This week brought significant updates across defence, economy, environment, and international relations, from new naval commissions and defence partnerships to insights into India’s consumption patterns and global trade dynamics.
Defence and Maritime Power
India’s naval capabilities are expanding with the commissioning of INS Tamal. This marks a significant moment as it’s likely the Indian Navy’s last foreign-built warship, reflecting a growing focus on indigenous shipbuilding. The INS Tamal is the eighth Talwar-class frigate, built in Russia, and is described as a “formidable moving fortress at sea” capable of multi-dimensional naval operations.
In a major step for strategic alliances, India and the United States have agreed to sign a new 10-year defence partnership framework. This agreement, discussed between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his US counterpart Pete Hegseth, aims to deepen defence industry collaboration and facilitate US weapons purchases for India.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), headed by the Defence Minister, has also cleared procurements worth Rs 1.05 lakh crore for the Armed Forces. These acquisitions, including armoured recovery vehicles and surface-to-air missiles, are all sourced domestically, enhancing India’s self-reliance in defence.
Global Affairs and Strategic Regions
The “QUAD at Sea Ship Observer Mission” has been launched, marking the first-ever collaboration among the Coast Guards of India, Japan, the United States, and Australia. This mission, guided by the Wilmington Declaration, aims to boost joint readiness and maritime domain awareness, supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific.
The Gulf of Paria, a shallow body of water located between Trinidad and Venezuela, recently made headlines. It was mentioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the “Temple in the Sea” built by Indian indentured servant Sewdass Sadhu, highlighting the historical ties of the Indian diaspora.
In a significant geopolitical development, Russia has become the first nation to officially recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated good prospects for expanding ties, pledging cooperation in security and counter-terrorism.
Economy and Public Policy
India’s fertiliser security is closely tied to the Middle East, with about 20-25% of total fertilisers imported from Gulf countries in 2023. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping route for these imports, making supply chains vulnerable to regional tensions. India imports 100% of its muriate of potash (MOP), and significant portions of urea and diammonium phosphate.
New data from the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) for 2023-24 reveals a narrowing gap in daily per capita calorie intake between India’s top and bottom 5% of consumers. This is primarily due to the wealthiest consumers reducing their intake, while the poorest increased theirs, indicating a slight improvement in nutritional equity.
Science, Environment, and Health
Discussions around Ham Radio were sparked by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s communication with schoolchildren from the International Space Station. Ham radio is a licensed service used for educational and emergency purposes, allowing communication between trained operators, with individuals over 12 permitted to operate in India.
The Nipah virus, a severe viral disease, has prompted health alerts in Kerala after positive cases were reported. Spread by fruit bats, the Nipah virus can also be transmitted from person to person, underscoring the need for public vigilance.
Concerns for the Olive Ridley Turtles have impacted infrastructure projects. The Environment Ministry’s Forest Advisory Committee has deferred approval for an international airport in Odisha’s Puri, citing potential harm to these sea turtles, Irrawaddy dolphins, and migratory birds. Olive Ridleys are among the smallest and most widespread sea turtles, known for their mass nesting events called “arribadas,” and are found in tropical regions of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic oceans.
Historical Figures and Administrative Structures
National Statistics Day on June 29 celebrated the birth anniversary of Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, often called the “father of statistics” in India. Mahalanobis was instrumental in establishing the Indian Statistical Institute and the Planning Commissions, and in 1950, he helped launch India’s National Sample Surveys, crucial for informing policy decisions.
The Dalai Lama recently announced that the Gaden Phodrang Trust, registered in India, will be the sole authority to recognize his future reincarnation. This clarification comes amidst discussions about the various institutions associated with the spiritual leader, including the Gaden Phodrang Foundation in Zurich and the Dalai Lama Trust, a non-profit focusing on Tibetan welfare and universal values.
- India’s coastline is now considered nearly 50% longer due to more accurate measurements and a reassessment of its offshore islands, not territorial acquisition or climate change.
- A retaliatory duty is a tariff imposed by one country to compel another to reduce its tariffs or offer trade concessions, a tool India has proposed using against US auto tariffs at the WTO.
These diverse updates highlight ongoing shifts in India’s domestic landscape and its positioning on the global stage, impacting everything from environmental policy to international diplomacy and trade.
