Current Affairs 07 July 2025

Content :

1. Declaration at BRICS summit reflects India’s concerns over terrorism, governance reforms
2. The end of tuberculosis that wasn’t
3. Why are Bihar’s electoral rolls being revised?
4. Environment impact study for Nicobar project downplays earthquake risks
5. AI-Based Warfare in the ‘Agentic’ Age: Energy as a Big Constraining Factor

Declaration at BRICS summit reflects India’s concerns over terrorism, governance reforms

India used the 17th BRICS Summit (2025) in Rio de Janeiro to spotlight the lack of Global South representation in key global institutions. PM Modi called for reforms in global governance and condemned cross-border terrorism, aligning BRICS with India’s core diplomatic concerns.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations)

Global Governance Reform

• PM Modi highlighted that 2/3rd of humanity is not adequately represented in 20th-century global institutions.
• Called for inclusive and credible reforms of international institutions like the UN Security Council.
• BRICS Declaration reflected support from Russia and China for India and Brazil’s aspirations to join UNSC.

Voice of the Global South

• PM Modi emphasized “double standards” faced by developing nations.
• Stressed that representation is not just about fairness but also about global decision-making effectiveness.

BRICS Expansion

• Welcomed Indonesia as a new BRICS member, showing the group’s flexibility and relevance in current times.

Counter-Terrorism Stand

• BRICS leaders strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Urged for the early finalization of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) at the UN level.
• Acknowledged the threat of cross-border terrorism, aligning with India’s long-standing concern.

International Law and Conflict

• BRICS condemned Israel-U.S. military strikes on Iran, citing violation of international law and the UN Charter.
• Reaffirmed commitment to peaceful resolution of conflicts through multilateral institutions.

BRICS: Basics

• BRICS is an acronym for five major emerging economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• Founded in 2009 (originally BRIC); South Africa joined in 2010.
• Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joined in 2024 following the 15th BRICS Summit’s expansion decision
• Argentina was invited in 2023 but declined membership later.
• Aimed at promoting multipolarity, global financial reform, and South-South cooperation.
• Key Focus Areas: economic development, political coordination, multilateral reform, climate change, and sustainable development.
• Operates via annual summits, a New Development Bank (NDB), and forums on health, education, innovation, etc.

BRICS and Global South

• Global South refers broadly to developing countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania.
• BRICS positions itself as a voice for the Global South, challenging Western-dominated institutions.
• Advocates for equitable global order, fair trade, technology transfer, and decolonization of development finance.
• Pushes for reform of the UN Security Council, IMF, and World Bank to reflect present-day geopolitical realities.

Why Global South Representation Matters

• Many global institutions (e.g., UNSC, IMF) were shaped post-WWII and do not reflect current power realities.
• The Global South houses over 70% of the world’s population but remains underrepresented in global decision-making.
• PM Modi: “Representation is not just about fairness, but also about the credibility and effectiveness of global institutions.”

The end of tuberculosis that wasn’t

Background Context

• By mid-20th century, TB was sharply declining in the US and Europe due to:
  • Improved nutrition, housing, and antibiotics (1950s).
  • Over 90% decline in TB deaths in the US by 1980s.
• 1972: U.S. Congress ceased direct TB funding, assuming TB was virtually eliminated.
• But by late 1980s–90s, TB resurfaced globally, even in rich countries.

Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance , Social Issues)

Three Main Drivers of TB Resurgence in Developed Countries

HIV/AIDS Epidemic

• Immunosuppression from HIV reactivated latent TB infections.
• 1993 US data: HIV-positive patients = 0.5% population but 50% of TB deaths.
• By 2000, HIV was still a major driver of TB mortality.
• Lesson: Comorbidity surveillance is vital; TB and HIV must be jointly managed.

Drug-Resistant TB (DR-TB)

• Poor adherence and incomplete treatment caused Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB).
• MDR-TB is costlier, longer to treat, and has a lower success rate.
• 1990s: TB patients not responding to standard drugs indicated rising resistance.
• Lesson: Early detection, drug adherence, and drug development pipelines are critical.

Migration & Global Movement

• TB rates among immigrants in the US were 4x higher than native-born population.
• 1965 Immigration Act led to increased migration from high TB-burden countries.
• Most TB cases among immigrants were diagnosed within 5 years of arrival.
• Lesson: Pre-migration screening, early detection, and integration of migrant health are essential.

Global Wake-Up Call

• 1990s data shock: 8 million new TB cases, 3 million deaths annually.
  • Over 2x higher than WHO-reported cases due to underreporting.
• 1993: WHO declared TB a “Global Health Emergency”.
• Global health systems realized TB was not a disease of the past, but a persistent, evolving threat.

Data-Driven Policy Shifts

• Granular data revealed patterns (HIV, resistance, migrant origins) behind TB resurgence.
• Timely data enabled targeted interventions, saving lives.
• Lesson: Real-time data collection, disease modeling, and open access health databases are indispensable in public health.

 Impact Since 2000

• TB deaths fell from 2.6 million (2000) → 1.3 million (2022).
• Major progress due to:
  • Integrated TB-HIV programs.
  • Expansion of DOTS and global financing (e.g., Global Fund).
  • Drug-resistance surveillance and second-line treatment protocols.

Relevance for India

• India remains the highest TB burden country globally.
• HIV-TB coinfection, DR-TB, urban slums, and internal migration mirror 1990s US conditions.
• Lessons India can apply:
  • Expand TB-HIV integration across all districts.
  • Ensure universal DST (drug susceptibility testing) for TB cases.
  • Leverage Aadhaar-linked public health records for migrant tracking.
  • Focus on nutrition, housing, and poverty reduction to address root causes.
  • Increase investment in new TB vaccines, diagnostics, and treatment innovation.

Policy Takeaways

• TB control cannot rely solely on medical treatment — it’s also a social, economic, and data governance issue.
• Early complacency, as seen in 1970s US, can lead to costlier health emergencies.
• TB requires permanent, integrated, and well-funded public health surveillance.
• The real enemy is underestimation and invisibility of disease patterns — not just the bacteria.

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Cause: TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can impact other organs (extrapulmonary TB).
• Transmission: Spread through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• Latent vs Active TB: Many carry latent TB without symptoms; it becomes active when the immune system is weakened (e.g., HIV).
• Global Burden: In 2022, ~10.6 million people fell ill with TB; ~1.3 million died (WHO).
• India’s Share: India accounts for ~27% of global TB cases — the highest in the world.
• Drug-Resistant TB: MDR-TB and XDR-TB are difficult to treat due to resistance to standard antibiotics.
• Treatment: Standard regimen includes 6-month multi-drug therapy (e.g., isoniazid, rifampicin).
• WHO Goal: End TB epidemic by 2030 under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• India’s Initiative: Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan aims to eliminate TB by 2025, five years ahead of the global target.

Why are Bihar’s electoral rolls being revised?

Ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission has launched a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls to ensure accuracy and eliminate ineligible entries. This comes after two decades marked by urban migration, duplications, and legal challenges over citizenship verification.

Relevance : GS 2(Elections – Reforms)

Electoral Rolls – Constitutional and Legal Basis

• Article 324: EC has powers over preparation and control of electoral rolls.
• Article 326: All citizens aged 18+ are eligible to be registered as electors.
• Representation of the People Act (RP Act), 1950:
  • Section 16: Non-citizens disqualified.
  • Section 19: Voter must be 18+ and ordinarily resident.
  • Section 20: Defines “ordinarily resident” — excludes property owners not residing there but includes temporary absentees.
  • Section 21: Empowers EC to conduct Special Revisions for valid reasons.

Why the SIR in Bihar (2025)?

• Last SIR in Bihar: 2003.
• Massive changes in rolls due to urbanisation, migration, and unverified entries.
• EC aims to ensure only genuine citizens remain on rolls ahead of Assembly elections.

Key Features of the 2025 SIR

• July 1, 2025 as qualifying date.
• Electors must submit enumeration forms to Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
• Pre-2003 voters need no new documents, only 2003 roll extract.
• Post-2003 voters must provide documents proving date & place of birth for self and parents.

Major Controversies & Contentions

Time and Process Burden

• Over 8 crore voters to submit forms; 3 crore+ to provide multiple documents.
• Critics call it a massive and error-prone exercise.
• Supporters cite 2003 SIR done in 31 days without tech; 2025 SIR has 1L BLOs, 4L volunteers, 1.5L Booth Agents.

Aadhaar Exclusion

• EC excluded Aadhaar from valid documents citing legal disclaimer: not proof of citizenship or birth.
• Critics argue Aadhaar is omnibus ID for poor; exclusion creates hardship.
• Form 6 (as per RER 1960) includes Aadhaar, but EC’s SIR guidelines override this with stricter rules.

Migrant Workers

• EC says only “ordinarily resident” citizens should be enrolled in a constituency.
• Critics argue migrants are “temporarily absent” and still qualify; many prefer voting in native constituencies.
• EC previously proposed remote voting for migrants (January 2023), but this remains unimplemented.

Way Forward – Balanced & Inclusive Approach

• EC must extend timelines and adopt a phased strategy to avoid exclusion errors.
• Claims & objections phase should be leveraged to accommodate genuine voters lacking documentation.
• Aadhaar seeding (revived in March 2025) can be used to check duplicate entries, not as sole proof of eligibility.
• Treat exclusion of genuine voters as seriously as inclusion of ineligible ones — both harm democracy.

Environment impact study for Nicobar project downplays earthquake risks

The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Infrastructure Project has raised serious concerns over inadequate seismic risk assessment in a highly geo-dynamic region. Experts warn that the Environmental Impact Assessment downplays the threat of future mega-earthquakes and tsunamis, despite the area’s known vulnerability.

Relevance : GS 3(Infrastructure , Environment and Ecology)

Project Overview

• Cost: ₹72,000 crore
• Components:
  • Transshipment port
  • International airport
  • Township development
  • 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant
• Clearances: Environmental and preliminary forest clearances granted by the Centre.
• Legal Challenge: National Green Tribunal (NGT) ordered a review due to ecological and tribal concerns.

Core Concerns Highlighted

EIA Study Limitations

• Conducted by Vimta Labs; based on secondary data.
• Downplays risk of mega earthquakes (like the 9.2 magnitude quake in 2004).
• Relies primarily on a 2019 IIT-Kanpur study without conducting site-specific field assessments.
• Omits critical warnings from the IIT study about accumulated strain and earthquake unpredictability.

Seismic Vulnerability

• The Andaman-Sumatra fault line is known for its history of massive earthquakes.
• The return period estimated:
  • Mega-quakes (≥ 9): 420–750 years.
  • Large quakes (>7.5): 80–120 years.
• Earthquake recurrence is non-linear — long silent periods may precede devastating events.

Expert Warnings

• Prof. C.P. Rajendran (NIAS, Bengaluru): GNIP is located in a “highly geo-dynamic” zone with local fault lines and unstable land elevations.
• Prof. Javed Malik (IIT-Kanpur): Highlights the need for site-specific studies, warning that seismic impacts may vary based on epicentre location (e.g., Nicobar vs. Banda Aceh).
• Sediment analysis showed 7 tsunami events in the last 8,000 years, indicating seismic volatility.

Data Gaps & Omitted Evidence

• The EIA omits key findings from the IIT study, including:
  • Evidence of strain accumulation.
  • A 2,000-year gap in sediment record, adding unpredictability.
• No on-ground seismic studies were conducted for GNIP, raising questions about the adequacy of risk assessments.

‘Calculated Risk’ Approach by Government

• Ministry of Earth Sciences acknowledges the lack of site-specific studies.
• Admits unpredictability of seismic events.
• Supports a “calculated risk” model — design buildings to seismic codes but proceed with development.

Ecological and Indigenous Concerns

• Potential for:
  • Massive biodiversity loss.
  • Tree-felling in pristine ecosystems.
  • Disruption to resident indigenous tribes (e.g., Shompen).
• NGT ordered a reappraisal due to these environmental and social concerns.

Strategic Takeaways

• Strategic location of Nicobar Islands must not blindside planners to environmental and geological fragility.
• Long-term sustainability and safety require:
  • Robust, site-specific seismic studies.
  • Transparent, multi-disciplinary environmental assessment.
  • Greater involvement of independent scientists, not just private EIA consultants.

Nicobar Islands

• Part of the Andaman & Nicobar Union Territory; located in the southeastern Bay of Bengal.
• Comprise 22 islands, with Great Nicobar being the largest.
• Home to ecologically sensitive zones and tribal reserves (e.g., the Shompen tribe).
• Lies along the Andaman-Sumatra subduction zone, a seismically active fault line.
• Rich in biodiversity, designated as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
• Strategically located near the Malacca Strait, a key global maritime chokepoint.
• Infrastructure development is restricted due to environmental, tribal, and geological vulnerabilities.

AI-Based Warfare in the ‘Agentic’ Age: Energy as a Big Constraining Factor

Key Context

• China’s PLA is advancing rapidly in AI-driven warfare under the umbrella of “intelligentized warfare.”
• AI is being integrated in all levels of military operations: autonomous drones, smart surveillance, precision targeting, and strategic decision-making.
• The “agentic” age implies autonomous agents making independent battlefield decisions—redefining traditional command-control hierarchies.

Relevance : GS 3(Technology , Internal Security)

Concerns for India

• Technological lag: India is still catching up in autonomous AI systems, while China integrates AI across domains.
• Energy constraint: AI-powered warfare is data- and energy-intensive, requiring uninterrupted access to power grids and data centers.
• Infrastructure gap: India’s civilian infrastructure for AI (e.g., energy, data centers, cloud infrastructure) is not at par with leading powers like China or the US.
• Pakistan Factor: China is exporting its AI-based systems to Pakistan, which could alter the strategic balance in the region.

The Nature of AI Warfare

• AI systems are transforming surveillance, drone warfare, ISR, robotics, and precision-strike capabilities.
• China’s AI efforts span:
  • DeepSeek AI for autonomous targeting.
  • Swarm drones for saturation attacks.
  • Use of BeiDou for precision navigation.
• Integration of generative AI and autonomous feedback loops in decision-making marks a shift toward full machine-led warfare.

Energy as a Limiting Factor

• AI systems require massive computational power, data transfer, and energy.
• India’s energy grid is not optimized for military-grade, 24×7 operations of such systems.
• Power availability will dictate the scale and sophistication of future defence AI capabilities.

Volume of Data: The Real Battlefield

• “Volume of information to be handled will outstrip human ability.”
• The ability to store, process, and act on data (with minimal human intervention) is what will differentiate leading military powers.

Private Sector & Tech Ecosystem

• AI warfare will increasingly depend on:
  • Private data centers, energy companies.
  • Advanced semiconductors and cloud robotics.
• India must invest in civil-military fusion—public-private partnerships to build dual-use infrastructure.

India’s Institutional Responses

• DRDO-CAIR (Centre for AI and Robotics) established in 1986, now tasked with:
  • Autonomous planning.
  • Targeting, detection, sensor fusion.
• Progress remains slow and siloed.
• Senior officials acknowledge the need for scale, convergence, and fast-track deployment.

Strategic Imperative

• India must:
  • Scale up AI investments and plug energy gaps.
  • Build AI-ready infrastructure (smart grids, modular reactors).
  • Foster synergy between DRDO, ISRO, academia, and private tech firms.
  • Recognize AI-energy integration as core to future national security.

Conclusion

• Without robust energy and data infrastructure, India risks falling behind in the AI arms race.
• The future battlefield will be shaped not just by weapons, but by data harnessing and energy resilience.
• AI warfare is not just about tech superiority—but also about the logistics and ecosystem that powers it.