As the UK and India move towards a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Global Capability Centres (GCCs) are emerging as a key area for collaboration. India, already home to over 1,500 GCCs employing 1.9 million people, is seen by British companies not just as a cost-effective back office but as a strategic partner for R&D and digital transformation. The FTA is expected to facilitate deeper engagement by easing regulatory barriers, streamlining professional movement, and harmonizing digital and data governance. From the UK's perspective, the FTA offers access to a fast-growing digital economy, while for India, it aligns with digital economy ambitions and becoming a global hub for high-value services.
- The UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) is poised to significantly enhance collaboration in Global Capability Centres (GCCs).
- India is a leading hub for GCCs, contributing to global innovation and digital transformation.
- The FTA aims to ease regulatory barriers, facilitate talent mobility, and harmonize digital standards.
The European Commission is developing an age verification app under the Digital Services Act to protect minors from harmful online content, while claiming to safeguard adult users' privacy. Critics, however, argue that this move risks compromising privacy and fails to effectively protect children. The app, built on technical specifications similar to European Digital Identity Wallets, aims to allow users to prove they are over 18 without revealing exact age or identity, using zero-knowledge proof for privacy. While some porn companies oppose website-level age verification, advocating for device-based checks, the Commission maintains its approach ensures data protection and aims to make the internet safer for everyone.
- The European Commission is developing an age verification app under the Digital Services Act to protect minors from harmful online content.
- Critics express concerns that the app may compromise adult users' privacy and may not effectively safeguard children.
- The app aims to allow users to prove age without revealing exact identity, using zero-knowledge proof for privacy protection.
As India prepares to host the AI Impact Summit in February 2026, it has the opportunity to steer the global AI debate towards inclusive growth, development, and planetary protection, bridging geopolitical divides. Drawing on its digital experience, India can propose five key suggestions: measuring progress with pledges and report cards, ensuring global South participation, creating a common safety check, offering a middle road on AI rules, and avoiding fragmentation of summits. By focusing on sharing AI capacity with the global majority and turning participation into progress, India can reframe its identity as a leader on cutting-edge issues.
- India is positioned to lead the global AI debate by hosting the AI Impact Summit in February 2026.
- The summit aims to focus AI on inclusive growth, development, and protecting the planet, bridging geopolitical divides.
- India's digital experience, including Aadhaar and UPI, provides a credible foundation for its AI proposals.
Tamil Nadu police will soon roll out "e-Sakshaya," a mobile app developed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, to collect mandatory audio-visual evidence. This app will enable police personnel to upload photos and videos of crime scenes, witnesses, and generate immutable SID packets (secure, geo-tagged, time-stamped evidence with hash verification), strengthening the chain of custody and admissibility of evidence. The application uses blockchain technology to ensure data integrity and trustworthiness. Evidence uploaded will be accessible to magistrates and courts via the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS).
- The e-Sakshaya mobile app is being launched for Tamil Nadu police to collect audio-visual evidence.
- Developed by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, it aims to strengthen the chain of custody and admissibility of evidence.
- The app records videos, photographs, and witness details, generating secure, geo-tagged, and time-stamped evidence packets with hash verification.
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nistar, the first indigenously designed and constructed diving support vessel, in Visakhapatnam. Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth was present at the ceremony. The 118-meter ship is one of two diving support vessels being built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. It is designed for complex deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations, a capability possessed by only a few navies globally. INS Nistar is equipped with state-of-the-art diving equipment, including remotely operated vehicles, self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboats, and diving compression chambers, capable of operations up to 300 meters depth. It will also serve as a "Mother Ship" for deep submergence rescue vessels.
- INS Nistar is the Indian Navy's first indigenously designed and constructed diving support vessel.
- It was commissioned in Visakhapatnam in the presence of Union MoS for Defence Sanjay Seth.
- The vessel is built by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. and is designed for complex deep-sea saturation diving and rescue operations.
China has emerged as a global leader in the green energy sector, installing more wind turbines and solar panels in 2024 than all other nations combined and dominating the renewable supply chain. This dominance stems from decades of strategic state planning and massive investments in innovation, with State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) and banks playing a crucial role. Driven by climate goals, severe air pollution, and energy insecurity, China allocated $940 billion to renewables in 2024. Despite challenges like grid absorption and haphazard subsidies, Beijing responded with ultra-high voltage transmission lines and a focus on efficiency, now aiming for leadership in next-generation technologies like AI smart grids and green hydrogen.
- China leads globally in green energy installations and controls the renewable energy supply chain.
- Its success is attributed to long-term strategic state planning, massive investments, and the pivotal role of SOEs and state banks.
- Key drivers include addressing severe air pollution, achieving climate goals, and enhancing energy security.
The Indian Army successfully conducted trials of the indigenously developed Akash Prime air defence system in eastern Ladakh at an altitude of over 15,000 feet. Developed by DRDO, the Akash Prime scored two direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets in the high-altitude atmosphere. This latest version of the Akash system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile platform, is intended for the third and fourth regiments of the Indian Army's air defence systems. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the successful test-firing of short-range ballistic missiles Prithvi-II and Agni-I from Chandipur, Odisha, by the Strategic Forces Command.
- The Akash Prime air defence system, an indigenous development, was successfully tested by the Army in Ladakh.
- The trials demonstrated the system's effectiveness against fast-moving aerial targets in high-altitude conditions.
- Akash Prime is a medium-range surface-to-air missile, crucial for strengthening India's air defence capabilities.
India's Shubhanshu Shukla, part of a four-astronaut crew, completed a two-week mission to the International Space Station (ISS), seen as a crucial rehearsal for India's Gaganyaan mission, expected in 2027. The mission, arranged by ISRO through Axiom Space for ₹500 crore, familiarized Shukla and Prasanth Nair (also part of Gaganyaan's first cohort) with advanced spacecraft systems, emergency protocols, and micro-gravity adaptation. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated the Axiom mission was more cost-effective than ISRO training astronauts independently. This collaboration is deemed an admirable outcome, enhancing India's human spaceflight capabilities and strengthening international space cooperation.
- Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's ISS mission is a key preparatory step for the Gaganyaan mission.
- The collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space provided crucial training in advanced spaceflight operations and emergency management.
- The mission was a cost-effective way for ISRO to train its astronauts compared to developing indigenous training facilities.
Gujarat has initiated India's first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to enhance tribal healthcare. The project aims to sequence the genomes of 2,000 individuals from tribal communities across 17 districts in the state. This initiative will focus on early detection and targeted treatment of genetic disorders prevalent in these communities, such as sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and certain hereditary cancers. Additionally, the genetic data collected will be utilized to identify markers related to natural immunity and to support the development of personalized healthcare solutions tailored for tribal populations.
- Gujarat has launched India's first Tribal Genome Sequencing Project to improve healthcare for tribal communities.
- The project will sequence the genomes of 2,000 individuals from tribal communities across 17 districts in Gujarat.
- Its primary goal is the early detection and targeted treatment of genetic disorders like sickle cell anaemia, thalassemia, and hereditary cancers.
Recent tremors in Delhi (magnitude 4.4) and a series of earthquakes across Asia highlight India's seismic vulnerability, especially as the Indian Plate drifts northward, making the Himalayas prone to a "Great Himalayan Earthquake." Delhi, in Seismic Zone IV, faces high risk due to rapid urbanization and non-compliant older structures. The article emphasizes the urgent need for India to rigorously enforce seismic codes, retrofit old buildings, and adopt resilient infrastructure. It draws lessons from Bangkok's high-strength concrete use and warns against unreinforced masonry seen in Myanmar. Experts estimate annual retrofitting investments of ₹50,000 crore are needed, urging a national dialogue and public education for preparedness to transform vulnerability into strength.
- Recent tremors in Delhi and widespread seismic activity across Asia underscore India's high seismic vulnerability, particularly in the Himalayan region.
- Delhi, located in Seismic Zone IV, faces significant risk due to rapid urbanization and a large number of older buildings not compliant with seismic codes.
- India's seismic risk is exacerbated by the northward drift of the Indian Plate, making the Himalayas overdue for a major earthquake.
Global shipping aims for decarbonisation by 2040-50, presenting a significant opportunity for India. The industry is transitioning from traditional fuels like Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (VLSFO) and LNG to green alternatives such as green ammonia and e-methanol. Green hydrogen, produced via renewable energy, is foundational, with green ammonia being preferred for its stability in shipping. India is encouraged to become a marine green fuels production hub, leveraging its solar energy revolution and policy frameworks. Challenges include high upfront capital costs, price discrepancies, and reliance on imports for key technologies. The article suggests innovative financial instruments, PLI schemes, CCUS incentives, and demand-side support for green shipbuilding to achieve this goal.
- Global shipping is committed to decarbonisation by 2040-50, transitioning from traditional fuels to green alternatives like green ammonia and e-methanol.
- Green hydrogen, derived from renewable power, is the key enabler, with green ammonia being a more stable and practical fuel for shipping than hydrogen itself.
- India has a significant opportunity to establish itself as a global hub for marine green fuel production, building on its successful solar energy revolution.
The article contends that the U.S., particularly under Donald Trump, has marginalized the UN and multilateralism, favoring bilateral deals that fragment the global order. It suggests India must accept this shift and focus on national prosperity and South-South cooperation. India needs to define 'strategic autonomy' and prioritize its core interests, looking East for ideas and trade agreements rather than West. The author highlights India's intrinsic strengths in the fourth industrial revolution and defense, advocating for a growth-focused approach, revisiting border issues, and leveraging opportunities like the BRICS Summit in 2026 to lead the Global South in fostering shared prosperity through reoriented tariffs and value chains.
- The U.S. is shifting away from multilateralism towards bilateral deals, leading to a fragmentation of the global order.
- India should adapt by focusing on national prosperity, South-South cooperation, and clearly defining its 'strategic autonomy'.
- India's foreign policy should prioritize trade agreements with Eastern nations (e.g., ASEAN) and leverage its strengths in technology and defense.
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three international crew members of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) returned to Earth on Tuesday, splashing down off the San Diego coast. The crew completed an 18-day sojourn on the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant step for India's human spaceflight ambitions. Group Captain Shukla, an Indian Air Force officer, is also selected for India's Gaganyaan Mission. The mission involved 320 orbits, over 60 research activities, and 23 outreach events. Astronauts will undergo a rehabilitation program to adapt back to gravity after experiencing microgravity conditions.
- Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three international crew members returned to Earth after an 18-day mission on the International Space Station (ISS).
- The mission, Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), involved an 18-day stay on the ISS, with the SpaceX Dragon capsule splashing down off San Diego.
- Group Captain Shukla is a key astronaut selected for India's upcoming Gaganyaan Mission, highlighting India's human spaceflight ambitions.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew departed from the International Space Station (ISS) after 18 days, completing seven microgravity experiments. The Dragon spacecraft is expected to splash down off the California coast. Meanwhile, the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) is preparing for post-flight field studies on crop seeds (Jyothi and Uma rice, horse gram, tomato, sesame, brinjal) that were sent to the ISS under the "Crop Seeds on ISS" project. These seeds will be grown to assess the unique effects of microgravity on growth and yield, with comparative studies planned.
- Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the Ax-4 crew returned to Earth after 18 days on the International Space Station (ISS).
- Shukla completed seven microgravity experiments during his mission.
- The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California.
The Environment Ministry has exempted the majority of India's coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems, which are designed to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions. This decision undermines a 2015 mandate requiring all 180 coal plants (600 units) to install FGDs by 2017. Currently, only about 8% of units have installed FGDs. Official reasons include limited vendors, high costs, and COVID-19 disruptions. An expert committee cited low sulphur content in Indian coal and negligible difference in SO2 levels near plants with and without FGDs. Concerns are also raised about sulphates' beneficial side-effect in suppressing warming, implying that reducing them could worsen climate goals and public health commitments.
- India's Environment Ministry has exempted most coal-fired power plants from mandatory Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) systems.
- The original 2015 mandate required all coal plants to install FGDs by 2017, but only 8% have complied.
- Reasons for the exemption include low sulphur content in Indian coal, high installation costs, and the potential impact of sulphate reduction on climate warming.
A fresh Nipah case in Kerala's Palakkad district, resulting in the death of a 58-year-old man, has triggered fears about the virus's continued presence and prompted an alert in six districts. Health authorities in Palakkad and Malappuram swiftly initiated contact tracing for 46 individuals who interacted with the victim. This incident marks the sixth Nipah case in Kerala within a year. Districts like Kozhikode, Thrissur, Kannur, and Wayanad have also been put on alert, with 543 persons across Kerala currently under observation. The National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, confirmed the case, highlighting the ongoing public health challenge.
- A recent Nipah case in Palakkad, Kerala, led to a death and subsequent health alert in six districts.
- Health authorities initiated rapid contact tracing for individuals who had interacted with the deceased.
- This is the sixth Nipah case reported in Kerala within the last year, indicating a recurring public health challenge.
India's first indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll, developed by Panacea Biotec and supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), is nearing completion of its third phase clinical trials. Approximately 8,000 out of 10,000 targeted participants have enrolled across 20 centres nationwide. The vaccine aims to provide effective efficacy against all four dengue serotypes circulating in India. Dengue is a significant public health concern globally and in India, with high incidence and potential for severe conditions like hemorrhagic fever. Currently, there is no antiviral treatment or licensed vaccine for dengue in India.
- India's first indigenous tetravalent dengue vaccine, DengiAll, is undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
- The trials are a collaborative effort between the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Panacea Biotec Ltd.
- The vaccine aims to provide efficacy against all four serotypes of the dengue virus, which co-circulate in India.
Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a member of the Axiom-4 (Ax-04) mission, and his three crewmates are scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14. The Ax-4 mission involved approximately 60 scientific studies, experiments, and activities representing 31 countries, including the U.S., India, Poland, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Brazil, Nigeria, the United Arab Emirates, and several European nations. This mission highlights international collaboration in space research and the participation of Indian astronauts in global space endeavors.
- Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is part of the Axiom-4 mission.
- The Axiom-4 mission is scheduled to undock from the International Space Station (ISS) on July 14.
- The mission involved extensive international collaboration on scientific studies and experiments.
NITI Aayog has recommended that the Department of Science and Technology (DST) reduce its 'core grant support' for State Science and Technology (S&T) Councils, advocating for a shift towards 'project-based support'. This recommendation is part of a report, 'Roadmap for strengthening State Science and Technology Councils.' The report notes that while State S&T Councils are vital for scientific research and popularisation, their contribution to India's overall scientific output has been less significant compared to Centrally funded institutions. Despite a 17.65% increase in total funding for State S&T Councils in 2023-25, regional imbalances in S&T development remain a concern, with central funding often being a minuscule source for state budgets.
- NITI Aayog proposes reducing 'core grant support' for State S&T Councils, favoring project-based funding.
- The report highlights that State S&T Councils have not contributed as significantly to national scientific output as central institutions.
- Despite increased overall funding, regional disparities in S&T development persist.
The Defence Ministry has identified an Indian firm to establish a maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility for the S-400 air defence system in India. Russia's Almaz-Antey, the manufacturer of the S-400, will collaborate with this Indian firm. This 'landmark move' aims to reduce India's dependence on foreign entities for critical defence systems, aligning with the 'Make In India' initiative and overcoming challenges posed by international sanctions and supply chain disruptions. India currently operates three S-400 systems, named 'Sudarshan Chakra', which proved crucial in Operation Sindoor against Pakistani drones and missiles. The remaining two S-400s are expected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
- An Indian firm has been selected to establish an MRO facility for the S-400 air defence system in collaboration with Russian manufacturer Almaz-Antey.
- This initiative is a significant step towards self-reliance in defence and aligns with the 'Make In India' program.
- The move will mitigate risks associated with international sanctions and supply chain disruptions for critical defence equipment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Namibia, emphasized India's commitment to cooperating with Africa for shared growth rather than competition. He highlighted India's historical support for Namibia's decolonization and congratulated the nation for adopting India's UPI digital payment system. Modi met with Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, signing agreements for an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and cooperation in health and medicine. Namibia also joined the India-led Coalition of Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance. Modi was conferred Namibia's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis, underscoring strong bilateral ties.
- PM Modi advocated for India-Africa cooperation based on shared growth and mutual benefit, rather than competition.
- Namibia adopted India's UPI digital payment system, marking a significant step in digital cooperation.
- Several agreements were signed, including establishing an Entrepreneurship Development Centre and cooperation in health and medicine.
The Indian Navy has inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), from Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. This warship, measuring 118 meters and weighing nearly 10,000 tonnes, is equipped with advanced diving equipment capable of deep-sea saturation diving up to 300 meters. With nearly 75% indigenous content, the induction of INS Nistar marks a significant milestone in the Indian Navy's ongoing efforts towards indigenous construction and self-reliance in defense capabilities.
- The Indian Navy has inducted INS Nistar, its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV).
- The ship was constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. (HSL) in Visakhapatnam.
- INS Nistar is equipped for deep-sea saturation diving up to 300 meters, enhancing the Navy's underwater capabilities.
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) report, 'Comprehensive Update on Terrorist Financing Risks', highlights that accused in two recent terror attacks in India utilized online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). In the 2022 Gorakhnath Temple attack, a lone actor transferred ₹6,69,841 via PayPal for ISIL support and used VPNs for detection evasion. For the 2019 Pulwama attack, materials like aluminium powder for the IED were procured through Amazon. The report notes terrorists exploit e-commerce platforms as multiple buyers/sellers and use trade-based money laundering techniques like over/under invoicing to transfer value.
- The FATF report indicates that terrorists in India are exploiting online payment services, e-commerce platforms, and VPNs for financing and operational activities.
- In the Gorakhnath Temple attack (2022), an individual used PayPal to transfer funds for ISIL support and VPNs to evade detection.
- Materials for the Pulwama attack (2019), specifically aluminium powder for the IED, were procured via Amazon.
The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to boost private sector investment in basic research. A special purpose fund within the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will provide low-interest loans, with ANRF expected to source 70% of its budget from private sources. However, the scheme is criticized for its conservatism, as it only funds Technology Readiness Level-4 (TRL-4) projects, neglecting basic research (TRL-1). The article argues that advanced countries developed due to military-industrial complexes supporting risky R&D, and highlights India's brain drain and lack of a skilled manufacturing sector as persistent issues.
- The Union Cabinet approved a ₹1-lakh crore RDI scheme to incentivize private sector investment in basic research.
- The scheme will operate through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), which will provide low-interest loans and is expected to get 70% of its budget from private sources.
- A major criticism is the scheme's focus on Technology Readiness Level-4 (TRL-4) projects, which are already halfway developed, rather than supporting fundamental research.