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How Technology Shapes Global Power: Lessons for India

In today’s world, power is no longer defined solely by military might or economic clout. It is increasingly shaped by a country’s ability to harness, diffuse, and govern technology. In a recent essay, renowned public intellectual Pratap Bhanu Mehta offers a powerful insight into how technology reshapes the global balance of power — and why India needs to rethink its strategy if it wishes to emerge as a genuine technology leader. Rather than obsessing over sectoral dominance — whether in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, or quantum computing — Mehta argues that India should focus on fostering an ecosystem that enables the diffusion of General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) . These are technologies that do not merely transform single industries but instead spark cascading changes across the entire economy and society. The idea is both simple and radical: power in the 21st century is not about who owns a particular technology but about who enables its widespread and inclusive...
Recent posts

Trump's Policy Uncertainty Sends Biotech Sector into a Slump

In recent years, the biotech industry has emerged as a cornerstone of innovation, especially in areas like gene therapy , personalized medicine , and vaccine development . However, this dynamic and promising sector is highly sensitive to government regulations , policy frameworks , and economic signals . Under the Trump administration , the biotech sector witnessed a turbulent journey, driven by policy uncertainty , sudden regulatory shifts, and volatile rhetoric on healthcare pricing reforms . This blog delves into how Trump’s policy ambiguity and decision-making style impacted the biotech industry, contributing to a market slump and investor hesitancy. It also analyzes the broader implications for pharmaceutical innovation , R&D funding , and global biotech partnerships . Trump Administration and Policy Volatility One of the defining features of Donald Trump’s presidency was his unconventional approach to governance . For sectors like biotech, which rely on predictable and ...

A Deep Dive into ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission

As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) advances steadily towards launching its maiden human spaceflight mission — Gaganyaan — the emphasis on spaceflight safety has never been more crucial. India is on the brink of joining an elite group of nations capable of sending humans to space, and ISRO is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every stage of the mission, from liftoff to landing, adheres to global safety standards. Gaganyaan is poised to become a landmark achievement in India’s space exploration journey. It aims to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit (LEO) for up to seven days. While this initial mission is not intended to dock with any space station, the selected crew is being familiarized with docking procedures , a forward-thinking move that prepares them for potential future missions involving orbital rendezvous and space station docking . Ensuring astronaut safety is a complex, multilayered process involving extensive planning, rigorous testing, and ...

CERN Unveils Plans for the Large Hadron Collider's Successor: The Future Circular Collider

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has revealed ambitious plans for a next-generation particle accelerator that will succeed the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). This new project, known as the Future Circular Collider (FCC), aims to push the boundaries of particle physics, offering deeper insights into the fundamental nature of the universe. With cutting-edge technology and unprecedented energy levels, the FCC could unlock answers to some of the most profound scientific mysteries. What is the Future Circular Collider (FCC)? The FCC is a proposed underground particle accelerator with a circumference of approximately 91 kilometers, significantly larger than the 27-kilometer LHC. The FCC will be built beneath the French-Swiss border and extend under Lake Geneva, offering a much more powerful platform for high-energy physics research. Key Objectives of the FCC Explore dark matter and dark energy : Scientists aim to uncover the composition of the universe, which remains large...

SpaceX Fram2 Mission: First Human Spaceflight to Polar Orbit

On April 1, 2025, SpaceX launched the Fram2 mission, marking the first-ever human spaceflight to polar orbit. This historic mission aims to conduct groundbreaking research, including the first X-ray imaging in space and experiments on human health in microgravity. The mission represents a giant leap in human space exploration, opening doors to future deep-space travel and scientific discoveries. The Significance of Fram2 Fram2 is a privately funded spaceflight that distinguishes itself by taking a unique trajectory over Earth's poles. Unlike traditional equatorial orbits, this mission provides a rare opportunity to observe Earth's polar regions from space, offering new insights into climate science, atmospheric phenomena, and radiation exposure in different parts of the orbit. Key Objectives of the Fram2 Mission First human spaceflight to polar orbit Conduct first-ever X-ray imaging in space Perform microgravity experiments on human health Study biological growth, including fun...

India Must Be a Reliable Trade Partner to Compete in the EV Space

The global electric vehicle (EV) industry is expanding at a rapid pace, driven by advancements in battery technology, sustainability goals, and government incentives . India, with its ambitious vision for an EV revolution , has the potential to become a key player in this dynamic market. However, to establish itself as a trusted and competitive EV manufacturing hub, India must strengthen its supply chain, trade partnerships, and policy frameworks . India’s Growing EV Market: A Promising Landscape India is witnessing a surge in EV adoption , fueled by factors such as: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (FAME) initiative Increasing investment in EV infrastructure A strong push for local battery production to reduce dependency on imports Rising consumer interest in sustainable mobility Despite these advancements, India's ability to compete on a global scale depends on its reliability as a trade partner and supply chain integrator ...

Popular posts from this blog

How Technology Shapes Global Power: Lessons for India

In today’s world, power is no longer defined solely by military might or economic clout. It is increasingly shaped by a country’s ability to harness, diffuse, and govern technology. In a recent essay, renowned public intellectual Pratap Bhanu Mehta offers a powerful insight into how technology reshapes the global balance of power — and why India needs to rethink its strategy if it wishes to emerge as a genuine technology leader. Rather than obsessing over sectoral dominance — whether in artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, or quantum computing — Mehta argues that India should focus on fostering an ecosystem that enables the diffusion of General Purpose Technologies (GPTs) . These are technologies that do not merely transform single industries but instead spark cascading changes across the entire economy and society. The idea is both simple and radical: power in the 21st century is not about who owns a particular technology but about who enables its widespread and inclusive...

The New Bedmap of Antarctica: Unveiling the Secrets Beneath the Ice

Antarctica, the frozen continent at the bottom of the world, is undergoing a revolutionary transformation—not in its icy surface, but in our understanding of what lies beneath it. Scientists have recently released an updated Bedmap, offering the most detailed view yet of Antarctica’s bedrock hidden beneath miles of ice. This stunning revelation has profound implications for climate science, glaciology, and future sea-level predictions. What is the Bedmap Project? The Bedmap project is a scientific initiative aimed at mapping the topography of Antarctica’s bedrock. By using satellite data, radar surveys, and ice-penetrating technology, researchers create detailed models of the continent’s subglacial landscape. The latest iteration, Bedmap3 , builds upon previous versions with enhanced resolution and unprecedented accuracy. Why Mapping the Bedrock Matters Antarctica’s ice sheets rest upon a complex landscape of valleys, mountains, and deep basins. Understanding the shape and features of ...

A Deep Dive into ISRO’s Gaganyaan Mission

As the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) advances steadily towards launching its maiden human spaceflight mission — Gaganyaan — the emphasis on spaceflight safety has never been more crucial. India is on the brink of joining an elite group of nations capable of sending humans to space, and ISRO is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every stage of the mission, from liftoff to landing, adheres to global safety standards. Gaganyaan is poised to become a landmark achievement in India’s space exploration journey. It aims to send three astronauts into low Earth orbit (LEO) for up to seven days. While this initial mission is not intended to dock with any space station, the selected crew is being familiarized with docking procedures , a forward-thinking move that prepares them for potential future missions involving orbital rendezvous and space station docking . Ensuring astronaut safety is a complex, multilayered process involving extensive planning, rigorous testing, and ...

Trump's Policy Uncertainty Sends Biotech Sector into a Slump

In recent years, the biotech industry has emerged as a cornerstone of innovation, especially in areas like gene therapy , personalized medicine , and vaccine development . However, this dynamic and promising sector is highly sensitive to government regulations , policy frameworks , and economic signals . Under the Trump administration , the biotech sector witnessed a turbulent journey, driven by policy uncertainty , sudden regulatory shifts, and volatile rhetoric on healthcare pricing reforms . This blog delves into how Trump’s policy ambiguity and decision-making style impacted the biotech industry, contributing to a market slump and investor hesitancy. It also analyzes the broader implications for pharmaceutical innovation , R&D funding , and global biotech partnerships . Trump Administration and Policy Volatility One of the defining features of Donald Trump’s presidency was his unconventional approach to governance . For sectors like biotech, which rely on predictable and ...

The Golden Dome Missile Defense System: The Future of U.S. Airspace Protection

The Golden Dome Missile Defense System: The Future of U.S. Airspace Protection Introduction The United States has proposed an ambitious missile defense program known as the Golden Dome Missile Defense System . This initiative aims to protect the country from various airborne threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and cruise missiles. Drawing inspiration from Israel’s renowned Iron Dome , the Golden Dome is set to be a comprehensive, multi-layered defense system that will redefine national security. This blog explores the significance, capabilities, technological advancements, and potential impact of the Golden Dome on global defense strategies. Understanding Missile Defense Systems Modern warfare increasingly relies on missile technology, and nations worldwide are investing in advanced defense systems. Missile defense systems are classified based on their operational range and the types of threats they counter. Some of the key categories include: Short-range mis...

Chandrayaan-5: India’s Next Giant Leap in Lunar Exploration

Chandrayaan-5: India’s Next Giant Leap in Lunar Exploration Introduction The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially received approval from the central government for Chandrayaan-5 , marking another ambitious step in India’s space exploration journey. The mission is set to carry a 250-kg lunar rover , making it one of the most advanced and high-tech lunar missions ever undertaken. This announcement comes after the remarkable success of Chandrayaan-3 , which achieved a historic soft landing near the Moon's south pole. As space enthusiasts around the world eagerly anticipate this mission, let’s dive deep into what Chandrayaan-5 aims to achieve, how it differs from its predecessors, and why it is a game-changer for India’s space program. The Evolution of India’s Lunar Missions India’s space journey has been nothing short of spectacular. From launching Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, which discovered water molecules on the Moon, to the flawless landing of Chandrayaan-3 i...