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1. Cognitive Warfare is a strategy that seeks to influence, manipulate, or disrupt human thinking and decision-making by targeting the human mind rather than physical or digital infrastructure.

2. Unlike conventional cyber warfare, which attacks computers, networks, and software, cognitive warfare directly targets human cognition, perception, and behaviour.

1. The Indian Navy safeguards a coastline of about 11,098 km, an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of nearly 2.4 million sq. km, and sea lanes carrying around 90% of India’s trade by volume.

2. On 21 June 2026, INS Dunagiri (Nilgiri-class), INS Sanshodhak (Sandhayak-class), and INS Agray (Arnala-class) were commissioned together at Kolkata.

1. India does not have a dedicated national law governing refugees and is not a signatory to the 1951 United Nations Refugee Convention or its 1967 Protocol.

2. Refugees in India are governed under general laws applicable to foreigners, primarily the Foreigners Act, 1946.

1. India’s counter-terrorism policy has shifted from a reactive response to a proactive prevention-based approach, with a zero-tolerance position against terrorism.

2. The counter-terrorism framework is built around stronger laws, better intelligence-sharing, modern police systems, action against terror financing, and cross-border deterrence.

1. On 31 March 2026, India became effectively free from Left-Wing Extremism after nearly six decades of Naxal-related violence.

2. The transformation towards Naxal-Free India was guided by three pillars: Vishwaas, Nirman, and Jan Kalyan.

1. India’s defence sector transformed significantly between 2014 and 2026 through reforms, higher investment, indigenisation, innovation, and defence diplomacy.

2. India’s defence budget increased from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27.

1. In 2025, the global and regional security environment deteriorated sharply due to multiple conflicts, weakening of the international order, rising defence expenditure, technological militarisation, and the expanding terrorism–organised crime nexus.

2. More than 56 wars and armed conflicts were recorded worldwide during 2025, causing extensive casualties, habitat destruction, mass displacement, and the highest scale of violence seen since the Second World War.

1. India–United States ties during Trump 2.0’s first year remained fragile and were sustained more by institutional resilience built over three decades than by fresh political momentum after the Modi–Trump meeting on 13 February 2025.

2. A key source of friction was the imposition of United States tariffs, reportedly reaching up to 50% on several Indian exports, linked to India’s continued import of Russian oil along with wider bilateral trade disputes.

1. FY 2026–27 defence allocation is ₹7.85 lakh crore, highest among ministries; 15.19% higher than FY 2025–26 BE, forming 14.67% of total expenditure, and prioritises modernisation, self-reliance, veterans’ welfare.

2. Defence budget rose from ₹2.53 lakh crore in 2013–14 to ₹7.85 lakh crore in 2026–27, adding about ₹5.32 lakh crore, roughly tripling in thirteen years, nominal rupee terms.

The Indian Navy is undergoing a strategic transformation under Vision 2047 to become a fully indigenous, technology-driven maritime force. The focus areas are innovation, indigenisation, and integration of advanced technologies, aligned with the national Aatmanirbhar Bharat mission.

INDIGENISATION AND STRATEGIC SIGNIFICANCE