Meet Arpit Sagar: Fearless IAS Officer Known For Bold Actions....Hails From....Secured AIR....In UPSC CSE
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India's premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting exams like the Civil Services Examination. It selects candidates for top government posts, including IAS, IPS, and IFS. Known for its rigorous process, UPSC ensures merit-based recruitment through written exams and interviews, promoting integrity and excellence in the country's administrative services. https://zeenews.india.com/photos/education/meet-arpit-sagar-fearless-ias-officer-known-for-bold-actions-hails-from-secured-air-in-upsc-cse-2932065 Updated:Jul 15, 2025, 11:05 AM IST Fined NHAI official
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IAS officer Arpit Sagar has been making headlines and gaining widespread praise for her bold action against poor road conditions. She fined an NHAI official over potholes on National Highway 47 (NH47), which connects Ahmedabad and Godhra. Originally from Uttar Pradesh, Sagar's decision has been applauded by many residents frustrated with the deteriorating state of the highway. Clearing UPSC Exam
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Arpit Sagar hails from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and became an IAS officer after clearing the UPSC exam in 2015. She holds a B.Tech degree from NIT Prayagraj. Following her graduation, she chose to pursue a career in civil services and began preparing for the UPSC examination. Jamnagar-Amritsar highway
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Arpit Sagar has made history by becoming the first IAS officer in Gujarat to take such a step. Her action comes shortly after the Union Ministry of Road Transport, led by Minister Nitin Gadkari, suspended the Project Director of Palanpur over damaged roads on the Jamnagar-Amritsar highway, along with imposing a fine on the construction company. Sagar has warned that the penalty will continue to increase until the potholes are repaired. Replacing IAS officer Neha Kumari
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Before being appointed as the Collector of Mahisagar district, Arpit Sagar served as Deputy Commissioner in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. She took charge in Mahisagar, replacing IAS officer Neha Kumari. Earlier in her career, Sagar also held the position of District Development Officer (DDO) in Valsad. Arpit and her family background
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In her personal life, Arpit Sagar is married to Vipul Tiwari, who resides in Chhattisgarh. Her father, Chandrasen, and mother, Meena Devi, have five daughters. The eldest, Arjit Sagar, is an IRS officer, while Arpit and Akriti Sagar are both IAS officers. The other two daughters, Anshika and Ankita, work as graphics engineers. Collector of Mahisagar district
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Before being appointed as the Collector of Mahisagar district, Arpit Sagar served as the Deputy Commissioner in the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. She took over the Mahisagar post, replacing Neha Kumari. Earlier in her career, she also held the position of District Development Officer (DDO) in Valsad. Collector of Gujarat's Mahisagar district
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Arpit Sagar is currently serving as the Collector of Gujarat's Mahisagar district. Acting under the Mahisagar Road Safety Committee, she imposed a fine of Rs 500 per day from June 18 to July 7. This is her first posting as a district collector. In December last year, she was honoured with the Best District Development Officer (DDO) award.
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Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Jitendra Singh says lateral entry very much in play, 'still open' to reservations
Union minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday said that lateral entry in bureaucracy has not been scrapped and the government is "still open" to reservation though it was not found feasible earlier. In a video interview with PTI, Singh credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for institutionalising the lateral entry recruitments -- referred to as the appointment of specialists, including those from the private sector, in government departments. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Data Science CXO Cybersecurity others Product Management Healthcare Leadership PGDM Data Science Artificial Intelligence Digital Marketing Public Policy Degree Finance Operations Management Data Analytics Management MBA Others Project Management MCA Technology Design Thinking Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Following a political row over the lack of a reservation provision, the Union Public Service Commission ( UPSC ) in August last year cancelled its advertisement to fill key posts in government departments through lateral entry. "We thought it (reservation in lateral entry) was not feasible. But we are still open, if there are some options which could be made feasible," said Singh, the Union Minister for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Singh, however, asserted that the lateral entry programme of the government was not abandoned or scrapped at all. Live Events He said earlier too there were instances of lateral entry in government and the biggest example is of former prime minister late Manmohan Singh when he was appointed as the Chief Economic Adviser to the government. "Earlier, it used to be subjective, but the Modi government put an institutional framework in place for such recruitments and routed them through UPSC," Singh said. "We laid down certain terms, conditions, experience, qualifications. So, you know, but that process of selection at that point in time was put off, because some people said there should be reservation. Now, we had a reason for that also, that in one-off appointments, you don't have reservation," he said. "Like, for example, if you are looking for the chief editor of PTI, you cannot take a predetermined decision that has to be a Dalit or an OBC or a general candidate," he said. "Even if you say that I will do it by rotation, and this year I will have a Dalit editor, next year an OBC, then subsequently I will have general candidate, then the fallacy is that what if I don't find a candidate of a particular category in a year," he said. "So, do I need the chair of the editor? I think this is happening everywhere, even in the private sector. These are one-off appointments, where you need one expert in a certain domain," Singh said. He said the government still decided to give it a fair chance in the true spirit of democracy. "If there is any option available, you let us know, you educate us, we will discuss it," Singh said. "We thought it was not feasible (at that time). But we are still open, if there are some options which could be made feasible. That is why we put this (lateral entry recruitment) on hold," he said. The UPSC had, on August 17, 2024 issued a notification for the recruitment of 45 posts -- 10 of joint secretaries and 35 of directors or deputy secretaries -- through lateral entry. The decision, however, had ignited criticism from the opposition parties, which claimed that it undermined the reservation rights of the Other Backward Classes (OBC), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Union minister Chirag Paswan, the head of BJP ally Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), had also said the proposed recruitment was a "matter of concern" for him and that he would take up the matter with the Centre. The UPSC cancelled the advertisement on August 20 last year. Lateral recruitment in the central government has been undertaken since 2018 to appoint persons for specific assignments, keeping in view their specialised knowledge and expertise in the domain area. As many as 63 specialists were appointed in different central government departments through the lateral entry mode from 2019 to 2023. Of these, 35 were appointed on contract basis and the remaining 28 on deputation Eight joint secretaries were appointed in 2019, including five on contractual basis and three through deputation from other government departments/organisations. Thirty recruitments were made in 2021 at the levels of joint secretary (3), director (18) and deputy secretary (9). Of these, 14 were on contract and 16 were through deputation. In 2023, 25 such specialists were appointed, including three joint secretaries, 15 directors and seven deputy secretaries. Of them, 16 were appointed on contract basis and nine through deputation.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NHAI mulls dropping Kumarichantha flyover amid protests; crucial meeting on July 25
1 2 3 4 T'puram: National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) may shelve the proposed flyover at Kumarichantha Junction on NH-66 in the state capital due to mounting local opposition. A final decision is expected after a high-level meeting to be chaired by the general education minister V Sivankutty, who is also the local MLA, on July 25. T he project was proposed after dropping the plan for an underpass near Lulu Mall. Local residents and traders opposed NHAI's project design, which involves a three-pillar flyover with 20-metre gaps between pillars and the remainder supported by retaining walls which they felt would hurt the region's commercial activity. The local community demanded a five-pillar structure with 30 metres between the pillars. Following the protests, ongoing piling work for two of the pillars has been temporarily halted. "NHAI should construct the flyover as per people's wishes. Constructing a retaining wall will affect the commercial prospects of the region. Hence, the construction of pillars is a suitable solution," said MLA Antony Raju who represents the nearby Thiruvananthapuram constituency. NHAI officials are not convinced. A senior official said on condition of anonymity that going ahead with the project as per the revised demand would lead to significant cost escalations and engineering challenges. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo "We will inform the difficulty in constructing the pillar flyover due to the cost escalation in the upcoming meeting. If the govt puts forth any proposal, we will consider it. But if the govt insists on a five-pillar flyover, we may drop the project," the official said. According to NHAI, persistent local resistance could lead to the plan being permanently shelved, reverting the junction to its pre-project status. The authority maintains that it already compromised on the original design by dropping the underpass proposal and moving ahead with the flyover to ease traffic congestion and ensure better connectivity on the NH 66 corridor. The July 25 meeting will bring together representatives from the state govt, Public Works Department, local legislators and NHAI. The confusion over the flyover is the latest in the ongoing tensions between development and local interest, with residents calling for infrastructure that aligns with commercial realities and civic needs and the authorities struggling to balance feasibility and community's consensus of opinion. The contractor is Kochi-based Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: NCERT textbooks, De-risking and Urban Governance
Important topics and their relevance in UPSC CSE exam for July 16, 2025. If you missed the July 15, 2025 UPSC CSE exam key from the Indian Express, read it here FRONT PAGE Jaishankar meets Xi, reminds SCO of need to combat terror, separatism Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's Interests. What's the ongoing story: In his first visit to China since the start of the military standoff between Chinese and Indian troops along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh in 2020, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met President Xi Jinping in Beijing Tuesday and apprised him of the 'recent development' in bilateral ties — the two countries have begun taking steps to repair relations. Key Points to Ponder: • What is Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? • What kind of a grouping is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? • Know the members and observer countries in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation • Map Work-Mark Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member countries with their capital • Is India a part of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? • When did India become permanent member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? • What is the importance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for India? • Under what circumstances did India enter the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation? • How does membership of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation help India? • How does global geopolitics play out for Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and India? • How does it play out in the India-Pakistan or India-China relationship? Key Takeaways: • In a post on X after meeting Xi, Jaishankar, who is attending a gathering of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Tianjin, said, 'Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard.' • Speaking at the meeting of the Foreign Ministers, Jaishankar said the SCO was founded to combat the 'three evils' of 'terrorism, separatism and extremism', and it was imperative for the SCO to take an 'uncompromising position on this challenge'. Do You Know: • IN THE months after the disengagement of troops in eastern Ladakh, India and China have sought to repair ties. The resumption of the Mansarovar Yatra and discussions to restore direct flights are pointers to the efforts. • On October 23, 2024, Modi and Xi met on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, two days after a border patrolling arrangement was announced on October 21. Since then, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has travelled to China twice; Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have also gone there for meetings. On Tuesday, Jaishankar also met Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on the sidelines of the SCO meeting. • According to the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's website, 'the SCO is a permanent intergovernmental international organization established on June 15, 2001 in Shanghai (PRC) by the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Its predecessor was the mechanism of the Shanghai Five.' • In 2002, the Charter of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was signed at the meeting of the Council of Heads of States in St. Petersburg, which entered into force on September 19, 2003. It is a statute that stipulates the goals, principles, structure and major areas of activities of the organization. The goals of the SCO are: —To strengthen mutual trust, friendship and good-neighbourliness between the Member States; —To encourage the effective cooperation between the Member States in such spheres as politics, trade, economy, science and technology, culture, education, energy, transport, tourism, environmental protection, etc; —To jointly ensure and maintain peace, security and stability in the region; and —To promote a new democratic, fair and rational international political and economic international order. • The SCO countries includes: 10 Member States — the Republic of India, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Republic of Belarus 2 Observer states – the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Mongolia. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit? Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: 📍Terrorist activities and mutual distrust have clouded India-Pakistan relations. To what extent the use of soft power like sports and cultural exchanges could help generate goodwill between the two countries? Discuss with suitable examples.(UPSC CSE GS2, 2015) 📍Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (2021) Class 8 new book flags 'brutality' of Mughals, with no-blame disclaimer Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance-Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues, etc. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation. What's the ongoing story: Describing Babur as a 'brutal and ruthless conqueror, slaughtering entire populations of cities', Akbar's reign as a 'blend of brutality and tolerance', and Aurangzeb who destroyed temples and gurdwaras, the NCERT's new Class 8 Social Science textbook, which introduces students to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, points to 'many instances of religious intolerance' during the period. Key Points to Ponder: • How the content of NCERT textbooks are decided? • Who decides the content of NCERT textbooks? • Who writes the NCERT books? • Who prepares the National Curriculum Framework for school education? • What are the reasons given by Union Government for the textbook 'rationalisation' exercise? • What are some of the key changes carried out in the textbooks? • 'History is always written by the winners'-How this statement is relevant in present Context? • How 'ideology' influenced the course of Indian history? • Indian history has faced massive distortions from the time of British rule-How far you agree with this statement? • What are the most sweeping changes in social science school textbooks since 2014 in India? • Growth of Education in India: Historical Background from Vedic Period to British Period • Growth of Education in the Post-Independence Period-Reforms taken so far • Education was initially a state subject but following an amendment (42nd) to the Constitution in 1976, it became a concurrent subject-True or False? • The gains in terms of the literacy rates of the Indian population since independence-Know in detail • Constitutional Provisions Regarding Education- What Article 28, Article 29, Article 30, Article 21A, Article 45 and Article 46 says about Education? • Education System in India-Know the Present Structure from Pre-primary level to Primary or elementary Level (Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan) to Secondary level (Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan) to Higher education (Rastriya Uchhattar Shiksha Abhiyan) • Goal 4 of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) related to Education and Govt of India's initiatives/schemes/programmes to achieve the SDG Goal 4-Know in detail • How National Policy on Education (NEP) 2020 and Sustainable development goals are linked? • What are the salient features of New Education Policy 2020? • How many policies India had so far and what was the fundamental objective of each which makes every policy unique? • Know the Kothari Commission (1964–1966) recommendations to formulate a coherent education policy • National Policy on Education (NPE) 1986 and New Education Policy (NEP) 2020-Compare and Contrast • What do you understand by National Curriculum Framework? • National Policy on Education (NPE) and National Curriculum Framework (NCF)-Connect the dot • 'If NEP is the guiding philosophy, then NCF is the pathway'-Elaborate Key Takeaways: • The NCERT says the rationale for including them has been explained in a 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History' and one of the chapters in the book includes a cautionary note that 'no one should be held responsible today for events of the past'. • Part 1 of the Social Science book for Class 8 — 'Exploring Society: Indian and Beyond' — was released this week for use in the ongoing academic session. Of the new NCERT books, this is the first to introduce students to the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals. • Although this period was introduced to students in Class 7 in earlier years, the NCERT says that the period of Indian history that will cover the Delhi Sultanate, the Mughals, and the Marathas will now only be dealt with in Class 8 in the new syllabus. • In the new book, the chapter covering Indian history from the 13th to the 17th century – 'Reshaping India's Political Map' – spans the rise and fall of the Delhi Sultanate and resistance to it, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mughals and the resistance to them, and the rise of the Sikhs. • It describes the Sultanate period as one marked by political instability and military campaigns that saw villages and cities being plundered and temples and seats of learning destroyed. The sections on the Sultanate and the Mughals contain multiple references to 'attacks' on temples, and the 'brutality' of some of the rulers, none of which are mentioned in the old Class 7 NCERT book that introduced students to this period of history. Do You Know: • The history section of the new book, which begins with the Delhi Sultanate and goes up to the colonial era, is preceded by a 'note on history's darker periods'. Referring to 'darker' periods of history when war, abuse, fanaticism, and bloodshed dominate the landscape, the note explains that it is important to study darker developments dispassionately without blaming anyone living today for them. • 'Understanding the historical origin of cruel violence, abusive misrule or misplaced ambitions of power is the best way to heal the past and build a future where, hopefully, they will have no place,' the note states. • Similarly, after the section on the Mughal rulers, the book notes that 'some of the invadrs and rulers mentioned above committed terrible deeds and atrocities,' but 'it is important to keep in mind that we, today, bear no responsibility for actions of individuals hundreds of years ago'. • Asked for a response on the references to the attacks on temples and the 'brutality' of some Mughal rulers, the NCERT said: 'The events…(and many more) did happen and left their mark on Indian history; the rationale for including them has been explained in the 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History'. • The historical account given, while it does not sanitise history, is balanced and entirely evidence-based. Besides, in addition to the 'Note on Some Darker Periods in History', a cautionary note has been inserted in one of the chapters to make it clear that no one should be held responsible today for events of the past. The emphasis is on an honest approach to history with a view to drawing from it important lessons for a better future.' • NCERT has been bringing out new school textbooks in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. New books for classes 1 to 4, and classes 6 and 7 have been released so far; books for classes 5 and 8 are now being made available. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Express Investigation — Part 1: From Emergency to Gujarat riots, lessons of past deleted from textbooks of future THE EDITORIAL PAGE Hedging against America Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests. What's the ongoing story: C. Raja Mohan Writes: In Asia, the challenge is harder. Unlike Europe, regional institutions remain underdeveloped, and the gap between Chinese power and its neighbours is vast Key Points to Ponder: • What is 'de-risking' in international trade relations? • In the context of US-China relations, what does 'de-coupling' primarily refers to? • What are the geopolitical implications of 'Trump 2.0' for global trade? • How is India adapting 'de-risking' to this emerging global trend? • Compare and contrast 'de-coupling' and 'de-risking' as strategies in international trade and foreign policy. • How does India's participation in platforms like Quad contribute to its de-risking and supply chain diversification strategies? Key Takeaways: C. Raja Mohan Writes: • Sections of the Indian foreign policy community feel 'betrayed' by the Donald Trump administration, which has found unexpected affection for Rawalpindi, raised a host of tough demands on trade, and threatened additional tariffs on India because of its BRICS membership and continued purchase of Russian oil. • America's neighbours and largest trading partners (Mexico and Canada) and its longstanding allies in Europe and Asia have even more reasons to feel betrayed. • Most of these alliances date back to the end of World War II and have weathered multiple crises over the past eight decades. But as in life, so in international relations — nothing is forever. If change is the only constant, that moment of restructuring has now arrived for America's alliances and partnerships in Europe and Asia. As a non-ally, India is better prepared for change in America. • The idea of 'strategic autonomy', long central to India's foreign policy, has been viewed with scepticism by India's Western partners. They have argued that India's near obsession with autonomy limits the scope for strategic cooperation with the US and Europe. But today, 'strategic autonomy' has become the new mantra among America's allies themselves. Do You Know: C. Raja Mohan Writes: • In Asia, the challenge is harder. Unlike in Europe, regional institutions remain underdeveloped, and the gap between China's power and that of its neighbours is vast. Yet, the logic of diversification is undeniable. We are already seeing Asian allies doing more with each other and engaging other actors, such as the EU. Some are beginning to reassess their engagement with China. • At the same time, the depth of the US relationship is such that preventing a slide into outright rupture remains a top priority for allies in both Asia and Europe. As Macron told the British Parliament, Europe does not want to walk away from the US — but it must 'de-risk' ties by finding new partners and rebuilding its own capacities. • India, for its part, is holding its nerve and continuing to engage Washington. As Delhi weighs the consequences of the Trump upheaval for Eurasia and the global order, it is worth recalling that India has managed many strategic surprises before: The Chinese 'betrayal' in 1962, Beijing's embrace of Pakistan, the Sino-Soviet split, the US-China entente in the 1970s, the Soviet collapse in 1991, the rise of a new economic order in the 1990s, and the Russia-China alignment in the 2000s. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍C Raja Mohan writes: New America, churn in Asia and India's path THE IDEAS PAGE The Millennium Village Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Economic and Social Development Mains Examination: General Studies I: Urbanization, their problems and their remedies. What's the ongoing story: Sanjay Srivastava Writes: Urban life in Gurugram is largely organised through the idea that there is no public except that which belongs to one's family, caste and class circuits. It is this that also lies at the heart of what passes for urban planning. Key Points to Ponder: • According to the article, what is cited as a core issue affecting Gurugram's urban management? • What is 'urban governance'? • How socio-cultural mindsets affect urban governance in rapidly developing cities like Gurugram? • What are the issues and challenges posed by rural-urban transition zones in India? • How does the persistence of rural governance frameworks in urban spaces impact issues like land management and infrastructure development? • How effective is the 74th Constitutional Amendment Act in addressing urban governance challenges in cities like Gurugram? • What is the role of real estate-driven urbanization in shaping socio-economic disparities in emerging urban centres in India? Key Takeaways: Sanjay Srivastava Writes: • The so-called Millennium City's waterlogging problems are in the news again. In Gurugram, flats and houses that sell for prices that compare to real estate in Western countries and rentals that might equate starting salaries of many white-collar professionals have become islands surrounded by surging rain-induced floods. • But Gurugram's problem is not primarily physical infrastructure. It is one of the mental attitudes through which our cities are built and occupied. Physical infrastructure is not so difficult to build and operate. How we choose to live in urban environments — that are supposed to rid us of 'backward' rural attitudes — has always been a more complex task. It is made more complex in places such as Gurugram because new urbanism has simply built upon old attitudes rather than changing them. • When we think of contemporary urbanisation in India, the easy way out is to blame its ills on privatisation and that largely meaningless concept of 'neoliberalism', where the state is supposed to have ceded ground to private capital. • Public interest would have been much better served, it is frequently suggested, had public authorities looked after the welfare of citizens. This gross oversimplification overlooks the history of publicness in our everyday lives, one that also lies at the heart of the state of Gurugram and other such urban developments. Do You Know: Sanjay Srivastava Writes: • Urban life in Gurugram is largely organised through the idea that there is no public except that which belongs to one's family, caste and class circuits. It is this that also lies at the heart of what passes for urban planning. • At the present time, the most significant urban development in Gurugram is taking place in what were earlier its rural hinterlands, the areas furthest away from Delhi. Lands are being bought, sold and cleared for residential, commercial and infrastructure purposes. • Land consolidation and rectangularisation (chakbandi and kilabandi) are important for the rationalisation of holdings that might otherwise be scattered or irregular lands that prevent the construction of roads and other infrastructure. • City planning does not require 'smart' planning and 'smart' technologies such as CCTV and 'control and command' centres designed by global consultancy companies with little idea of local conditions of life. • The most fundamental aspect to be incorporated into planning for city life is the idea of publicness and the sense that without this we have nothing but a hollow modernity. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Broken pavements, lack of safety: A big reason why Indians struggle to stay fit ECONOMY Wider US tariffs off the table in trade talks for now, says official Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Mains Examination: General Studies II: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India's interests. What's the ongoing story: While relief on US reciprocal tariffs is among the key demands from Indian negotiators in exchange for opening up the Indian market to American goods, wider US tariffs—such as those on metals, a likely duty on BRICS countries, and on buyers of Russian oil—are not part of the ongoing trade negotiations with the US yet, a government official said on Tuesday. Key Points to Ponder: • What can be the long term implications of maintaining only baseline and sectoral tariffs on the US-India bilateral trade negotiations? • What are the impact of sectoral tariffs (on steel, aluminium, copper) on India's export prospects and domestic industry absorption? • Discuss the strategic value for India of avoiding inclusion in broader US reciprocal tariffs in the current trade talks. • Know the significance of the potential 200% tariff on pharmaceuticals, considering the role of pharma in India–US trade. • What is the role of sector-specific tariffs in shaping trade dynamics? Key Takeaways: • 'As of now, India and the US are negotiating on the basis of the terms of reference (ToR) that were finalised [in April],' the official said in response to a question on whether wider US tariffs are part of the ongoing negotiations. The official added that the negotiations will continue with the US and the goal remains a bilateral trade agreement (BTA) by the end of the year. • The official said that, currently, only US baseline tariffs of 10 per cent and sectoral tariffs on steel and aluminium—along with fentanyl-related tariffs on China—have come into effect. 'These have resulted in higher duty collections for the US, and their imports from China and specific sectors have gone down,' the official said. Do You Know: • While sectoral tariffs—such as 50 per cent on steel, aluminium and copper—are already disrupting India's exports to the US, Trump has also threatened steep tariffs on BRICS countries over their challenge to the US dollar and has warned of duties on buyers of Russian oil. Notably, India is a top importer of Russian oil. • Trade data show that the US is India's third-largest copper export market, after Saudi Arabia (26 per cent) and China (18 per cent). However, given copper's status as a critical mineral and its extensive use across infrastructure, energy and manufacturing, India's domestic industry is likely to absorb any decline in US demand resulting from the proposed tariffs. • Trump added that he is also planning to impose tariffs on imported semiconductors and pharmaceuticals, with medicine tariffs potentially reaching 200 per cent. However, he said drugmakers would be given about a year 'to get their act together'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍India-US trade pact: 'Deal with India close,' says Trump; slaps 25–40% reciprocal tariffs on 14 nations largely ASEAN EXPLAINED Recovery after space journey Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance. Main Examination: General Studies III: Awareness in the fields of Space What's the ongoing story: After spending 18 days on the International Space Station and orbiting around the Earth 288 times, Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is heading home. Key Points to Ponder: • What did Shubhanshu Shukla experience in space? • What will happen once they splash down? • Why do astronauts need reconditioning? • Why water is preferred? • How landing is executed? • What is a Splashdown? • Why Splashdown? • What is the structural design of a spacecraft? • How do spaceships work in space? • What is an International Space Station? • What is the role of heat shields and re-entry technology in ensuring the safe return of astronauts from space? Key Takeaways: • While it took Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and the others a few days to adjust to the microgravity environment in space, their body is likely to feel the impacts of gravity on Earth too once back. • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he did not feel his usual self for the first couple of days on the International Space Station as he acclimatised to the microgravity environment. During an interaction from the ISS, he said: 'It's the first time for me, so I don't know what to expect (upon return). The only hope is — I did have some symptoms coming up — so I am hoping that I will not have it going down. Unless and until I get the worst of both the worlds and I get it both the times.' • After splashdown, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and his crew mates will be removed from the spacecraft using a SpaceX recovery vehicle. It is on this vehicle that the crew will undergo their first medical checks. Afterwards, they will be flown to land on a helicopter that will land on the recovery vehicle. • Once the astronauts return to Earth, they undergo check for key health parameters, which are recorded before the flight as well to establish a baseline. Then, based on these parameters, the astronauts get a personalised reconditioning plan that works on improving their mobility, balance, flexibility, aerobic conditioning, strength, endurance, and the body's ability to sense its position and movement. • Astronauts experience space sickness in their initial days in microgravity because the brain gets confused with the gravity and acceleration information it receives from the inner ear — the information that is essential for maintaining balance on Earth. Living in microgravity teaches the brain to not listen to the inner ear, which becomes a challenge when they return to Earth as they face difficulty in standing up and walking. Do You Know: • Splashdown is generally a simpler and safer option. When a spacecraft begins to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere, at an altitude of 110-120 km, it is usually travelling at speeds up to 27,359 km per hour. There isn't enough time for it to decelerate to speeds that are suitable for a vertical landing on the ground. Additional braking systems, and structures like landing legs would be required. • It is safer to land a spacecraft in water even when it is travelling at 25-30 km per hour — the speed of the Axiom-4 spacecraft at the time of splashdown. The low viscosity and high density of water provides much greater cushion. While it does not ensure a completely smooth landing, it absorbs enough shock from the impact to avoid damage to the spacecraft's structure, payload, or the crew inside. • The other reason is the availability of vast open spaces. On the ground, the landing location has to be precisely defined; in the ocean, there is no danger of hitting something else even if the spacecraft is dragged a bit off-course by air or water currents. • The capsules are designed to float on water. They are conical in shape, and either their top or bottom (depending on how they land) is rounded metal, which works like the hull of a ship, and keeps them bobbing on the surface. • When a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere, it experiences deceleration due to friction. But additional measures are required to slow it to safe speeds. One such method is the use of parachutes. Spacecraft usually deploy two drag (or drogue) parachutes first, which stabilise the vehicle following re-entry, and reduce speed. The Dragon spacecraft deploys these parachutes at around 18,000 feet. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Simpler, safer: Why spacecraft prefer splashdowns over landing on ground For any queries and feedback, contact Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Priya Kumari Shukla is a Senior Copy Editor in the Indian Express (digital). She contributes to the UPSC Section of Indian Express (digital) and started niche initiatives such as UPSC Key, UPSC Ethics Simplified, and The 360° UPSC Debate. The UPSC Key aims to assist students and aspirants in their preparation for the Civil Services and other competitive examinations. It provides valuable guidance on effective strategies for reading and comprehending newspaper content. The 360° UPSC Debate tackles a topic from all perspectives after sorting through various publications. The chosen framework for the discussion is structured in a manner that encompasses both the arguments in favour and against the topic, ensuring comprehensive coverage of many perspectives. Prior to her involvement with the Indian Express, she had affiliations with a non-governmental organisation (NGO) as well as several coaching and edutech enterprises. In her prior professional experience, she was responsible for creating and refining material in various domains, including article composition and voiceover video production. She has written in-house books on many subjects, including modern India, ancient Indian history, internal security, international relations, and the Indian economy. She has more than eight years of expertise in the field of content writing. Priya holds a Master's degree in Electronic Science from the University of Pune as well as an Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from the esteemed Indian Institute of Management Calcutta, widely recognised as one of the most prestigious business schools in India. She is also an alumni of Jamia Milia Islamia University Residential Coaching Academy (RCA). Priya has made diligent efforts to engage in research endeavours, acquiring the necessary skills to effectively examine and synthesise facts and empirical evidence prior to presenting their perspective. Priya demonstrates a strong passion for reading, particularly in the genres of classical Hindi, English, Maithili, and Marathi novels and novellas. Additionally, she possessed the distinction of being a cricket player at the national level. Qualification, Degrees / other achievements: Master's degree in Electronic Science from University of Pune and Executive Programme in Public Policy and Management (EPPPM) from Indian Institute of Management Calcutta ... Read More
