R2R NEWSPAPER NOTES

R2R SSB BATCHES STARTING FROM 20TH JUNE. Referred articles were published in The Hindu.

1. India-UK Cultural Relations and Creative Economy

• MOU for Cultural Cooperation (May 2024): A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the UK and India by Lord Parkinson (UK Minister for Arts and Culture) and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat (Indian Minister of Culture). This MOU aims to strengthen collaboration in the creative sector across both nations.
• POCC Initiatives: The MOU outlines five programme areas focused on:
  • Digital technologies for culture.
  • Exhibitions, performances, and events.
  • Cultural property and sustainability.
  • Creative economy development.
  • Cross-cultural collaboration and economic growth.
• High-Level Delegation (March 2025): The UK's Culture Minister, Lord Parkinson, led a delegation to Delhi to sign the POCC. He also inaugurated the World Audio Visual Summit in Mumbai and highlighted the UK's commitment to supporting India's creative economy and sustainable initiatives.
• Growth of the Creative Arts Sector: The global creative arts sector is projected to reach 10% of global GDP by 2030. Leaders at the G20 New Delhi Leaders' Summit in 2023 called for greater investment in the sector.
• Role of UK and India Institutions: The British Council, UK cultural institutions (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery), and the Science Museum Group are collaborating with Indian partners to promote cultural exchange.
• India's Creative Economy: India's creative economy is estimated to be worth $35 billion, employing nearly 8% of its workforce, second only to agriculture. A World Bank report (2022) noted India's potential to become a "cultural superpower," with over 10 regional creative hubs identified.
• Challenges and Opportunities: The creative economy faces challenges like skilled labour shortages and the need for investment in vocational training. However, new technologies like AI and VR offer opportunities for growth.
• India's G20 Presidency (2023): India played a pivotal role in supporting the cultural agenda, with artistic partnerships, creative project grants, and year-long cultural exchanges being key outcomes. The Hornbill Festival in Nagaland was a featured cultural event.
• Business and Projects: Indian companies are actively involved, with examples like Royal Enfield's Himalayan Motorcyclism project collaborating with UNESCO to safeguard heritage. The Himalayan Knot initiative aims to create new market linkages for craft communities.
• "Lighting up the World": The article concludes with the idea that India and the UK can inspire and empower each other, fostering a shared future based on "people and nations."

• Historical Context: Since 1994, India has faced the threat of militancy and unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, often linked to external actors.
• Indian National Congress's Stance (June 2023): Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, stated that the Indian National Congress has consistently condemned terrorism and illegal infiltration. She urged the government to prioritize "national security" and ensure "firm and timely" action against threats.
• Diplomatic Failures: The article highlights five instances where India's diplomatic efforts to address terrorism and infiltration have been unsuccessful, with a March 2025 deadline for resolution.
• PM Sharif's Statement: The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif's statement, acknowledging "deep" security threats and the need to address them, is mentioned as a positive step.
• India Under Dispenstation Now: The current Indian leadership is criticized for not upholding the "long-standing tradition of non-partisanship" in foreign policy, particularly concerning Kashmir. The article also mentions the "illusion of the militant-industrial complex" and calls for an "honest approach" to counter threats.
• Pakistan's Nuclear Program: The article notes Pakistan's continued expansion of its nuclear arsenal and its refusal to sign the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
• Sanctions and Regional Stability: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has imposed sanctions on Pakistan for its nuclear program. The article argues that these sanctions have not effectively deterred Pakistan's behavior.
• India's Challenges: India faces challenges in regional stability due to "militant organizations," "unstable neighbors," and "humanitarian crises" like the situation in Myanmar.
• Kashmir and Cross-border Militancy: In 1994, India helped block a resolution on Kashmir at the UN Commission on Human Rights. However, the article argues that the issue remains unresolved.
• India's Diplomatic Position: India's position on Kashmir and its relations with Pakistan are described as "rigid" and lacking "flexibility," which has hindered progress.
• Recent Actions Against India: The article refers to a "significant increase" in attacks against India, possibly originating from Western nations.
• "India's Dismal Show": The article criticizes India's handling of humanitarian assistance in the Samanden, Mali, and the "breakdown of law and order" in Manipur. It emphasizes the importance of a "peaceful two-state solution" with Pakistan.
• "New Delhi's Silence": The article highlights a "disturbing silence" from the Indian government regarding the situation in Gaza and the "escalation" of violence in the region.
• Call for Dialogue: The article concludes by emphasizing the need for "dialogue" and "diplomatic channels" to resolve issues.

NEWS IN SHORTS

1. HAL Wins ISRO Deal to Build Launch Vehicles

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has secured a ₹511 crore Transfer of Technology (ToT) deal from ISRO to build and operate Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs). This deal, awarded by IN-SPACE, will enable commercialization of SSLV launches. HAL will receive help from ISRO for two years, after which it will independently manufacture SSLVs. This marks a significant step for private sector participation in India's space program, with the government retaining responsibility for the technology.

2. Andhra Pradesh's 'City of Destiny' Decked Up to Host International Yoga Day Today

Visakhapatnam, known as the 'City of Destiny,' is preparing to host a large International Yoga Day event, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expected to attend. Over 20,000 tribal students are participating, aiming for a Guinness record. Extensive arrangements have been made to accommodate 3.19 lakh participants across 326 compartments. Security is tight with 80 IPS officers and 12,000 police personnel deployed.

3. Bangladesh, Pakistan, China Hold Trilateral Discussion

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and China held their first trilateral foreign office-level discussion in Kunming. The meeting aimed to foster cooperation and understanding among the three nations. This follows Bangladesh's Vice-Foreign Minister Sun Weidong's visit to China and Pakistan's Foreign Secretary Imran Ahmed Siddiqui's participation in a regional consultation. The discussions focused on people-to-people ties and collaboration in various sectors.

4. Taiwan Detects 50 Chinese Jets After U.K. Vessel Crosses Strait

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected 50 Chinese military aircraft around its island, including fighters and drones, following a British naval vessel's passage through the Taiwan Strait. Six Chinese naval vessels were also spotted. China considers self-ruled Taiwan its territory and has threatened force to bring it under control. The United States and other countries view the Taiwan Strait as international waters. China condemned the British ship's passage, calling it a "move undermining peace and stability."

5. IAEA Warns of Nuclear Disaster if Israel Attacks Iran's Bushehr Plant

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director Rafael Grossi has warned that an Israeli attack on Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant would lead to a "nuclear catastrophe" and a "very high release of radioactivity." Such a strike would have dire consequences, including mass evacuations and disruption to global energy markets. Grossi urged diplomatic solutions, stating that the IAEA cannot guarantee that nuclear material would not be developed into weapons if such a strike occurs.

6. Will Consider Diplomacy if 'Aggression' Stops: Iran

Iran's Foreign Minister stated that Tehran is ready to "consider diplomacy" if Israel's "aggression is stopped." This comes after meetings with European counterparts in Geneva, who urged Iran to continue nuclear program discussions. Meanwhile, Israeli military carried out a fresh wave of attacks on Iran, targeting military sites and a port city. At least 19 people were injured in Israel, while Iran has allowed Indian evacuation flights to operate amidst the strikes.