This book is about the strategic relevance of quantum technologies. It debates the military-specific aspects of this technology. Various chapters of this book cohere around two specific themes. The first theme discusses the global pattern of ongoing civilian and military research on quantum computers, quantum cryptography, quantum communications and quantum internet. The second theme explicitly identifies the relevance of these technologies in the military domain and the possible nature of quantum technology-based weapons. This thread further debates on quantum (arms) race at a global level in general, and in the context of the USA and China, in particular. The book argues that the defence utility of these technologies is increasingly becoming obvious and is likely to change the nature of warfare in the future.

This book is about the strategic relevance of quantum technologies. It debates the military-specific aspects of this technology. Various chapters of this book cohere around two specific themes. The first theme discusses the global pattern of ongoing civilian and military research on quantum computers, quantum cryptography, quantum communications and quantum internet. The second theme explicitly identifies the relevance of these technologies in the military domain and the possible nature of quantum technology-based weapons. This thread further debates on quantum (arms) race at a global level in general, and in the context of the USA and China, in particular. The book argues that the defence utility of these technologies is increasingly becoming obvious and is likely to change the nature of warfare in the future.

This book explores the character and contours of the Asian Space Powers. At present, Asian states like China, Japan and India are found investing in space technologies with analogous social and scientific and probably with divergent military intents. Other Asian states like Israel, South Korea and Malaysia are also making investments in the space arena. States like Iran and North Korea are faulted for using space launches as a demonstrative tool to achieve strategic objectives. This work examines this entire maze of activities to unearth where these states are making these investments to accomplish their state-specific goal or are they also trying to surpass each other by engaging in competition. Explaining why and how these states are making investments towards achieving their socio-economic and strategic mandate this book infers that the possibility of Asian Space Race exists but is presently fairly diminutive.

The objective of the book is to find an answer to the rationale behind the human quest for the Mars exploration. As a comprehensive assessment for this query is undertaken, it is realized that the basic question 'Why Mars?' seeks various responses from technological, economic and geopolitical to strategic perspectives. The book is essentially targeted to understand India's desire to reach Mars. In the process, it also undertakes some implicit questioning of Mars programmes of various other states essentially to facilitate the setting up of the context for an assessment. The book is divided into two parts: Part I: This covers both science and politics associated with Mars missions in global scenario and discusses the salient features of various Mars Missions undertaken by various countries. Part II: This provides details in regards to India's Mars Mission.

This book explores the character and contours of the Asian Space Powers. At present, Asian states like China, Japan and India are found investing in space technologies with analogous social and scientific and probably with divergent military intents. Other Asian states like Israel, South Korea and Malaysia are also making investments in the space arena. States like Iran and North Korea are faulted for using space launches as a demonstrative tool to achieve strategic objectives. This work examines this entire maze of activities to unearth where these states are making these investments to accomplish their state-specific goal or are they also trying to surpass each other by engaging in competition. Explaining why and how these states are making investments towards achieving their socio-economic and strategic mandate this book infers that the possibility of Asian Space Race exists but is presently fairly diminutive.

The current pandemic has caused a cataclysmic disruption in the 'daily routine' across the nations and sectors. The damage this crisis has brought to lives and economies is unimaginable. This pandemic is a wake-up call to bring about systematic and structural changes to deal with such unanticipated menaces that can bring the world to a sudden halt. This book attempts to contextualise and examine the nature of the ongoing pandemic. The experts who have contributed to the book analyse key geopolitical and technological aspects of the COVID-19 crisis. Besides, the book presents views from a few important States concerning their role in combating the ongoing crisis. The book also explores the issues of biosecurity and bioethics.

Developments in the outer space arena post the erstwhile USSR launching the first man-made satellite Sputnik in space on 4 October 1957 have transformed the world significantly. In order to ensure the exploration and use of outer space for peaceful purposes, the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) was set up by the United Nations General Assembly in 1959. Subsequently, this committee led to the foundation of the "Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies". This treaty is commonly known as the Outer Space Treaty (OST). This treaty was opened for signature on January 27, 1967 as a binding legal instrument. On January 27, 2017, this treaty competes 50 years. Over the years this treaty has largely ensured responsible conduct of space activities. This book attempts to examine and contextualize the treaty and its relevance in the 21stcentury while tracing its journey over the last fifty years.

The scramble for natural resources is not a new phenomenon. Every state, either developed or developing, is always found busy 'managing' resources for its sustenance and growth. Minerals (also called materials) is one crucial natural resource which plays a significant part in the development of both civilian and military industrial complexes of nation-states. There are a few minerals which are categorized as 'strategic' because of their importance for the industries and owing to natural and man-made difficulties in their procurement. This work debates the issues of strategic materials and their importance for nation-states. There has been an attempt here to contextualize the importance of strategic materials from a national security perspective. This study presents a macro view with regard to India's strategic minerals architecture and undertakes analysis to understand current and futuristic challenges and opportunities in this sector, and offers a few recommendations based on the assessment undertaken. Issues related to Rare Earth and New Materials are also discussed.

Employment of Space technologies for advancing the nation's social, scientific and economic interests in gaining increasing importance in the 21st century. At the same time Space security, which includes the security of Space assets and the ability to use Space for civilian and security purpose, is also attracting increasing attention. During the last few decades the number of states investing in satellite technologies has grown. Today, satellite technology is providing a wide array of services from mobile telephony to global navigation to disaster management. The Armed Forces in various parts of the world have also begun to rely increasingly on Space technologies. Particularly the 1991 Gulf War and subsequent military campaigns in various parts of the world have demonstrated the significance of Space technologies for militaries. With the growing reliance of Armed Forces on Space technology, the concern about security of Space assets is increasing. These concerns have been further fuelled by the anti-satellite (ASAT) test undertaken by China in 2007. As a Space-faring nation it is important for India to constantly monitor the rapidly changing global Space order. This book is an attempt to analyse the ongoing trends in the Space domain and emphasis the need for India to establish a comprehensive Space strategy.

Space technologies are critical to diverse human activities including communication, education , navigation, and remote sensing, meteorology disaster management and military. Naturally, keeping the space assets secure has become a major necessity for the states. Any damage to such assets would lead to excruciating consequences. In order to ensure safety and security of these assets it is important to establish a mechanism for international cooperation relating to the activities in exploration and use of outer space. This book debates a range of issues in regard to this code and presents a diversity of views from experts representing various parts of the world. These discussions involve largely the geopolitical, technological and legal interpretations of this draft.