Maharashtra: Congress to host "We are Marathi, We are Indian" language workshop on July 15
Tensions have risen between Marathi and Hindi speakers in Mira-Bhayandar, leading to protests. The Congress Party is organizing a language workshop, "We are Marathi, We are Indian," to promote dialogue and reduce tension. They accuse the state government and BJP leaders of exacerbating the conflict for political gain ahead of local elections, emphasizing the importance of unity in diversity.
ANI In recent developments, tensions have escalated between the Marathi and Hindi-speaking communities in the Mira-Bhayandar region. These circumstances have prompted extensive protests and marches, fostering a climate of stress and animosity in the area, according to an official press release.The emergence of such unrest is indeed regrettable and underscores the necessity for constructive dialogue and conflict resolution, the Maharastra Congress stated in the press release.
In an effort to reduce this tension and promote dialogue, the Congress Party has taken the initiative and is organising a language workshop titled "We are Marathi, We are Indian", to be held in the presence of State Congress President Harshavardhan Sapkal, according to the release. The release additionally mentioned that the workshop is scheduled for Tuesday, July 15, at the Asmita Club in Naya Nagar, Mira Road. It will be attended by Marathi and Hindi-speaking residents from the Mira-Bhayandar area, as well as Congress office-bearers and workers.The program aimed at fostering peace and harmony among people of different languages is called "We are Marathi, We are Indian..."
In Mira Road, a Hindi-Marathi language dispute has led to separate protest rallies by Traders and MNS workers. Meanwhile, the Congress is also holding a programme in Mira Road.The party asserts that the principle of unity in diversity is a defining characteristic of India. Individuals from various castes, religions, and linguistic backgrounds coexist harmoniously within the nation, the press release stated.Notably, Mumbai and the state of Maharashtra serve as exemplars of this diversity, being particularly renowned for their multicultural population, which comprises individuals from all regions of India who have relocated for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.According to the party, recent disputes over the issue of language have been deliberately created, with the state government exacerbating these tensions. BJP leaders from outside the state, such as MP Nishikant Dubey, are making provocative statements that further inflame the situation. It is unfortunate that these conflicts are being stirred for political gain ahead of local body elections, the Maharastra Congress stated in the press release.The party further added that ultimately, it is the common people who suffer, and this is not in the interest of society or Maharashtra. Therefore, it is essential that this conflict comes to an end.To promote harmony and brotherhood, the Mira-Bhayandar District Congress Committee is organising this event under the leadership of the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee Working President and former MLA Muzaffar Hussain.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
10 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Prashant Kishor calls Bihar voter list revision a 'BJP-led' conspiracy
Jan Suraaj Party founder Prashant Kishor waded into the political controversy surrounding the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar on Wednesday when he described the mammoth exercise as a "BJP conspiracy". Kishor made the remark in Kishanganj, the state's lone district with a Muslim majority population, and promised that his fledgling party would help those whose names get wrongfully deleted from the voters' list. Talking to reporters, he said, "The SIR is a BJP conspiracy. The Supreme Court has made it clear that Election Commission cannot determine people's citizenship. Does the Election Commission, by carrying out such an exercise now, intend to say that the electoral roll of 2014, when Narendra Modi became the Prime Minister, was fake?". He added, "The same electoral roll was fine till last year's Lok Sabha polls. We fail to see a problem in conducting the upcoming assembly polls on the basis of the same voters' list." "Obviously, the BJP is jittery in Bihar realising that the people here now have a new alternative in Jan Suraaj Party. So they are trying to wrongfully delete the names of voters. I would ask all people who face such wrongful deletions to contact our party. We will extend all possible help", said the former political strategist. Kishor, whose nine-month-old party is aiming to make a big dent in the state's Muslim vote base, also trained his guns at the RJD, which has so far been the first party of choice for the minority community. "The RJD has treated Muslims as nothing more than the kerosene that could serve to keep the lantern bright. But the community has now had enough," said the Jan Suraaj Party founder, in an obvious reference to the main opposition party's poll symbol. Replying to a query, he said he saw "no role" in Bihar for the AIMIM headed by Asaduddin Owaisi, which had won a few seats in the 2020 assembly polls and has expressed the desire to contest the upcoming elections as part of the INDIA bloc. "Bihar does not need to import leaders from Hyderabad," asserted Kishor, whose own party has decided to go it alone in the polls. The IPAC founder, who has in his previous avatar handled election campaigns of several political parties across the ideological divide, was also asked about the Hindi versus Marathi row that has erupted in Maharashtra. Blaming the controversy on "Thackeray brothers", son and nephew of late Bal Thackeray, Uddhav and Raj, respectively, Kishor said, "these people are lumpen elements. But the Congress and the BJP too have their share of the blame as these national parties have no qualms in tying up with such divisive forces." He also alleged that Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal has indulged in corruption and favouritism in his capacity as one of the trustees of Kishanganj-based MGM Medical College and challenged the latter, a sitting MLC and former state minister, to initiate legal action "if what I am saying is wrong".
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
10 minutes ago
- Business Standard
India's Russian oil imports up slightly in January-June, shows data
India's oil imports from Russia rose marginally in the first half of this year, with private refiners Reliance Industries Ltd and Nayara Energy making almost half of the overall purchases from Moscow, according to data provided by sources. India, the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer, received about 1.75 million barrels per day of Russian oil in January-June this year, up 1 per cent from a year ago, the data showed. The two private refiners have term deals to buy Russian oil, while state companies rely on purchases from the spot market. India's purchases of Russian oil sold at discounted rates surged after Western nations imposed sanctions and stopped buying oil from Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump threatened sanctions on buyers of Russian exports unless Moscow agrees a peace deal within 50 days. Indian refiners expect that any move by Trump is unlikely to disrupt oil supplies but could wipe out the thinning discount on Russian crude, as traditional and new suppliers ramp up output, refinery officials told Reuters. In January-June, Russia continued to be the top supplier to India, accounting for about 35 per cent of India's overall supplies, followed by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates. The United States was the fifth-largest oil supplier to India, up from the sixth position it held a year earlier, the data showed. India plans to raise energy imports from the U.S. as it prepares for a trade deal with Washington to avoid stiff U.S. import tariffs. Overall, India's oil imports in January-June rose by 4.3 per cent to about 5.2 million bpd, the data showed. In June, India's Russian oil imports rose 17.4 per cent to about 2 million bpd from the previous month, dragging down the share of Middle Eastern producers and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
Indian Express
10 minutes 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
