R2R SSB BATCHES START EVERY 1ST & 15TH of month. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.
1: What is the unstated government that is believed to be slipping, but which also builds authoritative Islamism? - Background:
- For over a year, there have been discussions within Bangladesh about the possibility of an interim government ahead of the upcoming elections.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs had announced that the 12th national elections would be held in January 2024.
- The ruling party, led by Sheikh Hasina, has expressed confidence in winning, while the opposition BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) has called for a neutral interim government.
- Historically, there has been a debate about whether the 1972 Constitution was amended to remove the provision for a caretaker government, which previously oversaw elections.
- The Situation Now:
- Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel laureate, has proposed a "national government" composed of all parties for six months to oversee the elections, a suggestion rejected by the ruling party.
- The Awami League government maintains that elections will be held under the current government, adhering to the constitution.
- The BNP and its allies continue to demand an interim government, viewing it as essential for free and fair elections.
- The BNP boycotted the 2014 elections and has faced challenges in building widespread support for its demands.
- There is international interest in ensuring credible elections in Bangladesh, with some expressing concerns about human rights and democratic space.
- The BNP fears that without a neutral interim government, the ruling party could manipulate the electoral process.
- According to Smruti Pattanaik, a significant portion of Bangladesh's population supports the BNP's call for a neutral interim government.
- Way Forward:
- Achieving a free and fair election requires open dialogue and consensus among all political parties.
- Addressing the BNP's concerns about fairness and transparency is crucial to ensure their participation in the elections.
- The government needs to build trust among political actors and the public regarding the electoral process.
- International observation and monitoring could help ensure the integrity of the elections and bolster confidence.
- A focus on respecting democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law is essential for Bangladesh's political stability.
2: The challenge of ideal transit solutions - Background:
- As India urbanizes rapidly, more than 60% of its population is expected to live in urban areas by 2060, leading to increased demand for public transport.
- Current urban transport systems face significant challenges, including congestion, pollution, and inadequate infrastructure.
- The government aims to promote sustainable and cost-effective transit solutions as part of its Viksit Bharat initiative.
- The Situation Now:
- Only 37% of urban residents have access to public transportation, with more than 50% relying on private transport.
- Metro networks, while growing, are expensive and time-consuming to develop, making them challenging for broad implementation across all cities.
- Electric three-wheelers (e-rickshaws) are becoming the largest market for electric vehicles in 2024, highlighting a shift towards smaller, more accessible transit options.
- The PM eBus Sewa scheme aims to deploy 10,000 electric buses in 10,000 cities, and the PM EV Innovation Vehicle Enhancement (PM e-Drive) scheme will support the procurement of 1,10,000 e-buses and e-trucks.
- The overall requirement for public transport vehicles, including buses, is estimated to be 200,000, with only 30,000 already operational.
- Existing public transport models often suffer from operational losses and high dependency on government subsidies.
- Older public transport models like trolleybuses are seen as more cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternatives that have been underutilized.
- Way Forward:
- Prioritize cost-effective and sustainable transit solutions that can be scaled rapidly across various cities.
- Invest in public transport infrastructure, focusing on improving accessibility and last-mile connectivity.
- Encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, especially electric three-wheelers, which are more affordable and accessible.
- Explore innovative funding models and public-private partnerships to reduce reliance on government subsidies.
- Policy changes should encourage a modal shift towards public transport and discourage private vehicle use in urban areas.
- Learn from past successes and failures in urban planning and transit development to build a robust and sustainable public transport system.
3: Trump tariffs and a U.S.-India trade agreement - Background:
- Trade relations between the U.S. and India have seen fluctuations, particularly during the Trump administration, which imposed tariffs on various goods.
- The U.S. administration frequently used national security as a justification for tariffs, often citing Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962 and Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.
- Previous trade agreements between the two nations have not always been comprehensive, leading to ongoing trade disputes.
- The Situation Now:
- The Trump administration implemented tariffs on steel (25%) and aluminum (10%) imports, affecting India.
- In retaliation, India imposed its own tariffs on 28 U.S. products, including apples and almonds.
- The U.S. also threatened further tariffs on Indian imports, particularly on items like mobile phones and furniture.
- The article highlights concerns that India's current trade policies may favor China, potentially increasing its share in India's EV market.
- The dispute regarding tariffs has been an ongoing issue, impacting the broader trade relationship.
- The U.S. has also raised concerns about India's digital services taxes and data localization policies, affecting American companies.
- India's Trade Policy Forum is a key platform for resolving bilateral trade issues.
- Way Forward:
- Both countries need to address their concerns through dialogue and negotiation to avoid further escalation of trade disputes.
- A comprehensive trade agreement that provides stability and predictability is crucial for strengthening the U.S.-India economic partnership.
- Addressing issues like tariffs, digital services taxes, and data localization through mutually agreed solutions.
- Ensuring a level playing field for businesses from both countries.
- Focus on areas of mutual interest, such as critical minerals and green energy, to deepen economic ties.
- The G20 platform can be utilized to foster multilateral cooperation and resolve trade imbalances.
- The article suggests that while a full trade agreement might take time, short-term agreements could help in de-escalating tensions.
NEWS IN SHORTS
AI Flight With 242 On Board Crashes In Ahmedabad
An Air India flight AF-171 from London crashed in Ahmedabad after take-off, killing 242 passengers and crew. The incident, the first fatal crash for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner series, led to significant casualties including 169 Indians. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.
Rupani's Trip To Meet His Family In U.K. Turns Fatal
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, aged 69, died in the U.K. during a visit to his family. Rupani, who was battling cancer, had served as Chief Minister from 2016 to 2021 and was a prominent figure in the BJP.
At Least 5 MBBS Students Killed, Says Medical Body
Five MBBS students from a private medical college in Ahmedabad were killed and over 60 injured when their vehicle crashed. The All India Medical Association has expressed condolences and demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.
Retail Inflation Eases to Six-Year Low
India's retail inflation dropped to a 75-month low of 2.8% in May 2025, driven by falling food inflation. Overall, inflation has averaged 2.99% in 2025-26, the lowest in two months. Experts suggest a pause in interest rate cuts.
India Marks a Relative Drop in Gender Parity
India's rank in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2025 has dropped to 131 out of 148 countries, with a score of 64.1%. Despite a decline in overall rank, India showed improvement in health and survival, and political empowerment metrics.
Central Schemes Must Pass 'Effectiveness' Test to Continue
The Finance Ministry has mandated that centrally sponsored schemes must demonstrate "effectiveness" to continue receiving funding. This aims to improve the quality of government expenditure, particularly for demand-driven schemes like MGNREGS, by linking funding to verifiable outcomes and project completion.
Modi-Carney Meet at G-7 to Focus Bilateral Reset: MEA
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney will meet at the G-7 Summit to discuss bilateral relations, with an emphasis on a "bilateral reset." Topics will include trade, energy, and security, alongside addressing the issue of Khalistani activists in Canada.
IAEA Board Censures Iran for Not Complying with Nuclear Obligations
The UN nuclear watchdog board has censured Iran for failing to comply with its nuclear obligations. This move could lead to further tensions, as Iran has vowed to react. U.S. President Trump reiterated his commitment to a nuclear deal but stated Iran must meet its commitments.
Israel Should Not Strike Iran, As Deal is 'Close', Says Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump advised Israel against striking Iran, suggesting a nuclear deal is "very well on," despite Iran's continued enrichment of uranium. Trump believes a deal is the best path forward, avoiding military conflict and allowing diplomatic progress.
