India must urgently recalibrate its export strategy to navigate rising global trade headwinds and maintain international competitiveness. This recalibration should focus on market diversification, deeper diplomatic engagement, and stronger on-ground business development in key export destinations.India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047 is closely tied to its ability to sustain economic growth above 8% annually. Such growth is necessary to build a $20 trillion economy, generate fiscal resources, and lift millions of people out of poverty.Global development experiences clearly demonstrate the power of export-led growth. Countries such as China, South Korea, and Vietnam transformed their economies by prioritising manufacturing exports, integrating with global value chains, and scaling industrial capacity

Current Status of India’s Exports

India’s exports have shown steady growth despite global trade uncertainties. In August 2025, Indian exports registered a positive growth of 4.77% compared to August 2024. During the period April–August 2025, total exports increased by 5.19%, reaching USD 346.10 billion, reflecting resilience in external trade.

Composition of Export Growth

During April–August 2025, merchandise exports grew by 2.31%, while services exports recorded a stronger growth of 8.65%, underlining the increasing importance of services in India’s export basket. The faster expansion of services exports continues to support overall trade performance.

Market-wise Export Performance

India’s exports witnessed significant growth to key markets such as Hong Kong, China, the United States, Germany, South Korea, the UAE, Nepal, Belgium, Bangladesh, and Brazil during April–August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This diversification highlights India’s improving global trade footprint.

Government Assessment and Export Targets

The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry stated that India’s export performance reflects the resilience of the Indian economy and the competitiveness of domestic industries. The government reiterated its commitment to achieving the ambitious target of USD 2 trillion in exports by 2030.

Sector-wise Trends in Export Performance

Merchandise Exports

India’s merchandise exports rose to USD 35.2 billion in April 2024, compared to USD 34.8 billion in April 2023, indicating moderate but steady growth.

Non-Petroleum and Non-Gems & Jewellery Exports

Exports excluding petroleum products and gems and jewellery grew by 1.32%, reaching USD 26.11 billion, suggesting a broad-based recovery across manufacturing sectors.

Services Exports

Services exports were estimated at USD 29.57 billion in April 2024, continuing their positive trajectory and contributing significantly to India’s overall export growth.

Rise of High-Tech and Value-Added Exports

The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has accelerated advanced manufacturing in India. Electronics exports surged by 32.47%, reaching USD 38.58 billion in FY 2024–25, making electronics the third-largest export category and highlighting India’s progress in high-value manufacturing.

Performance of Marine Exports

Although marine exports remained positive overall, they faced short-term challenges, with a 33% year-on-year decline in August and a 27% decline in September, mainly due to US tariff measures. However, timely market diversification toward destinations such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, and Belgium helped cushion the impact.

How Export-Led Growth Drives India’s Economic Transformation

Employment Generation and Demographic Dividend

Export-led growth has the potential to generate millions of jobs by expanding labour-intensive sectors such as textiles, pharmaceuticals, electronics, and food processing. These sectors absorb India’s large young workforce and help reduce unemployment and underemployment.
For instance, the rapid growth of smartphone manufacturing under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme has significantly boosted employment. India’s smartphone exports surged to ₹90,000 crore in FY23, doubling year-on-year, and created nearly 3 lakh direct jobs and 6 lakh indirect jobs, demonstrating the employment multiplier effect of export-oriented manufacturing.

Reducing Trade Deficit and Strengthening Foreign Exchange Reserves

A strong export focus reduces excessive dependence on imports, particularly in strategic sectors such as electronics, energy equipment, and chemicals. Rising exports narrow the trade deficit and enhance foreign exchange reserves, making the economy more resilient to global shocks.
India’s merchandise exports increased by 6% to a record USD 447 billion in FY 2022–23, driven by petroleum products, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and marine exports. This helped reduce the trade deficit to USD 21.94 billion in December 2024, improving macroeconomic stability.

Integration into Global Value Chains (GVCs)

Export-driven manufacturing enables India to integrate into global value chains, facilitating access to advanced technologies, global best practices, and international markets. This integration enhances productivity, innovation, and competitiveness of domestic industries.
For example, Apple and its suppliers aim to shift 32% of global iPhone manufacturing and 26% of production value to India by 2026–27, positioning India as a critical node in high-value global electronics supply chains.

Promoting Balanced Regional Development

Export-oriented industrial growth encourages the development of manufacturing hubs in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, decentralising economic activity and reducing regional disparities.
States such as Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as export hubs, supporting inclusive regional development. In FY23, Tamil Nadu accounted for nearly 30% of India’s electronic goods exports, highlighting the rise of region-based export clusters beyond traditional metropolitan centres.

Boosting Technological Upgradation and Innovation

Export competitiveness compels firms to adopt advanced technologies, upgrade quality standards, and improve efficiency. This leads to economy-wide technological spillovers and productivity gains.
India supplies 20% of the world’s generic medicines by volume, making it the largest global provider, driven by adherence to international quality standards. The Serum Institute of India, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, has an annual capacity of 4 billion doses, reflecting India’s strength in technology-driven, export-oriented healthcare manufacturing.

Strengthening India’s Strategic and Geopolitical Position

Rising exports enhance India’s soft power and strengthen economic diplomacy by creating mutual dependencies with trading partners. Export growth has supported deeper engagement with ASEAN, the US, and the Middle East.
India signed major trade agreements such as the India–UAE CEPA and India–Australia ECTA in 2022, boosting bilateral trade, and is currently negotiating trade agreements with the EU and the UK, reinforcing its global economic influence.

Accelerating Green Growth and Sustainability

Export-oriented growth in renewable energy and green technologies positions India as a key player in the global energy transition while aligning economic growth with environmental goals.
India exported 4.8 GW of solar modules in 2023, a 204% increase over 2022. Similarly, exports of wind turbine components nearly doubled in revenue terms compared to 2019, highlighting India’s emerging role in green manufacturing.

Attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)

Strong export sectors attract higher foreign direct investment, as global firms prefer economies integrated into global trade networks. This leads to increased capital inflows, technology transfer, and skill development.
India recorded its highest-ever FDI inflow of USD 83.57 billion in FY 2021–22, with significant investments flowing into export-oriented sectors such as electronics and renewable energy

Emerging Concerns and Headwinds for Indian Exports

Slowdown in Exports to the United States

India’s exports to the United States, its largest export market, have faced a slowdown due to steep tariff hikes imposed by the US. These higher tariffs have reduced the price competitiveness of Indian goods. As a result, India’s exports to the US declined by 8.5% in October 2025, raising concerns about overdependence on a few major markets.

Climate Inaction and Regulatory Risks

India’s export-oriented sectors such as aluminium, iron, and steel are increasingly vulnerable to global climate regulations. According to a Boston Consulting Group (BCG) report, mechanisms like the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could impose carbon tariffs on Indian exports. These measures threaten profitability, reduce market access, and penalise carbon-intensive production processes.

Geopolitical Uncertainty and Supply Chain Disruptions

Ongoing global conflicts and shifting trade alignments have disrupted international supply chains. Exporters are facing higher freight costs, volatile shipping routes, and rising insurance premiums, particularly in sensitive corridors such as the Red Sea and the Suez Canal. These disruptions have increased uncertainty in global demand and delivery timelines.

Currency Volatility and Financial Stress

Fluctuations in the Indian rupee, coupled with tighter global financial conditions, have adversely affected export margins. Currency volatility increases hedging costs and financial risk for exporters. To address these challenges, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced relief measures such as extended credit periods and relaxed debt repayment norms to ease financial stress on exporters.

Overdependence on Traditional Export Markets

India’s exports remain heavily concentrated in a few markets, particularly the US and the European Union. This limited diversification exposes Indian exporters to policy shifts, demand slowdowns, and regulatory changes in these regions, increasing vulnerability to external shocks.

High Logistics and Transaction Costs

India’s logistics cost stands at approximately 7.97% of GDP, which is higher than the global benchmark of 6–7%. High logistics and transaction costs erode price competitiveness, especially when compared to efficient East Asian exporters. Inefficiencies in transport, warehousing, and port handling continue to affect export performance.

Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs)

Indian exporters face stringent non-tariff barriers in major markets, including sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, complex certification requirements, and strict environmental norms. These barriers raise compliance costs and delay market entry, particularly for agricultural and manufacturing exports.

Key Government Initiatives to Boost Exports

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025 with an outlay of ₹25,060 crore for the period FY 2025–26 to FY 2030–31. The mission aims to consolidate fragmented export promotion schemes into a single, outcome-based framework. It focuses on MSMEs, first-time exporters, and labour-intensive sectors, providing digital tools, market intelligence, and capacity-building support.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Exporters has been introduced to mitigate financial risks, especially for small and medium exporters. The scheme improves access to affordable credit, enhances confidence among lenders, and strengthens exporters’ capacity to execute international orders.

Trade Facilitation and Export Infrastructure Development

The government has invested significantly in port modernisation, customs digitisation, and the National Logistics Policy to reduce turnaround times and logistics costs. Initiatives such as ICEGATE, reforms in Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and paperless customs processes aim to improve trade facilitation and ease of doing business.

Other Efforts Supporting Export Growth

Districts as Export Hubs

The Districts as Export Hubs initiative promotes local products, traditional crafts, and region-specific industries by connecting them to global markets, thereby encouraging grassroots-level export growth.

 

Trade Agreements and Market Access

India has strengthened trade partnerships through agreements such as the India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA). Ongoing negotiations with the European Union and the United Kingdom aim to further diversify export destinations and enhance market access.

Ease of Doing Business and Export Credit Support

Simplified customs procedures, single-window clearances, and digital trade facilitation have improved the export ecosystem. Additionally, expanded financing by EXIM Bank and enhanced risk coverage through the Export Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECGC) are supporting exporters in managing risks and scaling operations.

Key Export Hubs in India

Gujarat

Gujarat is one of India’s leading export hubs, known for its strong presence in textiles, petrochemicals, and gems and jewellery. The state benefits from world-class port infrastructure, with Mundra and Kandla ports serving as major gateways for international trade and significantly contributing to India’s export volumes.

Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu plays a crucial role in India’s export ecosystem, particularly in automobiles, electronics, and textiles. The state has emerged as a manufacturing powerhouse, supported by skilled labour and industrial clusters. Chennai Port acts as a key maritime hub facilitating exports to global markets.

Maharashtra

Maharashtra is a major contributor to India’s exports in pharmaceuticals, information technology services, and engineering goods. The state’s strong industrial and financial base is complemented by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), India’s largest container port, which enables high-volume exports.

Karnataka

Karnataka is a prominent export hub for IT services, aerospace, and electronics. Bengaluru, often referred to as India’s Silicon Valley, anchors the state’s IT-driven export growth and also supports emerging high-tech manufacturing sectors.

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh has developed strong export capabilities in marine products, agricultural exports, and textiles. Visakhapatnam Port serves as a key export hub, connecting the state’s production centres with global supply chains.

Rajasthan

Rajasthan is well known for its exports of gems, jewellery, and handicrafts, reflecting its rich cultural and artisanal heritage. Cities such as Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur function as important centres for handicraft and jewellery exports.

West Bengal

West Bengal contributes significantly to exports of jute products, tea, and leather goods. Kolkata serves as the primary export hub, supported by its strategic location and historical role as a trade centre in eastern India.

Odisha

Odisha is a key exporter of minerals, steel, and aluminium, leveraging its abundant natural resources. The Paradip Port plays a vital role in facilitating bulk exports of mineral-based commodities.

Assam and the North-East

Assam and the broader North-Eastern region are emerging export hubs for tea, organic products, and handicrafts. The region’s export strategy is closely linked to enhanced connectivity with ASEAN countries, positioning it as India’s gateway to Southeast Asia.

What Needs to Be Focused to Strengthen India’s Export Strategy?

Strengthening Global Logistics and Trade Infrastructure

India must invest in the development of global logistics corridors, including the establishment of direct shipping routes to Latin America and West Africa, to enhance long-term export competitiveness. While the recently announced shipbuilding package is a positive step, greater budgetary allocation for the RoDTEP scheme is essential to ensure that Indian exports remain price-competitive in global markets.

Enhancing Industrial Competitiveness

Indian exporters need to significantly raise performance benchmarks by focusing on technology adoption, innovation, and sustainability compliance. Building strong branding strategies and local market presence in overseas markets is equally important to move up the global value chain and compete with advanced manufacturing economies.

Accelerating Structural Reforms amid Global Competition

India must accelerate domestic economic and trade reforms to sustain and strengthen its global trade position, especially as competitor countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, Turkey, and Mexico are intensifying their globalisation and export-led growth strategies.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Export Markets

To reduce excessive dependence on the United States and Europe, India needs to diversify its trade footprint across West Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Market diversification will help insulate Indian exports from economic slowdowns and protectionist policies in traditional markets.

Leveraging Trade Agreements for Export Diversification

India’s proactive approach to negotiating new-generation trade agreements provides a strong foundation for export diversification.

• Concluded agreements with the United Kingdom and EFTA

• Near-finalisation of trade agreements with Oman and New Zealand

• Ongoing negotiations with the European Union, Chile, Peru, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Unlike older Free Trade Agreements, these modern partnerships are expected to deliver comprehensive benefits, including enhanced market access, increased investment flows, deeper supply chain integration, and stronger technology collaboration.

 

 

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially ended after the country recorded 42 consecutive days without a new case, as confirmed by Congolese health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO).

About Ebola

Ebola is a severe and often fatal viral disease caused by a group of viruses known as orthoebolaviruses (formerly called ebolaviruses).
These viruses were first discovered in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and are primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease is named after the Ebola River, located near one of the villages where the first outbreak was identified. Ebola affects humans and non-human primates, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and monkeys.

Nature of the Disease

Ebola is classified as a viral hemorrhagic fever because it disrupts the body’s blood-clotting mechanism, which can lead to internal bleeding. Out of the six known species of the Ebola virus, four are known to cause disease in humans.

Transmission

The virus is transmitted to humans from infected wild animals such as fruit bats, porcupines, and non-human primates. Human-to-human transmission occurs through direct contact with blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials like clothing and bedding. Ebola does not spread through the air, unlike respiratory infections.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include fever, diarrhea, vomiting, and bleeding.
The disease often progresses rapidly and can be fatal. The average case fatality rate is around 50%, though past outbreaks have shown mortality rates ranging from 25% to 90%.

Treatment and Management

There is no definitive cure for Ebola. However, supportive care significantly improves survival chances. Treatment mainly involves maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and administering blood or plasma to manage bleeding. Two FDA-approved monoclonal antibody treatments—Inmazeb and Ebanga—are available for the Ebola Zaire strain.
Recovery depends on factors such as early initiation of treatment, the viral load, and the patient’s immune response and age.

 

The Supreme Court has recently asked the Union Government to clarify whether a new executive order allowing the entry of persecuted minorities into India violates the 1971 cut-off date prescribed under the Assam Accord.

About the Assam Accord

The Assam Accord was signed on 15 August 1985 between the Union of India, the Government of Assam, the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), and the All Assam Gana Sangram Parishad.
The Accord marked the end of the six-year-long Assam Movement (1979–1985), which was launched to detect and expel illegal immigrants from the state.
The primary objective of the Accord was to identify and deport immigrants who entered Assam after 24 March 1971.

Cut-off Dates under the Assam Accord

The Accord fixed 1 January 1966 as the first cut-off date for the detection and deletion of foreigners from electoral rolls.
All persons who entered Assam from the “specified territory” before 1 January 1966 were to be granted Indian citizenship.

Persons who entered Assam between 1 January 1966 and 24 March 1971 (midnight) were to be detected under the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1939.
Such persons would not be deported, but their names would be deleted from electoral rolls, and they would be required to register as foreigners under the Registration of Foreigners laws.
These individuals would regain voting rights only after ten years from the date of detection as foreigners.

Treatment of Post-1971 Immigrants

All foreigners who entered Assam on or after 25 March 1971 were to be detected, deleted from electoral rolls, and expelled in accordance with the law.
This date aligns with the outbreak of the Bangladesh Liberation War, which resulted in large-scale migration into Assam.

Clause 6 of the Assam Accord

Clause 6 of the Accord promises constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards for the Assamese people.
Its objective is to protect, preserve, and promote the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage of Assam.
This clause seeks to address long-standing concerns about demographic changes and cultural dilution caused by migration.

Significance of the Current Debate

The Supreme Court’s query highlights the tension between humanitarian considerations for persecuted minorities and the legal sanctity of the Assam Accord.
Any dilution of the 1971 cut-off date is seen by many stakeholders as a potential threat to Assam’s demographic balance and federal commitments.

Biplab Sarma Committee Report

Background

In July 2019, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs constituted a 14-member committee to suggest measures for implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.
The committee was chaired by Justice (Retd.) Biplab Kumar Sarma, former Judge of the Assam High Court.
Its members included judges, retired bureaucrats, writers, journalists, and representatives of the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU).
The committee submitted its report in February 2020.

Definition of “Assamese People”

The committee recommended a broad and inclusive definition of “Assamese people,” which includes:
Indigenous tribal communities of Assam,
Other indigenous communities of the state,
Indian citizens who were residing in Assam on or before 1 January 1951, and their descendants, and
Indigenous Assamese people.

This definition was aimed at ensuring clarity in identifying beneficiaries of safeguards under Clause 6.

Major Recommendations of the Committee

The report made 52 recommendations, primarily focusing on language, land, and cultural protection.

Key Recommendations

Land-Related Safeguards

The committee recommended the creation of Revenue Circles where only Assamese people would be allowed to own and transfer land.
It also proposed a three-year special programme to grant land titles to people occupying land without proper documentation.
A special survey of char areas (riverine islands along the Brahmaputra) was suggested, with priority in land allotment to erosion-affected families.

Language-Related Measures

The report recommended setting up an Autonomous Language and Literature Academy or Council to preserve and promote Assam’s indigenous languages.
It also proposed making Assamese a compulsory subject up to Class VIII or Class X in all English-medium schools affiliated to the State Board and CBSE.

Cultural Heritage Protection

The committee recommended establishing an autonomous authority for the development of sattras (neo-Vaishnavite monasteries), supported by financial assistance.
It also proposed the creation of multipurpose cultural complexes in every district to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of Assam’s diverse ethnic communities.

Role of Autonomous Councils

The implementation of the 52 recommendations was left to the Sixth Schedule Autonomous Councils in Assam, including:
Bodoland Territorial Council,
North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and
Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council.

The Barak Valley, which is primarily Bengali-speaking, and all Sixth Schedule areas were exempted from the application of these recommendations.

Political and Administrative Safeguards

The committee recommended reservations for Assamese people in:
Parliament,
Assam Legislative Assembly,
Local self-government institutions, and
Government jobs.

Recommendations Left Out by the State Government

Some of the most sensitive recommendations of the committee were not included in the 52 points released by the Assam government. These excluded proposals include:
The introduction of an Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in Assam, similar to those in Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Mizoram.
Explicit reservations for Assamese people.
The creation of an Upper House (Legislative Council of Assam), fully reserved for Assamese people.

A Bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, issued a landmark directive aimed at strengthening India’s response to cybercrime.
Grant of Pan-India Jurisdiction to the CBI

The Supreme Court directed thirteen States, including Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Punjab, to grant consent to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) under Section 6 of the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946.

This consent enables the CBI to exercise pan-India jurisdiction for investigating cybercrime cases.With this directive, the CBI can now conduct coordinated investigations across State boundaries without requiring fresh consent from individual States for each case.This removes procedural delays and jurisdictional constraints that have historically hampered cybercrime probes, especially those involving inter-state networks, digital frauds, and online financial crimes.

The Court issued the following directions:

1. Fast-Track Investigation

The CBI is authorised to investigate digital arrest scams first, followed by fraudulent investment and part-time job scams. This ensures that the most urgent and harmful scams are addressed promptly.

2. State Cooperation

All states are directed to grant consent under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act, 1946. This enables the CBI to exercise jurisdiction and conduct investigations across state boundaries.

3. International Cooperation

The CBI has been asked to collaborate with INTERPOL to identify and track offshore cybercrime networks involved in these scams.

4. Financial Tracking

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to explore the use of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for detecting suspicious money layering across multiple bank accounts.

5. Intermediary Compliance

Digital platforms are required to cooperate under the IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, providing investigators with necessary data to track and stop fraudulent activities.

6. Institutional Strengthening

States and Union Territories must operationalise regional cybercrime coordination centres and integrate them with the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) for better coordination.

7. Telecom Accountability

The Department of Telecommunications has been asked to propose measures for strict SIM issuance norms and ensure proper Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, reducing avenues for scamsters.

What is a Digital Arrest Scam?

Digital arrest is a type of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate law enforcement agencies to extort money by creating fear and urgency.

• Modus Operandi: Scammers falsely link victims to criminal cases and threaten arrest or freezing of bank accounts using spoofed phone numbers and fake documents.

• Objective: Victims are coerced into paying fake fines or security deposits to avoid fabricated legal consequences.

• Impact: As of 2024, the I4C has blocked over 59,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to digital arrest scams.

Challenges in Curtailing Digital Arrest Scams

1. Advanced Digital Tradecraft: Scammers use deepfakes, spoofed numbers, fake documents, and encrypted apps, making detection difficult.

2. Powerful Social Engineering: They exploit fear and urgency, especially targeting senior citizens and users with low digital awareness.

3. Weak Cybersecurity Practices: Poor password hygiene, outdated software, and unsafe devices increase vulnerability.

4. Rise of Digital Payments: Platforms like UPI, QR codes, and online banking provide new avenues for fraud.

5. Dark Web Crime Networks: Organised groups access stolen data, malware kits, and ransomware-as-a-service, making scams sophisticated.

6. Weak Laws & Enforcement Gaps: Slow investigations, limited cyber policing, and cross-border jurisdiction issues allow scammers to operate with minimal risk.

7. Rapidly Evolving Techniques: Scammers constantly upgrade tools to bypass security checks.

8. Slow Reporting & Stigma: Victims often hesitate to report scams due to embarrassment or fear, allowing crimes to continue.

Samanvaya Platform

The Samanvaya coordination platform is a central data repository designed to help law enforcement agencies combat cybercrime efficiently. It enables authorities to map cybercrime hotspots, share data on mule accounts, and track fund movements across state lines in real time.

Pratibimb Module

A key component of Samanvaya is the Pratibimb module, which leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. By overlaying telecom data with crime reports, it allows authorities to identify high-risk areas and patterns of criminal activity.

Impact

• Arrests: Over 12,987 accused have been apprehended using insights from the platform.

• Criminal Network Mapping: Approximately 1.5 lakh criminal linkages have been identified, enabling more targeted investigations.

India’s Initiatives to Tackle Digital Arrest Scams

1. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

The I4C, set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, coordinates national cybercrime response, builds capacity, monitors trends, and facilitates intelligence sharing.

2. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

Citizens can report cybercrimes online, and cases are forwarded to the respective State/UT police for action.

3. Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System

The helpline 1930 allows immediate reporting of financial frauds to authorities.

4. Anti-Spoofing Measures

The Department of Telecommunications, along with telecom operators, identifies and blocks international spoofed calls that appear as Indian numbers—a common tactic in digital arrest scams.

5. Digital Safety Awareness

The government spreads awareness through SMS alerts, the CyberDost platform, social media campaigns, and digital displays at airports and railway stations.

Conclusion

Digital arrest scams highlight how rapidly cybercrime is evolving in India. Strong enforcement, international cooperation, technological tracking, and public awareness are essential to protect citizens. Coordinated action by the CBI, states, I4C, and telecom regulators can help curb these scams and strengthen India’s digital security ecosystem.

 

Recently, the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) Vigraha undertook an operational visit to Indonesia as part of its overseas deployment to ASEAN countries. This visit strengthens maritime cooperation and showcases India’s commitment to regional security and collaboration.

About ICGS Vigraha

The ICGS Vigraha is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Coast Guard.

• It was commissioned in 2021.

• The ship is indigenously built by L&T Shipbuilding Limited.

• Based in Visakhapatnam, it primarily operates along India’s eastern seaboard.

Features of ICGS Vigraha

• Aircraft & Boats: Designed to carry one twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats.

• Displacement: Approximately 2,200 tons (GRT).

• Propulsion: Powered by two 9,100 KW diesel engines.

• Speed & Endurance: Can sail at 26 knots with an endurance of 5,000 nautical miles.

• Advanced Systems: Equipped with Integrated Bridge System (IBS), Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS), Automated Power Management System (APMS), and High-Power External Firefighting (EFF) system.

• Technology: Fitted with modern radars, navigation and communication equipment, sensors, and machinery capable of operating in tropical sea conditions.

Roles and Deployment

The ICGS Vigraha is primarily deployed for:

1. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance

2. Maritime law enforcement

3. Search and rescue operations

This makes the ship a critical asset for India’s coastal security and its blue-water maritime strategy.

 

World Soil Day 2025 emphasizes the urgent need to restore and protect soil health as urban areas expand and environmental threats increase. The observance highlights the critical role of soil in supporting ecosystems, agriculture, and human well-being.

About World Soil Day

World Soil Day (WSD) is observed annually on 5 December to raise awareness about the importance of healthy soils and to promote the sustainable management of soil resources.

History of World Soil Day

• The concept of dedicating a day to soil conservation was first proposed in 2002 by the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS) to create global awareness about soil health.

• With the support of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and guidance from the Kingdom of Thailand, the initiative gained momentum.

• In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared 5 December as World Soil Day, and the first celebration was held in 2014.

Theme of WSD 2025

The theme for World Soil Day 2025 is “Healthy Soils for Healthy Cities”.

• This theme shifts attention from rural farmlands to the often-overlooked soil in urban landscapes.

• It emphasizes the need for urban soil conservation, sustainable city planning, and maintaining soil biodiversity to support healthy urban ecosystems.

 

According to recent reports, Meta is in advanced talks with Google to use its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). If finalized, this collaboration could significantly enhance Meta’s AI and machine learning capabilities.

What is a Tensor Processing Unit?

A Tensor Processing Unit (TPU) is a specialized chip designed to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) tasks. Unlike Central Processing Units (CPUs) or Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), TPUs are specifically built for the complex calculations required by deep learning models.

Google developed TPUs in 2016 to improve the performance of AI-powered applications such as Google Search, Google Translate, and Google Photos. Since then, TPUs have become a key component in AI infrastructure and are widely used in data centers and cloud computing.

How Do TPUs Work?

AI models rely on a type of mathematical operation called tensor computation.

• A tensor is a multi-dimensional array of numbers, similar to a table of data.

• Deep learning models use tensors to process large volumes of information and make predictions.

• TPUs are optimized for tensor computations, enabling them to process large datasets faster than CPUs or GPUs.

Key Features of TPUs

1. Massive Parallelism:
   TPUs can perform many calculations simultaneously, which makes them highly efficient.

2. Low Power Consumption:
   Compared to GPUs, TPUs consume less energy while maintaining high performance.

3. Specialized Circuits:
   TPUs include circuits designed specifically for AI workloads, reducing unnecessary computations.

TPUs vs CPUs and GPUs

• CPUs: Suitable for general-purpose computing tasks.

• GPUs: Excellent for graphics rendering and AI workloads.

• TPUs: Optimized specifically for AI and deep learning, making models faster and more efficient.

Key Differences

Feature	CPU	GPU	TPU
Purpose	General-purpose computing	Parallel processing & graphics	AI & ML workloads
Strength	Versatility and sequential tasks	Massive parallelism for calculations	Highly optimized tensor computations
Power Consumption	Moderate	Higher	Low for high AI throughput
Primary Use	OS, applications, logic operations	Graphics, AI training, simulations	AI model training and inference
Architecture	Few powerful cores	Hundreds/thousands of cores	AI-specialized circuits for tensors