CURRENT AFFAIRS | MAY 6, 2026
CLAT GK + DEFENCE & INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has released its annual World Military Expenditure Report for 2026, and the numbers are staggering. Global military spending hit a record $2.72 trillion in 2025 — the 11th consecutive year of increase. India has moved up to become the world’s 5th largest defence spender at $92.1 billion. For CLAT 2027, this connects directly to constitutional provisions on defence, Union List powers, and national security law.
SIPRI — Who Are They?
SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) is an independent international institute based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1966. It publishes the annual SIPRI Yearbook on armaments, disarmament, and international security. Its military expenditure database is the world’s most authoritative source on defence spending data.
Global Military Spending 2025: Top 5
| Rank | Country | Spending | Notes |
| 1st | USA | $997 billion | ~37% of global total |
| 2nd | China | $314 billion | Significant YoY rise |
| 3rd | Russia | $190 billion | Ukraine war driver |
| 4th | Germany | $114 billion | NATO 2% GDP target |
| 5th | India | $92.1 billion | +8.9% YoY; overtook UK |
Constitutional Framework: Defence as a Union Subject
Schedule VII, List I (Union List), Entry 1: “Defence of India and every part thereof including preparation for defence and all such acts as may be conducive in times of war to its prosecution and after its termination to effective demobilisation.” Defence is exclusively a Central subject.
Article 246: Parliament has exclusive power to make laws on Union List subjects. No State legislature can legislate on defence.
Article 352 (National Emergency): Can be proclaimed on grounds of “armed rebellion” or “external aggression.” The 44th Amendment (1978) replaced “internal disturbance” with the stricter “armed rebellion” — a key exam distinction. During National Emergency, Parliament can legislate even on State List subjects.
India’s Defence Ecosystem
India’s surge in defence spending is driven by the aftermath of Operation Sindoor (May 2025), procurement of drones and air defence systems, and the broader global security environment.
- Domestic defence production: Record Rs 1.27 lakh crore in FY24
- Defence exports: Rs 21,083 crore in FY24; target Rs 50,000 crore by 2029
- Key PSUs: HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HQ: Bengaluru), BEL, BEML, MDL (Mazagon Dock), 7 Ordnance PSUs (after 2021 corporatisation)
- iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): Startup-government collaboration; part of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)
- Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Prioritises “Make in India” and Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence procurement
- FDI in defence: 74% automatic route, 100% via government approval
CLAT Angle: Key Defence Institutions for GK
DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation): Established 1958; under Ministry of Defence; develops Agni/Prithvi missiles, Tejas aircraft, Arjun tank, Akash air defence system.
HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited): HQ Bengaluru; manufactures Tejas fighter jets, Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), and HTT-40 trainer aircraft.
India’s Nuclear Doctrine: No First Use (NFU) — India will never use nuclear weapons first but will retaliate massively and inflict unacceptable damage if nuclear weapons are used against India or Indian forces. The doctrine also states no use against non-nuclear states.
NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group) waiver: India received a special waiver in 2008 allowing civilian nuclear trade despite not signing the NPT (Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty).
Key Facts Table for CLAT Revision
| Fact | Detail |
| SIPRI founded | 1966; HQ Stockholm, Sweden |
| India’s 2025 defence spending | $92.1 billion (5th globally, +8.9% YoY) |
| Global total (2025) | $2.72 trillion (record high) |
| India domestic defence production FY24 | Rs 1.27 lakh crore (record) |
| India defence exports FY24 | Rs 21,083 crore |
| Defence exports target by 2029 | Rs 50,000 crore (~USD 6 billion) |
| DRDO established | 1958 |
| HAL HQ | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| India’s nuclear doctrine | No First Use (NFU) |
| Defence — Constitutional entry | Entry 1, List I (Union List), Art. 246 |
Memory Mnemonic
Top 5 global defence spenders: “USA Clearly Rules — Germany, India” — USA, China, Russia, Germany, India.
India’s NFU: “No First Use = No Fight Unprovoked” — India is a responsible nuclear power that will never strike first.
Art. 352 trick: “352 = National Emergency; 356 = President’s Rule; 360 = Financial Emergency” — the three emergency provisions.
Test Your Knowledge: SIPRI 2026 MCQs
Practice Quiz — 10 CLAT-Style Questions
Click an option to reveal the answer and explanation.
