- BILATERAL
PM MAY VISIT UKRAINE FIRST TIME SINCE WAR
- Diplomatic Engagement:
- Potential Visit: Planning is underway for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Ukraine, likely on August 23, marking his first trip to the war-torn country.
- Context: This visit comes in the backdrop of heightened tensions and ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
- India’s Stance on the Conflict: Strategic Autonomy: India has maintained its “freedom of choice” and “strategic autonomy” in foreign relations, balancing its engagements with both Russia and Ukraine.
- Neutral Position: India has refrained from taking sides explicitly in the conflict, advocating for dialogue and peaceful resolution.
- Recent Developments: Modi’s Visit to Russia:
- PM Modi’s visit to Moscow earlier this month drew sharp reactions from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, especially as it coincided with a major Russian missile attack on Ukrainian targets.
- NATO Summit: The visit also coincided with a special NATO summit in Washington, attended by Zelenskyy, highlighting the geopolitical complexities.
- Implications of the Visit: Strengthening Bilateral Ties: A visit by PM Modi to Ukraine could signal India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and supporting Ukraine amidst its challenges.
- Balancing Act: The visit would also reflect India’s diplomatic balancing act, maintaining relations with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for peace and stability.
- Humanitarian Aid: India has previously provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including medical supplies and essential goods, showcasing its support for the Ukrainian people.
- Economic Engagement: Strengthening economic ties and exploring avenues for cooperation in various sectors could be on the agenda during the visit
2. AGRICULTURE
BENGAL, ODISHA CMs MEET AS POTATO CRISIS HITS BOTH STATES
- Crisis in West Bengal: West Bengal, a major potato-growing state, is facing a spike in potato prices.
- The crisis has collateral effects on neighboring Odisha, with trucks stopped at the border.
- Supply Chain Disruption: Trucks ferrying potatoes from West Bengal to Odisha were stopped at the border and instructed to return.
- This disruption caused a temporary spike in potato prices in Odisha.
- Government Actions: The Odisha government capped the price at ₹32 per kg for retail and increased the wholesale cap to ₹50 per kg.
- Efforts are being made to normalize the transportation process. Economic Impact: For Suppliers and Farmers: Suppliers and farmers in West Bengal are concerned about potential losses due to the inability to sell excess produce outside the state. Each potato truck involves a significant investment (around ₹4 lakh), and returning trucks without selling the produce could lead to financial distress.
- For Consumers: Consumers in West Bengal benefited from the price drop due to the curbs on sales outside the state.
- Political Intervention: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to seek intervention and resolve the crisis.
- The situation normalized later, as indicated by Mr. Majhi’s post on social media.
3. STATES
KERALA TO LAUNCH PROGRAMME TO ENROL INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
- The “Study in Kerala” programme is a strategic initiative by the Kerala government aimed at attracting international students to its colleges and universities.
- Objectives — Enhance Cultural Diversity: By attracting students from different parts of the world, Kerala aims to create a more culturally diverse educational environment.
- Bolster Higher Education: The presence of international students can enhance the academic and research capabilities of institutions. Knowledge Society: The initiative aligns with Kerala’s aspirations of becoming a knowledge society, as highlighted by the Commission for Reforms in Higher Education chaired by Shyam B. Menon.
- Challenges and Considerations – Marketing and Outreach: Effective marketing strategies will be essential to promote Kerala as a preferred destination for international students.
- Support Services: Providing adequate support services, including accommodation, counseling, and cultural integration programs, will be crucial.
- Collaboration with Institutions: Collaboration with educational institutions to ensure they are prepared to host and support international students.
4. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
GAGANYAAN ASTRONAUT TO TRAVEL TO ISS IN MISSION WITH NASA
- Collaboration with NASA
- One of the four astronauts undergoing training for the Gaganyaan mission will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of a collaborative effort with NASA.
- NASA has identified Axiom Space, a private entity, for this joint mission.
- ISRO has signed a space flight agreement with Axiom Space for the mission.
- Astronaut Selection and Training: India’s Astronaut Selection Board selected four astronauts from the Indian Air Force for the Gaganyaan mission.
- These astronauts have completed training on a spaceflight basic module in Russia.
- Currently, they are undergoing training at ISRO’s Astronauts Training Facility (ATF) in Bengaluru.
- Two out of three semesters of the Gaganyatri training programme have been completed.
- Mission Updates: Ground testing of propulsion systems stages (solid, liquid, and cryogenic) for human rating of the launch vehicle has been completed.
- Design and realisation of five types of crew escape system solid motors have been completed.
- Static testing of all five types of solid motors has been completed.
- The first Test Vehicle mission (TV-D1) for performance validation of the crew escape system and parachute deployment has been successfully accomplished.
- Characterisation of the Thermal Protection System has also been completed
5. ENVIRONMENT
ERRATIC SNOWFALL BLURS WINTER, EARLY SUMMER IN FRAGILE HIMACHAL REGIONS
- The shifting snowfall patterns and reducing snow cover in Himachal Pradesh are significant indicators of climate variability, particularly in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region. Breakdown of the issue based on the study conducted by the Centre on Climate
- Change of Himachal Pradesh Council for Science Technology-Environment (HIMCOSTE):
- Overall Decrease in Snow Cover: There has been an overall decrease of 12.72% in the area under snow during the 2023-24 winters compared to the 2022-23 winters across all major river basins in Himachal Pradesh, including the Satluj, Ravi, Chenab, and Beas.
- Seasonal Variations: Early Winter (October-November): A decrease in snow cover area was observed in all basins except the Ravi basin, which showed a marginal increase in October.
- Peak Winter (December-January): A negative trend in snow cover area was noted, with January being the worst affected month, indicating minimal snowfall even at higher altitudes.
- Late Winter (February-March): A positive trend was observed, with an increase in snow cover area in all basins compared to the previous year.
- Early Summer (April): An increase in snow cover area was noted due to fresh snowfall on higher mountain ranges.
- Implications: Water Availability: The decrease in snow cover during peak winter months (December and January) is particularly concerning as it affects water availability during the summer. Snowfall during these months typically sustains longer and contributes significantly to the discharge dependability of major river basins during the summer.
- Climate Variability: The shift in snowfall patterns from winter to early summer months indicates a broader trend of climate variability. This shift can have profound impacts on the hydrology and ecology of the region.
- Environmental Concerns: Environmentalists and scientists are alarmed by these changes, as they suggest a long-term trend of reducing snowfall over the past decade. This trend could lead to adverse effects on the region’s water resources, agriculture, and overall ecological balance
ONE LINER
- Tamil Nadu Government announced that Higher Education enrollment to increase by 10% through Tamilpputhalvan scheme
- The historical Durbar Hall in the Presidential Palace has been renamed as Jananayaka Mandapam and the name of Ashoka Hall has been changed to Ashoka mandapam