29 September 2025

• Global South resurgence: Developing countries have become increasingly vocal on issues of trade equity, climate justice, and UN reforms. India has positioned itself as a leader/voice of the Global South, especially after the Voice of Global South Summit (Jan 2023 & 2024).
• Geopolitical backdrop:
  • Gaza conflict: Global South largely critical of Israel; India shifting from earlier neutrality to a more aligned position with developing nations.
  • Ukraine war: U.S. framing India/China negatively; trade tensions escalating.
  • UN reform debate: G4 (India, Brazil, Germany, Japan) and L.69 grouping pushing for permanent UNSC representation for developing countries.
• India’s foreign policy doctrine: Strategic autonomy, multi-alignment, and balancing Global North-South interests.
• Neighbourhood dynamics: U.S. outreach to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan contrasted with India’s selective bilateral engagements.

Key Facts / Prelims Pointers

• Multilateral groupings engaged:
  • BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa)
  • IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa)
  • India-CELAC (Community of Latin American & Caribbean States)
  • India-SICA (Central American Integration System)
  • FIPIC (Forum for India–Pacific Island Cooperation)
  • L.69 (Developing nations pushing UN reforms)
  • C-10 (African Union’s Committee of 10 on UNSC reforms)
  • Like-Minded Global South Group
• Trade conflict with U.S.:

  • 50% tariffs on Indian goods.

  • Additional pharma tariffs imposed

  • Visa/immigration cuts affecting Indian professionals.

  • U.S. rhetoric: “fix India.”

• U.S. engagement: Trump met Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif & Army chief; envoy met Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan.
• India’s Gaza stance: Supported BRICS & IBSA statements condemning Israeli actions – sharper than past abstentions.

Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros

• Leadership in Global South: Enhances India’s image as a bridge between developing world & advanced economies.
• Alignment on Gaza: Improves India’s credibility among Arab, African, and Latin American nations.
• South-South solidarity: Strengthens economic and political coalitions on trade, climate, and UNSC reforms.
• Diversified partnerships: Reduces overdependence on U.S./West, builds strategic autonomy.

Challenges / Cons

• U.S. trade retaliation: Tariffs on goods/pharma, visa restrictions → impact exports & professionals.
• Quad under strain: No Quad FM meeting raises doubts about Indo-Pacific coordination.
• Neighbourhood optics: U.S. engagements with Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka may weaken India’s regional primacy.
• Balancing act: Aligning too strongly with Global South could create friction with Western partners critical for tech, capital, and defence.

Long-Term Implications

• Vision 2047 & Atmanirbhar Bharat: Push for trade diversification, pharma self-reliance, and resilient supply chains.
• Global positioning: India seen as a “voice of the Global South” → strengthens claim for UNSC permanent seat.
• SDGs & Development Diplomacy: Collaboration with Global South aids collective action on climate, food security, and digital public infrastructure.
• Multipolarity: India’s active role in BRICS, IBSA, and L.69 furthers a multipolar global order, reducing Western dominance.

Way Forward

• Strategic Balancing:
  • Continue engaging U.S. on Quad, tech, defence, but deepen South-South cooperation.
  • Maintain issue-based alignments (Ukraine vs Gaza).
• Trade & Economic Diplomacy:
  • Push for FTA diversification with Latin America, Africa, ASEAN.
  • Build resilience against tariff shocks through Atmanirbhar manufacturing.
•  Neighbourhood First 2.0:
  •  Counter U.S.-Pakistan outreach with proactive engagement in South Asia.
  • Strengthen regional connectivity and development partnerships.
• UN Reform Push:
  •  Intensify G4 + L.69 lobbying for expanded UNSC membership.
  • Highlight Global South solidarity as moral- political pressure.
• Narrative Building:
  • Showcase India’s digital public infrastructure, vaccine diplomacy, climate leadership as models for Global South development.

INDIA -U.S RELATIONS

KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Russian FM Sergey Lavrov at UNGA (Sep 2025) reaffirmed India’s independent foreign policy and “particularly privileged strategic partnership” with Russia.
• Statement came amid U.S. pressure on India to cut Russian oil imports, with Washington imposing 50% tariffs on India (including 25% penalty for Russian oil purchases).
• Lavrov referenced Modi–Putin meeting at the SCO Summit (China, 2025); Putin’s visit to New Delhi in Dec 2025 expected.
• India has defended its energy policy as guided by national interest & market dynamics, resisting Western attempts at alignment.

Key Facts / Prelims Pointers

• India–Russia Relations: Elevated to “Special & Privileged Strategic Partnership” in 2010.
• Platforms of Engagement: SCO, BRICS, G20, UN, bilateral annual summits.
• Energy Trade: India among top importers of discounted Russian crude post-Ukraine war.
• Tariffs: U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on India (highest among partners).
• Strategic Autonomy Doctrine: Rooted in India’s Non-Alignment 2.0 approach.
• Recent Event: Jaishankar–Lavrov meeting on sidelines of UNGA-80 (2025).

Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros

• Energy Security: Russian oil ensures affordable crude supplies amid volatile global prices.
• Strategic Autonomy: Reinforces India’s independent foreign policy, balancing U.S., Russia, EU, and Global South.
• Geopolitical Leverage: India gains negotiating strength with the West by keeping Russia close.
• Defence Ties: Russia remains a key defence supplier (S-400, nuclear submarines, BrahMos JV).
• Global South Leadership: India projects itself as a voice of sovereignty against Western unilateralism.

Challenges / Cons

• U.S. Pressure: High tariffs & possible CAATSA- style sanctions risk hurting India–U.S. economic/strategic ties.
• Overdependence on Russia: Critical defence supplies may face delays (Ukraine war impact).
• Perception Issues: West may perceive India as tilting towards Russia, complicating Quad/I2U2 engagement.
• Economic Costs: Tariffs raise cost of exports to the U.S., India’s largest trade partner.
• Geopolitical Instability: Russia’s prolonged conflict with Ukraine adds uncertainty.

Long-Term Implications

• Vision 2047 / Atmanirbhar Bharat: Push towards energy diversification & defence indigenisation.
• SDGs: Access to affordable energy supports SDG-7 (Affordable & Clean Energy).
• Global Multipolarity: Strengthens India’s positioning as a balancer power between West, Russia, and Global South.
• Economic Strategy: May accelerate rupee– rouble trade, BRICS currency discussions, and alternative payment systems.

Way Forward

• Energy Diplomacy: Diversify oil sources (Middle East, U.S., Latin America) while retaining Russian access.
• Defence Indigenisation: Fast-track Make in India in defence to reduce vulnerability to sanctions.
• Trade Strategy: Negotiate tariff relief with the U.S. under bilateral/FTA mechanisms.
• Balanced Geopolitics: Maintain constructive ties with U.S. (tech, Indo-Pacific security) while safeguarding Russia ties.
• Institutional Leverage: Use SCO, BRICS, and UN platforms to push for multipolar order & Global South interests.

NAXALISM WAS AN OBSTACLE IN BASTAR

• CM Vishnu Deo Sai: Push for investment (~₹7 lakh cr proposals in 10 months), focus on Bastar development (tourism, agriculture, dairy).
• Security: Govt claims success in Naxal operations (18–19 months, leaders neutralised); Centre targets eradication by March 31 next year.
• Politics/Law: Anti-conversion bill in winter session (prior permission needed).
• Opposition charge: Alleged political vendetta (ED probe into liquor scam).

Key Facts (Prelims Pointers)

• Investment proposals: ~₹7 lakh crore.
• Focus region: Bastar (tourism, agriculture, dairy).
• Duration of ops: 18–19 months.
• Law planned: Strict anti-conversion law (application + permission).
• Institutions: CPI (Maoist), ED, FRA (2006), PESA (1996).

Critical Analysis Pros

• Boost to jobs & infrastructure.
• Space for dialogue + rehabilitation.
• Tourism & agro-based livelihoods as conflict mitigators.

Cons

• Alleged civilian harm in ops.
• Anti-conversion law risks curbing freedoms.  Investment may bypass tribals; land/environment concerns.
• Political vendetta charges risk weakening institutional trust.

Long-Term Implications

• Vision 2047: Inclusive growth if development is community-led.
• SDGs: Positive for poverty reduction, jobs, sustainable communities; negative if rights violated.
• Security model: Could be template or cautionary tale for India’s internal conflicts.

Way Forward

• Transparent rehabilitation policy with oversight.
•  Community-led development (PESA, FRA).  Independent probe into civilian harm.
•  Safeguards in anti-conversion law.  Land & forest rights protection.
• Socially responsible investment (SIA, benefit- sharing).
• Confidence-building with tribals, open talks.  
• Stronger governance & service delivery.
• Clear communication strategy.
• Independent monitoring of outcomes.

• On September 28, 2015, ISRO launched AstroSat aboard PSLV-C30 (XL) from Sriharikota, India’s first dedicated multi- wavelength space observatory.
• Designed for 5 years, it has successfully completed 10 years of operation, continuing to deliver data.
• It strengthens India’s scientific soft power, places it in league with NASA’s Hubble, and contributes to global astronomy.
• The mission aligns with India’s rising global profile in space research, after milestones like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1, and ahead of Gaganyaan.
• Collaboration involved ISRO, IUCAA, TIFR, IIA, RRI, several Indian universities, and partners from Canada & U.K.

Key Facts / Prelims Pointers

• Launch Date: 28 September 2015
• Launcher: PSLV-C30 (XL configuration)
• Designed Life: 5 years; operating beyond 10 years
• Payloads (5):
  • UVIT (Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope) – UV observations
  • LAXPC (Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter) – X-ray variability studies
  • CZTI (Cadmium–Zinc–Telluride Imager) – Hard X-ray sources, polarization
  • SXT (Soft X-ray Telescope) – Imaging & spectroscopy
  • SSM (Scanning Sky Monitor) – Sky survey for X-ray transients
• Major Discoveries:
  • Black holes & neutron stars studies  
  • Detection of FUV photons from galaxies 9.3 billion light years away
  • Proxima Centauri observations
• Global Parallels: Comparable to NASA’s Hubble, ESA’s XMM-Newton

Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros

• Strengthens India’s position in space science & astrophysics.
• Enhances scientific diplomacy through collaboration with foreign institutions.
• Provides indigenous capability in multi- wavelength astronomy.
• Contributes to global databases, boosting India’s role in knowledge economy.
• Supports STEM ecosystem in universities & research centres.

Challenges / Cons

• Limited funding compared to NASA/ESA restricts larger-scale missions.
• India’s space focus remains utilitarian (communication, navigation, remote sensing) – astronomy still niche.
• Payload aging & technical obsolescence.
• Need for continuous upgrades and new missions to retain momentum.

Long-Term Implications

• Vision 2047: Boosts India’s aspiration to be a scientific superpower by 100 years of Independence.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Indigenous capability in advanced space technologies.
• SDGs: Advances in space science indirectly aid education, innovation, and global partnerships (SDG 4, 9, 17).
• Global Positioning: Establishes India as a contributor to fundamental science, not just applied space tech.

Way Forward

• Develop AstroSat-2 or advanced astronomy satellites with longer lifespans and enhanced payloads.
• Expand international collaborations (e.g., NASA, ESA, JAXA) for joint missions.
• Increase funding & scholarships in astrophysics research.
• Establish data-sharing platforms with global institutions.
• Integrate space astronomy in public outreach to inspire youth (similar to ISRO’s Chandrayaan impact).

AN ENGELS’ PAUSE IN AN AI-SHAPED WORLD

Context

• Geoffrey Hinton warns of an “AI Engels’ pause” — productivity gains without broad welfare. Historically, in 19th-century Britain, industrial output rose but wages stagnated for decades before reforms spread prosperity.

Key Facts (Prelims Pointers)

• Engels’ pause: Coined by Robert Allen, after Friedrich Engels.
• AI as GPT: Lowers cost of prediction (Agrawal, Gans, Goldfarb, 2018).
• Jobs at risk: IMF (2024) – 40% global jobs exposed to AI.
• Global GDP impact: PwC – AI may add $15.7 trillion by 2030.
• Studies: Stanford (younger workers vulnerable), MIT (95% AI pilots show no visible gains).
• Policy models: Singapore’s SkillsFuture, Abu Dhabi’s MBZUAI, public AI infra like K2Think.ai (UAE).

Pros (Opportunities)

• Boosts productivity, reduces errors, lowers service costs.
• Potential for welfare in health, education, clean energy.
• Rapid diffusion possible (like smartphones).

Cons (Challenges)

• Gains concentrated in few firms/countries.  High cost of complements (cloud, training).
• Wage stagnation despite productivity rise (e.g., call centres).
• Inequality deepening; global bifurcation of benefits.
• Institutional lag → slower welfare gains.

Long-Term Implications

• For India Vision 2047: AI could drive high-value growth or widen inequality.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat: Need domestic AI infra & skills to retain value.
• Global SDGs: Potential to aid health/education but risks to “decent work” (SDG 8).

Way Forward

• Reskilling & lifelong learning (Singapore model).  
• Public AI infra as a public good (compute, data).  
• Redistribute AI rents – robot taxes, UBI pilots.
• Labour institutions – portable benefits, profit- sharing.
• Competition & open models – prevent monopolies.
• Evidence-based policy – track wages, jobs, AI outcomes.

WHAT AN EMPTY PLATE OF FLOOD SHOULD SYMBOLISE

Context & Background

• IDAFLW draws global attention to food loss and waste, a “silent crisis” affecting food security, livelihoods, natural resources, and climate change mitigation.
• Globally, nearly one-third of all food produced is lost or wasted. Post-harvest losses (PHL) and retail waste contribute significantly to GHG emissions and resource inefficiency.
• India’s Scenario: As a major food producer, India faces substantial PHL across crops due to weak infrastructure, fragmented supply chains, and limited technology adoption.
• Institutional Framework:
  • NABCONS (2022), commissioned by MoFPI, reported PHL costing ~₹1.5 trillion annually (~3.7% of agri-GDP).
  • SDG indicator 12.3.1 tracks global food loss and waste through India’s National Indicator Framework.
  • FAO & NIFTEM study, supported by GCF, estimated GHG emissions from PHL across 30 crops and livestock products in India.

Key Facts / Prelims Pointers

• Fruits and vegetables experience 10–15% losses, paddy 4.8%, wheat 4.2%.
• Food loss generates over 33 million tonnes CO2-equivalent emissions annually, with rice alone accounting for >10 million tonnes CO2-e.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) supports cold chains, processing clusters, and modern storage infrastructure.
• FAO Food Loss App (FLAPP), launched in 2023, tracks value-chain losses and is operational in 30+ countries

Critical Analysis Opportunities / Pros

• Reduces PHL, enhancing food security, farmer incomes, and affordability.
• Conserves water, energy, land, and reduces GHG emissions.
• Strengthens India’s compliance with SDG 12.3 and climate commitments.
• Encourages private sector innovation in cold storage, AI, and logistics.

Challenges / Cons

• Weak, fragmented supply chains, especially for perishables.
• High investment required for modern storage and cold chains.
• Requires multi-stakeholder coordination: farmers, industry, government, consumers.
• Cultural and behavioural change needed to reduce retail and household food waste.

Long-Term Implications

• Supports Vision 2047 goals for sustainable and resilient agriculture.
• Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat by reducing import dependency and improving farmer profitability.
• Reduces food-waste-driven GHG emissions, aiding India’s Paris Agreement commitments.
• Advances a circular economy, linking food systems with energy and waste management.

Way Forward / Policy Measures

• Expand cold chains, modern storage, and logistics hubs under PMKSY.
• Promote low-cost solar storage, moisture-proof silos, IoT sensors, AI-based forecasting.
• Redirect surplus food to food banks and convert unavoidable waste to compost, bioenergy, or animal feed.
• Provide subsidies, credit guarantees, and low- interest loans for smallholders and startups.
• Raise awareness among consumers and farmers; continue national surveys to identify PHL hotspots.
• Integrate food loss reduction into climate action plans and SDG monitoring frameworks.