Content: SpaDeX Mission: Revolutionising Space Exploration Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad” SpaDeX Mission: Revolutionising Space Exploration Context : Achievement Milestone: India’s Fourth Nation Status: With the successful execution of the SpaDeX mission, India joins the elite group of countries capable of space docking operations. Launch Details: Mission initiated on 30th December 2024. Spacecraft launched via PSLV-C60 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Docking Success: Completed on 16th January 2025. Relevance : GS 3(Space ) Technological Significance: SpaDeX demonstrates rendezvous, docking, and undocking capabilities essential for: Satellite Servicing. Space Station Operations. Interplanetary Exploration. Mission Objectives: Develop and validate docking mechanisms. Establish control over docked satellites as a single entity. Demonstrate life-extension capabilities for satellites. Conduct power transfer between docked spacecraft. Mission Features: Two satellites: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), each weighing ~220 kg. Equipped with: Solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. Advanced Attitude and Orbit Control System (AOCS). Indigenous innovations include: Bharatiya Docking System. GNSS-based Relative Orbit Determination. Inter-Satellite Communication Link (ISL). Applications and Future Goals: High-resolution imaging and resourcemonitoring. Preparation for ambitious missions like: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). Chandrayaan-4. Gaganyaan. Collaboration with the Department of Biotechnology to explore space biology applications. Global and Strategic Importance: Strengthens India’s leadership in autonomous space technology. Supports India’s strategic goals in space exploration, enhancing global partnerships. Lays groundwork for lunar sample returns and manned space missions. Analytical Perspective: Technological Leap: Marks a pivotal step in India’s transition from satellite launches to advancedspaceoperations. Positions ISRO for competitive participation in global space programs. Strategic Autonomy: Indigenous developments reduce dependence on foreign technologies, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat. Broader Implications: Enhances India’s capacity for space diplomacy. Opens avenues for commercial utilization of space technologies. Way Forward: Ensure successful undocking and validate power transfer mechanisms. Leverage SpaDeX outcomes for operationalizing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. Strengthen global collaboration in space exploration and technology sharing. SpaDeX underscores India’s emergence as a leader in space innovation, setting the stage for a new era of scientific and strategic advancements. Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad” Context : Approval and Objectives: The Union Cabinet has approved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Objective: To accommodate Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLV). Act as a standby for the Second Launch Pad (SLP). Support Indian human spaceflight missions and enhanced space exploration capacity. Relevance : GS 3(Space ) Features and Implementation: The TLP will be designed with universal adaptability to support multiple vehicle configurations: NGLV. LVM3 vehicles with semi-cryogenic stages. Scaled-up configurations of NGLV. Realization within 48 months (4 years). Emphasis on industry participation and leveraging ISRO’s prior experience. Expenditure: Total estimated cost: ₹3984.86 crore, covering the launch pad and associated facilities. Impact on Space Ecosystem: Boosts India’s space ecosystem by enabling: Increased launch frequency. Support for human spaceflight and space exploration. Development of heavy-lift capabilities. Background: Existing Launch Infrastructure: Current reliance on: First Launch Pad (FLP): Operational for 30 years, primarily supports PSLV and SSLV missions. Second Launch Pad (SLP): Operational for 20 years, designed for GSLV and LVM3. It also supports PSLV missions and commercial launches. Need for a Third Launch Pad: Increasing demands of the Amrit Kaal vision: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035. Indian crewed lunar landing by 2040. Requirement for new-generation, heavier launch vehicles with advanced propulsion systems. TLP Justification: Current launch pads are insufficient to cater to: Upcoming heavier-class launch vehicles. Increased launch frequencies for national and commercial missions. TLP is critical to support space transportation needs for the next 25-30 years. Analytical Perspective: Strategic Importance: Enhances national space capabilities to compete globally. Critical for missions like Gaganyaan, Chandrayaan, and interplanetary exploration. Reduces dependency on aging infrastructure, ensuring redundancy. Economic and Industrial Implications: Promotes private sector participation in the space sector, aligning with Atmanirbhar Bharat. Strengthens India’s position as a commercial space hub, boosting exports and collaborations. Technological Advancements: Supports development of semi-cryogenic engines and heavier payload capabilities. Enables human-rated launches and next-gen propulsion systems. Way Forward: Timely execution of the TLP project to meet evolving space demands. Integration with future projects like NGLV, Bharatiya Antariksh Station, and Indian lunar missions. Strengthening private-public partnerships for innovative and cost-effective solutions. The Third Launch Pad represents a significant step toward realizing India’s ambitious space vision, reinforcing its leadership in the global space arena.

Content: Great anniversaries of peace initiatives, a role for India An alliance of democracies with India at its core Gates in the sky Great Anniversaries of peace initiatives, a role for India Introduction: 80th Anniversary of the First Nuclear Test (July 16, 1945): Marks the first detonation of a nuclear weapon by the United States, opening the era of nuclear weapons. 80th Anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki Bombings (August 1945): Direct consequences of the nuclear test, with massive civilian casualties and widespread devastation. 70th Anniversary of the Russell-Einstein Manifesto (1955): A call to halt nuclear weapon development, led by prominent scientists like Bertrand Russell and Albert Einstein, warning of the potential destruction of humanity. 70th Anniversary of the Avadi Resolution (January 17, 1955): India’s significant political step towards advocating for the total prohibition of nuclear weapons and weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). Relevance : GS 2 (Governance, Polity, Social Justice, and International relations) Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Avadi Resolution (1955) in the context of global nuclear disarmament efforts. How can India play a pivotal role in leading future peace initiatives concerning nuclear weapons?(250 Words) Relevance of the Avadi Resolution The resolution called for the prohibition of nuclear weapons and stressed the existential threat posed to civilization. It aligned with the scientific calls for disarmament, particularly echoing the Russell-Einstein Manifesto, reinforcing the urgency of nuclear disarmament in the face of escalating global tensions. India’s role as a nuclear state has evolved, but its foundational call for a peaceful world remains relevant today. Current Global Nuclear Threats Nuclear Arms and Geopolitics: The revision of Russia’s nuclear doctrine, NATO’s missile deployments, and the instability in the Israel-Palestine conflict illustrate the escalating risks of nuclear warfare. Non-state Actors: The growing risk of non-state actors acquiring nuclear capabilities, especially via cyber pathways and Artificial Intelligence, represents a new frontier of nuclear threat. Deterrence and Arms Control: While the world still maintains nuclear weapons, the emphasis on deterrence and arms control has weakened, and the nuclear arsenal remains dangerously high (12,100 warheads globally). India’s Position and Responsibility As a nuclear weapons state, India is uniquely positioned to advocate for global peace and nuclear disarmament. The Rajiv Gandhi Action Plan (1988) demonstrated India’s commitment to a nuclear-free world, showing India’s ability to lead peace initiatives. India’s Call for Leadership: India must take proactive steps to prevent nuclear conflict by leading a new conference on mass annihilation prevention, building on the legacy of Avadi and Russell-Einstein. India’s voice is crucial to bridge gaps between nuclear powers and to prevent an impending global disaster. Global Denial of Nuclear Threats The world remains largely in denial about the real and immediate threats of nuclear annihilation. The metaphor of the 2004 tsunami and recent California wildfires underscores how, like these natural calamities, the nuclear threat is underestimated until it becomes too late. India must champion peace initiatives to prevent the world from facing a future of nuclear conflict or Armageddon. An Alliance of Democracies With India At Its Core Global Geopolitical Context 2024: Super-Election Year: The year 2024 marked a period of political change across democracies, providing an opportunity for nations to reassess global alliances, particularly between Europe and India. EU-India Relations: Historically centered around on/off Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations, these relations need to evolve into a broader strategic partnership, focusing not only on trade but also on defence, economic security, technology, and global governance. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Practice Question:Evaluate the strategic importance of a closer EU-India relationship in the context of global geopolitical challenges. How can both sides overcome existing hurdles and build a robust alliance of democracies?(250 Words) Challenges to Strengthening EU-India Ties Trade Barriers: The EU and India face significant barriers to establishing a comprehensive FTA. Although negotiations have been ongoing for nearly two decades, the political and bureaucratic processes continue to hinder progress. India’s Neutrality in Global Conflicts: India’s cautious stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict and its historical ties to Russia and China complicate its full alignment with the West. While India’s rivalry with China is significant, it does not want to be forced into a binary conflict between democratic and autocratic blocs. Double Standards in Europe’s Expectations: Europe’s demand for India to sever ties with Russia while ignoring its own dependence on China has led to accusations of hypocrisy. The Need for Strategic Realignment Geopolitical Interdependence: The outcomes in the Atlantic (Europe-U.S.) directly affect the Indo-Pacific, where India is a key player. A unified democratic alliance can counterbalance the growing influence of autocratic states. Practical Steps for Strengthening EU-India Relations Trade and Investment: In the absence of a full FTA, India and the EU should focus on pragmatic, piecemeal trade agreements that break down existing barriers. The goal should be to foster economic cooperation, with India emerging as a ‘Trusted Partner’ in key sectors like raw materials and pharmaceuticals. Defence Cooperation: India already enjoys strong defence ties with the U.S., but Europe can play a crucial role by supporting India’s security through enhanced defence cooperation. This includes increasing EU-India discussions on defence and space cooperation, areas where both have ambitious plans. Technology and Innovation: The EU-India Trade and Technology Council (TTC) holds significant potential, especially in areas such as critical and emerging technologies. Inspired by U.S.-India initiatives like iCET, this cooperation can propel India to the forefront of global research in emerging technologies like quantum computing and biotech, competing against China’s growing technological dominance. Future of EU-India Strategic Partnership People-to-People Ties: Strengthening people-to-people connections can enhance mutual understanding and cooperation, complementing the broader strategic and economic ties. India as a Core Member of the Alliance: The ultimate goal is to position India as the central figure in a broader alliance of democracies, with Europe and the U.S. at the helm. This alliance can serve as a powerful counter to autocratic powers, combining the strengths of three globally influential democracies. Challenges Within Democracies Internal Democratic Challenges: Both India and Europe face their own internal challenges to democracy. It is crucial for these democracies to collaborate in addressing these issues, creating a more resilient and unified global democratic front. Global Leadership: The combined leadership of Europe, India, and the U.S. can become a formidable force in defending democratic values, addressing global challenges like climate change, economic inequality, and human rights, while countering autocratic regimes. Gates in the sky Context :  ISRO’s SpaDeX Mission Launch of PSLV-C60: On December 30, 2024, ISRO successfully launched the PSLV-C60 mission, marking a significant step in its space exploration capabilities. The primary payload was the Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX), which involved demonstrating orbital rendezvous and docking, a crucial technology for future space missions. Docking Milestones: While the mission faced delays and abortive attempts, the satellites successfully docked on January 16, 2025. This docking was followed by tests to exchange electric power and undocking, before moving on to the satellites’ payload testing over the next two years. Relevance : GS 3(Space) Practice Question: Analyze the strategic significance of ISRO’s Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) for India’s future space missions. How does docking technology contribute to long-duration spaceflight and interplanetary exploration?(250 Words) Importance of Docking Technology Enabling Complex Missions: Docking technology allows space components to be launched separately and assembled in space. This capability is vital for more complex missions that require heavier spacecraft than current rockets can launch. By assembling spacecraft in orbit, space agencies can bypass the limitations of Earth’s gravity and atmosphere, enabling interplanetary missions and long-duration spaceflights. Gateway to Interplanetary Exploration: One such mission that benefits from docking technology is the Chandrayaan-4 lunar sample return mission, which will require a modular spacecraft capable of docking in orbit. This technology opens doors for ambitious space missions, including those targeting Mars, deep space exploration, and resource extraction from asteroids. Challenges in Space Docking Delays and Uncertainties: Despite the advanced technology, space docking is fraught with technical challenges. The docking attempt was postponed multiple times (initially expected on January 7, then January 9, and eventually January 16), illustrating the difficulty of achieving precise orbital mechanics in real-time. These delays are part of the learning curve in developing new space technologies. Data Collection and Testing: Each docking attempt was a data-gathering effort, as ISRO collected information about satellite displacement and other technical aspects. These tests were crucial for refining docking technology and ensuring its reliability in future missions. Strategic Importance of Docking for India’s Space Program Long-Duration Spaceflights: Docking technology is particularly relevant for missions like Mars exploration and space-mining operations, which require long-duration flights and the ability to resupply spacecraft in orbit. This makes docking an essential tool for India’s aspirations in deep space exploration. Cost Reduction and New Opportunities: The ability to assemble spacecraft in space will significantly reduce the cost of launching large interplanetary spacecraft. This is especially important for countries like India, where space agencies face budget constraints and need to maximize the utility of each mission. Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS): ISRO’s plans for the BAS, which is expected to be launched later this decade, will rely heavily on docking technology. The station will serve as a hub for research, orbital servicing, and potentially as a platform for space exploration missions. The success of SpaDeX and future docking experiments will lay the foundation for these ambitious goals. Future Implications for ISRO and Global Space Exploration Global Collaboration and Competition: As docking technology becomes a key component of space exploration, India’s advancements in this field will allow it to compete with other spacefaring nations, such as the U.S., Russia, and China, while also opening the door for greater international collaboration in space missions. Technology and Research Opportunities: The success of SpaDeX will pave the way for ISRO to expand its capabilities in satellite servicing, orbital resupply, and even the potential for future space tourism. These opportunities align with the broader global trend of reducing the cost of space exploration and increasing its accessibility.

Content: ISRO Executes Satellite Docking, Places India in Elite Space Club Sriharikota to Get Third Launch Pad Tamil Nadu’s ‘Drone Didis’ Spray Acres of Farmlands in a Jiffy Singapore to Help India’s Semiconductor Industry Long Overdue, Short-Term Regimen for TB Set to Be a Game Changer Costly HPV Vaccine Needs to Be Part of National Immunisation Programme The Impacts of Rupee Weakening 2024 Was Not Just Hottest but Also the Moistest Year, Inducing Global Catastrophes ISRO Executes Satellite Docking, places India in elite space club Context: Historic Achievement ISRO successfully executed its first satellite docking experiment (SpaDeX), making India the fourth country after the U.S., Russia, and China to achieve this feat. Relevance : GS 3(Space ) Mission Details: Satellites Involved: SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target). Launch: The satellites were launched on December 30, 2024, via PSLV C60 into a 475-km circular orbit. Docking Process: Steps Completed: Manoeuvre from 15m to 3m hold point. Docking initiation with precise alignment. Retraction for secure attachment and rigidisation for stability. The docking was initially postponed on January 7 and 8 due to drift and abort scenarios but successfully completed on January 11, 2025. Significance of SpaDeX: Demonstrates critical technologies for future space missions, including: Building an Indian space station. Lunar sample return missions. Manned lunar missions. Post-docking, ISRO gained control of the two satellites as a single unit. Follow-Up Objectives: Undocking and Power Transfer: Demonstrating electric power transfer between docked satellites for in-space robotics and payload operations. Application Missions: Satellites will be separated and operated for respective payload missions with a lifespan of up to two years. Technical and Operational Challenges: Required precise manoeuvres and ground simulations to address drift and abort scenarios. Strategic Implications: Advances India’s capabilities in spacecraft docking, a critical step toward enhancing space exploration and operations. Positions India among elite nations in space docking technology. ISRO’s Statement: Acknowledged the achievement as a historic milestone for the nation and congratulated the team. Sriharikota to get third launch pad Context : Union Cabinet Approval Approval granted for constructing a third launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota. Project allocated an outlay of ₹3,984.86 crore with a timeline of four years for completion by early 2029. Relevance : GS 3(Space) Strategic Significance: Will serve as a standby for the existing two launch pads. Enhances ISRO’s capacity to handle increased launch demands and evolving requirements. Support for Advanced Missions: Designed to accommodate ISRO’s Next Generation Launch Vehicles (NGLVs), set to debut in 2031. Supports manned spaceflight missions, with the first mission targeted for 2026. Capable of handling advanced vehicles like the Launch Vehicle Mark 3 with semi-cryogenic stages. Universal Configuration: The new pad will feature a flexible design to cater to a variety of launch vehicles, ensuring scalability and adaptability for future needs. Enhanced Space Capabilities: Addresses India’s space transportation requirements for the next 25–30 years. Boosts ISRO’s capacity for heavier-class launches and complex mission configurations. Historical Context: Existing launch pads have been operational for nearly two decades, highlighting the need for upgraded infrastructure. Economic and Technological Impact: Strengthens India’s position in the global space industry by enabling more frequent and advanced launches. Promotes technological innovation and indigenous capabilities in space infrastructure development. Tamil Nadu’s ‘drone didis’ spray acres of farmlands in a jiffy Introduction to ‘Drone Didis’: Tamil Nadu’s first batch of women drone operators under the Namo Drone Didi scheme is operational. The initiative empowers rural women, making them part of the farming supply chain. Relevance : GS 2(Governance ,Schemes) Pilot Stories: Nandhini Sugumar (27): Postgraduate in Mathematics. Now a trained drone operator, assisting farmers in spraying fertilizers and pesticides. Covers an acre of farmland in 7 minutes for ₹400 per acre. Operates in Devapandalam and surrounding areas where most farmers own 1-4 acres. Training and Resources Conducted by Garuda Aerospace Private Ltd. in Chennai: 5-day hands-on training on drone operation and maintenance. Remote Pilot Training Classes. Participants receive a drone worth ₹7 lakh for free: Equipped with two tanks and a battery set. Weighs ~30 kg when loaded. Advantages Efficient Operations: Reduces time for agricultural tasks: 1 acre in 7 minutes compared to manual methods. Simplifies spraying of fertilizers, pesticides, and water. Economic Opportunity: Provides an alternate income for rural women. Charges are affordable for small-scale farmers (₹400/acre). Skill Development: Introduces rural women to advanced technology. Promotes entrepreneurship in agriculture. Challenges Battery Limitations: Frequent recharging needed after every acre. Logistics Issues: Drones, weighing ~30 kg when loaded, are difficult to transport. Requires assistance to carry. Adoption Hurdles: Awareness and trust-building among farmers are still ongoing. Impact on Agriculture Accelerates farming processes in regions with small landholdings. Reduces manual labor dependency. Enhances productivity by ensuring uniform spraying of inputs. Policy Implications Highlights the need for: Subsidized access to drone-compatible batteries and lightweight models. Infrastructure for easier transportation in rural areas. Aligns with the government’s focus on technological inclusion and women’s empowerment in rural areas. Conclusion The ‘Drone Didis’ initiative exemplifies a successful blend of technology, women’s empowerment, and sustainable farming practices. While challenges like logistics and battery life persist, the program has the potential to transform rural economies and agricultural productivity. Singapore to help India’s semiconductor industry Introduction :India’s Focus on Semiconductors: Singapore and India are collaborating to establish a semiconductor ecosystem in India. Emphasis on advanced manufacturing and the development of technological solutions in the semiconductor domain. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Significance of the Visit: Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam is visiting India to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. The visit includes bilateral discussions and the launch of a commemorative logo with India’s President Droupadi Murmu. Strategic Cooperation Areas Semiconductor Industry: Joint efforts to manufacture semiconductor chips in India. Building a robust ecosystem to support semiconductor production and innovation. Digital Space: Exploring the creation of a data corridor between GIFT City in Gujarat and Singapore: Enables secure and trusted exchange of financial data. Renewable Energy: Collaboration to boost renewable energy initiatives. Focus on leveraging India’s ambition for eastern states like Odisha and Assam. Infrastructure Development: Strengthening logistics, connectivity, and petrochemical industries in India’s eastern states. Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Relations upgraded to a strategic partnership during PM Modi’s 2022 Singapore visit. Economic Ties Singapore has been India’s largest foreign investor for several years. Bilateral trade and investments are thriving across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, and technology. Observations Eastern States in Focus: Odisha and Assam highlighted for their natural resource availability and development potential. Singapore’s investment could boost infrastructure and employment in these regions. Semiconductor Ecosystem: Critical step for India to reduce reliance on semiconductor imports. Aligns with India’s push for self-reliance in electronics manufacturing under schemes like PLI (Production Linked Incentive). Challenges Building Ecosystem: Requires significant investment in research, skilled workforce, and infrastructure. Global Competition: India and Singapore need to compete with established semiconductor hubs like Taiwan, South Korea, and the US. Data Security: Ensuring secure and trusted frameworks for the proposed data corridor is crucial. Geopolitical Significance Strengthens India-Singapore ties amidst growing regional and global technological competition. Enhances India’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, reducing dependency on traditional hubs. Conclusion The India-Singapore collaboration on semiconductors and digital infrastructure is a strategic step forward in boosting technological innovation and economic growth. While challenges persist in building a semiconductor ecosystem, the partnership reflects shared ambitions for a sustainable and advanced future. Long overdue, short-term regimen for TB set to be a game changer Introduction: Introduction of the BPaL regimen (bedaquiline, pretomanid, linezolid), with potential to revolutionize treatment: Duration reduced to six months. All-oral treatment with fewer pills and reduced toxicity. Clinical trials (Nix-TB and ZeNix) have demonstrated efficacy and better tolerance with adjusted linezolid dosage. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) Challenges in Current TB Treatments: Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB):Resistance to rifampicin and isoniazid poses high mortality risks (30-40%).Prolonged regimens (18+ months) with significant side effects led to poor adherence. Toxic side effects from previous treatments:Pain, hearing loss, depression, and social stigma exacerbated patient suffering. Systematic neglect of patient demands for shorter, less toxic treatments. Advantages of the BPaL Regimen Reduced Treatment Duration: Improves adherence and decreases economic burden. Low Pill Burden: Encourages better patient compliance. Enhanced Tolerance: Lower toxicity compared to previous regimens. Caveats to Consider Adherence Monitoring: Resistance to bedaquiline has been reported in patients failing treatment. Phone-based and digital adherence tools must be integrated. Drug-Susceptibility Testing (DST): Essential for ensuring regimen suitability. Early universal molecular diagnostics are necessary to detect resistant strains. Adverse Effects: Linezolid-associated sensory neuropathy requires vigilance. Alternative regimens must be defined for intolerant patients. Health System Preparedness Training of Physicians: Comprehensive training for management of MDR-TB cases and side effects. Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Crucial for ensuring universal access, particularly for patients accessing private healthcare. Cost Implications: Shorter regimens are expensive but offer long-term benefits by reducing patient suffering and improving outcomes. Structural Barriers in TB Management Stigma and Economic Burden: TB patients face societal and workplace discrimination. Nutritional and economic support is vital to address inequalities. Social Determinants of Health: TB prevalence is influenced by poverty, overcrowding, and poor nutrition. Addressing root causes is critical to long-term eradication efforts. Way Forward Person-Centred Care: Focus on engagement, counselling, and support for patients and their families. Community Education: Awareness programs to improve treatment adherence and reduce stigma. Systemic Transformation: Beyond new regimens, a holistic approach addressing socio-economic determinants is essential. Costly HPV Vaccine Needs To Be Part of National Immunisation Programme Overview Cervical cancer, caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), is among the leading causes of cancer in Indian women. HPV is responsible for 99.7% of cervical cancers globally. The HPV vaccine is highly effective, preventing over 90% of HPV-related cancers. Relevance : GS 2(Health , Governance) Current Situation in India The HPV vaccine is available only via private practitioners, though NTAGI has recommended its inclusion in the national immunisation programme. Some states, such as Punjab and Sikkim, have incorporated the vaccine into their immunisation schedules. Recommended: Routine vaccination for girls at 9 years and a catch-up for those aged 9–14. Benefits of the HPV Vaccine Prevents cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and throat cancers caused by HPV. Effective for both genders, offering protection against genital warts and HPV-related cancers. Safe for immunocompromised individuals, including those with HIV. Vaccines approved in India: Gardasil: Quadrivalent (HPV-6, 11, 16, 18) Cervarix: Bivalent Cervavac: India-made, targets HPV-16 and 18. Statistics on Cervical Cancer in India 3rd most common cancer among women. Accounts for 18.3% of all cancer cases and 9.1% of cancer deaths in women (GLOBOCAN 2020). High prevalence in areas like Arunachal Pradesh (Papumpare district). Challenges Cost: Gardasil 9: ₹10,850/dose. Gardasil 4: ₹2,000–₹4,000/dose. Cervavac: ₹2,000/dose. Awareness: Limited understanding of its importance. Cultural Factors: Stigma around reproductive health impacts acceptance. Recommendations Universal inclusion of the HPV vaccine in the national immunisation programme. Promote awareness campaigns to address cultural and knowledge gaps. Encourage vaccination for all genders to broaden HPV prevention. Focus on vaccinating individuals before exposure (ideally 9–26 years). Call to Action The inclusion of the HPV vaccine in India’s immunisation programme would be a significant step toward reducing the cervical cancer burden. However, affordability, awareness, and systemic challenges must be addressed to achieve this goal. The Impacts of Rupee Weakening Nature of the Devaluation: The Indian rupee experienced sharp devaluation, marking a departure from the relative stability maintained over the past two years. Driven by increased capital outflows, rising import costs, and higher crude oil prices. Relevance : GS 3(Economy ) Exchange Rate Policies: India predominantly follows a managed-floating exchange rate regime. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has balanced devaluation with adjustments to foreign exchange reserves, especially during periods of excess demand for foreign currency. Post-COVID, the RBI temporarily adopted a strategy akin to a fixed exchange rate regime but reverted to a managed-float approach recently. Implications of Depreciation: Positive Impact: Can boost net exports if domestic goods become cheaper relative to foreign goods, provided domestic inflation remains controlled. Negative Impact: Higher import costs can increase the variable costs of firms, leading to inflation, squeezing real incomes, and diminishing purchasing power. Structural Challenges: Divergence between nominal effective exchange rate (NEER) and real effective exchange rate (REER) since the mid-2010s. Despite rupee devaluation, rising domestic prices have appreciated the real exchange rate, eroding export competitiveness. Increased markups by non-financial firms have contributed to domestic inflation. Policy Dilemmas: The RBI’s inconsistent policy responses, including frequent shifts without transparent communication, have raised questions about India’s exchange rate strategy. The devaluation highlights the need for a robust framework to address both short-term adjustments and long-term objectives like export competitiveness and inflation control. Reflection: The Indian economy faces a dual challenge: managing inflationary pressures due to rupee depreciation while ensuring that real exchange rate movements do not hinder export recovery. A well-communicated and adaptive exchange rate policy will be crucial to navigating these economic complexities. 2024 Was Not Just Hottest But Also The Moistest Year, Inducing Global Catastrophes Context : Record-Breaking Temperatures and Humidity 2024 recorded a temperature anomaly of 1.55°C above the pre-industrial average (1850–1900), surpassing the 1.5°C threshold outlined in the Paris Agreement. Water vapour in the atmosphere was 4.9% above the 1991–2020 average, marking the highest in at least 33 years. Relevance : GS 3(Environment) Global Warming Feedback Loops: Warmer temperatures drive higher surface evaporation and enable the atmosphere to retain more water vapour, intensifying a feedback loop of warming and moisture accumulation. Water vapour, being a potent greenhouse gas, amplifies global warming, setting the stage for extreme precipitation and weather events. Extreme Weather Events in 2024: Catastrophic floods occurred across Sudan, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Chad, and Spain. The United States faced the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Increased atmospheric moisture directly influenced these events, as noted by the World Weather Attribution consortium. Oceanic Heat and Moisture: Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) in 2024 were 0.61°C above the 1981–2020 baseline, breaking records despite a shift to neutral El Niño conditions. High SSTs contributed to record ocean heat content, fueling more atmospheric moisture and intensifying extreme events. Geographical Anomalies: Regions like India, northeastern North America, Sahara Desert, Russia, and China recorded unprecedented ‘Total Column Water Vapour’ levels. Scientific Consensus: The Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) and World Meteorological Organization (WMO) confirm the role of greenhouse gases in amplifying atmospheric moisture and warming. While single-year anomalies like 2024 don’t signify an immediate failure of climate goals, they highlight the urgent need for mitigation. Future Risks: Accelerated feedback loops involving warming, water vapour, SSTs, and ocean heat content pose a threat of more frequent and severe extreme weather events, glacial melting, and sea-level rise. Enhanced understanding and global policy responses are crucial to address these escalating impacts. Reflection: The year 2024 serves as a stark reminder of the intensifying effects of climate change, emphasizing the critical need for both mitigation and adaptation strategies. With each fraction of a degree of warming, the urgency for robust global action becomes increasingly clear.