The Indian Army conducted the maiden Exercise Aarogya Setu at Rupai, Doomdooma in Tinsukia district, Assam.
It was a civil-military medical fusion exercise, the first of its kind in the region.
Purpose:
To enhance cooperation between the Army Medical Corps, senior civil doctors from leading hospitals, Primary Health Centres (PHCs) of Tinsukia, and the Northern Frontier Railway Hospital.
Focus:
How military and civilian medical teams can collaborate effectively during disasters and war-like situations.
Special Highlight:
A doctor from Northern Frontier Railway Hospital introduced the innovative concept of train ambulances for large-scale casualty evacuation, which sparked discussions on improving evacuation methods.
Outcome:
The exercise fostered dialogue on how civil medical institutions can support Army medical services during emergencies.
China has agreed in principle to resume border trade through Shipki-La Pass, located in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, India.
This agreement was reached during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India.
The decision reflects an ongoing effort to normalise diplomatic and economic relations between India and China after years of tension.
Trade through Shipki-La was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased border tensions, especially following the Galwan Valley clash.
Shipki-La is a motorable mountain pass situated at an altitude of 3,930 meters.
It lies on the India–China border in the tribal district of Kinnaur, Himachal Pradesh.
Earlier known as Pema La, meaning “Shared Gate” or “Shared Pass”, symbolising its role in ancient Indo-Tibetan trade.
Declared as part of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the 1962 India-China war.
The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) currently monitors and patrols the pass.
The Sutlej River (known as Langqen Zangbo in Tibet) enters India through this pass.
This makes it not just a political boundary, but also a geographical landmark.
Shipki-La has long served as a key trade route between India and Tibet, allowing the movement of:
Wool, salt, and dry fruits from Tibet.
Grains, clothes, tea, and utensils from India.
This trans-Himalayan trade was vital for local communities on both sides.
The reopening is part of a broader development strategy aimed at:
Reviving local economies in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.
Enhancing border connectivity in remote tribal areas.
These regions share a 240 km-long border with China.
Himachal Pradesh has proposed to open Shipki-La to tourists, as part of border tourism development.
Could serve as a new route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in future, easing the journey for pilgrims.
A recent report by the North American Environmental Commission (CEC) has criticized Mexico for failing to protect the vaquita, one of the world’s rarest marine mammals.
The report estimates that only around 10 vaquitas remain in the wild, pushing the species to the edge of extinction.
Despite multiple bans, illegal gillnet fishing continues in vaquita habitat, mainly to catch the endangered totoaba fish, whose swim bladder is trafficked in international black markets.
Common name: Vaquita
Scientific name: Phocoena sinus
Family: Porpoise
Group: Cetaceans (includes whales, dolphins, and porpoises)
Smallest marine cetacean in the world
Chunky body, rounded head, no distinct beak
Tall and wide dorsal fin (helps distinguish it from other porpoises)
Shy and elusive, avoids boats and human contact
Uses echolocation (high-frequency clicks) to navigate and hunt underwater
Has the smallest geographical range of any whale, dolphin, or porpoise.
Inhabits the northern part of the Gulf of California, also called the Sea of Cortez, in Mexico.
Typically found in shallow coastal waters, up to 50 meters deep, especially in areas rich in fish and shrimp.
Critically Endangered
Listed under Appendix I (prohibiting international trade of species and their parts)
The vaquita’s habitat (Upper Gulf of California) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Danger
Gillnets, used by local fishers to catch totoaba, often trap vaquitas as bycatch, causing injury or drowning.
Totoaba macdonaldi, also critically endangered, is illegally fished for its swim bladder, considered a delicacy and used in traditional medicine, particularly in China.
The lucrative black market fuels the use of banned fishing practices.
Though Mexico has banned gillnets and established marine protected areas (MPAs), law enforcement is weak, and illegal activities continue with minimal consequences.
Date: Every year on 21st August
World Senior Citizen Day is dedicated to recognizing and honoring the valuable contributions of senior citizens to society. It aims to raise global awareness about the challenges seniors face and emphasize the rising significance of the silver economy—the economic sector related to older adults.
The day was officially established in 1988 by U.S. President Ronald Reagan, who designated 21st August as a day to celebrate senior citizens and encourage policies that support their well-being.
It is different from the International Day of Older Persons, which is observed on 1st October. The latter was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1991 to promote awareness and action on older adults’ issues worldwide.
Definition:
The silver economy encompasses all economic activities, products, and services specifically designed to meet the needs and preferences of older adults. This includes sectors such as healthcare, housing, financial services, technology, insurance, and wellness.
India’s elderly population is rapidly increasing.
According to the Technical Group on Population Projections (2020), the elderly (aged 60+) population was 103.8 million in 2011 (about 8.6% of the population) and is projected to rise to 193.4 million by 2031.
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) predicts that by 2050, seniors will comprise over 20% of India’s population, surpassing the number of children (0–15 years) by 2046.
This demographic shift makes senior citizens a significant economic force, creating growing demand and opportunities in multiple industries.
Explanation: Active aging means seniors are living healthier, longer lives and remain independent and productive members of society.
India is witnessing a shift where older adults are no longer seen as just dependents but contributors to the economy.
Professionals in the age group 45-64 are currently the wealthiest segment, making older adults an influential consumer class.
Unlike earlier generations, many seniors are continuing to work or engage in entrepreneurial activities, enhancing economic productivity.
Over 75% of elderly Indians suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, etc.
This has created a substantial demand for home-based healthcare services, allowing seniors to receive medical care in the comfort of their homes.
Home care services reduce hospital visits and improve quality of life.
Innovations such as telehealth, remote patient monitoring, and wearable health devices (like fall detectors, GPS trackers, emergency alerts) are revolutionizing elderly care.
These technologies help monitor seniors’ health in real time and provide timely medical interventions.
The global remote patient monitoring market is expected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated ₹56.94 billion by 2030, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.7%.
There is a growing preference for Ayurveda and other traditional Indian medical systems (Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy) known collectively as AYUSH.
These are favored for preventive care due to their natural approach and minimal side effects.
With increasing demand for holistic and alternative health solutions, this sector holds significant growth potential.
There is a shortage of geriatric-specific healthcare facilities and trained professionals.
Many elderly pay high out-of-pocket expenses for treatment due to low insurance coverage—only about 18% of seniors have health insurance.
This restricts affordable access to necessary healthcare services.
A large portion of the elderly, especially those in the informal/unorganized sector, do not have pensions or adequate savings.
This financial vulnerability makes them dependent on family support or government aid.
Many seniors have low digital literacy and limited access to technology.
This prevents them from benefiting from telemedicine, online shopping, digital banking, and other e-services that could improve their lives.
Traditional joint family systems are breaking down due to urban migration and modern lifestyles.
Many elderly experience loneliness and increased mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
There is a lack of age-friendly infrastructure—public spaces, transportation, and housing are often not designed to be accessible or comfortable for seniors.
Also, existing policies and programs for eldercare are limited or poorly implemented.
Despite the ability and desire of many seniors to work, stereotypes about age and lack of flexible job options limit their employment opportunities.
Age discrimination and rigid work environments discourage seniors from continuing or re-entering the workforce.
Many seniors lack awareness about available health insurance options, government schemes, or AYUSH-based health practices.
This results in underutilization of support systems designed to aid them.
Expand availability of geriatric care services focusing on prevention, promotion, treatment, and rehabilitation.
Improve health literacy among seniors and caregivers to encourage early health interventions and better self-care.
Integrate elder care into schemes like Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) to ensure comprehensive healthcare coverage for seniors.
Develop age-specific insurance products tailored to senior citizens’ needs to reduce financial burden.
Extend pension schemes such as the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) to include more elderly, particularly those from the informal sector.
Promote reskilling and flexible work opportunities through platforms like the SACRED Portal, enabling seniors to maintain economic independence.
Encourage social engagement and peer-support networks to help seniors combat loneliness and improve mental health.
Conduct community awareness programs to sensitize people about the dignity and special needs of elderly citizens.
Develop public spaces, housing, and transportation that cater to the physical and mobility needs of seniors.
Ensure facilities are safe, accessible, and comfortable.
Launch digital literacy campaigns targeted specifically at seniors to bridge the technology gap.
Provide user-friendly digital platforms for healthcare, financial services, and social connectivity tailored to their ease of use.
Promote public–private partnerships under schemes like the SAGE Programme (Seniorcare Ageing Growth Engine) to build eldercare infrastructure and services.
Support silver economy startups with dedicated funding and incubation programs to innovate in elder-focused solutions.
Encourage inclusion of seniors both as consumers and contributors to the mainstream economy.
India is on the cusp of a demographic transformation with a rapidly growing elderly population. This shift presents challenges but also tremendous opportunities. With targeted reforms and support, the silver economy can empower senior citizens, improve their quality of life, and significantly contribute to India's overall economic and social development.
Date: 23rd August
Purpose: To celebrate India’s space achievements and inspire future generations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
The first National Space Day was observed on 23rd August 2024.
It commemorates the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3’s Vikram Lander and the deployment of the Pragyan Rover on the Moon on 23rd August 2023.
The day highlights India’s growing space capabilities and upcoming ambitious missions like Gaganyaan (India’s human spaceflight program) and the Bharat Antariksh Station (India’s planned space station).
India is a signatory to the Outer Space Treaty (OST), 1967, and other related UN treaties through the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).
These international agreements promote peaceful use of space and assign responsibility and liability to countries for national space activities.
However, UN treaties are not self-executing; countries must enact domestic laws to implement treaty obligations effectively.
Other countries like the USA, Japan, and Luxembourg already have such laws for licensing, liability, and commercial space activities. Without a national space law, India risks non-compliance and losing its competitive edge globally.
While the OST has provided a foundation for space governance, rising geopolitical tensions (especially among US, Russia, and China) pose risks for space governance stability.
India needs a strong domestic legal framework to protect its commercial interests, national security, and technological advancements amid such uncertainties.
Current policies (Indian Space Policy 2023, IN-SPACe Guidelines 2024) show government intent but lack statutory/legal authority.
A national space law would empower IN-SPACe as the official regulator to authorize space activities, reduce bureaucratic delays, and build investor confidence.
Space startups face high risks due to expensive satellites and launch vehicles, and lack affordable liability insurance.
A law can:
Mandate third-party liability insurance.
Define clear claim and accident investigation procedures.
Provide affordable insurance schemes.
Strengthen intellectual property (IP) protections to encourage innovation and prevent brain drain.
A comprehensive law can establish:
Safety standards for space operations.
Mechanisms to manage space debris and mitigate collisions.
Procedures for handling accidents or emergencies in space.
Unified satellite frameworks ensuring responsible and credible space activities.
Objective: Enhance India’s space capabilities, encourage private sector participation, advance technology development, and strengthen international cooperation.
Delineation of Roles:
ISRO: Focus on research, innovation, and advanced technologies.
IN-SPACe: Single-window authorization for all space activities (government and private), ensuring safety, national security, and treaty compliance.
NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): Commercialize publicly funded space technologies and offer space-based services.
Department of Space: Policy implementation, safe and sustainable space operations, international coordination, and dispute resolution.
Applicability: Covers all space activities within Indian territory and exclusive economic zone, with the government retaining rights to grant exemptions.
Approvals involve multiple ministries (Defence, Telecom, Commerce, Department of Space), leading to duplication and delays.
Satellite communication projects, for instance, require simultaneous clearances from various departments.
IN-SPACe currently operates via executive orders, lacking formal legislative authority, which lowers investor confidence and risks legal challenges.
Under the OST, India is internationally liable for all national space activities, including those by private companies.
High liability insurance costs pose a significant entry barrier for startups.
Satellite manufacturing faces restricted FDI caps and unclear approval processes.
India seeks 100% automatic FDI approval in satellite components to attract foreign investments.
Competitors like Luxembourg and UAE offer more liberal investment policies, attracting global space startups.
Satellites are vulnerable to hacking, GPS spoofing, and espionage.
India currently lacks an independent Space Cybersecurity Command or a dedicated cybersecurity division within ISRO, increasing national security risks.
Launch sites like Sriharikota and Thumba face climate threats (e.g., sea-level rise, extreme weather).
There is no legal requirement for climate adaptation in space infrastructure, making them vulnerable.
Delay in creating space-based defense assets and integrated commands is worsened by the absence of statutory support.
Align India’s domestic laws with the Outer Space Treaty and related agreements.
Clearly define roles and responsibilities for government agencies and private players.
Establish liability norms and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Fully implement New Space Policy 2023 to allow private development of launch vehicles, satellites, and deep-space technologies.
Empower IN-SPACe with stronger authority to streamline licensing and approvals.
Establish an independent Space Traffic Management (STM) system to track satellites and debris.
Deploy active debris removal satellites using advanced technologies like laser ablation and robotic arms.
Enhance cooperation with international bodies such as UNOOSA and IADC for sustainable space operations.
Create a dedicated Space Cybersecurity Command under ISRO and DRDO.
Implement advanced security measures including quantum encryption, AI-driven anomaly detection, and satellite firewalls.
Introduce legal mandates for climate resilience measures to protect launch sites and space infrastructure.
India’s achievements in space technology are impressive and continue to grow rapidly. However, the absence of a national space law presents regulatory uncertainties, restricts investment, hampers startup growth, and threatens sustainable space development.
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
If you haven’t created your account yet, please Login HERE !
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
