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Current Situation: India has nearly 63 million people with disabilities (NFHS-5), but their representation in STEM fields is very low. Despite strong laws like the Right to Education Act (2009) and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016), many systemic barriers prevent true inclusion. This gap contradicts international commitments such as the UNCRPD (2006) and SDG-4 which call for inclusive education. Why Inclusivity in STEM Matters? Equit

National Handloom Day and the Swadeshi Movement

National Handloom Day Date: Celebrated every year on 7th August in India. Significance: Marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7 August 1905, which promoted indigenous industries, especially handloom weaving, as a form of economic resistance to British colonial rule. Official Declaration: Instituted by the Government of India in 2015 to honour the handloom community’s contributions. Theme 2025: “Weaving Innovation into Tradition” &mdas

World Trade Organization (WTO)

Why in the News? India recently called for significant reforms at the World Trade Organization (WTO) during a high-level mini-ministerial meeting in Paris ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference scheduled in Cameroon in 2026. About WTO Genesis: Established in 1995 after the Marrakesh Agreement, succeeding GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade). Uruguay Round: Negotiations from 1986 to 1994 led to the creation of the WTO. Functions: Administe

IN-SPACe

Pune-based space tech startup Astrophel Aerospace has recently signed a framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with IN-SPACe, the nodal body under the Department of Space (DoS). This agreement grants Astrophel access to ISRO facilities for technical reviews, system-level testing, and qualification support for their semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, including turbopumps and engine modules. About IN-SPACe The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) is a

Money Laundering

A report submitted by the Finance Minister in the Rajya Sabha revealed that since 2015, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has taken up 5,892 cases under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, but has secured only 15 convictions. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has emphasized that ED must follow the rule of law, urged the establishment of fast-track courts for PMLA cases, and recommended regulation of cryptocurrencies to prevent misuse without banning them outright. What is Mo

Lampedusa Island

At least 20 people died after a migrant boat capsized off the southern Italian island of Lampedusa recently. About Lampedusa Island: Location: Southern Mediterranean Sea, between Malta and Tunisia; about 170 km southwest of Licata, Sicily. Size: Largest of the Pelagie Islands, covering about 21 sq.km. Administrative Region: Part of the autonomous region of Sicily, Italy. Geographical Note: Although administratively Italian, the island is geographically