Global Scans · India · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: India's ambitions, particularly in technology and economic growth targets promise much from this populous country determined to be a world leader.

• [New] A twin unit, RAPP-8, is expected to start operations in FY 2025/26 as part of plans to reach a nuclear capacity of 100 GW by 2047 announced under the Nuclear Energy Mission by the Government of India. IEA
• [New] To stay ahead, India must prepare for emerging threats, including robot warfare, drone battles, autonomous vehicle engagements, and mechanized clashes. Drishti IAS
• [New] Quantum communication & cryptography will secure India's strategic military assets. Drishti IAS
• [New] Budgetary Constraints: India's 2025-26 Defence budget is USD 78.7 billion, very less compared to China's USD 236 billion in 2023. Drishti IAS
• [New] Emerging economies in Asia account for the bulk of global electricity demand growth, with China and India expected to drive 60% of the increase in the world's electricity consumption over 2025 and 2026. IEA
• [New] Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period owing to the presence of flourishing economies such as India, China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Precedence Research
• [New] OpenAI plans India data center with at least 1 gigawatt capacity. DataX Connect
• [New] India plans to induct an unspecified number of new-generation twin-engine, deck-based fighters and light combat aircraft, both being developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. raksha-anirveda.com
• [New] India could build its third aircraft carrier, to be nuclear-powered. raksha-anirveda.com
• [New] The Defence Ministry has prepared a 15-year roadmap during which India's armed forces will be transformed through the infusion of billions of dollars and cutting-edge technology. raksha-anirveda.com
• [New] India is estimated to have 23.5 million gig workers by 2030, up from 7.7 million workers in 2020-21. demandsage
• [New] More broadly, India is pushing to dramatically expand its nuclear energy capacity, targeting 100 gigawatts by 2047 in order to meet its net-zero goal by 2070. The National Interest
• [New] Agnikul Cosmos is developing India's first semi-cryogenic, 3D-printed engine that it plans to launch from its own private launchpad at Sriharikota. IBEF
• [New] India's VC fund fills a critical gap wherein traditional investors hesitate due to long research and development cycles and high risk. IBEF
• India aims for 500 GW renewable energy by 2030, using Make in India products. The Economic Times
• Asia-Pacific emerges as the fastest-growing region, projected to achieve a 25.2% CAGR through 2032, fueled by robust textile manufacturing capabilities in China and India combined with South Korea's advanced electronics ecosystem. Newstrail
• While India's SaaS ecosystem is on track to hit $100 B by 2035. SlideShare
• Out of 681 glacial lakes within India, 432 lakes across Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh have shown worrying expansion, raising concerns of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods and their associated risks to downstream populations. KPs 21st Century IAS Academy

Last updated: 14 September 2025