Fresh SSB batches starting 17th July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. "SCO Shouldn't Compromise on Terrorism: Jaishankar"

• India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized at a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting that terrorism is a significant threat and SCO members should not compromise on it.
• He highlighted the need for a unified approach against terrorism, separatism, and extremism, stating that some countries have adopted a "double standard" on the issue.
• The meeting involved discussions on regional security, economic cooperation, and cultural exchanges. Jaishankar also held bilateral talks with various foreign ministers, including those from Russia, Iran, and Central Asian states.
• He reiterated India's commitment to counter-terrorism efforts and expressed concern about the lack of trust in the India-Afghanistan transit trade due to the use of a North-South corridor running through Iran.
• The SCO Foreign Ministers' meeting finalized the agenda for the upcoming Leaders' Summit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with Jaishankar expected to travel to Tianjin for a meeting that was delayed due to the Galwan clash in 2020.

• This article discusses the importance of linguistic diversity and secularism in India.
• It highlights that according to the 2011 Census, India has 121 languages and 270 mother tongues, making it a linguistically rich nation.
• The author argues that India's character as a nation with unity in diversity is threatened by communal tensions and violence, particularly in Maharashtra.
• The Constitution enshrines freedom of religion and equality, with no state religion. Linguistic diversity is seen as integral to Indian identity, and any imposition of a single language or religious uniformity is detrimental to the nation's fabric.
• The article criticizes the rise of non-Marathi identity politics and emphasizes that "tolerance" and "liberalism" are the two pillars of India's unity. It concludes by stating that a truly democratic society needs to protect all aspects of its diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.

• This piece examines the evolution and challenges of multilateralism, with a focus on the role of the United Nations.
• It states that the UN, despite being the visible part of global transformation, faces significant challenges as the U.S. is no longer committed to multilateralism, and the BRICS countries are gaining influence.
• The article highlights the BRICS Declaration from April 22 which noted the rejection of unilateralism, emphasizing the need for global consensus.
• It discusses the "US shock," arguing that the U.S. has lost its moral authority and that its actions, like the imposition of sanctions, are undermining the global financial system. China's growing influence and its Belt and Road Initiative are presented as a counter to U.S. hegemony.
• The article also touches on India's position, particularly regarding the China-India border dispute and the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.
• It concludes by emphasizing that the BRICS Summit aims to revitalize global South cooperation and promote a multilateral, rule-based international order, suggesting that multilateralism was certainly a seismic shift in 1950.

• This article discusses a Supreme Court of India's judgment regarding the right to privacy of adolescents.
• The case involves a 17-year-old girl who left home, married a 25-year-old man, and gave birth to a child, leading to charges of kidnapping, rape, and aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
• The judgment highlights the conflict between legal provisions concerning consent (e.g., age of majority) and the lived realities of adolescents, particularly regarding sexual autonomy and consensual sexual activity.
• It criticizes the "chaste" view of the minor and the "moral policing" that often undermines adolescents' agency and safety. The court emphasized the need to re-examine existing legal frameworks in light of evolving societal norms and scientific understanding of adolescent development.
• The article points out that the ruling encourages a shift from punitive measures to a rights-based approach, emphasizing the importance of education and support for adolescents.
• It highlights the need for a comprehensive sexuality education that includes discussions on bodily integrity, consent, and safe sexual practices. The "moral policing" by the state and families is criticized for creating unsafe environments for young people.

NEWS IN SHORTS

How is global shipping trying to decarbonise?
The global shipping industry is actively pursuing decarbonisation through various strategies. These include a shift towards alternative green fuels like ammonia, methanol, and biofuels, alongside exploring new technologies, financial mechanisms, and policy frameworks. India is also contributing by promoting the use of green fuels and developing infrastructure, aiming for self-sufficiency in green hydrogen production and adopting sustainable practices to achieve ambitious emission reduction targets by 2040.

Confined field trials of GM maize to begin at Punjab university
Confined field trials of two genetically modified (GM) maize varieties, developed by Bayer Crop Science Ltd., are set to begin at Punjab Agricultural University. These trials will assess herbicide-tolerant and insect-resistant traits. The move follows approval from the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee, despite opposition from a GM-free coalition that argues against the environmental and health implications of herbicide-tolerant maize and glyphosate use.

China's military activities could ‘seriously impact’ security: Japan
Japan has expressed serious concern over China's escalating military activities, stating they could significantly impact its security. This follows a confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into Japanese airspace. Japan's Defence Ministry, in its white paper, highlighted China's increasing military presence and activities throughout the region surrounding Japan, indicating a growing threat to regional stability.

97% ‘untouchability’ cases pending in courts: govt. report
A government report reveals that 97% of criminal cases filed under the Protection of Civil Rights Act (PCR Act), 1955, and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, are pending in courts. This highlights a significant backlog in addressing "untouchability" offenses, with a low conviction rate of under 1%. The report underscores the challenges in ensuring justice and upholding the dignity of victims from marginalized communities.

Services exports cut India’s trade deficit by 9.4% in Q1
India's services exports have played a crucial role in narrowing the country's overall trade deficit by 9.4% in the first quarter of the fiscal year. Services exports grew by nearly 18%, reaching a record $82.5 billion, which significantly offset the rising merchandise trade deficit. This performance highlights the increasing strength and competitiveness of India's services sector in the global market.

More than symbolic: Legislative measures to curb unhealthy food intake are a must
The Health Ministry is pushing for comprehensive legislative measures to curb unhealthy food intake, moving beyond symbolic gestures. Initiatives include regulating oil, sugar, and trans-fat content, promoting front-of-pack labeling for packaged foods, and imposing additional taxes on unhealthy products. The goal is to reduce consumption of foods high in sugar, fat, and salt to combat the rising burden of non-communicable diseases and improve public health.

West Bank witness to largest displacement since 1967: UN
The UN reports that the West Bank has experienced its largest displacement levels since 1967, following an Israeli military operation launched in January. Approximately 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced, raising concerns about "ethnic cleansing." The operation, termed "Iron Wall," has resulted in the destruction of homes and significant humanitarian impact, underscoring the severe consequences of the ongoing conflict in the region.

Not drawing Mughal rulers in NCERT textbooks
The NCERT's revised Class 8 social science textbook has omitted references to Mughal rulers, including Akbar and Aurangzeb, a move that has sparked debate. The updated curriculum focuses on regional kingdoms and emphasizes different aspects of Indian history. Critics argue this omission distorts historical understanding, while proponents suggest it diversifies the narrative and reduces the previous overemphasis on the Mughal period.

Contesting the future of forest governance
The article discusses the ongoing debate and challenges in forest governance, particularly concerning the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006. It highlights the complexities of balancing conservation efforts with community rights and livelihoods, the need for effective decentralized management, and the challenges of combating illegal activities. Experts advocate for strengthening community forest resource rights and improving the monitoring and enforcement of forest laws.

Happy homecoming for Shukla, three other astronauts after 18 days in space
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla and three other crew members have successfully returned to Earth after an 18-day mission on the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4). Shukla, the pilot for the mission, along with fellow astronauts, splashed down safely in the Atlantic Ocean. This marks a significant achievement for India's human spaceflight program, highlighting the growing capabilities and collaboration in space exploration.