1. Axiom-4 Mission: India’s Next Giant Leap in Space
Context:
India’s Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the nation’s second astronaut in space as part of NASA’s Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
Key Insights:
- Global Collaboration: The mission is a partnership between Axiom Space, NASA, ISRO, and ESA, reflecting a new era of international cooperation in space research.
- Significance for India:
- Advances India’s microgravity research and technology demonstrations.
- Inspires youth and strengthens India’s global scientific standing.
- Expert View:
“Such missions not only boost national pride but also foster innovation ecosystems back home.”
— Dr. R. Menon, Space Policy Analyst
Aspirant’s Angle:
Link this to GS Paper 3 (Science & Tech): India’s evolving space diplomacy and its impact on STEM education.
2. Salkhan Fossil Park: India’s Prehistoric Crown Added to UNESCO Tentative List
Context:
Salkhan Fossil Park in Uttar Pradesh, with 1.4-billion-year-old stromatolite fossils, is now on UNESCO’s tentative World Heritage list.
Key Insights:
- Geo-heritage Value:
- Fills the “Precambrian gap” in the global fossil record.
- Showcases Earth’s early oxygenation event.
- Why It Matters:
- Enhances India’s soft power and scientific tourism.
- Offers a window into ancient life and climate.
Quick Fact:
Stromatolites are living records of cyanobacteria—the first oxygen producers on Earth.
3. 50 Years Since the Emergency: Remembering June 25, 1975
Context:
India marks five decades since the declaration of National Emergency under Article 352.
Key Insights:
- Impact on Democracy:
- Suspension of fundamental rights, centralization of power, and curtailment of judicial review.
- Led to key constitutional safeguards via the 44th Amendment.
- Reflective Prompt:
“How do constitutional checks and balances protect against executive overreach?”
Aspirant’s Toolkit:
Use this for GS Paper 2 (Polity): Link to debates on civil liberties and constitutional amendments.
4. Cloudburst Triggers Flash Floods in Himachal Pradesh
Context:
A cloudburst in Kullu district caused severe flooding and destruction.
Key Insights:
- Science of Cloudbursts:
- Defined as >100mm rainfall/hour over a small area, usually due to orographic lift.
- Defined as >100mm rainfall/hour over a small area, usually due to orographic lift.
- Disaster Management:
- National Disaster Management Plan emphasizes data collection, risk mapping, and local capacity building.
- National Disaster Management Plan emphasizes data collection, risk mapping, and local capacity building.
- Actionable Takeaway
- Aspirants should connect this to climate resilience, urban planning, and DRR strategies.
5. Parliamentary Committees: Backbone of Legislative Oversight
Context:
Lok Sabha Speaker highlights the constructive role of Parliamentary Committees.
Key Insights:
- Functions:
- Ensure executive accountability, improve legislative efficiency, and build cross-party consensus.
- Issues:
- Low attendance, short tenure, and declining bill referrals.
- Expert Suggestion:
“Reforms like expert advisers and longer tenures can revitalize committee effectiveness.”
— Prof. A. Singh, Parliamentary Affairs
6. NATO’s New Defence Spending Target
Context:
NATO members agree to raise defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
Key Insights:
- Why It Matters:
- Reflects shifting global security priorities amid rising geopolitical tensions.
- UPSC Link:
- Use this in GS Paper 2/3 for international relations and security architecture.
- Use this in GS Paper 2/3 for international relations and security architecture.
7. Paris Agreement: India Pushes for Climate Finance
Context:
India leads developing nations in demanding higher climate finance commitments at COP29.
Key Insights:
- Numbers:
- Developed countries’ pledge: $300 billion/year by 2035—far below the $1.3 trillion needed.
- Developed countries’ pledge: $300 billion/year by 2035—far below the $1.3 trillion needed.
- Aspirant’s Edge:
- Discuss India’s leadership in climate negotiations and the North-South divide.
- Discuss India’s leadership in climate negotiations and the North-South divide.
8. Innovation Highlights
- AI-Powered Traffic Management:
- Dwarka Expressway becomes India’s first with an AI-driven ATMS, improving road safety and efficiency.
- Dwarka Expressway becomes India’s first with an AI-driven ATMS, improving road safety and efficiency.
- e-Passport Rollout:
- Enhanced security with RFID chips and biometric data.
- Enhanced security with RFID chips and biometric data.
- Enhanced Rock Weathering:
- New climate solution using crushed rocks to capture CO₂ and enrich soils.
- New climate solution using crushed rocks to capture CO₂ and enrich soils.
9. Quick Bytes
- International Potato Centre’s South Asia Hub to be set up in Agra, boosting research on food security.
- Weight Loss Drug Wegovy launched in India, offering new options for obesity management.
Brent Crude Prices fall as Middle East tensions ease—relevant for economy and energy security.