- GLASS BANGLE INDUSTRY OF FIROZABAD
- Specialty: Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, has been a hub for handcrafted glass bangles for centuries
- These bangles, a symbol of marital status for Indian women, were renowned for their beauty and variety Main Features:
- Traditional Techniques: Glass bangles were traditionally made using furnaces fired by coal or wood and mouth-blown molding techniques.
- Skilled Workforce: The industry relied on skilled artisans called “gullywalas” and “karigars” for bangle making
- Unorganised Sector: The industry was largely unorganised, making it difficult to track production data
- Reasons for Decline: Competition: Mass production of glass bottles and cheaper metal jewelry reduced demand for handmade bangles
- Environmental Regulations: Supreme Court orders to protect the Taj Mahal from pollution forced bangle makers to switch to cleaner but more expensive natural gas furnaces, squeezing profit margins for smaller businesses
- Rising Gas Prices: The cost of natural gas, the mandated fuel source, has risen significantly, further impacting profitability
- Government Efforts: Subsidised Gas: The government initially provided subsidised natural gas to support the industry
- Technological Upgrade: Regulations aimed to reduce pollution by mandating cleaner fuel sources
- Impact of Decline: Shifting Production: Many small bangle-making units have shut down or switched to producing other glass products
- Loss of Jobs: Traditional bangle makers are facing unemployment
- Skill Shortage: The industry struggles to find skilled workers for new production methods Transformation and New Opportunities: Diversification: Many glass manufacturers have diversified into producing utility glass products like bottles, lamps, and car parts.
- Export Growth: Firozabad is now a major exporter of various glass products, with alcohol bottles forming a significant portion.
- Automation: Larger companies are investing in automated furnaces to improve efficiency. Challenges Remain: Raw Material Availability: Finding and securing affordable raw materials remains a challenge
- Global Factors: Economic downturns and wars can impact the industry While the traditional bangle-making sector faces decline, the industry is adapting by diversifying its product line and embracing automation.
2. RAJA RAVI VARMA
- Raja Ravi Varma: The Master of Indian Art Raja Ravi Varma (1848-1906) was a pioneering Indian painter whose work left an indelible mark on Indian art history. Here’s a glimpse into his legacy: Known for
- Fusion of Western and Indian styles: He combined European academic realism with traditional Indian aesthetics and iconography.
- Depictions of Hindu deities and mythology: His paintings brought Hindu gods and goddesses to life with a sense of realism and emotional depth.
- Portraits of Indian royalty and commoners: He captured the essence of his subjects, from Maharajas to ordinary people.
- Making art accessible: He was instrumental in popularizing Indian art through affordable chromolithographic reproductions of his paintings.
- Major Works: Indulekha: This recently rediscovered painting depicts the protagonist of a famous Malayalam novel. (Original unavailable, a true copy will be unveiled)
- Reclining Lady: Believed to be inspired by Indulekha, it portrays a woman in a reclining pose Series on Hindu deities: These include works like “Saraswati,” “Lakshmi,” and “Draupadi.” Portraits: He painted portraits of both Indian royalty and common people. Contribution to Indian Art: Bridged the gap between Western and Indian art: His fusion style opened new avenues for Indian artists.
- Popularized Indian art: His chromolithographs made art accessible to a wider audience. Inspired generations of artists: His work continues to influence Indian art today. Significance of the Upcoming Event: Unveiling a copy of the “Indulekha” painting sheds light on a previously unknown work by Ravi Varma
- The event celebrates his 176th birth anniversary and showcases the artistic heritage of the Kilimanoor Palace Overall, Raja Ravi Varma remains a pivotal figure in Indian art history. His fusion style, portrayal of Indian themes, and efforts to make art accessible continue to inspire artists and art lovers alike.
3. NHRC ACCREDITATION STATUS FACES REVIEW IN GENEVA THIS WEEK
- India’s Human Rights Record Under Scrutiny
- Discussion: The upcoming review of India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by the UN-backed Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) Review and Potential Downgrade:
- The NHRC’s “A status” rating, which allows it voting rights in certain UN bodies, is being reviewed
- A downgrade to “B status” would limit its voting power
- Concerns Raised: Composition: The review committee (SCA) raised concerns about the NHRC’s makeup, including: Presence of police personnel in investigations (considered a conflict of interest)
- Lack of gender and minority representation
- Possible political affiliations of members
- Independence: The SCA questioned whether the NHRC operates independently of government influence.
- Government’s Stance: The Indian government, through the NHRC and Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), is defending its human rights record and working through diplomatic channels to retain the “A” status
- Civil Society Concerns: Human rights groups like Amnesty International have expressed concerns about:
- Increasing restrictions on civil society.
- Discrimination against minorities.
- India’s declining human rights ratings in various reports. The article highlights the international scrutiny of India’s human rights record and the challenges faced by the NHRC in maintaining its “A” status.
4. ISRAEL- IRAN CRISIS
- Issue and Region: The core issue is the longstanding geopolitical and military tension between Israel and Iran, which has recently escalated into direct confrontations
- Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, has consistently highlighted Iran as a primary threat
- Emphasising its growing influence across the Middle East and its advancements in nuclear capabilities
- Threats Discussed: Nuclear Proliferation: Netanyahu has been a vocal critic of Iran’s nuclear ambitions
- Particularly opposing the 2015 Iran nuclear deal § Fearing that it would enable Iran to develop nuclear weapons capabilities
- Regional Influence: Iran’s influence in the Middle East, through proxy groups and alliances in countries like Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen — poses a direct challenge to Israeli interests
- Direct Confrontations: The recent direct missile and drone attacks from Iran represent a significant escalation
- Marking a shift from proxy warfare to direct engagement
- Main Issues: Deterrence: The recent attacks have challenged Israel’s strategic deterrence Traditionally maintained through superior military capability and robust alliances, particularly with the United States
- U.S. Involvement: There is a strategic dilemma involving the extent of U.S. support While the U.S. has historically been a close ally of Israel, the Biden administration has shown reluctance to engage directly in escalating conflicts, focusing instead on de[1]escalation and diplomatic solutions
- Netanyahu’s Leadership: Domestically, there is significant pressure on Netanyahu to uphold his image as a strong leader who can protect Israel from Iranian threats, which influences his military and strategic decisions
- Steps Taken by the Israeli Government: Military Strikes: Israel has conducted targeted strikes against Iranian interests in Syria and other regions, aiming to curb Iranian influence and prevent the establishment of a direct threat on its borders
- Diplomatic Efforts: Despite its strong military posture, Israel also engages in diplomatic efforts, primarily through its main ally, the U.S., to manage the threat from Iran and seek broader international support
- Internal Security Enhancements: Israel continues to invest in its missile defence systems, such as the Iron Dome, to protect against aerial threats from Iran and its proxies The Israeli response to the threats from Iran is multifaceted, involving military action, diplomatic maneuvering, and internal security enhancements.
5. GUJARAT AN IMPORTANT CONDUIT FOR DRUGS INTO INDIA
- There are a few reasons why Gujarat is a major route for drug trafficking into India: Geographical location: Gujarat’s long coastline and proximity to Pakistan and Iran make it a convenient entry point for smuggling drugs by sea
- Porous borders: Patrolling a vast coastline is challenging, and gaps in security can be exploited by traffickers
- Established networks: Criminal networks in the region may be well[1]established for smuggling other goods, making it easier to move drugs Major regions of drug trade and traffic The global illegal drug trade is a complex network with several major regions:
- Golden Triangle: This region encompassing Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand is a major producer of opium and heroin.
- Golden Crescent: Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran are the key players in this region, known for heroin production.
- Andean Region: Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia are the main producers of cocaine for the global market.
- Mexico and Central America: These regions act as major transit hubs for cocaine moving north to the United States and Canada.
- South Asia: This region is a significant source of amphetamine-type stimulants due to the easy availability of precursor chemicals
ONE LINER
- India’s first transhipment container port, Vizhinjam state of Kerala
- China successfully launched the Shenzhou- 18 spacecraft from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre.
