R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES STARTING FROM18TH JUNE. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1: More ‘mind space’ for India in America’s imagination

• Background:
  • The article discusses the Schwarzman Scholars program at Tsinghua University, established in 2016, which aims to foster global leadership and understanding.
  • It highlights a perceived lack of "mind space" for India in American intellectual discourse compared to China.
  • Historically, Western understanding of India has often been superficial, based on limited or biased perspectives.
• The Situation Now:
  • The Schwarzman Scholars program selects students based on their leadership potential and global engagement, but there's a question about its reach and impact on India's representation.
  • Despite India being a democratic, pluralistic, and vibrant society, it hasn't gained the intellectual prominence in Western thought that China has.
  • Experts like Nirupama Rao argue that China and South Korea's success in building manufacturing ecosystems stemmed from prioritizing skilling, R&D, and innovation, which facilitated technology transfer.
  • The article criticizes the lack of "strategic narrative" for India in the West, contrasting it with China's more unified approach.
  • There is a concern that India might become a "domestic hub for producing components of a vehicle" rather than a leader in innovation, if foreign firms don't transfer technology.
  • The U.S. seems to prioritize an "Indo-Pacific strategy" to counter China, which might limit its focus on India to geopolitical considerations rather than broader intellectual engagement.
  • Despite India's vibrant democracy, civil society, and free press, its narrative is often "lost in translation" or overshadowed by China's more centralized messaging.
• Way Forward:
  • India needs to develop a more strategic and unified narrative to present itself to the world, emphasizing its unique strengths in democracy, diversity, and innovation.
  • Promote greater intellectual and cultural exchange programs to foster deeper understanding and broader engagement with India.
  • Encourage technology transfer and collaboration with foreign partners to enhance India's manufacturing capabilities.
  • The article suggests that India needs to focus on building its own robust ecosystem rather than solely relying on foreign capital or technology transfer.
  • India should proactively shape its own narrative and address misconceptions to gain more "mind space" in America's imagination.

• Background:
  • India has historically lagged in gender equality, as reflected in its ranking on the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Index report.
  • The report assesses countries based on four key dimensions: economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment.
  • Despite improvements in certain areas, significant gaps remain in women's participation, particularly in policymaking.
• The Situation Now:
  • In the latest Global Gender Gap Index report, India fell two points, ranking 131 out of 148 countries.
  • While India has achieved progress in educational attainment and health and survival, the categories of economic participation and political empowerment show significant gaps.
  • Women's participation in the labor force parity subindex remained low at 45.9% last year.
  • Female representation in Parliament fell from 14.7% to 13.8% in 2025, and the share of women in ministerial roles also declined from 6.5% to 5.6%.
  • The controversial Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced 27 years ago, aims to reserve one-third of seats for women in Parliament and State legislatures. However, its implementation is contingent on the completion of the census and delimitation exercise, which is not expected until after 2029.
• Way Forward:
  • There is a clear need to consolidate gains and address the existing gaps in policies and political will to increase women's participation.
  • The Women’s Reservation Bill must be implemented promptly after the census and delimitation process is completed to ensure equitable representation.
  • Political parties need to actively increase women's participation in electoral processes, even if it requires significant effort.
  • Climbing up the global gender equality ranks requires a concerted effort to achieve a rounded and "applause-worthy" gender parity structure within the country.
  • Focus on empowering women in economic participation and opportunity through various initiatives.

• Background:
  • Semiconductors are critical components in modern electronics, essential for advancements in AI, machine learning, and digitization.
  • India has historically relied heavily on imports for semiconductors, leading to supply chain vulnerabilities.
  • The government launched the Semicon India programme in 2022 with an outlay of ₹76,000 crore to boost domestic semiconductor and electronics manufacturing.
  • The Special Economic Zones (SEZ) Act, 2006, was established to encourage manufacturing and exports through various incentives.
• The Situation Now:
  • The Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently notified several modifications to the Special Economic Zones Rules.
  • One key tweak is the relaxation of Rule 5, which previously required a minimum contiguous land area of 50 hectares for setting up SEZ units; this has now been reduced to 10 hectares.
  • Another amendment modifies Rule 7 to allow the Board of Approval to relax the condition that required SEZ land to be "encumbrance-free."
  • These changes aim to facilitate easier establishment of manufacturing units and promote domestic production of semiconductors and electronics.
  • Following these tweaks, two new SEZs have been approved with a total investment of ₹1,13,000 crore, including a Micron Semiconductor Technology India facility in Gujarat and an Acqus Group facility in Karnataka.
  • Despite these efforts, China remains the leading manufacturer of EVs, accounting for 70% of global manufacturing in 2024, raising concerns about India's reliance on imports.
• Way Forward:
  • The relaxed SEZ rules are expected to attract more investment and boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors.
  • The government needs to ensure that these changes effectively translate into increased production and reduce import reliance.
  • Continued focus on the Semicon India programme and related incentives is crucial for building a robust domestic semiconductor ecosystem.
  • The success of these policy changes will be measured by their ability to foster technology transfer and reduce India's vulnerability in global supply chains.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. Helicopter Crash Kills 7 Along Char Dham Route

A helicopter ferrying pilgrims to Kedarnath crashed, killing all seven people on board, including two pilots and a child. The accident was likely caused by bad weather. Relief operations are underway, and five bodies have been recovered. The Uttarakhand government has suspended all helicopter services to the Char Dham route and ordered a safety audit of all helicopters. Each family of the deceased will receive ₹5 lakh in compensation.

2. Fire on Waters: India's Maritime Firefighting Capabilities Tested

An Indian merchant vessel, MV Wan Hai 503, caught fire near Kerala, testing India's maritime firefighting capabilities. The ship, carrying hazardous cargo, experienced explosions and continued to billow smoke. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are coordinating efforts to control the fire, which poses environmental and economic risks. This incident highlights the need for robust disaster management, advanced firefighting equipment, and quick, extensive multi-agency coordination for hazardous cargo incidents.

3. What Are Flue Gas Desulphurisation Units?

This article explains Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) units, crucial for reducing sulphur dioxide emissions from coal-fired power plants. FGD units, a component of India's National Clean Air Programme, are essential for improving air quality and public health. India aims to install FGD units across all thermal power plants by 2027. While a significant investment, FGDs are vital to mitigate health risks and align with international emission standards.

4. Indian Students, Pilgrims Stuck in Iran Raise Alarm

Thousands of Indian students and pilgrims are stranded in Iran due to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The Indian Embassy in Tehran has established emergency contact numbers and is assisting those seeking evacuation. The Ministry of External Affairs is working to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals. Flights have been disrupted, and concerns remain about the security situation in the region for those unable to leave immediately.

5. 'Pushed' into Bangladesh by BSF, Three West Bengal Men Return After State's Efforts

Three West Bengal residents, allegedly pushed into Bangladesh by the Border Security Force (BSF), have returned to India following efforts by the state government. The men, who were working in Mumbai, were reportedly forced into Bangladesh as undocumented migrants. The incident highlights concerns about "pushback" policies at the border. Discussions are ongoing between Indian and Bangladeshi authorities to address the issue of undocumented cross-border movements.

6. India Must Stand with International Law: Ukraine Minister

Ukraine's First Deputy Foreign Minister Sergiy Kyslytsya emphasized that India should support international law and the UN Charter, particularly regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict. He called for a ceasefire and highlighted the negative impact of Russian aggression. Kyslytsya expressed gratitude for India's humanitarian assistance and interest in broader India-Ukraine trade. He also stated that Ukraine is prepared for summit-level talks with India to discuss the path to a conducive environment for peace.

7. International Agencies Reach Gujarat to Assist in Crash Probe

Several international investigative agencies, including the NTSB and ICAO, are assisting the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) in probing the Air India Boeing 787 crash in Ahmedabad. The black box and cockpit voice recorder have been retrieved. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the accident, which killed 241 people. The Home Secretary has constituted a committee to frame guidelines for aviation accident responses, ensuring a transparent and thorough investigation.

8. PM Will Continue Efforts to Strengthen Ties with Cyprus

Prime Minister Modi is visiting Cyprus to strengthen bilateral ties, focusing on trade, investment, and cultural exchange. This visit is part of a three-nation tour that also includes Croatia and Greece, aimed at enhancing India's diplomatic and economic relations with these countries. Discussions will cover various sectors, including energy, technology, and regional security. The visit is expected to significantly boost cooperation and understanding between India and Cyprus.

9. Gas Leak at Assam ONGC Well Continues for Fourth Day

A gas leak at an ONGC well in Assam's Sivasagar district has continued for four days, forcing the evacuation of 70 families to a relief camp. While there has been no fire or injuries, approximately 1,500 people are affected by the strong gas odor, preventing them from lighting stoves. ONGC officials are on-site, and district administration is providing cooked food and monitoring the situation, working to control the leak and ensure public safety.

10. British Navy's Fighter Jet Makes Emergency Landing at Airport in Kerala Capital

A British Navy F-35B fighter jet made an emergency landing at Trivandrum International Airport in Kerala due to a technical issue. The aircraft, part of the Royal Queen Elizabeth Class carrier, was conducting routine operations. Fire and rescue services were on standby, and the aircraft safely landed. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the technical malfunction. This incident highlights the robust emergency response protocols at the airport.

11. Russia Hits Refinery, Supplying Fuel to Ukrainian Forces

Russian forces conducted an overnight strike on the Kremenchuk oil refinery that supplies fuel to Ukrainian forces in the Donbas region. Ukraine claimed Russia has resumed control of its territories in the Donbas region, while Russia has claimed a successful strike on the refinery. The report also mentions that Poland and Ukraine are at odds over supplies. Separately, China is conducting joint military patrols in the South China Sea, raising tensions with the Philippines, which lodged a protest.

12. G-7 Leaders Meet in Canada Amid Rising U.S. Policy and Trade Tensions

The G-7 leaders gathered in Canada, with discussions expected to focus on trade, protectionism, and security, particularly in light of rising U.S. policy and trade tensions under President Trump. Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized prioritizing peace and security, addressing critical mineral supply chains, and creating jobs. The summit will also tackle issues related to artificial intelligence and Ukraine. Former U.S. diplomat Mr. Trudeau expressed disappointment with the current U.S. administration.

13. If Iran Attacks, 'Full Strength' of U.S. Military Will 'Come Down': Trump

President Trump warned Iran that if it attacks U.S. interests, the "full strength" of the U.S. military will respond. This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed to hit "every target" in response to Iranian retaliatory attacks. Trump also vetoed an Israeli plan to kill Iran's Supreme Leader, stating it was "an opportunity to kill the top Iranian leader, but Trump saved them off the plan." The situation remains tense, with both sides exchanging threats.

14. News in Numbers

Globally, 272 million children are out of school, an increase of 21 million from the last estimate. Ukraine has received another transfer of 1,200 bodies from Russia as part of an exchange agreement, bringing the total to 4,812 bodies returned this week. In India, ₹307 crore has been approved for the Keshkal bypass road in Chhattisgarh. There are 5,512 Nepalese citizens in Israel and Iran. SEBI resolved 4,493 complaints via its SCORES portal in May.