Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi emphasized a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" as a common priority during Takaichi's first visit to India. Both leaders stressed the need for strategic cooperation, with Takaichi stating the two countries are "perfectly aligned." India and Japan agreed on co-development projects in defence, including a naval radio antenna, and will jointly develop technologies for maritime security and regional peace. An economic session saw Indian and Japanese companies sign 129 MoUs on technology, investment, and AI. Japan is also set to invest $1 trillion across various Indian states.
India and Japan consider a "free and rules-based Indo-Pacific" a shared priority and are committed to strategic cooperation.
The two nations have initiated their first defence co-development agreement, focusing on a naval radio antenna.
Joint efforts will be made to develop technologies for maintaining maritime security and regional peace.
Exam Points
Japanese counterpart: Sanae Takaichi.
129 MoUs signed on technology, investment, and artificial intelligence.
Japan plans to invest $1 trillion across Indian states.
Skyroot Aerospace, a Hyderabad-based private space launch company, announced that its Vikram-1 orbital-class rocket is set for its maiden test flight, named Mission Aagaman. The launch window is scheduled between July 12 and August 4 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, pending assembly, testing, weather, and range clearance. This mission follows the successful suborbital flight of Vikram-S in November 2022, which was India's first private rocket to reach space. Vikram-1's flight will be partially commercial and aims to gather critical data for future full commercial operations.
Vikram-1 is India's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, developed by Skyroot Aerospace.
Its maiden test flight, Mission Aagaman, is scheduled between July 12 and August 4 from Sriharikota.
This mission is a follow-up to Vikram-S's successful suborbital flight in November 2022.
Exam Points
Vikram-1 is developed by Skyroot Aerospace (Hyderabad-based).
Its maiden test flight is Mission Aagaman, scheduled between July 12 and August 4 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
Vikram-S was India's first private rocket to reach space (November 18, 2022).
The article discusses the critical issue of prolonged pre-trial incarceration, particularly under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), highlighting the Supreme Court's inconsistent rulings on bail. It questions the duration of imprisonment without trial, citing cases like Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam who have spent nearly six years in jail. The author argues that extended delay in trial triggers the right to personal liberty under Article 21, which statutory restrictions like UAPA cannot override. The article criticizes the judiciary's inconsistency in granting bail, emphasizing that such laws should not be weaponized to entrench process as punishment, undermining the rule of law and fundamental rights.
Prolonged pre-trial incarceration, especially under UAPA, raises urgent questions about liberty and justice.
The Supreme Court's inconsistent approach to granting bail, particularly regarding the duration of imprisonment without trial, is a concern.
An extended delay in trial should trigger an accused's right to personal liberty under Article 21, overriding statutory restrictions like UAPA.
Exam Points
Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to personal liberty.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is a key legislation discussed.
Cases of Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam are cited, having spent nearly six years in jail without trial.
Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh has demonstrated a successful grassroots model for HPV vaccination, addressing challenges like low awareness, social stigma, gender bias, and vaccine hesitancy. India launched a nationwide cervical cancer campaign on February 28, 2026, aiming to provide free HPV vaccinations to 1.15 crore girls aged 14-15 years, as India accounts for a quarter of global cervical cancer burden. Mandsaur's strategy involved data-driven targeting of vulnerable populations, leveraging multiple government databases, and employing a "Nudge Approach" with counselling, transportation, and awareness campaigns featuring influencers to achieve 100% vaccination coverage in under 40 days.
Mandsaur district implemented a successful, data-driven, and adaptive strategy for HPV vaccination.
The campaign targeted vulnerable populations like Banchhadas, nomadic tribes, and school dropouts.
A "Nudge Approach" was used to overcome vaccine hesitancy, social discomfort, and logistical barriers.
Exam Points
India launched a nationwide cervical cancer campaign on February 28, 2026, targeting 1.15 crore girls aged 14-15 years.
Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, with India accounting for a quarter of the global burden.
Mandsaur district in Madhya Pradesh achieved 100% vaccination coverage for eligible girls.
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