Journey is the Reward: IAF in Transition toward Transformation

Indian Air Force (IAF) will celebrate its 91st anniversary on 8 October 2023. A proud day for all Indians, whether natural or naturalized or with roots in India yet settled abroad. As India celebrates IAF day and applauds a prominent of its military institutions devoted initially to protect territorial airspace and, in the process, getting recognition as a globally formidable aerospace power, it is a reflection time for all of us.

DEBA R MOHANTY

Digital Public Infrastructure and the G20: A Framework for Global Governance

The recently concluded G20 summit under India’s presidency had many positives. One amongst them is the 'G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure'.  The G20 New Delhi Leaders' Declaration backed the 'G20 Framework for Systems of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)', a voluntary and suggested framework for the development, deployment and governance of DPI.

AJEY LELE

Bharat or India? In Search for National Identity

Article 1 of the Constitution of India states that 'India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States', which is being used for the first time smartly as a political-cultural strategy by the highest authority of India. The term 'President of Bharat' has been used for the first time by replacing the usual 'President of India' in an official invite for a dinner hosted by President Murmu on September 9 for the dignitaries attending the G20 summit.

AVILASH ROUL

CYBER THREATS TO SPACE DOMAIN: RISKS AND RESPONSES

July 28, 2023

“Over the course of time, there has been a substantial increase in human dependence on space systems to facilitate diverse activities ranging from governance to defence. Contemporary applications of satellites encompass meteorology, communications, navigation, and remote sensing, all of which are utilized on a routine basis. Owing to the profound reliance of nation-states on these space systems, they have emerged as alluring targets for military endeavours by adversarial entities. Inflicting physical harm upon outer space systems through conventional means poses significant challenges.

Chasing the Moon: China's Quest to Lead the Technological Space Race

China's foray into space exploration began in the late 20th century and has experienced remarkable growth in the early 21st century. Initially, there was some criticism about China's space program, and it was often mentioned that China is reverse-engineering Russian technology. However, over some time, China has consolidated its science, technology and innovation base and found rapid progress in Space. Initially, China started with investments in arenas like launcher development, remote sensing, meteorology and communications.

ASIF MOHAMMED

'Ethico-Political' Implications of Drones in 21st-Century Conflicts

July 08, 2023

Drone technology is increasingly becoming more capable of autonomous violence and destruction. With drones heralding a new age of warfare and a change like military technology, it is crucial to evaluate drones' ethical and political implications. This is because drones are capable of integrating advanced algorithmic and computer systems, thus allowing a level of mathematical precision to military operations that have never been seen before. Proponents of drones would say that this allows for a reduction in unintended casualties.

China's Quest to Explore the Earth's Core

Recently the news has come about an innovative project undertaken by China, which involves digging the biggest (deepest) hole in the Earth. This would be China's first attempt at reaching deep into the Earth's belly. Looking at China's recent history towards undertaking and finishing megaprojects, China is expected to be able to complete this unique project as per its plans.

AJEY LELE

Beyond China: Exploring Asia's Emergence In Space

May 22, 2023

The 21st century is known as the Asian Century. The terminology ‘Rise of Asia’ is mostly viewed synonymously with the ‘Rise of China’. However, other Asian states are also contributing to shaping this rise. Over the past two decades, Asian countries have experienced impressive economic and technological growth. Despite the global financial crisis in the mid-2000s, Asia has managed to revive itself, albeit with limited impact.