave of global terror.
- Western nations and global security agencies must take early action to prevent another period of sustained extremist violence.
- Ignoring these warnings could lead to a resurgence of large-scale terror attacks.
An aerospace expo to further India’s global presence
Introduction
- Aero India 2025 (February 10-14) at Yelahanka Air Force Station, Bengaluru, is a premier aerospace and defence exhibition.
- The 15th edition aims to enhance India’s global standing in aerospace innovation and self-reliance in defence production.
- Theme: “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”, highlighting India’s commitment to fostering innovation and international collaboration.
Relevance : GS Paper 2 (International Relations & Diplomacy)
Practice Question : Aero India 2025 is seen as a catalyst for India’s self-reliance in defence and aerospace manufacturing. Discuss its significance in strengthening India’s global standing in the defence sector. (250 words)
Evolution of Aero India: From 1996 to 2025
- Started in 1996 as a small aviation exposition; now a globally recognized aerospace and defence event.
- Attracts leading defence manufacturers, policymakers, and industry leaders.
- 2025 edition to surpass previous milestones in defence production and technological advancements.
Participation & Key Exhibitors
- Global Presence:
- 106 Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), including 55 foreign OEMs from 19 countries (Brazil, France, Israel, Japan, Russia, UK, USA, etc.).
- 16 Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs) showcasing indigenous capabilities.
- Indian Industry Participation:
- 35 Indian OEMs, including major players like Larsen & Toubro, Adani Defence, Mahindra Defence, BrahMos Aerospace, BHEL, ECIL, etc.
- Reflects strong public-private collaboration in defence manufacturing.
Key Highlights of Aero India 2025
- Showcasing Advanced Fighter Jets:
- Russian Su-57: A next-generation stealth fighter known for agility and stealth.
- American F-35: A technologically advanced multi-role combat aircraft.
- First time both aircraft will be showcased together, enhancing India’s position in global defence diplomacy.
- Indigenous Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft – AMCA:
- Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) with 75% indigenous content.
- Marks India’s entry into the elite group of nations with fifth-generation aircraft development capability.
- ‘Manthan’ & iDEX Pavilion:
- Focus on start-ups and innovation in aerospace and defence.
- Showcases indigenous solutions under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives.
Strategic Importance of Aero India 2025
- Strengthening India’s Defence & Aerospace Industry:
- Encourages collaboration between domestic and foreign firms.
- Boosts indigenous defence manufacturing under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
- Diplomatic & Economic Significance:
- Enhances India’s position as a global aerospace hub.
- Strengthens defence ties with major global players.
- Innovation & Self-Reliance:
- Promotes domestic R&D and high-tech manufacturing capabilities.
- Bridges technological gaps through strategic partnerships.
A gift horse’s teeth
Context : Budgetary Allocations and R&D Spending Trends
- The Union Budget 2025-26 has made significant provisions for scientific research and development.
- Key announcements:
- ₹20,000 crore for the development of small modular reactors, with a target of five reactors by 2033.
- Introduction of the Research, Development, and Innovation Fund under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- The DST budget allocation now stands at₹28,000 crore, over three times last year’s allocation and seven times the actual expenditure of 2023-24.
- Despite such massive increases, concerns remain regarding the effective absorption and utilization of these funds.
Relevance : GS 2(Governance) , GS 3(Research)
Practice Question : Despite higher budgetary allocations for research and development (R&D), India struggles with innovation. Analyze the structural challenges in India’s R&D ecosystem and suggest measures to enhance private sector participation. (250 words)
Structural Challenges in India’s R&D Ecosystem
- Low private sector participation in R&D:
- The private sector contributes only 36% to India’s total R&D expenditure.
- Overall R&D spending in India was just 0.64% of GDP in 2020, the lowest since 1995.
- In comparison, business enterprises account for around 40% of government R&D spending.
- Public sector R&D units allocate only 0.30% of sales turnover to research, while the private sector allocates 1.46% (2020-21, DST estimates).
Core Issues Affecting R&D Growth
- Despite strong technology-driven industries like fuel, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, textiles, IT, and biotechnology, core R&D returns remain insufficient.
- Government efforts in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies lack supporting infrastructure.
- Major gaps in India’s innovation ecosystem:
- Lack of chipsets and semiconductor fabs.
- Shortage of a skilled engineering workforce.
- Absence of a strong private sector-driven innovation ecosystem.
Way Forward: A Strategic R&D Transformation
- Clear roadmap for fund allocation: Define how private entities can access R&D funding and ensure transparency in disbursal.
- Incentivizing private investment: Introduce tax benefits, grants, and subsidies to attract corporate R&D participation.
- Building foundational infrastructure:
- Developing semiconductor fabs and advanced chip manufacturing units.
- Expanding AI and quantum computing research hubs.
- Establishing world-class engineering and research institutions.
- Ensuring long-term industry engagement:
- Strengthening academia-industry partnerships.
- Encouraging startup participation in R&D innovation.
- Creating regulatory frameworks that facilitate smoother technology transfers.
- Public accountability: The government must quantify expected outcomes and track the impact of the increased funding.
