TARIFF WARS AND THE CHANGING GLOBAL AI LANDSCAPE
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Recent tariff policies introduced by the U.S. after its 2024 elections are disrupting global tech supply chains critical to AI development. This shift may benefit countries like India, which are emerging as alternative technology hubs amidst U.S.-China tensions.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on AI Infrastructure
- The U.S. has imposed new tariffs on imported electronics, including components vital for AI, raising their cost.
- Electronics imports to the U.S. in 2024 were about $486 billion, with $200 billion for data-processing machines—mostly from tariff-affected nations like China, Taiwan, and Vietnam.
- New tariffs in 2025 have increased to 27% for essential AI hardware, especially chips and accelerators.
Economic Outcomes of Tariffs
- Tariffs aim to boost domestic production (import substitution), and the U.S. plans to triple chip production by 2032.
- However, protectionism reduces efficiency as global supply chains get fragmented, slowing down innovation.
- A 1 standard deviation rise in tariffs can lower output growth by 0.4% over 5 years.
- High tariffs may discourage investment and reduce productivity in fast-evolving sectors like AI.
Infrastructure and Innovation Challenges
- AI’s growing need for computational power may push data centre demand from 11 GW (2024) to 327 GW (2030).
- Without adequate infrastructure, the U.S. risks falling behind in global AI competitiveness.
- Tariffs may slow technology sharing, widen AI capability gaps between rich and developing nations.
Opportunities and Challenges for India
- India could benefit as firms seek non-China options for manufacturing and data centres.
- With 1.5 million engineering graduates yearly, India has strong human capital in tech and AI.
- Key AI and semiconductor initiatives, like AMD’s $400 million R&D campus, support India’s growth.
- But India relies heavily on imported hardware, and tariff-driven supply chain issues could increase its AI costs.
Strategic Shifts in AI Development
- Rising costs have pushed firms to focus on algorithm efficiency, model compression, and customised chips (ASICs).
- By 2028, over 50% of AI workload accelerators could be ASICs, up from 30% in 2023.
- This trend shows a move towards decentralised AI development, much like the shift from mainframes to personal computers in the 1980s.
Conclusion
Tariff-driven policies may reshape the global AI landscape, slowing innovation in some regions while opening doors for emerging players like India. Smart policies, infrastructure development, and global partnerships will decide future leadership in AI.
WHY INDIA NEEDS STABLE URBAN FORESTS
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The Telangana government planned to use 400 acres of Kancha Gachibowli urban forest for industrial purposes. The Supreme Court criticized the cutting of over 100 acres of trees and ordered restoration, bringing focus on protecting urban forests.
Importance of Urban Forests
- Natural Air Filters: Urban forests reduce harmful air pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10. A U.S. study (2006) showed that 1 hectare of trees can remove 1 ton of pollutants.
- Climate Regulation: Help cool cities by reducing the urban heat island effect. Control stormwater runoff, floods, and soil erosion.
- Carbon Storage: Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, helping reduce global warming.
- Support for Biodiversity: Provide safe spaces for birds, animals, and insects within cities.
- Enhance Quality of Life: Offer green spaces for relaxation, walking, and cultural activities. Improve mental well-being and promote environmental awareness.
Challenges Facing Urban Forests
- Unplanned Urban Growth: Real estate and infrastructure development often ignore forest protection. Forests are seen as land banks, not ecological assets.
- Loss of Green Cover: Cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru show declining green areas. Rising air pollution is linked to this loss of urban greenery.
Role of Judiciary in Forest Protection
- Supreme Court Orders: In 1996 (Godavarman Case), the SC expanded the definition of forests. States were ordered to identify and protect forest areas.
- Important Interventions: Delhi Ridge protected by Delhi High Court (2015). Aarey forest cutting stopped by SC in 2020. Rajasthan High Court took suo motu action to stop deforestation in Baran (2024).
- Legal Safeguards: Article 21 ensures the right to a clean environment. Articles 48A & 51A(g) promote protection of natural resources.
Nagar Van Yojana – Urban Forest Scheme
- Launched in 2020 by MoEF&CC to grow forests in cities.
- Goal: Develop 1,000 urban forests by 2027.
- Progress: India gained over 1,445 sq. km. in tree/forest cover (ISFR 2023).
- Dense Native Forest Planting: The Miyawaki method involves planting a variety of native tree species very close together to quickly create a dense, natural forest.
- Fast Growth: This technique helps forests grow 10 times faster and become 30 times denser than regular plantations.
- Biodiversity and Soil Improvement: It improves local biodiversity, restores degraded land, and enhances soil health by mimicking natural forest ecosystems.
Conclusion
Urban forests are vital for clean air, biodiversity, and healthy living. They must be preserved through better planning, public awareness, and strong legal action.
SOCIAL, CULTURAL, AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONTEXTS OF BUDDHISM
TOPIC: (GS1) ANCIENT HISTORY: THE HINDU
Recent books and research have explored how Buddhist philosophy can address modern-day problems like self-obsession and inequality. Scholars are also highlighting Buddhism’s deep and ongoing influence on Indian society, culture, and identity, beyond the common belief that it vanished from India.
Buddha’s Teachings and the Modern Self
- Today’s culture of selfies and social media promotes self-glorification, causing dissatisfaction and emotional stress.
- Ancient Buddhist wisdom teaches that the ‘self’ is an illusion, and clinging to it leads to suffering.
- A recent book by Garfield, Heim, and Sharf, titled How to Lose Yourself, revisits this idea — urging people to let go of the ego to better understand the world’s interconnected nature.
Rethinking Buddhism’s Presence in India
- Historian Douglas Ober, in his book Dust on the Throne, rejects the belief that Buddhism disappeared from India after the 14th century.
- He shows that Buddhism remained alive through local traditions, archaeological remains, and texts.
- He emphasizes that the revival began much earlier than Ambedkar’s 1956 conversion movement, tracing it back to colonial-era activities and reform efforts.
Buddhism and Social Movements in India
- The Buddhist revival in India influenced Dalit activism, anti-caste movements, Hindu reformism, and secular democratic ideals.
- Figures like J.K. Birla helped build major Buddhist sites like Bodh Gaya, Sarnath, and Rajgir, keeping Buddhist traditions visible.
- Ober notes that Buddhism was part of daily life, with people engaging in teachings, texts, and rituals.
Geographical and Cultural Linkages of Buddhist Monuments
- In Casting the Buddha, Shashank Sinha documents Buddhist heritage sites across India.
- These sites reflect social, cultural, and economic networks of kings, monks, traders, and farmers.
- Monuments like Sanchi’s gateways depict stories of the Buddha, past lives, and folk tales, showing their spiritual and community role.
BUDDHISM
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- Buddhism was founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha, around the 6th century BCE in India.
- Life of Buddha: Siddhartha was a prince who gave up his royal life to seek the truth about human suffering. After deep meditation, he attained enlightenment (awakened wisdom) under the Bodhi tree.
- Teachings: Buddha taught the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to help people overcome suffering and reach Nirvana (a state of peace and liberation).
Conclusion
Buddhism’s philosophy and heritage remain deeply relevant in today’s world — offering lessons on ego, inequality, and community life. Far from vanishing, Buddhism continues to shape India’s identity and values in meaningful ways.
ESTABLISHING TRUTH DURING MILITARY CONFLICTS
TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS: THE HINDU
Tensions between India and Pakistan during Operation Sindoor saw a sharp rise in fake news and disinformation online. It highlighted the growing difficulty of finding the truth during wars due to propaganda, media bias, and government censorship.
Media Coverage Issues During Conflict
No Clear Conflict Reporting Rules
- India lacks dedicated rules for media during wartime, despite frequent military tensions.
- Journalists rely on basic journalistic duties like fact-checking, cross-verification, and being truthful.
- However, these standards often fall apart in high-pressure situations.
Media Bias and Nationalism
- In times of conflict (like in Kashmir or Naxal-affected areas), media tends to support the government’s narrative.
- Objectivity is lost as reporters often act in support of state messaging.
- The line between journalism and propaganda gets blurred.
Media Sensationalism and Misinformation
TRP-Driven Reporting
- Many news channels broadcast dramatic, one-sided coverage to attract viewers.
- Serious issues like nuclear threats or the costs of war are often ignored or simplified.
- War is shown like a TV drama, not a real humanitarian crisis.
Fake News on Social Media
- Social platforms became tools to push selective and sometimes false information.
- During Operation Sindoor, many unverified images and claims spread rapidly.
- Claims like attacks on Karachi port were widely shared, though not confirmed.
Control of Information and Limited Debate
Censorship and Account Bans
- The Indian government asked platforms like X (Twitter) to block around 8,000 accounts, including journalists.
- This limited the diversity of opinions and stopped access to alternate perspectives.
Suppression of Critical Voices
- Groups that report on hate crimes or question state actions (like Hindutva Watch) were also blocked.
- Critics were branded as “anti-national,” especially during high-emotion events like wars.
Impact on Society and Democracy
Misled Public
- When only one narrative is allowed, citizens don’t get the full picture.
- Key facts, like the number of casualties or losses, may be hidden from the public.
Threat to Press Freedom
- Journalists face pressure not to question the government.
- Fear of lawsuits, raids, or advertisement cuts affects honest reporting.
Conclusion
In times of war, access to the truth becomes harder. Free and fair media, with open access to facts and the right to question power, is vital for a healthy democracy.
ASIATIC LION CENSUS 2025
TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT: THE HINDU
The 2025 Asiatic Lion Census reported a 32% rise in population since 2020, reaching 891 lions. Experts warn that this growth is unsustainable without more protected forest habitats.
Population Growth Overview
- Asiatic lions, once critically endangered, have shown a steady recovery due to conservation efforts in Gujarat.
- However, the increasing number of lions in human-dominated landscapes raises concerns over safety, disease, and long-term habitat sustainability.
- The lion population rose from 674 in 2020 to 891 in 2025, showing a 32% increase.
- Their geographical spread also increased by 17%, now covering 35,000 sq km across 58 talukas in 11 districts.
- The current population is nearly four times the number recorded in the 1960s, which was under 200.
Range vs Population Expansion
- Since 1990, the lion’s habitat range grew by 430%, but the population only increased by 214% in the same period.
- This mismatch indicates that lions are spreading into less suitable areas rather than thriving in quality habitats.
Habitat Concerns
- Gujarat has few large protected forests: Gir, Pania, Girnar, Mitiyala, and now Barda.
- Many lions are now found in non-forested areas like farmlands, wastelands, and plantations.
- In 2020, only 56% of lions were located in actual forests; the rest were outside.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Risks
- Retaliatory killings occur when lions stray into villages or kill livestock.
- Lions have become used to human presence, increasing the risk of unprovoked attacks.
- People’s tolerance is high, but social limits exist where frequent encounters can lead to violence.
Disease Vulnerability
- Many lions feed on dumped livestock carcasses, raising the risk of disease transmission from domestic animals or dogs.
- Dependency on human-sourced food weakens their wild instincts and health.
Need for Habitat Diversification
- The Supreme Court in 2013 ordered lion relocation to Madhya Pradesh, but the move has not happened.
- Gujarat’s current policy is to keep lions within the state, although Barda Sanctuary (less than 200 sq km) is too small.
- Experts stress the need for relocation to larger, wild areas away from people to avoid future threats like epidemics and overcrowding.
Conclusion
While the rising lion numbers reflect conservation success, securing the future of Asiatic lions depends on expanding safe, forested habitats and implementing interstate relocation plans.
INSV KAUNDINYA: REVIVING INDIA’S ANCIENT MARITIME HERITAGE
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
The Indian Navy has inducted INSV Kaundinya, a unique stitched wooden ship inspired by Ajanta cave paintings. It showcases India’s ancient shipbuilding skills and aims to sail the historic maritime trade route from Gujarat to Oman in 2025.
What is INSV Kaundinya?
- INSV Kaundinya is a reconstructed 5th-century Indian stitched ship, built using techniques seen in Ajanta murals.
- The project began in July 2023 as a collaboration between the Ministry of Culture, Indian Navy, and Hodi Innovations.
Traditional Shipbuilding Techniques
- The ship was built using coir ropes, coconut fibres, and natural resin—no metal nails were used.
- The design was recreated from 2D murals using archaeological and hydrodynamic analysis due to the absence of ancient blueprints.
Symbolism and Cultural Elements
- Sails carry motifs like the ‘Gandabherunda’ (two-headed eagle) and the Sun, representing strength and energy.
- The bow features ‘Simha Yali’, a mythical creature from South Indian art.
- A Harappan-style stone anchor links the ship to Indus Valley maritime culture.
- It is named after Kaundinya, a legendary Indian navigator who travelled to Southeast Asia, symbolizing India’s role in ancient trade and cultural exchange.
Ajanta Paintings Connection
- Ajanta Caves (2nd century BCE to 6th century CE, Maharashtra) depict early Buddhist murals.
- These paintings use tempera style with vegetable and mineral-based colours.
- Themes include Jataka tales, life of Buddha, and nature, featuring expressive figures and symbolic hairstyles.
Conclusion
INSV Kaundinya is a blend of ancient craftsmanship and cultural pride, highlighting India’s rich maritime history and artistic legacy through a living, sailing heritage model.
CENTRAL EQUIPMENT IDENTITY REGISTER (CEIR): ENHANCING MOBILE SECURITY
TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: THE HINDU
Telangana has become the leading state in recovering stolen or lost mobile phones using the CEIR portal. The platform is helping states track and block lost devices efficiently across India.
What is CEIR?
- The Central Equipment Identity Register is a digital system launched by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT).
- It helps track and block lost, stolen, or unregistered mobile phones using the device’s IMEI number.
How It Works
- Every mobile has a 15-digit IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity), a unique code used to identify a handset.
- Users must submit the IMEI and FIR copy on the portal to report loss or theft.
- CEIR coordinates with mobile network operators to blacklist stolen devices and prevent their reuse.
Three Types of Lists
- White List: Devices allowed to use network services.
- Grey List: Devices under surveillance for suspicious activity.
- Black List: Devices banned from accessing any network in India.
Main Goals of CEIR
- Curb mobile theft and sale of illegal or cloned phones.
- Build a central system for identifying and disabling unauthorised devices.
- Block stolen phones from being reused even after SIM change.
- Enable users and authorities to trace devices quickly.
- Cross-check mobile phone identity using GSMA database to ensure authenticity.
- Detect duplicate or tampered IMEI numbers.
Conclusion
The CEIR initiative strengthens India’s ability to fight mobile-related crimes, promote digital safety, and protect users from the illegal phone market.
SPICED SCHEME: BOOSTING SUSTAINABLE GROWTH IN INDIA’S SPICE SECTOR
TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY: THE HINDU
The Spices Board has recently launched the SPICED Scheme for the financial year 2025-26. This scheme aims to promote sustainability, innovation, and export growth in the Indian spice industry.
What is the SPICED Scheme?
- Full form: Sustainability in Spice Sector through Progressive, Innovative and Collaborative Interventions for Export Development (SPICED).
- It is an initiative by the Spices Board under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to support spice farmers and exporters.
- The scheme provides financial support to improve spice production, processing, and exports.
Objectives
- Increase productivity of small and large cardamom crops.
- Enhance quality during post-harvest processing.
- Promote value-added, organic, and GI-tagged spices for export markets.
- Ensure compliance with global food safety and phytosanitary standards.
- Build the capacity of all stakeholders across the spice value chain.
Main Features and Support Areas
- Financial aid for replanting and rejuvenating cardamom plantations.
- Development of water resources and adoption of micro-irrigation.
- Promotion of organic farming and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP).
- Support for installing modern post-harvest equipment like dryers, slicers, and grading machines.
- Assistance to farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) for buying machines such as spice polishers and turmeric boilers.
- Creation of Spice Incubation Centres to encourage entrepreneurship and product innovation.
- Capacity building through training, extension services, and sharing market knowledge.
- Support for exporters to participate in international trade fairs, buyer-seller meets, and market linkage programs. Preference is given to first-time exporters and SMEs.
- Activities under the scheme will be geo-tagged and made transparent through online publication of fund status and beneficiaries.
Conclusion
The SPICED Scheme aims to make India’s spice sector more sustainable, competitive, and globally recognized by strengthening the entire production and export ecosystem.
The post Daily Current Affairs 23-May-2025 first appeared on Ekam IAS Academy.