Month: November 2024

India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite: Why SpaceX, Not ISRO, Is Handling the Launch

Manish Kumar

ISRO and India’s Pioneering Space Journey India’s space program, spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has been a beacon of innovation, propelling the nation to the forefront of global space exploration. From the success of the Chandrayaan missions to the remarkable feat of the Mars Orbiter Mission, ISRO has consistently showcased India’s technological prowess. However, the upcoming launch of the GSAT-N2 satellite, a vital component of India’s communication infrastructure, is not being carried out by ISRO but by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. This shift raises questions about the decision…

Manipur in Turmoil: NPP’s Exit from NDA Highlights Governance Crisis

Manish Kumar

NDA’s Rule in Manipur Under Strain Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) took charge of Manipur in 2017, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has faced a challenging governance landscape. From ethnic tensions to socio-political unrest, Manipur’s stability has been tested repeatedly. The latest political tremor—triggered by the National People’s Party (NPP) withdrawing its support from the BJP-led coalition—has escalated the crisis, revealing deep fissures in the state’s administration. Though the BJP retains a majority in the Assembly, the NPP’s pull-out underscores a loss…

Kailash Gahlot’s Defection: A Political Shift with Far-Reaching Implications

Manish Kumar

Kailash Gahlot – From AAP Loyalist to BJP’s New Asset Kailash Gahlot’s political journey has been marked by steadfast loyalty to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and significant contributions to governance in Delhi. As a senior minister in the AAP government, Gahlot held portfolios like Transport, Home, Women and Child Development, and Administrative Reforms. His defection to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), mere months before the Delhi Assembly elections, signals a seismic shift in the political landscape, with potential consequences for both AAP’s electoral prospects and BJP’s strategy in the…

Delhi Chokes: A Toxic Winter Crisis Returns

Manish Kumar

Delhi’s Annual Smog Siege Every winter, Delhi transforms into a pollution hotspot as cold air traps particulate matter, emissions, and smoke from crop stubble burning in neighboring states. The capital’s Air Quality Index (AQI) regularly spirals into “severe” and “severe-plus” categories, posing health risks for millions. The city’s winter woes, driven by meteorological factors and human activities, demand immediate and sustained interventions. This season, however, has hit alarming levels, with the air quality deteriorating to the worst recorded so far. A Morning Cloaked in Smog On November 18, Delhi woke…

A Historic Honour for Modi: Ushering a New Era in India-Nigeria Relations

Manish Kumar

India’s Expanding Global Footprint India’s foreign policy has evolved to become a blend of pragmatic diplomacy and strategic partnerships, reflecting its emergence as a global leader and a voice for the Global South. Rooted in the principles of mutual respect and collaboration, India’s diplomatic initiatives aim to foster economic development, address security challenges, and champion equitable global governance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Nigeria exemplifies this vision, as he was honored with Nigeria’s second-highest national award and engaged in meaningful discussions to deepen bilateral ties. This visit not…

IPL 2025: Punjab Kings Likely to Appoint Shashank Singh as Captain Ahead of Mega Auction

Manish Kumar

Punjab Kings (PBKS) is gearing up for the IPL 2025 season with a major revamp, retaining just two players—Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh—while releasing their previous captain, Shikhar Dhawan, along with most of the squad. As the franchise looks for a new leader to finally break their 17-year title drought, all signs point to Shashank Singh, a 32-year-old explosive batter, as the frontrunner for the captaincy. Shashank Singh’s Stellar IPL Journey Shashank Singh made headlines during the IPL 2024 season with his exceptional performances, amassing 354 runs in 14 matches…

India’s New-Look Test Squad Announced for England Series: Rohit, Virat, and Ashwin Rested, 5 Players Set to Debut

Manish Kumar

India is gearing up for a fresh Test series against England in June-August 2025 following the conclusion of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25. The five-match Test series will kick off on June 20, with the first match scheduled at Headingley, Leeds. Reports suggest that senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin might be rested, paving the way for new faces in the squad. Here’s a look at the probable squad and the debutants for the series. Senior Players Rested, Young Guns to Shine Selectors are likely to rest…

Not Pant or KL Rahul, but this 13-year-old will fetch the highest bid in the IPL 2025 Mega Auction, dealing only in boundaries!

Manish Kumar

IPL 2025: The IPL 2025 mega auction is set to take place on November 24 and 25. Among the numerous stars, a 13-year-old Indian cricketer has become the center of attention. The IPL 2025 mega auction is gearing up to make headlines. The event will be held in Dubai on November 24 and 25, where players have already registered themselves. Alongside seasoned stars, fresh young faces will also enter the fray. Among these, one name stands out: 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose popularity has already eclipsed stalwarts like Rishabh Pant and…

India at Crossroads: Tackling Climate-Related Health Risks with Resilience and Equity

Manish Kumar

A Nation Vulnerable to Climate Change India is facing a profound challenge, with over 80% of its population exposed to climate-related health risks, according to Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former chief scientist of the World Health Organization (WHO). Speaking at the COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan, she emphasized the urgent need for integrated policies addressing health, climate, and gender equity. India’s vast population, diverse geography, and socioeconomic disparities make it particularly susceptible to the multifaceted impacts of climate change, from air pollution to malnutrition and vector-borne diseases. The Health-Climate Nexus The…

G7 Reaffirms Commitment to Imposing Severe Costs on Russia

Manish Kumar

What is the G7 and its Role? The Group of Seven (G7) is an intergovernmental organization comprising seven of the world’s leading advanced democracies: the United States, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Formed in the 1970s, the G7 serves as a platform to address global economic, security, and political challenges, emphasizing shared values of democracy and open markets. In recent years, the G7 has played a central role in responding to geopolitical crises, including the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, by leveraging its collective influence to enforce sanctions…