1: The Political Trilemma and the Crisis in the West

Background

• Economist Dani Rodrik proposed the "political trilemma" over two decades ago.
• He stated that nations can only achieve two out of three: globalisation, national sovereignty, and popular democracy.
• Rodrik argued that full globalisation is limited because countries protect their sovereignty and political identity.

The Situation Now

• The trilemma is now playing out visibly, especially in Western democracies.
• Three paths have emerged:
• Globalisation + Democracy (but sacrificing sovereignty): Example – European Union.
• Globalisation + Sovereignty (sacrificing democracy): Technocratic governance and control by financial institutions.
• Sovereignty + Democracy (limiting globalisation): Strategy followed by India, China, and East Asian Tigers.
• Backlash: Globalisation created winners and losers, leading to populism, nationalism, and protectionism across the US, UK, and Europe.

Way Forward

• Countries must carefully balance globalisation, sovereignty, and democracy.
• Inclusive economic growth, responsive democratic institutions, and strategic global integration are crucial.
• A reckless dismantling of government or blind populism would worsen instability.

2: The Real Indian Arbitrator Needs to Stand Up 

Background

• India’s economic rise has increased commercial disputes.
• Arbitration emerged as a faster solution, but focus often remains on laws and reforms, not on arbitrators themselves.
• Human capital — skilled arbitrators — is crucial to arbitration success.

The Situation Now

• Major problem: Arbitrators are mostly retired judges lacking specialised arbitration training.
• This results in court-like proceedings, lengthy delays, and poor-quality awards.
• There is a lack of international recognition for Indian arbitrators.
• Elite arbitrators need flexibility, innovation, and soft skills to work across cultures and systems.

Way Forward

• Diversify the pool of arbitrators to include specialised professionals beyond judges.
• Mandatory rigorous training and global best practices adoption.
• Build a perception where arbitration equals litigation in seriousness, not a secondary option.

3: ISRO’s Second Short Hot Test of Semicryogenic Engine Successful 

Background

• ISRO conducted the second short hot test of its semicryogenic engine at IPRC, Mahendragiri.
• The first successful hot test was conducted on March 28.
• Semicryogenic engines are vital for upcoming heavy-lift missions.

The Situation Now

• Test on April 24 involved a 3.5-second hot test at 60% power level, validating engine start-up sequence.
• Purpose: Validate design integrity and critical subsystems (low-pressure and high-pressure pumps, control systems).
• Preparations underway for the GSLV-F16 launch carrying the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite.

Way Forward

• Further qualification tests to validate the full engine performance.
• Successful integration into future ISRO launch vehicles.
• Strengthening India’s position in space launch capability through advanced indigenous engines.

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