• Decline of Democratic Leadership: The article highlights a global crisis in democratic leadership, marked by a decline in moral authority and a shift towards majoritarianism and unchecked power.
• Justice Above Raw Power: True democratic leadership must prioritize justice and moral principles over the exercise of raw power. This includes upholding human rights, ensuring accountability, and addressing inequalities.
• Lessons from History: Drawing parallels from historical figures like Marx and Churchill, the article emphasizes that leaders must learn from the past to avoid repeating mistakes. It also stresses the need for leaders to acknowledge their own fallibility.
• Economic Might and Moral Authority: The author suggests that India, with its growing economic influence, has the potential to demonstrate global moral leadership. However, this requires prioritizing ethical conduct and human rights over economic gain alone.
• In Defense of Justice: The article advocates for a renewed commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability in governance. It encourages leaders to stand up for democratic values and resist the temptation of authoritarianism.
• The Transformative Power of Leadership: The example of Mahatma Gandhi's leadership is cited, emphasizing that true leadership involves transforming society through non-violent struggle, upholding human dignity, and empowering people.
• Global Call for Moral Courage: The text concludes by urging global leaders to embody moral courage, renew their commitment to ethical governance, and restore faith in democratic institutions to address the "free fall" of moral leadership.

• Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) in India: India's MMR is 93, indicating 93 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. While this is a significant improvement from 139 in 2019-21, there are still disparities across states.
• State-wise MMR:
  • Kerala has the lowest MMR at 19.
  • Maharashtra (33) and Tamil Nadu (49) also show good performance.
  • Jharkhand (51), Gujarat (53), and Andhra Pradesh (65) are moderate.
  • Uttar Pradesh (167), Madhya Pradesh (173), and Bihar (118) have high MMRs.
• Causes of Maternal Deaths:
  • Hemorrhage (excessive bleeding) is the leading cause.
  • Hypertensive disorders (high blood pressure) during pregnancy.
  • Sepsis (infection).
  • Anaemia (iron deficiency) contributes significantly.
  • Abortion-related complications.
• Challenges in Maternal Healthcare:
  • Lack of skilled healthcare professionals in rural and remote areas.
  • Delayed decision-making by families due to financial constraints or lack of awareness.
  • Inadequate transport to healthcare facilities.
  • Poor infrastructure in primary healthcare centers.
  • Low uptake of antenatal care (ANC) services.
• Strategies for Improvement:
  • Strengthening primary healthcare centers and ensuring availability of specialists.
  • Promoting institutional deliveries and providing emergency obstetric care.
  • Improving access to transport for pregnant women.
  • Community engagement and awareness campaigns.
  • Addressing anemia through nutrition programs.
  • Financial incentives for families to encourage healthcare seeking.
  • The "Mother-in-Law Campaign" successfully promoted institutional deliveries in Kerala.

• Climate Change Impacts on Coastal India:
  • Rising sea levels, coastal erosion, and extreme weather events are displacing communities.
  • Fishing and farming communities are severely impacted, leading to loss of livelihoods.
  • Forced migration to urban areas and other states is increasing.
  • Odisha, Goa, and Tamil Nadu are particularly vulnerable.
• Internal Displacement and Migration:
  • The climate crisis is a major driver of internal displacement within India.
  • People are moving from coastal areas to cities like Bhubaneswar, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.
  • Migrants often face exploitation, poor working conditions, and lack of social protection.
• Legal Lacunae on Climate Displacement:
  • India lacks a comprehensive legal framework for climate-induced displacement.
  • The Right to Life and Dignity enshrined in the Constitution is not adequately protected for climate migrants.
  • Existing laws like the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and Environmental Protection Act, 1986, do not explicitly address climate displacement.
  • The CRZ (Coastal Regulation Zone) Notifications need to be updated to account for climate change impacts.
• Policy Recommendations:
  • Develop a national policy on climate-induced migration and urban planning.
  • Integrate displacement concerns into development projects and infrastructure.
  • Ensure access to housing, education, healthcare, and livelihood for climate migrants.
  • Strengthen social protection and labor laws for displaced populations.
  • The SDG (Sustainable Development Goal) 10.7 on facilitating orderly, safe, regular, and responsible migration must be prioritized.
• Democratic Values and Climate Change:
  • The climate crisis challenges India's democratic values, requiring equitable and just solutions.
  • Upholding human rights and ensuring inclusivity are essential in addressing climate displacement.
  • Democratic processes should ensure that the voices of vulnerable communities are heard.

• The Golden Dome Initiative:
  • A proposed U.S. missile defense system initiated by the Trump administration.
  • Aims to deploy a constellation of interceptor satellites in orbit to protect against missile threats.
  • Designed as a multilayered defense system involving space-based sensors and interceptors.
• Legal Implications under Space Law:
  • Outer Space Treaty (OST) of 1967: Prohibits placing nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in orbit.
  • "Peaceful purposes" clause: The Golden Dome's military applications raise questions about its compliance with this principle.
  • Weaponization of Outer Space: The initiative could lead to the weaponization of space, escalating an arms race.
  • UN General Assembly resolutions: Call for preventing an arms race in outer space (PAROS).
• Challenges and Risks:
  • Space debris: The deployment of numerous satellites could increase space debris, posing risks to other space objects.
  • Transparency and verification: The dual-use nature of some technologies makes verification difficult.
  • Militarization of space: Could lead to a dangerous "grey zone" in space, increasing the risk of conflict.
  • Strategic instability: Could destabilize the global balance of power and lead to an arms race.
• Partnerships in Crossover:
  • The U.S. seeks partners like India in developing space capabilities.
  • India's growing space program makes it a potential collaborator.
  • Collaboration could involve sharing technology and expertise in satellite tracking and space situational awareness.
• India's Position and Role:
• India supports the peaceful use of outer space.
• It has advocated for global governance in outer space.
• India's legal framework for space activities needs to be updated to address these new challenges.
• India should ensure its space programs align with international laws and promote responsible behavior in outer space.
  

1. Women MSMEs Still Face Credit Deficit 

Women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India continue to face significant challenges in accessing formal credit, despite their substantial contribution to the economy. A study reveals a credit gap of 26% between the amount requested and sanctioned for women entrepreneurs. While government schemes exist, lack of awareness, limited collateral, and perceived high risk deter lenders, hindering the growth and economic empowerment of women in the sector.

2. Rajnath Singh Stresses Swift Decision-Making for Defence Push 

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh emphasized the need for swift decision-making to bolster India's indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities. Speaking at the Controllers' Conference of the Defence Accounts Department, he highlighted the department's crucial role in strengthening the operational readiness and financial agility of the armed forces. Singh stated that India is entering a new phase of re-armament, urging increased capital investments and incorporating economic considerations in planning and assessments.

3. Trump Threatens Extra Tariffs on BRICS Nations 

President Donald Trump has threatened to impose an additional 10% import tariff on China, India, and other BRICS nations. This threat comes as a response to BRICS' criticism of his trade policies, which they deem "indiscriminate and illegal." Trump stated on social media that any country aligning with "Anti-American policies of BRICS" would face the additional tariffs, escalating trade tensions.

4. Army Chief Commends Major for Helping Pregnant Woman 

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi has commended Major Bachwala Rohit for his professionalism and dedication in assisting a pregnant woman in distress at Jhansi railway station. Major Rohit, a doctor with the Army Medical Corps, performed an emergency delivery on the platform on July 5. His swift and decisive action, under challenging circumstances, exemplified the ethos of the armed forces.

5. Myanmar Ethnic Crisis Drives 4,000 Chin People to Mizoram 

A conflict between two ethnic armed groups in Myanmar has forced approximately 4,000 Chin people to seek refuge in Mizoram, India. The refugees, primarily women and children, are concentrated in border villages like Zokhawthar and Vaphai. The influx began after gunfights erupted on July 3, near the Tiau river which marks part of the India-Myanmar border. Local communities and NGOs are providing basic necessities, as officials assess the humanitarian situation.

6. Web Portal, Apps to Make Census Data Available Early 

The Registrar-General of India (RGI) announced that data from the 2027 population census will be available early, as the exercise will be conducted digitally for the first time. The census will be in two phases, with technology used to collect data and send it electronically to a central server. A dedicated web portal will allow residents to self-enumerate, and mobile apps will be used for data collection in multiple languages, ensuring faster and more efficient data availability.

7. India to Chair BRICS in 2026; China Protests Dalai Lama Birthday 

India will take over the chairmanship of BRICS in 2026, prioritizing global South development and leading discussions on climate change, health, and economic recovery. This was announced by PM Modi at the BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro. Separately, China protested India's official greetings for the Dalai Lama's birthday, viewing it as interference in China's internal affairs concerning Tibet.