India's inaugural lunar South Pole exploration by its Chandrayaan-3 mission yields vital space insights, cementing its position among leading nations with significant space exploration capabilities especially influencing geo-politics in Global South.
India’s space capabilities and Global Influence:
How India’s space strength will help developing nations of Global South?
How Technology can become India’s voice?
The technological prowess as well as economic scale is key to accelerate its rise relative to its Western counterparts.
As per recent information, Murmansk, popularly called the capital of the Arctic region and the beginning point of the Northern Sea Route (NSR), is witnessing the rising trend of Indian involvement in cargo traffic. India has been showing greater interest regarding the NSR for a variety of reasons.
Why India is showing interest in Arctic Ocean?
What is Northern Sea Route (NSR)?
Why NSR is most preferred?
Russia influence in NSR navigation:
In December 1959, the world’s first nuclear icebreaker, “Lenin,” was put into operation, unveiling the new chapter in the NSR development. It was decommissioned 30 years later. |
Driving factors for India towards NSR:
Benefits:
Suez Canal vs. Northern Sea Route:
Way forward for India:
The Rajasthan Gig and Platform Workers (registration and welfare) Act has been recently passed by the state legislation which aims to recognize gig/platform workers by ensuring that every worker on any platform has a unique ID that would anchor all future benefits.
Rajasthan’s Gig and Platform Workers Welfare Act:
The Hamal model:
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Key Features of the Act:
Who are Gig Workers?
Significance:
Recently, the Union government introduced a Bill in the Rajya Sabha that proposed that the selection panel for appointing the Members of Election Commission (EC) will include a Cabinet Minister rather than Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Election Commission of India (ECI):
Process of selection of Members of EC:
Constitutional Provisions
Does SC can intervene in the selection process?
Concerns associated:
The recent discovery of two sculptures, which resembles one belonging to 15th century A.D. and another to 17th century A.D., at Basrur, near Kundapura, in Udupi district has proved that the Ancient Mylara cult existed in the coastal region.
About:
Mylara Lingeshwara Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god (Mailara dynasty), a form of the god Shiva in Mylara. Mylara is the main deity of this temple, who is an incarnation of Lord Shiva. |
Recently, Biopharmaceutical company Bugworks Research, which has research and development facilities in Bengaluru, has entered a partnership with the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership (GARDP) based out of Switzerland.
About:
Recently, the first successful UK womb transplant has been performed at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford.
About:
How safe is it?
The procedure is claimed to be medically safe for donor and recipient.
The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) accorded Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals worth approximately Rs. 7,800 crore, including Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite for the IAF’s Mi-17 V5 helicopters.
About:
Mi-17 V5 helicopters:
India’s engagement with Russia’s Arctic region has been strengthening with India-bound goods constituting the maximum share of cargo handled this year by ‘Murmansk Port’.
About the location:
Context
Africa's rising role in global platforms like BRICS and G-20 reveals its challenges - misgovernance, terrorism, tribal conflicts, and more. India's strong ties with Africa can provide innovative solutions through these forums.
Challenges and Disruptors
Return of Generals and Political Disorder
Context:
The newly introduced rules by the Union Health Ministry that require anti-tobacco warnings for smoking scenes on OTT platforms, intended to raise awareness about tobacco's ill effects, are being critiqued for their force-fitted nature and lack of industry consultation.
Distinction and Concerns
OTT's Unique Attributes
Complex Challenges and Way Forward
Context
Despite being the fastest-growing large economy, India faces the issue of high employment. The situation highlights the need of good infrastructure, both physical and human, to create more jobs.
Lop-sided Development and Unemployment
Human Infrastructure Deficit and Education
Governance, Tertiary Education, and De-urbanization
Context
The recent discontent among onion growers regarding the 40% export duty imposed by the Indian government highlights the challenges faced by farmers of onions, potatoes, and tomatoes who lack Minimum Support Price (MSP) benefits, making them reliant on market forces.
Price Volatility and Government Response
Farming Practices and Consequences
Short-Sighted Policy and Repercussions
Verifying, please be patient.