In News:

In a major shift that challenges global disarmament efforts, NATO members Poland, Finland, and the three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—have announced their withdrawal from the 1997 Ottawa Convention banning anti-personnel landmines. These countries cite growing security threats from Russia amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war as the primary reason for exiting the treaty.

Ottawa Convention (1997)

• Objective: To prohibit the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel landmines, and to mandate the destruction of existing stockpiles within four years.
• Adoption and Enforcement: Finalized in Oslo on 18 September 1997, it came into force on 1 March 1999.
• Scope: The treaty bans anti-personnel mines but not anti-vehicle mines.
• Membership: 164 states are party to the convention. However, major powers like the US, Russia, China, and India have not signed or ratified it.
• Humanitarian Impact:
  • Over 80% of landmine victims are civilians (ICRC).
  • Ukraine has been declared the most mined country in the world (UN, October 2024), with 1,286 civilian victims reported as of August 2024.
• Victim Assistance: The Convention includes obligations to assist mine victims, many of whom suffer permanent disabilities.

Motivations Behind Withdrawals

• The withdrawing countries argue that their security environment has fundamentally changed, especially with the threat of Russian aggression.
• They fear that any ceasefire in Ukraine might allow Russia to regroup and pose a direct threat to bordering nations.
• By exiting the convention, these states aim to achieve military parity with Russia, which is not a party to the treaty.
• Poland has already indicated interest in resuming landmine production.

Impact on Global Demining and Humanitarian Efforts

• The move risks reversing decades of global advocacy and humanitarian work.
• Compounding the problem, global demining efforts are under stress due to sharp US funding cuts. The US had been the largest donor, contributing over $300 million annually, or 40% of global demining funds (Landmine Monitor 2024).
• Though the US has resumed some humanitarian demining programs (March 2024), specific details remain limited.

Convention on Cluster Munitions (2008)

• Purpose: Bans the use, production, transfer, and stockpiling of cluster munitions.
• Mechanism: These weapons disperse bomblets over large areas, posing serious risks to civilians long after deployment.
• Membership: 112 state parties and 12 signatories.
• Recent Withdrawal: Lithuania has signaled its withdrawal from this treaty.
• Non-Signatories: India, the US, Russia, China, Ukraine, and Israel have not joined the convention due to strategic and military considerations.
• Recent Usage: In 2023, the US supplied cluster munitions to Ukraine as part of its defense against Russian invasion.

In News:

The 6th BIMSTEC Summit was recently held in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “BIMSTEC: Prosperous, Resilient, and Open.”The Indian Prime Minister participated in the Summit, emphasizing regional connectivity, economic integration, and collective resilience.

About BIMSTEC

• Full Form: Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation
• Members: Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand
• Founded: 1997 (Bangkok Declaration)
• Initial Name: BIST-EC (later BIMST-EC, and finally BIMSTEC in 2004)
• Population & Economy: Covers 1.7 billion people (~22% of world population) with a combined GDP of USD 5.2 trillion (2023)

Key Outcomes:

• Summit Declarations and Documents
  • Bangkok Vision 2030: Adopted as a roadmap for regional economic integration, technological collaboration, and resilience against global challenges.
  • 21-point Action Plan: Proposed by India to revitalize BIMSTEC as a dynamic platform for regional cooperation, especially in light of SAARC’s dormancy.
• Institutional and Governance Reforms
  • Enforcement of the BIMSTEC Charter.
  • Institutionalization of the Home Ministers' Mechanism, with India offering to host the first meeting.
  • Strengthening mechanisms to counter terrorism, cybercrime, and human trafficking.

India’s Key Announcements and Initiatives

A. Centres of Excellence

India announced the establishment of BIMSTEC Centres of Excellence in:

• Disaster Management
• Sustainable Maritime Transport
• Traditional Medicine
• Agricultural Research and Training

B. Connectivity and Digital Infrastructure

• Operationalization of the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru.
• Proposal to link India’s UPI with BIMSTEC payment systems.
• Launch of a pilot study on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for governance and service delivery.

C. Trade and Economic Integration

• Proposal to create a BIMSTEC Chamber of Commerce.
• Plan for an Annual Business Summit.
• Suggestion for a feasibility study on trade in local currencies.

D. Maritime and Space Cooperation

• Proposal for a Sustainable Maritime Transport Centre in India.
• Support for electric grid interconnection across member states.
• Space cooperation: development of nano-satellites, remote sensing data sharing, and training via a dedicated ground station.

Human Development and Cultural Engagement

• BIMSTEC for Organized Development of Human Resource Infrastructure (BODHI):
  • Training for 300 youth annually.
  • Scholarships (e.g., Nalanda University, Forestry Research Institute).
  • Diplomatic training programs.

Health Sector

• Cancer Care Capacity Building Program for BIMSTEC countries.

Youth and Cultural Initiatives

• BIMSTEC Traditional Music Festival
• Young Leaders’ SummitandHackathon
• Young Professional Visitors Program
• BIMSTEC Athletics Meet (2025)
• BIMSTEC Games (2027)– to mark the 30th anniversary

India–Thailand Strategic Partnership (Announced on Sidelines)

Maritime and Regional Cooperation

• Strengthening ties via Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) and ASEAN Outlook on Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
• Boosting connectivity via the India–Myanmar–Thailand Trilateral Highway.

Defence and Security

• Expansion of defence dialogues and joint military exercises (e.g., Exercise Maitree).
• Cooperation in cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and intelligence sharing.

Economic and Trade Engagement

• Enhancing supply chain resilience, boosting bilateral trade, and exploring FTA upgradation.

Science and Innovation

• Joint ventures in renewable energy, space technology, and biotech innovation.
• Cooperation on digital public infrastructure.

Cultural Relations

• Promotion of Buddhist heritage, education exchanges, and tourism.
• Engagement with the Indian diaspora in Thailand.

In News:

India has been ranked 10th globally in terms of private sector investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) in 2023, according to the Technology and Innovation Report 2025, released by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The report highlights the evolving global AI landscape and underscores India's growing role in frontier technologies.

About the Technology and Innovation Report

• Published by: UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development).
• Objective: To provide policy-relevant insights on emerging issues in science, technology, and innovation (STI), especially from the perspective of developing countries.
• Theme of the 2025 Edition: “Inclusive Artificial Intelligence for Development”.
• Purpose: Aims to assist policymakers in formulating inclusive and equitable STI policies amid the rapid expansion of AI technologies.

Key Highlights of the 2025 Report

• India’s Position:
  • Ranked 10th globally for private AI investments, amounting to $1.4 billion in 2023.
  • Among developing countries, only India and China feature prominently in global AI investments.
  • India’s growing prominence reflects its rising technological capacity and startup ecosystem.
• Global Investment Trends:
  • The United States led global AI investment with $67 billion (70% of global private investment).
  • China ranked second with $7.8 billion.
  • The report reveals that just 100 companies, mainly from the US and China, account for 40% of global private R&D investment in AI, signifying a concentration of technological power.
• AI and Global Employment:
  • The report warns that up to 40% of global jobs could be influenced by AI-driven automation, necessitating adaptive policies, especially in the Global South.
• Governance Gaps:
  • 118 countries, mostly from the Global South, are not participating meaningfully in global AI governance dialogues, highlighting a digital divide in international policy spaces.
• Recommendations for Developing Countries:
  UNCTAD urges developing nations to strengthen three critical areas, termed “key leverage points”:
  • Infrastructure: Improve digital and physical infrastructure.
  • Data Ecosystems: Ensure data accessibility, quality, and sovereignty.
  • Human Capital and Skills: Invest in AI-related education and skilling.
• India’s Broader Performance:
  • Ranked 36th out of 170 countries on the Readiness for Frontier Technologies Index 2024, an improvement from 48th in 2022.

In News:

In a recent geopolitical development, Pakistan has reportedly discovered a significant deposit of Antimony in the Balochistan region — an area marred by conflict and instability. This finding holds both economic and strategic significance, given the growing global demand for rare and critical minerals.

About Antimony

• Chemical Element: Antimony (Symbol: Sb, Atomic Number: 51) is a metalloid, meaning it exhibits properties of both metals and non-metals.
• Physical Properties:
  • Solid at room temperature.
  • Poor conductor of heat and electricity.
  • Found in commercial forms such as ingots, broken pieces, granules, and cast cakes.

Geological Occurrence

• Primary Ore: The chief ore of Antimony is Stibnite (Sb?S?).
• Mode of Occurrence: Found in volcanic-associated deposits and deep-seated veins, formed under moderate to high temperature and pressure.
• Also commonly obtained as a byproduct from lead-zinc-silver mining operations.

Global Production Landscape

• China is the dominant global producer, accounting for over 88% of world production.
• Other notable producers include Russia, Bolivia, and Tajikistan.
• India currently does not have significant reserves or production of Antimony, making it dependent on imports for industrial use.

Key Industrial and Strategic Uses

• Electronics Industry:Used in manufacturing semiconductors, infrared detectors, and diodes.
• Alloys:
  • Alloyed with lead and other metals to increase hardness and strength.
  • Lead-antimony alloys are extensively used in lead-acid batteries.
• Defense and Printing:Utilized in the production of bullets, type metal for printing, and cable sheathing.
• Flame-Retardants and Ceramics:Antimony compounds are key ingredients in flame-retardant materials, as well as in paints, enamels, glass, and pottery.

In News:

In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous aviation sector, the Hansa-3 trainer aircraft has recently been approved for training aircrew for pilot licences. Notably, the production of this aircraft will now be undertaken by private industry, marking a step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation technology and defence manufacturing.

About Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft

• India’s First Indigenous Flying Trainer: The Hansa-3 is the country’s first indigenously developed light trainer aircraft.
• Developed by: The aircraft was designed and developed by the CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Intended Use: Specifically designed for flying clubs in India, it is well-suited for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) training, owing to its cost-effectiveness and low fuel consumption.

Key Features and Technological Advancements

• Configuration: It is a two-seater, low-wing monoplane, optimized for pilot training missions.
• Engine: Powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine, known for high efficiency and performance.
• Advanced Airframe: Incorporates Just-In-Time Prepreg (JIPREG) composite lightweight material, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel use.
• Modern Cockpit: Equipped with a glass cockpit and bubble canopy, offering a wide panoramic view — critical for pilot situational awareness.
• Electronic Systems:
  • Electric Flaps for improved handling.
  • Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection System for automatic adjustment of fuel-air mixture across varying altitudes, enhancing performance and fuel economy.

Significance for India

• Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat: The transition to private manufacturing aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening the domestic aerospace ecosystem under the Make in India initiative.
• Reduces Dependency: Reduces reliance on imported aircraft for pilot training, supporting India’s goal of strategic autonomy in aviation technology.
• Skill Development: Enhances the capacity of Indian flying schools and contributes to the growth of the civil aviation sector by producing more trained pilots domestically.