- INDIAN TEAM MAKES DOUBLY SECURE INK TO THWART COUNTERFEITING
SUBJECT: SCIENCE
- New Ink Composition:Developed by scientists from INST Mohali and BARC Mumbai using Sr₂BiF₇(strontium bismuth fluoride) nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions(erbium and ytterbium).
- Printing Method:Incorporated into PVC ink and applied via screen printing.
- Dual Fluorescence:
- Emits cool blue under 365-nm UV light.
- Glows magenta under 395-nm UV light.
- Exhibits orange-red fluorescence under near-infrared light (980 nm).
2. INDIA MAUTITIUS AND A VISIT TO DEEPEN LONG STANDING TIES
SUBJECT: BILATERAL
- PM Modi’s visit to Mauritius to deepen longstanding political, economic, and cultural ties.
- Mauritius celebrates a high percentage of Indian-origin population; historical connections via figures like Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam.
- Bilateral trade is significant; Mauritius serves as a financial hub under DTAA.
- Key Concepts:
- Strategic Diplomacy:Leveraging historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
- Economic Cooperation:Expanding trade, manufacturing, and investment beyond financial services.
- Maritime Security:Mauritius plays a crucial role in monitoring the Western Indian Ocean; cooperation through security forums.
3. THE EMPOWERMENT OF INDIA’S WOMEN WITH BOLD POLICIES
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- Sanitation & Clean Water: Swachh Bharat Mission improved hygiene for 116 million households.
- Jal Jeevan Mission increased tap water access significantly, reducing women’s burden.
- Women-led Businesses & Financial Inclusion: Startup India and Stand-Up India support women entrepreneurs.
- Mudra Yojana disbursed substantial loans; PMJDY provided 300 million bank accounts for women.
- Digital Access: BharatNet and PM-Wi-Fi expanded internet access in rural areas.
- Women in Leadership & STEM: Increased representation in Panchayati Raj Institutions; significant share of STEM graduates are female
4. MADHAV NATIONAL PARK IN M.P BECOMES INDIA’S 58TH TIGER RESERVE TO GET MORE BIG CATS SOON
SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT
- Declared as the 58th Tiger Reserve, and the ninth in Madhya Pradesh.
- Currently has five tigers, including two recently born cubs.
- Tiger reintroduction project already introduced three tigers in 2023; plans to release two more
5. INDIA CAN GAIN FROM ACCELERATED TRADE DIPLOMACY IN EUROPE
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Engagements with the UK and EU to strengthen trade relations.
- Discussions on Free Trade Agreement (FTA)with the UKand Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA)with the EU.
- Emphasis on high-tech collaboration, easing tariff barriers, and digital partnerships.
- Key Concepts:
- Trade Diplomacy:Leveraging geopolitical shifts to expand global trade footprint.
- Investment & Market Access:Increasing bilateral trade (e.g., India-UK trade at $52 billion, India-Ireland at $17 billion).
- Strategic Alliances:European engagement amid Ukraine crisis and NATO discussions.
