Editorial Analysis

Increasing discussion about India’s AI strategy, together with the launch of IndiaAI Mission and talk of sovereign AI capabilities has renewed focus on treating access to AI technology like digital infrastructure such as Aadhaar and UPI.

Recent NFHS-6 (2023–24) findings highlighted rising obesity and lifestyle diseases in India, and signal an urgent need to address adolescent nutrition through school-based interventions.

The Green Transition Board began its work with members stressing that the global climate agenda has moved beyond setting targets to mobilising investment and ensuring implementation.

Recently, IMD forecasts below-normal precipitation (about 43% below normal) that have intensified due to delayed rainfall and emerging El Niño conditions.

Recently Indian companies like Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL) and Amul achieved distinct milestones, but not enough to be globally dominant, innovation-driven, and embedded in the highest-margin segments of the global economy.

The efficacy of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs) and Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has once again raised questions about the success of India’s public health policies in Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Recently, the United States Trade Representative (USTR) had initiated a Section 301 investigation into Vietnam as it was designated as a 'Priority Foreign Country' in the Special 301 Report (2026) on account of some issues related to intellectual property (IP) protection and enforcement.

Discussion around 'Sovereign AI' came to fore following reports of US putting restrictions on access to some cutting-edge AI models like Anthropic's Fable to non-US nationals, thus calling upon India to come up with its own government-sponsored Large Language Model (LLM).

India’s recent $2 billion procurement of military drones from domestic manufacturers marks a significant milestone in the country’s defence modernisation and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) agenda and strengthens indigenous manufacturing.

The recently released National Family Health Survey (NFHS)-6 by MoHFW highlights India’s advancements in child nutrition and maternal health, while also revealing persistent challenges related to infant feeding practices, dietary quality, maternal workload, and local-level implementation gaps.