16th May 2025-Current Affairs

1. Revamp of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) – Economy

What is PLFS?

The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is India’s principal instrument for gathering reliable and timely statistics on employment and unemployment. It was launched in 2017 by the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Objective of PLFS

To provide:

• High-frequency data on:
  • Employment and unemployment levels
  • Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)
  • Worker Population Ratio (WPR)
  • Unemployment Rate (UR)
  • Nature of employment (regular salaried, casual labour, self-employed)
• Policy-relevant insights for government, researchers, and economists
• Bridge the data gap for India’s rapidly evolving labour market

What’s New in the 2025 Revamp?

1. Monthly Estimates Introduced

• First Monthly Bulletin: May 2025
• Covers key labour indicators on a monthly basis
• Implication: Enables real-time policy responses and short-term trend analysis

2. Quarterly Data for Rural Areas

• Previously, quarterly PLFS data covered only urban areas
• New Addition: Rural employment data to be included from August 2025
• Significance: Enhances the rural employment picture, vital for a country where ~65% population is rural

3. Annual Reports Shift to Calendar Year

• Earlier Basis: Mid-year cycle (e.g., July-June)
• Now: Calendar year (Jan-Dec) cycle for better alignment with other statistical releases

4. Enhanced Data Coverage

Includes new parameters:

• Household income sources
• Land ownership
• Vocational training
• Educational background

5. Increased Sample Size

• From a smaller base to approx. 2.72 lakh households
• Why it matters: Increases representativeness, reduces sampling error, and improves reliability of findings

6. Data Comparability Advisory

• Post-January 2025 data may not be directly comparable with earlier rounds due to methodology changes
• Important for longitudinal studies and trend analysis

Why This Revamp is Significant

• Addresses critical data gaps in rural and short-term employment
• Enhances transparency and accountability in employment-related policymaking
• Improves India’s ability to track and respond to unemployment shocks (e.g., post-COVID labour shifts)
• Facilitates evidence-based economic planning

Key Concepts Explained

Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR)

• % of working-age population either employed or actively seeking work
• Indicates economic engagement of the population

Worker Population Ratio (WPR)

• % of working-age population that is actually employed
• Reflects employment intensity in the economy

Unemployment Rate (UR)

• % of the labour force that is unemployed but seeking work
• Core indicator of joblessness

Summary

The Union Government is revamping the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) from January 2025 to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and coverage of India’s labour market data. The revised survey will introduce monthly labour statistics, extend quarterly reporting to rural areas, increase the sample size, and broaden the data scope to include aspects like income sources and education levels. Annual reports will now align with the calendar year, and users are advised to account for methodological shifts when comparing with older datasets. The goal is to support more informed and responsive policy decisions in the area of employment and economic planning.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Consider the following statements about the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):

1. It is conducted by the Labour Bureau under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
2. The PLFS now includes quarterly data from both urban and rural areas.
3. The revamped PLFS will release annual reports based on the financial year cycle.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: B. 2 only

• Statement 1 is incorrect: PLFS is conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI)
• Statement 3 is incorrect: The annual reports will now follow the calendar year, not the financial year

2. The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) refers to:
A. The proportion of total population that is unemployed
B. The ratio of people working to those not in the labour force
C. The percentage of working-age population that is employed
D. The proportion of labour force that is unemployed

Answer: C. The percentage of working-age population that is employed

Mains

1. The revamp of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) in 2025 aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive picture of India’s labour market.
Discuss the key changes introduced in the revamped PLFS and their potential significance for policy-making in India.

2. India faces a persistent challenge in generating reliable high-frequency employment data.
Explain the role of the PLFS in addressing this challenge. How will the recent modifications improve the survey’s effectiveness in capturing the dynamics of the Indian labour market?

2. Declining Birth Rates in Southern States – Demographic Transition in India – Indian Society

Why in News?

• The Registrar General of India recently released the Sample Registration System (SRS) Statistical Report 2021, which revealed a sharp decline in crude birth rates across India, particularly in the southern states.
• The data points to an emerging demographic divide between northern and southern regions.

Key Findings from SRS Report 2021

National Crude Birth Rate (CBR)

• Decreased to 19.3 births per 1,000 population in 2021.
• This marks a significant decline from previous years and signals a nationwide demographic transition.

Regional Trends: South vs. North

• Southern States (Rapid Decline):
  • Tamil Nadu: 2.35% annual decline
  • Delhi: 2.23%
  • Kerala: 2.05%
  • Continuous decline in registered births since 2012 in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Northern and Eastern States (Slower Decline):
  • Bihar: 0.86% annual decline
  • Rajasthan: 0.48%
  • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have shown increases in registered births since 2012.

Related Fertility Indicators

Total Fertility Rate (TFR)

• Measures the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive life.
• India’s TFR is declining, with some states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh still above the replacement level of 2.1.

Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR)

• Indicates the average number of daughters a woman is expected to have.
• A GRR of 1 implies a stable population, assuming zero mortality.
• High GRRs (e.g., 1.4) in high TFR states indicate continued population growth.

Understanding the Demographic Divide

Policy Implications of Regional Demographic Trends

For Southern States:

• Aging Population: Requires investment in geriatric care and pension systems.
• Workforce Shrinkage: Could lead to labour shortages, requiring migration-based policies.
• Urban Planning: Need for services that cater to smaller families and older citizens.

For Northern States:

• Pressure on Resources: Education, jobs, healthcare will face strain from youth bulge.
• Need for Investments: In family planning, women’s education, and healthcare access.
• Skill Development: To absorb the young population into productive employment.

Why This Matters for Indian Society

• Marks a demographic shift in India’s population pyramid.
• Indicates regional inequalities in development, health, and education.
• Affects everything from voting patterns, economic growth, migration, and social cohesion.

Summary

The SRS 2021 report shows that India’s birth rate is declining, with southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Delhi witnessing a far sharper reduction than the national average. This reflects a regional demographic divide, with the south approaching population stabilization while the northern and eastern states continue to experience high birth and fertility rates. These trends have profound policy implications for urban planning, healthcare, and workforce management, emphasizing the need for region-specific development strategies to manage India’s complex demographic landscape.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about India’s demographic trends is/are correct?

1. Southern states have higher Total Fertility Rates (TFR) than northern states.
2. The Sample Registration System (SRS) report is published by the Registrar General of India.
3. A Crude Birth Rate (CBR) of 19.3 implies 19.3 births per 1,000 population.

Options:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Southern states have lower TFRs than northern states.

2. What is meant by the Gross Reproduction Rate (GRR)?
A. Average number of children per couple
B. Average number of female children born to a woman
C. Percentage of population growth due to births
D. Number of live births per 1,000 population

Answer: B. Average number of female children born to a woman

Mains

1. India is experiencing divergent demographic trends across its regions. Examine the implications of the sharp decline in birth rates in the southern states compared to the northern states. Suggest policy measures to address this divide.

2. With the southern states approaching population stabilization and northern states still seeing high fertility, what challenges and opportunities do these contrasting trends present for India’s economic and social planning?

3. Justice B.R. Gavai Takes Charge as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI) – Polity

Why in News?

• Justice B.R. Gavai has taken oath as the 52nd Chief Justice of India (CJI).
• This marks a significant moment in the Indian judiciary, continuing the tradition of seniority-based appointments to the top judicial office.

Who is the Chief Justice of India (CJI)?

Position and Role

• Head of the Judiciary and the Supreme Court of India.
• Considered the highest-ranking judicial officer in the country.
• Referred to as “first among equals” (primus inter pares) among Supreme Court judges.
• Functions both in a judicial and administrative capacity.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 124: Appointment and qualifications of Supreme Court judges.
• Article 145: Rules of the Court; empowers CJI to assign Constitution Benches.
• Article 32: Guarantees citizens the right to constitutional remedies via the Supreme Court.
• Article 143: Advisory jurisdiction of the President; the CJI may be consulted on legal questions.

Powers and Functions of the CJI

1. Judicial Functions

• Master of the Roster: Allocates cases, forms benches, and schedules hearings.
• Assigns judges to Constitution Benches under Article 145.
• Exercises judicial leadership by steering key constitutional and jurisprudential matters.
• Hears and decides matters relating to fundamental rights (Article 32).

2. Administrative Functions

• Court Administration: Supervises registry staff and ensures operational efficiency.
• Holds disciplinary powers over judicial officers in the court’s administrative domain.
• Recognized in State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997) as having primacy in bench formation and administration.

3. Advisory Functions

• Provides opinion to the President under Article 143, when referred constitutional/legal issues arise.

Appointment and Tenure of the CJI

How is the CJI Appointed?

• Appointed by: President of India
• As per: Article 124 of the Constitution.
• Conventionally, the senior-most judge of the Supreme Court is appointed.
• However, this has been violated in the past (e.g., Justice A.N. Ray, 1973).

Qualifications

• Must be a citizen of India.
• Must meet one of the following:
  • Served at least 5 years as a High Court judge.
  • Practiced as a High Court advocate for 10 years.
  • Deemed a distinguished jurist by the President.

Selection Process

Governed by the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP) for Supreme Court appointments:

1. Union Law Minister seeks recommendation from the outgoing CJI.
2. The recommendation is processed by:
   • Law Ministry
   • Prime Minister
   • President of India

Note: No fixed timeline, but recommendation should be made at an “appropriate time” to ensure smooth transition.

Tenure and Removal

• Tenure: Until 65 years of age.
• Removal process (similar to impeachment):
  • Requires majority in both Houses of Parliament.
  • Two-thirds of members present and voting must support.
  • Grounds: Proven misbehavior or incapacity.

Importance of the CJI in Indian Polity

• Leads the judicial interpretation of the Constitution.
• Oversees the balance of power between the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary.
• Acts as a key figure in:
  • Public interest litigation (PILs)
  • Constitutional morality and rights jurisprudence
  • Judicial accountability and independence

Case Law Insight

State of Rajasthan v. Prakash Chand (1997)

• Confirmed the CJI’s exclusive administrative authority over formation of benches and judicial assignments.

Summary

Justice B.R. Gavai has taken office as the 52nd Chief Justice of India, assuming the top judicial role in the country. The Chief Justice of India serves as both the judicial leader and administrative head of the Supreme Court, with powers under Articles 124, 145, 32, and 143 of the Constitution. The CJI plays a vital role in constitutional interpretation, judicial appointments, and protecting citizens’ rights. Appointed by the President, the CJI serves until the age of 65 and can only be removed through an impeachment-like process. The appointment reaffirms the tradition of seniority and emphasizes the importance of maintaining judicial independence.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following Articles of the Constitution pertain to the Chief Justice of India?

1. Article 124
2. Article 145
3. Article 32
4. Article 75

Options:
A. 1, 2, and 3 only
B. 1 and 4 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 3, and 4 only

Answer: A. 1, 2, and 3 only

2. Consider the following statements:

1. The Chief Justice of India is appointed by the President of India.
2. The tenure of the CJI is fixed at five years.
3. The CJI can be removed only by a majority in both Houses of Parliament.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1 and 3 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 1 and 3 only

• Statement 2 is incorrect: Tenure is until age 65, not a fixed five-year term.

Mains

1. Discuss the constitutional role and administrative powers of the Chief Justice of India. In what ways does the position influence the functioning and independence of the judiciary?

2. The process of appointment and removal of the Chief Justice of India reflects a careful balance between executive authority and judicial independence. Critically evaluate the existing framework for appointing the CJI in light of constitutional provisions and conventions.

4. Genome Edited Rice Development in India – Science and Technology

Why in News?

• India has become the first country in the world to develop rice varieties using genome editing technology, as announced by Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
• These developments mark a milestone in agricultural biotechnology, targeting higher yields, climate resilience, and sustainability.

What is Genome Editing?

• Genome editing refers to precise alterations in the DNA of an organism using techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, TALENs, or ZFNs.
• Unlike traditional GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms), genome editing does not necessarily involve the introduction of foreign DNA, making the changes more targeted and “natural-like.”

New Genome-Edited Rice Varieties in India

Key Benefits of These Varieties

1. Higher Yield

• Kamala: 5.37 t/ha vs. 4.5 t/ha of Samba Mahsuri
• Pusa DST Rice 1: 3,508 kg/ha vs. 3,199 kg/ha of MTU1010

2. Environmental Sustainability

• Early maturity of Kamala shortens crop cycle → reduced water and fertilizer use
• Shorter paddy growth cycle → lower methane emissions, aiding climate change mitigation

3. Stress Resilience

• Kamala: Better drought tolerance
• Pusa DST Rice 1: Resistance to salinity and alkalinity (yield improved by 30.4% under salinity and 14.66% in alkaline soil)

4. Resource Efficiency

• Early harvest reduces input costs and enables multiple cropping, enhancing income potential for farmers

Concerns and Challenges

1. Regulatory Ambiguity

• Genome-edited crops (especially SDN1 and SDN2 types) have been exempted from strict GMO regulations in India since 2022.
• Critics argue this allows bypassing of biosafety assessments, potentially endangering public trust and environmental safety.

2. Lack of Field-Level Data

• Critics emphasize the absence of public field trial results, which raises questions about transparency and efficacy claims.

3. Seed Sovereignty & IPR Issues

• Genome editing tools are often patented technologies.
• Concerns that corporate control over seeds may undermine farmers’ traditional rights and increase dependence on private seed companies.

Future Outlook

• Availability Timeline: ICAR anticipates that certified seeds will be made available in the next two years after:
  • IPR registration
  • Seed multiplication and certification
• Wider Adoption: If concerns are addressed, these varieties may revolutionize climate-resilient agriculture in India.

Broader Implications for India

• Aligns with goals under National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA)
• Supports doubling farmers’ income, improving climate resilience, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Raises the need for a transparent and balanced regulatory framework to distinguish between GMOs and genome-edited organisms

Summary

India has made a landmark achievement by developing two genome-edited rice varieties—DRR Dhan 100 (Kamala) and Pusa DST Rice 1—offering better yields, climate resilience, and environmental sustainability. These innovations highlight the potential of gene-editing tools like CRISPR in modern agriculture. However, their deployment raises important issues related to regulatory oversight, transparency, and farmers’ seed rights. Successful implementation will depend on striking a balance between technological advancement and social, legal, and ethical safeguards.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to genome editing in agriculture, consider the following statements:

1. Genome editing always involves the insertion of foreign genes into the host genome.
2. India’s DRR Dhan 100 variety was developed using genome editing and shows improved drought tolerance.
3. Genome editing techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 allow precise alterations without changing the DNA sequence.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1 and 3 only

Answer: B. 2 only

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Genome editing does not necessarily involve foreign DNA.
• Statement 3 is incorrect: CRISPR alters the DNA sequence precisely.

2. What are the benefits of early maturing rice varieties developed through genome editing?
A. Increased methane emissions
B. Enhanced water use and reduced crop cycles
C. Reduced soil fertility
D. Decreased yield potential

Answer: B. Enhanced water use and reduced crop cycles

Mains

1. Genome editing in agriculture offers a promising path for sustainable and climate-resilient farming. Examine the scientific, economic, and regulatory dimensions of genome-edited rice varieties recently developed in India.

2. Discuss the concerns raised by the introduction of genome-edited crops in India. How can policymakers ensure a balance between technological advancement and protection of farmers’ rights and environmental safety?

5. Desalination Technology in India – DRDO’s Innovation for Self-Reliance – Science and Technology

Why in News?

• The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed an indigenous high-pressure nanoporous multilayered polymeric membrane for seawater desalination.
• This innovation supports the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and aligns with the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

What is Desalination?

Desalination is the process of removing dissolved salts and minerals from seawater or brackish water, converting it into freshwater suitable for drinking, agriculture, or industrial use.

Common Desalination Techniques

How Reverse Osmosis (RO) Works

1. Seawater (35,000 ppm TDS) is pushed through a semi-permeable membrane under high pressure.
2. The membrane blocks salts and impurities, allowing only water molecules to pass.
3. The result is freshwater with TDS between 200–500 ppm, which is safe for consumption.

RO membranes must be durable, resistant to fouling, and tolerant to chloride-induced degradation.

DRDO’s Indigenous Innovation

Key Features

• Nanoporous Multilayered Polymeric Membrane: Enhances filtration efficiency and durability.
• High-Pressure Tolerance: Suited for marine environments where pressure variations are common.
• Chloride-Resistant: Designed to operate effectively in saline water, which typically degrades regular membranes.

Strategic Integration

• Installed on Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) of the Indian Coast Guard.
• Enables onboard freshwater generation, reducing dependency on external supply.

Significance and Applications

Defence Use

• Essential for maritime security operations and remote deployments.
• Enhances self-sufficiency and mission sustainability for naval and coast guard vessels.

Civillian Utility

• Scalable for use in coastal cities, islands, and drought-prone areas.
• Reduces burden on overexploited groundwater sources.

National Impact

• Supports Aatmanirbhar Bharat in strategic tech sectors.
• Promotes indigenous technology development in critical areas.

Challenges in Desalination

Summary

The DRDO has developed a new high-pressure, chloride-resistant polymeric membrane for desalination, representing a major step in India’s self-reliance in critical water technologies. Primarily designed for Indian Coast Guard patrol vessels, this membrane converts seawater into potable water through reverse osmosis, addressing both defence operational needs and broader civilian applications. Despite challenges like high energy use and brine disposal, desalination remains a vital tool in India’s water security strategy, especially in the face of climate-induced water stress.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. Which of the following statements about desalination is/are correct?

1. Desalination always uses thermal evaporation to remove salt.
2. Reverse osmosis can reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in seawater from ~35,000 ppm to under 500 ppm.
3. The DRDO-developed desalination membrane is suitable for defence vessels like OPVs.

Options:
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

• Statement 1 is incorrect: Desalination also includes RO-based filtration, not just thermal.

2. Which of the following is not a common challenge associated with desalination?
A. High brine disposal costs
B. Low energy requirements
C. Membrane fouling
D. High capital investment

Answer: B. Low energy requirements

• Desalination has high energy requirements, not low.

Mains

1. Discuss the role of desalination technology in addressing India’s water security challenges. Highlight recent indigenous developments and their strategic significance.

2. What are the environmental and economic challenges posed by large-scale desalination plants? How can innovations like DRDO’s new membrane help mitigate some of these issues?

6. Operation Sindoor — Reshaping of Confrontation in India-Pakistan Relations – InternationaI Relations

Why in News?

• Operation Sindoor marks a paradigm shift in India-Pakistan military dynamics, characterized by:
  • Advanced technologies like drones
  • Information and psychological warfare
  • Joint-force coordination
• Reflects modern warfare’s multidimensional nature beyond traditional battlefield engagements.

Key Takeaways from Operation Sindoor

1. Rise of Drone Warfare

• Massive deployment of UAVs, particularly:
  • 300–400 Turkish-made Songar drones intercepted by India.
• Indicates a shift to asymmetric warfare where unmanned systems are used for surveillance, attack, and disruption.

2. India’s Layered Defense Architecture

• Integration of indigenous and foreign systems into a multi-layered air defense network:
  • Indigenous: Akash, QRSAM (Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missiles)
  • Imported: S-400 Triumf (Russian system)
• Designed to detect, track, and intercept various aerial threats including drones, cruise missiles, and fighter aircraft.

3. Information & Psychological Warfare

• Pakistan’s use of social media and digital propaganda:
  • Spreads disinformation
  • Shapes domestic and international narratives
  • Aims to affect public morale and diplomatic positions
• Highlights information dominance as a new battlefield.

4. Strategic Deterrence and Diplomacy

• India’s response combined military preparedness with diplomatic restraint:
  • Avoided full-scale conflict
  • Emphasized strategic signalling, not just kinetic retaliation
• Demonstrates maturity in crisis management and the importance of calibrated escalation.

5. Joint Command and Real-Time Intelligence

• First-time operational use of Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS):
  • Enhanced coordination among Army, Navy, and Air Force
  • Enabled real-time situational awareness and decision-making

Understanding Modern Warfare Trends

Implications for Indian Strategic Policy

1. Emphasis on Self-Reliance

• Boost to indigenous defense manufacturing, under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• Enhances national security autonomy and reduces dependence on foreign arms.

2. Expanded Conflict Domains

• Warfare now includes space, cyber, electromagnetic spectrum, and social media.
• India needs robust inter-agency coordination and information resilience.

3. Need for Counter-Disinformation Framework

• Integrate civil, military, and technological stakeholders to counter fake narratives.
• Encourage public-private collaboration on cybersecurity and digital literacy.

Summary

Operation Sindoor illustrates the shift in Indo-Pakistani confrontations from traditional military engagements to technology-driven, information-centric, and multi-domain conflicts. India’s response—combining air defense, information countermeasures, and inter-service coordination—demonstrates a maturing strategic doctrine. The operation marks a turning point in South Asian security, underscoring the role of innovation, psychological resilience, and narrative control in modern international relations.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. With reference to modern warfare, consider the following statements:

1. Drones are a part of asymmetric warfare strategies.
2. Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) facilitates real-time coordination between Indian armed forces.
3. Psychological operations in warfare refer exclusively to battlefield morale-boosting.

Which of the above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: A. 1 and 2 only

• Statement 3 is incorrect: Psychological operations also involve misinformation, narrative control, and perception management.

2. The Akash and QRSAM missile systems in India are primarily designed for:
A. Strategic nuclear deterrence
B. Short-range surface-to-air defense
C. Ballistic missile tracking
D. Underwater surveillance

Answer: B. Short-range surface-to-air defense

Mains

1. Operation Sindoor reflects a shift in the nature of India-Pakistan military engagement. Discuss how modern warfare techniques such as drone deployment, information warfare, and integrated command systems are redefining India’s national security landscape.

2. The future of warfare lies beyond conventional battles. In the light of recent conflicts, examine how India can strengthen its multi-domain defense capabilities to maintain strategic deterrence and national security.

7. Golden Dragon 2025 – China-Cambodia Military Exercise and Regional Implications – – International Relations

Why in News?

• Golden Dragon 2025 is the largest-ever bilateral military exercise between China and Cambodia, covering land, sea, and air domains.
• Conducted at Ream Naval Base in Sihanoukville, this exercise reflects deepening military and strategic ties between the two countries.

Background of the Golden Dragon Exercises

• Initiated in 2016 as a bilateral annual exercise.
• Designed to strengthen military coordination, technical interoperability, and strategic trust.
• Golden Dragon 2025 is the most advanced edition, both in scale and scope.

Key Features of Golden Dragon 2025

1. Themes

• Joint counter-terrorism operations
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)
• Maritime and coastal defense operations

2. Technology Integration

• Use of advanced systems like:
  • Reconnaissance and attack drones
  • Surgical robots for battlefield medical response
  • Robot dogs for surveillance and mobility in urban warfare
• Indicates a shift toward AI-enabled and autonomous warfare capabilities

3. Venue: Ream Naval Base

• Inaugurated in April 2025 with Chinese warships.
• Strategically located in the Gulf of Thailand.
• China has reportedly invested in modernizing this base, raising concerns of it becoming a dual-use military port.

Strategic Implications

1. China’s Growing Naval Footprint

• Ream Base adds to China’s expanding influence under the “String of Pearls” strategy.
• Other similar bases:
  • Gwadar (Pakistan)
  • Hambantota (Sri Lanka)
  • Djibouti Naval Base (Horn of Africa)
• Demonstrates China’s ability to project military power in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and South China Sea.

2. Regional Geopolitical Dynamics

• Golden Dragon is happening parallel to the U.S.-led “Balikatan” exercise involving:
  • U.S., Philippines, Australia, and Japan.
• Highlights growing great power rivalry in Southeast Asia.

3. Dual-Use Port Concerns

• Ream Naval Base, though presented as civilian-use, has:
  • Deepwater docking capabilities for naval vessels
  • Surveillance and refueling infrastructure
• Mirrors similar concerns as with Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port, which was leased to China for 99 years.

Relevance for India

Broader Global Context

Summary

Golden Dragon 2025 is a major China-Cambodia military exercise that demonstrates China’s growing ability to project power in Southeast Asia. It features AI-driven technologies like drones and robot dogs and is hosted at the strategically important Ream Naval Base, raising regional concerns. Conducted alongside Balikatan—a U.S.-Philippines-led military drill—this signals intensifying great power competition in the Indo-Pacific. For India, it reinforces the need for strategic maritime readiness, enhanced naval diplomacy, and multilateral engagement to safeguard regional stability.

Exam Connect – Possible Questions

Prelims

1. The “Golden Dragon” military exercise, recently in the news, is held between:
A. China and Philippines
B. China and Cambodia
C. India and Vietnam
D. U.S. and Cambodia

Answer: B. China and Cambodia

2. Consider the following statements about China’s “String of Pearls” strategy:

1. It refers to China’s construction of airbases along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
2. It involves developing civilian ports with potential military use in the Indian Ocean Region.
3. Ream Naval Base in Cambodia is considered a part of this strategy.

Which of the statements is/are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B. 2 and 3 only

Mains

1. Golden Dragon 2025 underscores China’s expanding military presence in Southeast Asia. Discuss its implications for India’s maritime security and diplomatic engagements in the Indo-Pacific.

2. Military exercises such as Golden Dragon and Balikatan reflect the changing dynamics of international relations in Asia. Analyze the role of such exercises in shaping strategic alignments and regional security architecture.