Global Terrorism Index (GTI) 2026 & Internal Security
Released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), the 13th edition of the GTI highlights a global decline in terrorism, though the threat is evolving into more concentrated and digitally driven forms.
Emerging Global Trends
- Statistical Decline: Terrorism-related deaths dropped by 28% and incidents fell by 22% in 2025.
- Geographic Concentration: Nearly 70% of fatalities occurred in just five countries (Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, DRC). The Sahel region alone accounted for over 50% of global deaths. Pakistan ranks 1st (most affected), while India ranks 13th.
- Shifting Tactics: Terror networks are decentralizing, relying heavily on lone-wolf attacks (making up 93% of fatal attacks in the West), small cells, and digital radicalization via AI and encrypted platforms.
- Conflict Nexus: 99% of terrorism deaths occur in politically unstable or conflict-ridden areas.
India’s Counter-Terrorism Framework
India employs a proactive, zero-tolerance approach, formally shifting from reactive containment to intelligence-led deterrence under the PRAHAAR framework.
- Legislative: Strengthening of the UAPA and NIA Acts (2019) to expand jurisdictions, alongside the new Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2023) which strictly defines terrorist acts.
- Institutional: Establishment of the Multi-Agency Centre (MAC) for intelligence sharing, NATGRID for database integration, and the modernization of the CCTNS. The NIA currently boasts a 92.7% conviction rate.
- Operational & Multilateral: A focus on pre-emptive strikes (e.g., Balakot, Operation Sindoor) and leveraging global platforms like the FATF and UN Security Council to dismantle terror financing.
India’s Cotton Sector (“White Gold”)
India is a global powerhouse in cotton production, supporting millions of livelihoods across the agricultural and textile supply chains.
- Global Footprint: India ranks 1st in cultivation area (38% of global total) and 2nd in overall production and consumption. Around 62% of the crop is rain-fed.
- Species Cultivation: India is the only nation growing all four recognized cotton species. G. hirsutum (American upland) dominates, accounting for 90% of hybrid production, including all Bt cotton varieties.
- Key Interventions:
- Minimum Support Price (MSP): The Cotton Corporation of India (CCI) procures cotton to protect farmers from price crashes. Procurement is streamlined digitally via the Kapas Kisan App.
- Mission for Cotton Productivity: A Rs. 5,659 crore initiative targeting 498 lakh bales by 2031 through high-density planting and climate-resilient varieties.
- Kasturi Cotton Bharat: A joint government-industry branding initiative to globally position Indian cotton as sustainable and highly traceable.
India’s Water Conservation Drive
In response to growing climate variability, the government has launched targeted campaigns to turn rainfall into a sustainable water asset.
| Campaign | Key Focus Areas |
| Catch the Rain (2026) | July–August drive to build location-specific rainwater harvesting structures before the monsoons hit. |
| Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari | Community-led projects utilizing local CSR funds to revive defunct borewells and build low-cost recharge structures. |
| Jal Shakti Kendras | District-level hubs providing technical support and knowledge to communities regarding groundwater recharge. |
Revised Index of Core Industries (ICI)
The Office of Economic Adviser (DPIIT) has updated the ICI with a new base year of 2022-23 (replacing 2011-12) to better reflect India’s current industrial landscape.
Key Methodological Changes
- 9 Core Industries: Iron Ore was added to the index due to its critical role in steel manufacturing.
- Updated Weights: The combined weight of these industries in the broader Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is now 32.88%.
- Top Sectors by Weight: Electricity holds the highest weight (30.93%), followed by Refinery Products (22.57%) and Steel (17.58%).
- Recent Performance: The ICI showed a 5.0% year-on-year growth in June 2026, largely driven by Iron Ore, Electricity, and Cement.
World AI Cooperation Organization (WAICO)
Launched by China in Shanghai and signed by 29 countries (primarily from the Global South), WAICO aims to provide an alternative, multilateral framework for AI governance.
- The Vision: It focuses heavily on inclusive AI development, capacity building, and open-source models (like DeepSeek) to prevent a digital divide.
- The Contrast: Unlike Western frameworks (US, EU) that prioritize risk mitigation, safety, and strict export controls, WAICO champions “Cyber Sovereignty” and state-led governance.
- Global Concerns: Critics argue the organization could become a vehicle for digital authoritarianism and strategic dependence on Chinese tech infrastructure.
Rapid Fire Fact File
WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
India is the 123rd member to join this landmark pact—the first WTO agreement strictly focused on environmental sustainability. It bans subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) marine wild capture fishing. Crucially, aquaculture is excluded, meaning India’s lucrative shrimp export sector remains unaffected while traditional coastal fishers are protected from highly-subsidized foreign industrial fleets.
Mangal Pandey Birth Anniversary (July 19, 1827)
Remembered as a catalyst for the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny (India’s First War of Independence). Serving in the 34th Bengal Native Infantry, he mutinied against the British over the use of animal-fat greased cartridges, which deeply offended religious sentiments. His actions sparked widespread rebellion before his execution on April 8, 1857.
