UPSC Current Affairs
ISRO Launches EOS-05, UN Backs Equal Earth Map, and Global Geopolitical Updates
8 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed the 2,367 kg EOS-05 satellite into Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit using the GSLV-F17 launch vehicle. The state-of-the-art satellite will enhance India's Earth observation capabilities for environmental monitoring, agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
UN Approves Resolution Supporting True-Size Map of Africa
The United Nations has passed a resolution backing the Equal Earth map projection, which accurately depicts the true physical scale of Africa compared to the traditional 16th-century Mercator projection. Led by Togo and supported by the African Union, the initiative aims to address cartographic bias in global education and multilateral diplomacy.
Escalating Clashes in Yemen Threaten the Bab al-Mandab Strait
Heavy clashes between Houthi forces and rival combatants near Yemen's southwestern coast have left over 120 people dead, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict. The violence threatens the stability of the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden that carries significant global oil and container shipments.
India Deepens Diplomatic Outreach on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized India's active engagement with both Russia and Ukraine during his high-level diplomatic visits to Kyiv and Warsaw. Reaffirming India's stance that solutions cannot emerge from the battlefield, New Delhi reiterated its commitment to facilitate dialogue and diplomatic conflict resolution.
India Emphasizes Climate Finance and Developed Nations' Leadership
In response to discussions around transboundary disaster compensation following catastrophic flooding in Nepal, India's Ministry of External Affairs affirmed that climate change is a common challenge requiring developed nations to take the lead. New Delhi reiterated that historical emitters must provide adequate climate finance and green technology transfers to vulnerable developing nations.
Reviewing India's Bilateral Investment Treaty Framework
Policy experts are calling for a comprehensive review and wider stakeholder consultation regarding India's Model Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). Balancing investor protections with national regulatory sovereignty remains critical to boosting foreign direct investment while avoiding costly international arbitration liabilities.
Examining Discrepancies in Manufacturing Sector Gross Value Added
Economists have highlighted diverging estimates in India's manufacturing Gross Value Added (GVA), comparing official National Accounts Statistics with enterprise-level surveys like the Annual Survey of Industries (ASI) and the Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE). The discussion underlines the importance of robust statistical methodology to evaluate structural shifts in industrial output accurately.
Managing Demographic Shifts and Ageing Populations in Southern States
Recent demographic data from states like Tamil Nadu indicates a sustained decline in fertility rates alongside a rising proportion of elderly citizens. Policy experts emphasize the need to shift governance priorities toward geriatric healthcare, social security pensions, and workforce skill upgradation to harness remaining demographic dividends.
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