- AS PM MODI LANDS IN U.S MUSK’S STARLINK STEALS A MARCH INTO BHUTAN
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- Elon Musk’s Starlink launched in Bhutan, aiding remote mountainous connectivity.
- India’s Concern: Starlink’s entry in Bhutan may raise security, pricing, and regulatory challenges for India’s telecom sector.
- Discussion Expected: Starlink’s India plans during Modi-Trump meeting; India yet to permit Starlink operations.
2. ARMY HAS TO EVOLVE NEW CONCEPTS TO ALIGN WITH EMERGING TRENDS : CDS
SUBJECT: DEFENSE
- Future Warfare: Complex, multi-dimensional, influenced by AI, autonomous weapons, 6th-gen aircraft.
- Key Points by CDS Anil Chauhan:
- Need for new concepts, doctrines, organizations to adapt to emerging tech.
- Emphasis on tech investment to align with Western military standards.
- Future warfare: Humans vs machines; perpetual and irrational, unlike finite wars of the past.
3. IMEC PROJECT GAINS TRACTION AS PM HOLDS TALKS WITH MACRON
SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL
- IMEC (India-Middle East-Europe Corridor): Sea-land route connecting India to Europe.
- Key Partners: India, France, Israel; stalled due to Gaza conflict, now revived.
- Marseille Entry Point: Gateway to European market; joint efforts by Modi and Macron.
- Nuclear Cooperation: Joint development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for clean energy.
- Strategic Importance: Boosts India-Europe trade, enhances India’s role in global connectivity
4. WHAT IS CONTRIBUTING TO THE DOWNTURN IN INDIAN MARKETS?
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Sensex fell for 6 consecutive days due to FII & FPI sell-offs, weak earnings, and US tariff fears.
- Impact of US Tariff Policy: 25% tariffs on steel & aluminum reinstated by the US.
- Increased Asian steel exports → price drops → competition for Indian firms (e.g., JSW Steel’s Q3 Net Smelting Return fell ₹1,800/ton).
- Foreign Investor Shift: FIIs & FPIs moving to US bonds due to safer returns amid market volatility.
- Persistent inflation (>RBI’s 4% target), weak earnings, and high valuations deter investors from Indian markets.
- Rupee Depreciation: Capital outflows to the US strengthen the dollar and weaken the rupee
5. INDIA MAY REVIVE PLAN TO PROCURE SIX MORE P -8I AIRCRAFT FROM U.S
SUBJECT: DEFENSE
- India to procure 6 additional P-8I long-range maritime patrol aircraft from the US; key discussion in Modi-Trump talks.
- Existing Fleet: 12 P-8Is procured in two batches (2009, 2016) at $3.2 billion.
- Deal Progress: Approved by US State Dept. in 2021 for $2.42 billion; deliveries expected by 2029.
- Complementary Tech: MQ-9B Sea Guardian UAVs (contract signed for 31 UAVs in 2023 worth $3.5 billion).
