India and Uzbekistan have elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, setting an ambitious target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030. During PM Modi's visit, 11 agreements were signed, focusing on critical minerals, mining, defence, tourism, and digital public infrastructure, including UPI. A framework for long-term supply of Uranium from Uzbekistan to India was also established, aligning with civil nuclear energy cooperation. Both nations emphasized co-development and co-production in defence industries and committed to addressing terrorism and extremism. The visit also included an agreement for the restoration of Buddhist sites, reflecting a deepening engagement in Central Asia.
India and Uzbekistan elevated their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
They set a target of $5 billion in annual trade by 2030 and signed 11 agreements across various sectors.
A framework was established for long-term supply of Uranium from Uzbekistan to India for civil nuclear energy cooperation.
Exam Points
India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
Scientists have found strong evidence for vacuum birefringence, a phenomenon predicted by quantum electrodynamics (QED), which suggests that empty space is not truly empty. Observations of highly polarised X-rays from magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408 matched QED predictions, indicating that under extreme magnetic fields, the vacuum of space behaves like a crystal, altering light properties. This groundbreaking work, utilizing multiple instruments like IXPE and NICER, could redefine our understanding of space as a complex and active medium. While significant, further observations of more magnetars are needed for direct confirmation, as current findings rely on models of the magnetar's geometry.
Scientists observed highly polarised X-rays from magnetar 1E 1547.0-5408, providing strong evidence for vacuum birefringence.
Vacuum birefringence, predicted by quantum electrodynamics (QED), suggests that empty space is not truly empty but behaves like a crystal under strong magnetic fields.
The study used multi-instrument observations from NASA's IXPE satellite, NICER, and the Murchison Widefield Array radio telescope.
Prime Minister Modi's Independence Day address introduced the term 'dimaag'i Naxals' (brainy Naxals), accusing them of steering the nation's youth astray, marking a significant escalation in labelling dissent. The author argues this criminalizes critical thinking itself, moving beyond 'urban Naxal' which implied connection to armed groups. This approach raises concerns about academic freedom, student movements, and civil society, potentially fostering a culture of surveillance and conformity. The article draws parallels to historical ideological militias and the suppression of dissent, highlighting the dangers of misusing national security narratives to stifle democratic discourse and critical inquiry.
PM Modi's 'dimaag'i Naxal' remark in his Independence Day address is seen as an escalation in labelling dissent and critical thinking as anti-national.
The term 'dimaag'i Naxal' criminalizes thought itself, distinct from 'urban Naxal' which implied connection to armed groups.
This approach poses a threat to academic freedom, student movements, and civil society, potentially leading to a culture of surveillance.
Exam Points
PM Modi's Independence Day address.
Constitutional Articles: Art. 19 (freedom of thought/expression), Art. 21 (right to life/liberty).
Recent disasters in Nepal, potentially linked to earthquakes or Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), serve as a critical warning for India, emphasizing the Himalaya as a single, interconnected system. The article stresses the urgent need for proactive risk communication and public participation in disaster preparedness, moving beyond mere academic discussions. It calls for a review and mitigation of built hazards like dams and reactors in high-risk seismic zones. Regional cooperation, especially with China on transboundary projects like the Medog hydropower project, is deemed essential for shared safety and sustainable development in the vulnerable Himalayan region.
The Himalaya is an interconnected system, making disasters transboundary and unpredictable, as evidenced by Nepal's recent events.
India needs to translate scientific knowledge into proactive risk communication and community preparedness, involving public participation.
There is an urgent call to review and mitigate built hazards like dams and reactors in high-risk seismic and flood-prone areas.
Exam Points
Disasters mentioned: Nepal-Bihar earthquake of 1934, Assam temblor of 1950.
Phenomenon: Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
Chinese project mentioned: Medog hydropower project on the Brahmaputra river.
The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case found the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) incorrectly applied the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion. The Centre is now seeking clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012 and difficulties in identifying non-creamy layer status for past years. The DoPT also requested to continue applying the old income test rules for CSE 2025 candidates. This situation highlights the complex balance between ensuring substantive justice for candidates and maintaining administrative practicality and stability in reservation policy.
The Supreme Court's March 11 judgment in the Rohith Nathan case ruled against DoPT's incorrect application of the income test for OBC creamy layer exclusion.
The Centre seeks clarification on retrospective implementation, citing potential "cascading effects" on settled services since 2012.
Difficulties include identifying non-creamy layer status for past years and potential disruption to existing services.
Exam Points
Supreme Court judgment date: March 11.
Case name: Rohith Nathan case.
Government body: Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
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