R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

Fresh SSB batches starting 19th July. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. Stepping Stone: The Gaganyaan Mission

• Gaganyaan Mission Progress:
  • Crew Selection: Four Indian astronauts, including Shubhanshu Shukla, completed international mission training in Russia.
  • First Crewed Flight: India's first batch of astronauts is slated for Gaganyaan's first crewed flight on July 15, to be preceded by an intensive rehearsal flight.
  • Cost and Funding: The mission is estimated at ₹9,000 crore. ₹500 crore is already arranged for by private parties.
  • Project Leadership: While ISRO and the Department of Space lead, private sector participation is encouraged.
• Astronaut Training and Mission Aspects:
  • Training Scope: Astronauts undergo training in advanced spacecraft systems, emergency protocols, scientific payload operations, micro-gravity adaptation, space medicine, and survival.
  • Mission Roles:  Shukla is involved in clocking and undocking, anomaly management, onboard space station, and mission operations in Japanese and European modules.
  • International Collaboration: Mr. Nair trained in Japan and Germany.
• ISRO's Capabilities and Investment:
  • ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan: Stated that the Axiom mission cost less than what ISRO might have had to invest if it had to train Mr. Shukla on its own.
  • Strategic Value: The tie-up between NASA-Axiom and ISRO is seen as an "admirable outcome" and a step to guard space technologies for their strategic value.
• Challenges and Future Outlook:
  • International Regulations: US International Traffic in Arms Regulations could impede information sharing, but this can be offset by India's piecewise communication.
  • Human Spaceflight: India's first human spaceflight mission is a highly ambitious endeavor, with resources and responses to situations being limited.
  • Building Capabilities: There is no better way to build excitement than by facilitating access to India's astronauts.
  • India's Approach: India's soft power platform will make copious gains by expanding outreach and easing public access to spacefarers.

• New Approach to Terrorism in J&K:
  • Policy Shift: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasizes a multi-pronged approach to counter-terrorism, involving intelligence, community engagement, technology, and inter-agency collaboration.
  • Current State: The current strategy is based on good old policing.
• Crucial Asset: Local Police:
  • Primary Role: The local police in J&K are crucial for combating terrorism due to their intimate knowledge of the region and local population.
  • Advantage: Local police can obtain more accurate intelligence compared to central forces due to their understanding of the local population's sentiments and geography.
  • Challenge: Lack of sufficient manpower and inadequate knowledge of local terrain for central forces.
  • Human Intelligence (HUMINT): The article emphasizes the importance of HUMINT, citing that many crimes could have been averted if HUMINT was effectively utilized.
• Restoring Democratic Structure and Public Participation:
  • Local Bodies: J&K has a vibrant democratic culture where local bodies have actively participated in counter-terrorism efforts.
  • Panchayats and Municipal Bodies: The democratic order in J&K needs to be restored, with all tiers of local governance actively involved in counter-terrorism.
  • Public Perception: There is a need to address the "indifference on the part of people's representatives," which can be detrimental to counter-terrorism.
• Bridging the Gap:
  • Desired Outcome: The primary objective is to maintain security and ensure peace in J&K.
  • Measures: The police and local governance must collaborate to gather information, share intelligence, and implement community policing.
  • Engagement: The J&K police should engage with locals and community leaders to promote information-led activities and enhance public safety initiatives.
  • Local Ownership: The partnership will lead to more informed decision-making and improved community engagement.
  • Address Local Flavours: The various sub-regions of J&K have specific characteristics that must be addressed, potentially involving foreign terrorists.
  • Local vs. Foreign: The JKP, with its basic unit at the Thana level, is best equipped to manage local governance and address foreign elements.
  • Democratic Governance: Measures must be implemented immediately to grant a participatory governance model, ensuring that police officials remain a dream if elected representatives are not incorporated.

• Trump's Stance on Ukraine:
  • Campaign Promise: President Trump aims to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours of taking office.
  • Current Strategy: The US is sending more weapons to Ukraine and threatening severe tariffs on Russia.
  • Shift in Policy: Reflects the complex realities on the ground, with Ukraine having lost more than 20% of its territories.
• Historical Context:
  • Ceasefire Attempts: Russia has initiated responses to Mr. Trump's peace push, including a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea and a halted attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure for 30 days.
  • Missiles and Strikes: Moscow also proposed ceasefires in Kyiv and sent negotiators to Istanbul for talks. Kyiv responded with drones and missile strikes.
  • US Involvement: The US joined Israel to bomb Iran, and Russia accelerated attacks on Ukraine.
• Challenges and Solutions:
  • Allies' Concerns: US allies, including Mr. Trump's, are concerned about potential consequences of a shift in policy, particularly regarding long-range offensive weapons and Patriot systems.
  • Effectiveness of Sanctions: Existing US and European sanctions on Russia have failed to impact the Kremlin's war policies.
  • Economic Impact: The US's ability to hurt Russia through direct tariffs is limited (only $3 billion by 2024).
  • Global Impact: Trump's policies could impact countries like India, China, and Brazil.
  • Diplomacy vs. Ultimatums: President Trump must realize that he cannot resolve global conflicts through imperialistic ultimatums. Sustained diplomacy with Moscow and Kyiv is essential.
  • Middle Ground: The focus should be on finding a middle ground between Russian and Ukrainian positions to achieve a durable peace.

• China's Dominance in Green Energy:
  • Global Leadership: China is the leading force in renewable energy development and investment.
  • Manufacturing Powerhouse: Dominates manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, and other green energy technologies.
  • Early Investment: Began investing in clean energy in the early 2000s. By 2024, China's renewable energy capacity is expected to reach 1,300 GW.
  • Investment Figures: From an initial investment of $3.4 billion in 2004, China has committed a total investment of $5.4 trillion by 2024 in renewable energy, environment, and water sectors.
• Drivers of Success:
  • State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs): Key players, enabling large-scale, long-term investments.
  • Government Support: Strong backing from central and local governments, including subsidies and favorable policies.
  • Learning Curve: Rapid leap from low-end to high-end technologies, evidenced by the low-cost manufacturing of solar PV panels.
  • Market Dynamics: Robust domestic demand and an expanding market.
  • Infrastructure Investment: Significant investment in grid infrastructure, including ultra-high voltage transmission lines.
• Challenges and Criticisms:
  • Overcapacity and Waste: Significant overcapacity in solar panels and wind turbines, leading to wasted production and lower profits.
  • Grid Integration: Challenges in integrating massive amounts of renewable energy into the national grid.
  • Financial Waste: Some projects have been driven by political considerations rather than economic viability.
  • Transparency and Governance: Lack of transparency in the decision-making process and governance issues.
• Global Impact:
  • Market Transformation: China has fundamentally transformed the global energy landscape, making clean energy affordable worldwide.
  • Competitive Pressure: The scale of China's production puts pressure on other countries to develop their own green energy sectors.
  • Geopolitical Implications: China's dominance in green energy gives it significant geopolitical leverage.
• Comparison with Other Nations:
  • Contrast with West: China's approach differs from Western models, relying heavily on state-led investment and the rapid development of manufacturing capabilities.
  • Cost Advantage: Lower labor costs, simpler permitting processes, and the ability to scale quickly contribute to China's competitive edge.

NEWS IN SHORTS

U.K. Govt. Plans to Reduce Age of Voting from 18 to 16
The UK Labour government proposes lowering the voting age from 18 to 16, a significant electoral reform. These plans also include curbing foreign donations to political parties and implementing voter ID requirements. The move aligns with similar changes in Wales and Scotland, reflecting a broader push for greater youth participation in democratic processes.

French Military Leaves Senegal, Ending a 65-Year Troop Presence 
France has formally ended its 65-year military presence in Senegal, handing over its last two military bases. This withdrawal leaves no permanent French military bases in west or central Africa, echoing continent-wide demands for sovereignty. France will now consolidate its military presence solely in Djibouti.

One Killed After an Eviction Drive in Assam Turns Violent
An eviction drive in Assam's Paikan Reserve Forest turned violent, resulting in one death and several injuries, including police personnel. The operation, aimed at clearing over 140 hectares of encroached land, faced resistance from Bengali-speaking Muslims. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma blamed Rahul Gandhi for inciting the violence, while authorities continue to register cases against those involved.

Temple Entry Cannot Be Denied Based on Caste in a Country Governed by Rule of Law: Madras HC
The Madras High Court ruled that temple entry cannot be denied based on caste, calling it an "actionable wrong/offence." The court directed authorities to ensure scheduled caste individuals are permitted entry into all temples. This ruling emphasizes the principle of equality and aims to prevent discrimination in places of worship.

Back on Earth, Shukla Begins Rehabilitation Programme
Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has begun a rehabilitation program after 18 days on the International Space Station as part of Axiom Mission 4. The program, administered by Axiom's flight surgeon and ISRO's flight surgeon, includes medical checks, cardiovascular assessments, and psychological debriefings to help him readjust to Earth's gravity.

Indian Navy's Eastern Fleet Ships Reach Singapore
Indian naval ships Delhi, Satpura, Shakti, and Kiltan received a warm welcome in Singapore. This visit is part of an operational deployment to Southeast Asia, aiming to strengthen maritime ties through various engagements and activities. The fleet's interactions with the Republic of Singapore Navy and community reflect shared values between both nations.

India Warns Against Double Standards Over Russian Oil
India's External Affairs Minister warned against imposing "double standards" on countries buying Russian oil. This comes as the U.S. House passed the Russian Sanctions Act, which includes a 500% duty on Russian goods and extends sanctions on countries trading with Russia. India emphasized maintaining energy security amidst global market uncertainties.

India in Touch with 'Friendly Governments' in Nurse Case
India's External Affairs Ministry is in contact with "friendly governments" in the Gulf region regarding the push for the release of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse held on death row in Yemen. An official source confirmed that the Ministry is actively pursuing all diplomatic channels for her repatriation.

Judicial Panel Blames RCB, KSCA, Others for Bengaluru Stampede
A judicial commission's report attributed the stampede at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, which left 11 dead and 71 injured, to failures by RCB, KSCA, and other event organizers. The report found "appropriate legal action" should be taken against responsible parties for negligence and shortcomings in crowd management.

'We Do Not Want to Confront Telangana on Water Sharing'
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu stated there's no need for confrontation with Telangana on water sharing. After talks, both states agreed to resolve issues through a "give and take" policy. Naidu emphasized cooperation on inter-linking rivers and announced projects to ensure water supply to various regions in Andhra Pradesh.

CISF Trains with Army to Combat Security Threats
The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) is training with the Army to enhance its capabilities against "battle-ready" unconventional and hybrid threats. This includes preparing for high-pressure scenarios such as drone intrusions and sabotage. The CISF's Parliament security unit will also be upgraded, and training modules for nine new squads are being developed.

Akash Prime Successfully Tested in Ladakh by Army
The Indian Army successfully tested the indigenous Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh, enhancing India's air defence capabilities. The two-day trial involved direct hits on fast-moving aerial targets at high altitudes. This successful test, along with Prithvi-II and Agni-I missile tests, strengthens India's strategic deterrents.

Syrian Forces Withdraw from Druze City After Truce Deal
Syrian forces have largely withdrawn from the southern province of Sweida following a truce deal with Druze minority groups. This comes after days of clashes that resulted in over 500 deaths. The agreement aims to end revenge attacks and ensure the safe return of displaced Bedouin clans to their homes.