- WHEN DEBRIS FROM SPACE CRASHES TO THE EARTH, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
SUBJECT: SCIENCA ND TECHNOLOGY
- Article discusses who is responsible if space debris from satellites or rockets crashes back to Earth, referencing the Space Liability Convention of 1972.
- Key Points: International Legal Framework:
- The Outer Space Treaty (1967)and the Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (1972)outline liability rules.
- Increasing Debris Risks:Growth in private and national space missions raises collision and re-entry hazards.
- India’s Stake:
- ISRO & Commercial Launches:India’s rising number of PSLV/GSLV missions. Need to ensure compliance with international liability norms.
- Space Sustainability:India’s draft Space Activities Bill addresses space debris management and liability.
2. CAG, FINANCE COMMISSION HOLD CONSULTATION ON PUBLIC FINANCES, FISCAL CHALLENGES
SUBJECT: POLITY
- CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General)& 16th Finance Commission discuss fiscal challenges facing Centre and States.
- Key Issues:
- Union-State Finances: Revenue shortfalls, debt management, and balancing welfare spending.
- Public Sector Borrowings & PSBs:Concern over inefficient resource allocation and potential systemic risks.
- Relevance: Constitutional Bodies:
- Role of CAG(Article 148) and Finance Commission(Article 280).
- Fiscal Federalism:Mechanisms for devolution of taxes, grants-in-aid, and fiscal responsibility norms.
3. WHO WILL APOLOGISE TO THE HIMALAYANS?
SUBJECT: ART AND CULTURE
- Article draws parallels between Norway’s reconciliation with the Sami people and the marginalization of Himalayan communities in India(language, culture, resources).
- Key Issues:
- Cultural & Linguistic Rights:Preservation of local languages and customs in Himalayan regions.
- Development vs. Indigenous Rights:Infrastructure projects often neglect local communities’ needs, raising questions about inclusivity and environmental impact.
- Concept:
- Tribal Rights & Autonomy: India’s constitutional provisions for tribal/indigenous communities (e.g., 5th/6th Schedule).
- Reconciliation Efforts:Need for inclusive policies,legal safeguards, and cultural preservation.
4. LITTLE PROGRESS IN CENTRALISING ADMINSTRATION OF EKLAVYA SCHOOLS
SUBJECT: NATIONAL
- Government introduced EMRS guidelines in 2019 to improve tribal education, but progress in centralizing administration has been slow.
- Key Points:
- Objective:Provide quality education to tribal children, bridging educational gaps.
- Challenges:Staff recruitment,infrastructure, and funding delays.
- Relevance:
- Social Justice & Tribal Welfare:EMRS as part of affirmative action for Scheduled Tribes.
- Education Policy:Implementation bottlenecks, coordination between Centre and States.
5. WARRIORS OF HOPE
SUBJECT: HEALTH
- ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers demand adequate remuneration and recognition.
- Role of ASHAs:
- Frontline healthcare providers under National Health Mission, bridging community and public health services.
- Responsibilities:Maternal & child health, immunization, disease surveillance, etc.
- Issues:
- Low Pay & Job Insecurity:Often treated as volunteers, lacking formal employee benefits.
- Need for Capacity-Building:Training, digital tools, and career progression.
- Significance:
- Integral to primary healthcare in rural India, pivotal in reducing MMR/IMR.
- Reflects broader public health policy challenges and the need for robust rural health infrastructure
