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These articles were published in The Hindu.

• The Arctic, once a zone for scientific and environmental cooperation, is now becoming a hotspot for global military and geopolitical rivalry.
• Melting ice due to climate change has opened up new maritime routes, particularly the Northern Sea Route (NSR), reshaping trade and security patterns.
• Powers like the U.S., Russia, and China are expanding their military presence, reopening bases, and asserting strategic claims.
• India, although historically cautious, has been involved through research bases and diplomatic presence in the Arctic Council.

• Despite maintaining a climate-focused 2022 Arctic Policy, India appears detached from fast-evolving geopolitical dynamics in the region.
• The policy focuses on climate parallels between the Arctic and the Himalayas but overlooks military and strategic developments.
• While other countries increase militarisation and form new alliances, India’s apolitical stance is outdated and risks marginalisation.
• Concerns are rising over India's weakening Arctic presence, especially as Russia and China collaborate, and Nordic nations question India’s ties with Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.

• Recalibration is essential. India must retain its environmental concerns but also:
  • Institutionalise Arctic diplomacy in Defence and External Affairs Ministries.
  • Collaborate with strategic partners for maritime logistics, space monitoring, and infrastructure development.
  • Engage in Arctic governance frameworks shaping rules for shipping, security, and sustainable development.
• India must balance its role to avoid strategic isolation and leverage opportunities in the Indo-Pacific-Arctic corridor for economic and diplomatic gains.
• This will enable India to shift from a passive observer to a credible stakeholder in the Arctic.

• The Pahalgam terror attack (April 22), where civilians were targeted, marked a departure from previous tactics by militants and prompted a shift in New Delhi’s strategic thinking.
• This incident was the first of its kind since the 2008 Mumbai attacks that specifically segregated and executed civilians based on religion.
• The Indian government responded by halting the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) meetings, hinting at a recalibration in diplomatic and military strategy.
• Historically, India has used various military and diplomatic responses to terror attacks (e.g., after Uri 2016, Pulwama 2019, Parakram 2001), but a consistent and strategic framework has been lacking.

• India is reconsidering its retaliatory doctrine, aiming not merely to punish but to influence future enemy behavior.
• Analysts recommend that India shift from reactionary strikes to a multi-layered strategy, which includes:
  • Counter-terrorism planning
  • Strategic retaliation targeting the adversary’s decision-making ecosystem
  • Disruption of Pakistan’s internal counter-strategies
• Concerns are rising about Pakistan’s internal shifts:
  • General Asim Munir’s statements about turning Pakistan into a "hard state"
  • References to Kashmir as Pakistan’s “jugular vein”
  • Renewed radical narratives promoted by the state.
• India also faces a dual front challenge:
  • China’s expanding influence and border aggression
  • Pakistan’s alignment with China in broader geopolitical arenas

• India must reframe its Pakistan strategy from reactive military responses to a comprehensive policy framework encompassing:
  • Strategic deterrence through tech-enhanced retaliation
  • Global coalition-building to diplomatically isolate Pakistan
  • Political measures to erode Pakistan’s credibility on Kashmir
• There is a need to:
  • Reassess the Line of Control ceasefire agreement (2003) in light of ongoing violations
  • Explore diplomatic recalibration of India's approach to Afghanistan, Iran, and Central Asia as counters to Pakistan's influence
• India must look beyond security to:
  • Increase global diplomatic pressure
  • Sustain economic and trade countermeasures
  • Strengthen alliances with SAARC, BIMSTEC and partners like the U.S., France, and Gulf nations

• Pahalgam Terror Attack (April 22)
• Indus Waters Treaty suspended
• General Asim Munir’s radical rhetoric
• 26 hostage killings in Pakistan this year
• UNSC resistance to Indian proposals
• FATF grey-listing history
• Gilgit-Baltistan’s potential federal integration in Pakistan
  
  

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  NEWS in SHORTS

  
  

  
  

  1. Airspace Tensions Escalate Between Japan and China

  ▹Japan and China are accusing each other of violating airspace around the Japanese-controlled East China Sea islands, which Beijing also claims. Japan's Foreign Ministry stated that a Chinese helicopter entered its airspace for about 15 minutes. China, in turn, protested that a Japanese civilian aircraft violated its airspace around the islands. This incident occurred amidst efforts by both countries to improve relations and mitigate damages from the U.S. tariff war.
  
  

  2. President Xi Jinping to Visit Russia Amid Global Tensions

  ▹Chinese President to Visit Russia: Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit Russia from May 7-10 to join Russian President Vladimir Putin in commemorating the Allied victory against Nazi Germany. This visit occurs amidst rising tensions between China and the U.S. over tariffs and Putin's call for a three-day truce in Ukraine.
  
  

  3. India Set to Launch Second Green Revolution With Genome-Edited Rice

  ▹Genome-Edited Seeds for Second Green Revolution: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced the development of two genome-edited rice varieties, predicting this as the start of a second Green Revolution in India. These laboratory-cultivated, faster-multiplying seeds will be given to farmers, aiming to reduce the typical 4-5 year development process. The benefits highlighted include saving irrigation water and reducing greenhouse gas emissions while increasing production. ICAR emphasized demand-driven research based on farmer feedback.
  
  

  4. NCERT Class 7 Textbooks to Feature Indigenous Games and Vocational Skills

  ▹The new NCERT textbooks for Class 7 will introduce students to traditional Indian games and cultural activities. The "Khel Yatra" textbook includes indigenous games from various states, like "Ghorpadiche Shepoot," "Gidhada Gudkavan," "Nalugu Rallu Ata," "Dapo Nyarka Sunam," "Bori," and "Madhu and Manu." These games aim to promote physical activity, cultural awareness, and values like inclusion and gender equality. Additionally, the vocational education textbook, "Kaushal Bodh," will cover topics like puppetry, tie-dye fabric printing, gardening, and artificial intelligence.
  
  
  
  

  5. PM Modi Highlights Sports as India’s Soft Power Tool

  ▹Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized that India's soft power will grow with the expansion of its sporting culture. Speaking at the inauguration of the Khelo India Youth Games in Bihar, he highlighted the government's prioritization of sports, the increasing presence of Indian athletes in various sports, and ongoing efforts to bring the Olympics to India in 2036. He also mentioned initiatives like Khelo India and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, and the increase in the sports budget.
  
  

  6. India's Complex Stance on Foreign Aid and NGO Funding

  ▹India's attitude towards foreign aid has been ambivalent. While foreign aid played a valuable role for NGOs by providing funds, flexibility, and global connections, the Indian government has increasingly restricted it, a trend that began in 1976 with the FCRA and has intensified through subsequent amendments. This decline is attributed to the government's concern about potential misuse of funds for "anti-national" activities. The reduction in foreign aid impacts NGOs, potentially leading to unemployment in the voluntary sector, unfinished projects, and a slowdown in social sector development.
  
  

  7. GST Collections Hit Record High in India

  ▹India's Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections have reached record highs, indicating increased compliance aided by fintech adoption. A significant rise in refunds to exporters and GST revenues from imports correlates with growth in manufacturing, driven by international demand. While U.S. tariffs on China have led to increased sourcing from India, a more durable growth strategy would be to boost domestic consumption and secure favorable terms in ongoing trade agreements.
  
  

  8. Houthi Missile Attack Injures Six Near Israel’s Main Airport

  ▹A missile launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels struck inside the perimeter of Israel's main airport, injuring six and halting flights. This attack occurred just before Israeli cabinet ministers were to vote on intensifying military operations in Gaza. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a multi-phased retaliation.
  
  

  9. Iran’s Diplomatic Tour May Include Mediation Role

  ▹Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Islamabad and then Delhi later in the week. The visit to India was planned previously, but now includes a potential mediation role between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, as offered by Iran.
  
  

  10. India Grants Military Freedom Amid Tensions With Pakistan

  ▹Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The meeting occurred in the context of increased cross-border skirmishes in Jammu and Kashmir and the Indian military being granted "complete operational freedom" to respond to the attack. Pakistan has also banned Indian-flagged ships from entering its ports in response to India's punitive measures.
  
  

  11. Vizhinjam Port Inaugurated as India’s Strategic Trade Gateway

  ▹The Vizhinjam Port in Kerala, India, is poised to be a significant player in global maritime trade. Its strategic location near international shipping routes gives it an advantage over other Indian ports. After decades of delays, the port was officially inaugurated, with expectations that it will stimulate the local economy, much like Shenzhen in China. The port has already handled a substantial amount of cargo and is attracting large ships. While there are challenges such as infrastructure development and regulatory approvals, ongoing expansion projects and strong backing from the Kerala state government indicate a promising future.
  
  

  12. Jihadist Attack in Nigeria Kills 11 Soldiers

  ▹Nigeria: 11 soldiers were killed by jihadists in northeast Nigeria. This was the eighth base attacked in the last two months during a 16-year insurgency that has caused many deaths and displacements.

  
  

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  ▹India (Drugs): In April, authorities seized ₹547 crore worth of drugs across north India, arresting 15 people. The seizures resulted from a four-month operation.

  
  
  ▹India (Economy): Foreign investors were net buyers in India's equity market in April, with an inflow of ₹4,223 crore, marking a turnaround after three months, attributed to positive global cues and strong domestic fundamentals.
  
  
  ▹India (Corporate): The Corporate Affairs Ministry is set to strike off 3,300 companies from official records following applications for removal, including 700 in Maharashtra.
  
  
  ▹China: Two boats capsized in the Wu River in Guizhou province, China, leaving about 20 people missing. Rescuers saved 50 people.