Recent major developments include BRICS leaders condemning terrorism at their summit, the Indian government addressing critical issues in the captive elephant database project, and the growing impact of “agentic AI” on global warfare strategies.
BRICS Leaders Condemn Terrorism
During their recent summit in Rio de Janeiro, BRICS leaders issued a strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. The declaration, adopted late on Sunday, emphasized a zero-tolerance approach towards terrorism, including its cross-border movement, financing, and safe havens.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the Pahalgam attack as a “direct assault on the soul, identity, and dignity of India.” He urged for universal rejection of support for terror and terrorists, calling for immediate sanctions against such entities without hesitation.
While the declaration avoided naming specific countries, the strong stance on cross-border terror is widely seen as a message directed towards Pakistan. This call for concerted action against UN-designated terrorists and expedited finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism comes despite China’s past blocking of sanctions against Pakistan-based groups at the UN.
The BRICS grouping, which includes India, Brazil, Russia, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, UAE, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran, also advocated for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council. The aim is to make the UNSC more democratic, representative, and effective by increasing the representation of developing countries.
Addressing Flaws in Elephant Conservation Data
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the Wildlife Institute of India’s (WII) annual report on the Captive Elephant Database Project. The Ministry cited issues like “copy-pasting” from old sources, the incorrect inclusion of an African elephant photograph on the cover instead of an Asian elephant, and inconsistencies in data.
This project is crucial for preventing the illegal capture and trade of wild elephants by assigning unique genetic IDs to captive elephants through DNA sampling. The information is updated on the “Gajah Soochna” app, aiming to collate details of around 3,000 captive elephants across the country.
The Ministry expects a more structured and scientifically sound document, especially given that the project has been ongoing for over four years. The Asian elephant is currently listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the urgency for accurate and reliable data for their conservation.
The Dawn of Agentic Warfare
The global military landscape is rapidly transforming with the emergence of “agentic AI,” where autonomous intelligent systems perform complex tasks. Countries like China are rapidly deploying AI in their “intelligentised warfare” strategies, enhancing capabilities in areas like artillery accuracy and drone targeting.
Concerns are rising for India, especially as China is reportedly aiding Pakistan’s Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Computing (CAIC) for its “Cognitive Electronic Warfare programme.” This enables AI and machine learning for better tactical decision-making.
India, an early mover in this field with DRDO’s Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) established in 1986, is also navigating this new paradigm. Experts suggest that the future of warfare will see technologically advanced armies leveraging AI agents to outthink and outmaneuver opponents, drastically increasing the speed of tactical operations.
A significant challenge for AI-driven military operations is the immense energy demand of large data centers. This has led to a global shift towards exploring nuclear energy sources, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to provide the necessary baseload power for these advanced technologies.
- BRICS leaders have collectively condemned terrorism, reflecting a strong international stance against cross-border terror and financing.
- Accurate and reliable data is vital for wildlife conservation efforts, as highlighted by the issues in the Captive Elephant Database Project.
- Agentic AI is revolutionizing military strategies globally, prompting nations to adapt their doctrines and address the significant energy requirements of this new technology.
These developments underscore the complex interplay of international relations, environmental conservation, and technological advancements shaping the modern world.
