1. India-China Collaboration on Global AI Governance
Context: The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant turn in India-China relations. This is Modi’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clash, a reminder of the deep-rooted geopolitical tensions between the two Asian giants. Yet, amid historical mistrust, both countries are choosing to focus on the future. By emphasizing artificial intelligence (AI) governance, India and China seek to build a common ground that reflects the aspirations of the Global South, challenging the dominance of Western-led frameworks. This moment represents not just diplomatic recalibration but also the potential rebalancing of global technology governance.
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- The Geopolitical Background
India and China have a history of border disputes, strategic rivalry, and mistrust, especially after the 2020 Galwan Valley incident. Despite these challenges, both nations recognize the cost of disengagement in a multipolar world. The SCO platform provides an opportunity to move beyond disputes and prioritize cooperation in emerging technologies. AI, given its transformative power, has become the chosen arena for redefining bilateral ties. For India and China, working together on AI governance is as much about strategic positioning as it is about economic growth. - AI as a Tool of Global Governance
Artificial intelligence has become the backbone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, impacting healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, defence, and education. While AI promises growth, innovation, and efficiency, it also poses risks related to data privacy, algorithmic bias, cyber threats, and job displacement. Currently, AI governance is shaped largely by Western entities such as the OECD, G7, EU, and United Nations-led forums. This dominance sidelines the Global South, which faces unique challenges like the digital divide and resource disparities. India-China collaboration aims to create equitable, inclusive governance models that serve developing nations, not just advanced economies. - India’s AI Vision
India’s AI market is projected to touch USD 8 billion by 2025, growing at over 40% annually. The government has introduced landmark programmes such as the National Strategy for AI (2018), AI for India 2.0 (2023), and the IndiaAI Mission (2024). These initiatives focus on ethical AI usage, inclusivity, innovation, and skill-building. India’s approach strongly advocates equitable access to AI, ensuring that even resource-constrained countries benefit from digital advancements. Additionally, India’s participation in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) underlines its commitment to international collaboration while prioritizing the needs of developing nations. - China’s AI Leadership
China is already a global powerhouse in AI, with its core AI industry valued at over USD 140 billion. Its ambition is to become the world leader in AI by 2030. Policies such as the Global AI Governance Initiative (2023) and the Shanghai Declaration (2024) highlight its vision of AI as an international public good. China emphasizes fairness, inclusivity, safety standards, and South-South cooperation. It has invested heavily in AI infrastructure, research, and data ecosystems, giving it an edge in scaling AI adoption globally. By aligning its strengths with India’s ethical framework, China can push for governance models that cater to developing nations’ realities.
Conclusion:
The India-China collaboration on AI governance at the SCO summit signifies more than a diplomatic thaw, it reflects a strategic necessity for the Global South. By jointly shaping AI policies, both nations can ensure that developing countries are not left behind in the AI revolution. This partnership can transform global AI governance into a multipolar, inclusive, and diverse system, reducing dependency on Western-led models. The road ahead will not be free of challenges given the geopolitical rivalry, but the promise of creating a fairer, ethical, and globally representative AI ecosystem makes cooperation imperative. For India and China, AI is no longer just technology, it is a pathway to global influence and equitable development.
2. Sudarshan Chakra Air Defence Mission
Context: The announcement of the Sudarshan Chakra Mission marks a turning point in India’s journey toward achieving indigenous multi-layered air defence capability. The mission aims to safeguard the nation’s strategic installations, civilian hubs, and critical infrastructure from a range of aerial threats including missiles, drones, and hostile aircraft. Much like Israel’s Iron Dome, the Indian system is envisioned as a comprehensive shield that blends advanced technology with military preparedness. More importantly, it reflects the country’s long-term vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, ensuring self-reliance in defence technologies and reducing dependency on external suppliers.
Details
The Sudarshan Chakra system is designed as both a shield and a sword, capable of detecting, tracking, and neutralising enemy aerial threats in real time. Unlike conventional defence frameworks, this mission integrates both soft kill measures, such as electronic warfare, cyber disruption, and jamming, along with hard kill measures that involve missile interceptors and high-energy laser systems. The dual approach ensures that India remains prepared to counter not only present-day threats but also the evolving challenges of next-generation warfare.
A major highlight of the project is its reliance on indigenous technological components. The system integrates Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles (QRSAMs), Very Short Range Air Defence Systems (VSHORADS), and high-powered 5-kilowatt laser weapons. These capabilities were successfully demonstrated during the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System, showcasing India’s growing confidence in deploying both kinetic and directed energy weapons. By layering multiple weapons systems together, Sudarshan Chakra creates a strong deterrence mechanism that is capable of neutralising threats at varying ranges and altitudes.
Another defining feature of the mission is the fusion of data across multiple domains. The system is built on a robust Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) network that draws information from ground radars, airborne sensors, maritime systems, undersea assets, and even space-based satellites. This real-time integration eliminates blind spots and provides decision-makers with a comprehensive aerial picture, enabling rapid responses. In the era of hypersonic missiles and drone swarms, such multi-domain situational awareness becomes critical to national security.
The backbone of Sudarshan Chakra is powered by artificial intelligence, quantum computing, big data analytics, and advanced algorithms. These technologies will process massive amounts of data generated by multiple sensors and domains, ensuring quick classification of threats and instant deployment of countermeasures. AI-driven predictive analysis will allow the system to anticipate hostile vectors before they strike, while quantum encryption will secure communication lines from cyber intrusions. The inclusion of large language models (LLMs) adds another dimension, enabling automated decision support and faster coordination between human operators and machines.
Strategically, the mission aligns with India’s evolving security doctrine. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan highlighted the triad of being “Shashastra” (armed), “Suraksit” (secure), and “Aatmanirbhar” (self-reliant), underlining the need to blend traditional wisdom with contemporary warfighting concepts. Drawing lessons from modern conflicts such as Operation Sindoor, the project reinforces the principle that peace is preserved through preparedness. In doing so, the mission not only enhances defence capability but also strengthens India’s position as a technologically sovereign state ready to face modern hybrid threats.Conclusion: The Sudarshan Chakra Mission is more than a defence project—it is a declaration of India’s technological sovereignty and strategic foresight. By combining missiles, lasers, AI-driven intelligence, and a multi-domain ISR network, India is laying the foundation for a truly future-ready defence shield. The mission signals a shift from dependence on imported systems toward an indigenous, adaptive, and resilient air defence architecture. In an age where security threats are as much digital as physical, Sudarshan Chakra embodies the vision of a nation prepared for modern warfare while drawing inspiration from its ancient ethos. It is the living embodiment of the maxim: If you want peace, prepare for war.
3. India Signed LoI with WFP to Combat Global Hunger
Context: In August 2025, India signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the World Food Programme (WFP) of the United Nations in New Delhi to strengthen cooperation in combating global hunger. The agreement was led by the Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (MoCAF&PD). The initiative reflects India’s global humanitarian vision, highlighting the ancient principle of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”—the world is one family. This move marks India’s evolution from being a food-deficit nation to becoming a significant contributor to the fight against hunger worldwide.
Details
The signing of the LoI was attended by several key dignitaries including Ashutosh Agnihotri, Chairman and Managing Director of the Food Corporation of India (FCI), Samir Wannmal, Regional Director of WFP Asia and Pacific, Carl Skau, Deputy Executive Director of WFP, Elisabeth Faure, Country Director, WFP India, and Sanjeev Chopra, Secretary, DFPD, along with senior government officials. Their participation underscores the whole-of-government and international collaboration model that India is adopting for global humanitarian outreach.
A major commitment under this agreement is India’s pledge to supply up to 200,000 metric tonnes (MT) of fortified rice to WFP over the next five years. This commitment is not merely a supply contract but a step toward establishing India as a dependable global supplier of fortified and nutritional food grains. The focus on fortified rice aligns with India’s domestic nutrition policies under the Poshan Abhiyaan, while also addressing malnutrition in vulnerable populations globally.
The LoI builds upon earlier discussions held at the WFP Executive Board side event in Rome, Italy, in February 2025. The continuity reflects India’s long-term vision of global food security and its willingness to contribute to international partnerships on humanitarian grounds. It represents India’s active engagement in shaping global food distribution frameworks, not just through political statements but through tangible supply commitments.
India’s journey in this sphere is remarkable. Once a food-scarce nation dependent on foreign aid, India has transformed itself into a country with surplus food production capacity. With initiatives like the Green Revolution, the National Food Security Act (2013), and investments in agricultural technology, India now not only meets its domestic requirements but also plays a crucial role in supporting global food aid missions. The transition from recipient to donor is symbolic of India’s economic and agricultural growth story.
This initiative also aligns with India’s larger foreign policy framework. By engaging with WFP, India is strengthening its soft power diplomacy, showcasing itself as a responsible global actor. Providing fortified rice to global supply chains enhances India’s international credibility while simultaneously addressing the UN Sustainable Development Goal 2 (Zero Hunger). This is a blend of humanitarian responsibility and strategic diplomacy, ensuring that India’s voice is influential in global governance platforms.Conclusion: The India-WFP partnership represents a significant step in the global battle against hunger. By committing to the supply of fortified rice, India has transitioned from being a food aid recipient to becoming a pillar of food security for the Global South. This initiative also embodies India’s cultural ethos of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, positioning humanitarian responsibility as an integral part of its foreign policy. As hunger remains one of the greatest challenges to global stability, India’s proactive engagement signals its readiness to lead with both compassion and capacity. In doing so, India reinforces its role as a key stakeholder in ensuring equitable food distribution and global security.
4. MoF Introduces One-Time, One-Way Switch Facility from UPS to NPS
Context: In August 2025, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced a significant reform in pension management by introducing a one-time, one-way switch facility allowing central government employees to migrate from the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) to the National Pension System (NPS). The move, available until September 30, 2025, is a landmark decision aimed at providing flexibility to employees while reinforcing India’s broader shift towards a contributory pension model. This step marks an important balance between fiscal prudence and employee welfare, with far-reaching implications for India’s pension landscape.
Details
The switch facility allows employees under UPS to shift into NPS at any point a year prior to superannuation or three months before voluntary retirement. However, the decision is irreversible—once an employee opts for NPS, they must permanently forfeit UPS benefits, including assured payouts. This condition ensures clarity and prevents dual liabilities for the government while making employees weigh long-term sustainability over short-term security.
NPS has been gradually replacing traditional pension models since its introduction in 2004. Unlike the non-contributory and fiscally burdensome pension systems of the past, NPS is a defined contribution system, where both employee and employer contribute, and final benefits depend on the accumulated corpus and market returns. This reform aligns with the government’s push towards self-reliance in retirement security while reducing the long-term pension burden on public finances.
The exit provisions under Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) Exit & Withdrawal Regulations, 2015 will apply to employees who shift. This means that employees will have structured exit options such as partial withdrawals, annuity purchases, and lump-sum withdrawals, providing greater flexibility and transparency compared to the rigid payout structure of UPS.
A notable highlight is the government’s 4% differential contribution. As per the default investment pattern, this amount will be credited to the employee’s NPS corpus at the time of exit. This measure not only incentivises the switch but also protects employees from potential losses during the transition phase. It signals the government’s intent to make NPS more attractive while phasing out older, unsustainable schemes.
This reform also reflects the larger economic rationale of India’s pension policy. With increasing life expectancy and rising pension liabilities, the government has been under pressure to adopt models that ensure sustainability without compromising employee security. By offering a voluntary migration option, the MoF acknowledges the diverse needs of employees while steering India firmly toward a market-linked, contributory pension regime. It also aligns with global best practices, where hybrid and contribution-based pension models dominate.
Conclusion:
The one-time switch facility from UPS to NPS represents both a policy innovation and a pragmatic solution to India’s pension challenges. It provides employees with the autonomy to choose a system that best aligns with their financial goals while reinforcing the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. By balancing employee welfare, financial sustainability, and long-term economic vision, this reform strengthens India’s pension architecture. Looking ahead, NPS is set to become the central pillar of India’s retirement planning, making this one-time switch an opportunity of historical significance for central government employees.
5. India Releases First-Ever National Guidelines for Animal Blood Transfusion and Blood Banks
Context: In August 2025, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), launched India’s first national guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for animal blood transfusion and blood banks. This marks a landmark step in veterinary healthcare, as until now, blood transfusions for animals in India were performed only in emergencies and without standardized protocols. The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on animal welfare, veterinary infrastructure, and One Health principles, bridging a critical gap in emergency animal care.
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Until recently, most animal blood transfusions in India occurred under ad hoc conditions, often during life-threatening emergencies such as trauma, poisoning, or surgery, without established systems for donor screening, blood typing, or proper storage. This not only increased risks of adverse reactions but also highlighted the absence of institutionalized veterinary blood banks. The new guidelines now ensure a structured, scientific, and safe approach.
The aim of these guidelines is to build a comprehensive framework for veterinary blood transfusion services. They will facilitate the establishment of dedicated blood banks for animals, promote systematic donor management, and create awareness about voluntary donations. By standardizing practices, the initiative addresses both animal welfare concerns and public trust in veterinary healthcare services.
The development of these guidelines was a collaborative effort involving the Veterinary Council of India (VCI), veterinary universities, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), and state governments. This wide participation ensures that the protocols are practical, field-oriented, and backed by expert consensus. It also creates a framework for state-level adoption, ensuring nationwide implementation.
Key provisions under the SOPs include mandatory blood typing and cross-matching to minimize the risk of transfusion reactions. They also prescribe stringent health and vaccination standards for donor animals, ensuring safety for both donors and recipients. Additionally, the guidelines encourage voluntary animal blood donation under an ethical framework supported by a Donor Rights Charter, ensuring informed consent and transparency in veterinary practices.
The release of these SOPs also ties into the larger One Health approach, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. By modernizing animal healthcare, India is not only protecting animal lives but also strengthening the overall ecosystem of public health, disease control, and food security. Globally, countries with advanced veterinary systems, such as the USA and UK, have long institutionalized animal blood banking, and India’s step signals a maturing veterinary infrastructure.
Conclusion
The launch of India’s first national guidelines for animal blood transfusion and blood banks is a progressive milestone in veterinary medicine. It introduces scientific rigor, ethical safeguards, and institutional support to an area long overlooked. By addressing a critical healthcare gap, the initiative strengthens animal welfare and enhances India’s reputation in modern veterinary science. In the coming years, the effective implementation of these guidelines will not only save countless animal lives but also reinforce India’s commitment to One Health and global best practices.
6. OpenAI Launches India’s First Learning Accelerator in Collaboration with IIT-Madras
Context: On August 25, 2025, OpenAI, a leading global Artificial Intelligence (AI) organization, launched India’s first Learning Accelerator in partnership with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Madras. The initiative, unveiled at an event in New Delhi, is a transformative step towards empowering teachers and students with AI-driven tools, training, and research support. This project signals India’s growing emphasis on integrating AI into its educational framework, improving accessibility, and building digital capacity for the future workforce.
Details
The Learning Accelerator is the first major initiative of OpenAI in India under the AI Impact Summit. Its objective is to advance research on AI in education, improve the accessibility of advanced AI tools, and empower educators to use AI responsibly in classrooms. With India’s vast student population and rapidly digitizing education system, the Accelerator is expected to bridge gaps in learning quality and ensure equal access to technology for government as well as private institutions.
OpenAI has committed USD 500,000 (approximately ₹4.5 crores) to IIT-Madras for conducting long-term research on how AI influences teaching practices, learning outcomes, and cognitive development. This funding will support research projects, pilot programs, and AI-based innovations tailored to Indian classrooms. In addition, OpenAI announced plans to establish its first office in New Delhi, reinforcing its commitment to long-term engagement with India’s education and technology ecosystem.
A central feature of this initiative is the distribution of 5 lakh free ChatGPT licenses to teachers and students across government schools (Classes 1–12) under the Ministry of Education (MoE) and AICTE-regulated institutions. These licenses will provide teachers with premium ChatGPT access for lesson planning, curriculum design, and student engagement, while students will gain access to advanced AI-powered learning assistance. This move is expected to significantly reduce resource disparities between rural and urban schools, making quality learning more inclusive.
The Accelerator will also deploy new tools like “Study Mode”, a personalized tutoring system designed to provide structured guidance, interactive questioning, and real-time feedback. The tool is built upon insights from Indian learners, aligning closely with school curricula to ensure practical utility. Furthermore, OpenAI will collaborate with education partners to design training programs that promote AI literacy, ethical AI usage, and responsible technology adoption. This ensures that the focus remains not only on access but also on safe and meaningful application of AI in classrooms.
Leadership for the initiative will be provided by Raghav Gupta, former Managing Director of Coursera (India and Asia-Pacific), who has been appointed Head of Education for India and Asia Pacific at OpenAI. Gupta will oversee strategy, partnerships, and the rollout of this initiative across institutions and government bodies. His experience in scaling digital learning platforms is expected to be a key driver in ensuring the program’s success and sustainability.
Conclusion: The launch of India’s first Learning Accelerator by OpenAI, in partnership with IIT-Madras, marks a critical step in reshaping the country’s educational ecosystem. By combining AI tools, large-scale access, research funding, and teacher-student empowerment, this initiative strengthens India’s position as a hub for digital innovation in education. It not only addresses immediate learning needs but also prepares the next generation for an AI-driven future, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility. As India continues to modernize its education sector, such collaborations could become the cornerstone of global partnerships in technology and learning.
