Elaboration: India was elected unopposed to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for a three-year term starting in 2026, marking its seventh election to the council. India's Permanent Representative at the UN, P. Harish, announced the election, highlighting India's commitment to human rights and its intention to act as a "bridge-builder" within the council.
India's repeated election to the UNHRC reflects its consistent engagement with global human rights forums and international recognition of its diplomatic standing. The country often invokes its principle of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam' ('the world is one family') in its foreign policy, aligning with the UNHRC's goals of promoting human rights and dialogue. This election is particularly significant amidst current geopolitical complexities, enhancing India's potential role in bridging divides within the council.
Elaboration: The Ministry of Mines classified limestone as a major mineral through a gazette notification, irrespective of its final use. An order was also issued to manage the transition for existing minor mineral leaseholders. This reclassification, based on recommendations from an Inter-Ministerial Committee, aims to improve the ease of doing business and ensure greater availability of limestone for industries.
Previously, limestone classification in India depended on whether it was used for building materials (minor mineral) or industrial purposes (major mineral). This led to regulatory challenges. With reduced demand for traditional lime and increased industrial use, a uniform classification was needed. The change streamlines regulation, supports key industries, and promotes economic growth and employment.
Elaboration: ISRO detailed the Crew Escape System (CES) for the Gaganyaan mission, a critical safety feature designed to eject the crew module during an emergency to ensure astronaut survival. The system has undergone rigorous testing, including a successful test in October 2023.
Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight mission. Crew safety is paramount for this mission. The CES is vital for ensuring astronaut safety throughout all mission phases. The CES, located atop the launch vehicle, utilizes powerful solid motors for rapid ejection. A successful test using a Test Vehicle in October 2023 validated this technology.
Elaboration: Debate persists regarding the DPDP Act, 2023, and its impact on the RTI Act, 2005. The core issue is Section 44 of the DPDP Act, which modified Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, allowing authorities to withhold "personal information" without the public interest test. Critics argue this weakens accountability, while supporters claim it balances privacy and transparency.
The RTI Act aimed to enhance transparency and combat corruption by giving citizens access to government information. Its Section 8(1)(j) allowed withholding personal information unless public interest demanded disclosure. The DPDP Act's amendment removed this public interest test for "personal information". This change has raised concerns among activists about potential government opacity and impacts on public interest litigation and journalism. The government argues this harmonizes privacy with information rights and notes that the public interest override in Section 8(2) of the RTI Act remains.