Art and Culture 

Dokra artwork - The Hindu 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented French President Emmanuel Macron with a meticulously crafted Dokra artwork depicting musicians adorned with studded stonework, highlighting India’s rich tribal artistry.

Dokra Artwork

• Overview: Ancient bell metal craft with origins over 4,000 years ago.

• Practice: By Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional metalsmiths.
• Prevalence: West Bengal, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
• Features:
  • Unique craftsmanship – No two pieces are identical.
  • Handcrafted with themes from mythology, nature, and daily life.

Process (Lost-Wax Technique):

• Step 1 – Clay model of the object is sculpted.
• Step 2 – Coated with wax, where fine details are etched.
• Step 3 – Another clay layer is added to form a mold.
• Step 4 – Molten brass or copper is poured in, replacing the melted wax.
• Step 5 – Once hardened, the outer clay is removed to reveal the sculpture.

World Affairs 

Some Key Takeaways From India-US Statement - Indian Express 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Donald Trump held a bilateral meeting at the White House, the first visit by the Indian PM since the US President returned to power four weeks ago.

Key Highlights of US-India Joint Statement

• US-India Catalysing Opportunities for Military Partnership, Accelerated Commerce & Technology (COMPACT)
  • To strengthen cooperation in defence, trade, energy, technology, multilateralism, and people-to-people ties.
• Defence Cooperation
  • New 10-year Defence Partnership Framework to be signed in 2025.
  • Expansion of US defence sales and co-production with India, including Javelin and Stryker.
  • Procurement of six additional P-8I aircraft.
  • Review of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) to ease defence trade and technology transfer.
  • Negotiations on Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement.
  • Defence technology cooperation in space, air defence, missiles, maritime, and undersea systems.
  • Review of US policy on fifth-generation fighters and undersea systems for India.
  • Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) launched for underwater domain awareness technologies.
  • Enhanced logistics, intelligence sharing, and security cooperation.
• Trade & Investment
  • "Mission 500" aims to double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030.
  • Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) to be finalized by 2025.
  • Indian investments in the US exceed $7.35 billion, creating 3,000 high-quality jobs.
• Technology & Innovation
  • Launch of US-India TRUST (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology) for collaboration in AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, biotech, space, and energy.
  • AI Infrastructure Roadmap to be finalized by year-end.
  • Cooperation on AI data centers, compute processors, and emerging technologies.
  • Expansion of Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing in the US.
  • Strategic Mineral Recovery Initiative for lithium, cobalt, and rare earth processing.
  • MoU signed between US National Science Foundation and India’s Anusandhan National Research Foundation.
• Energy Security
  • Strengthening the US-India Energy Security Partnership in oil, gas, and civil nuclear energy.
  • Support for India's full membership in the International Energy Agency (IEA).
  • Implementation of the US-India 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement for reactor development and localization.
  • Collaboration on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for nuclear power generation.
• People-to-People Ties
  • 300,000 Indian students contribute over $8 billion annually to the US economy.
  • Strengthening collaborations in higher education through joint degrees, Centres of Excellence, and offshore campuses.
  • Facilitating legal mobility for students, professionals, and short-term travelers.
  • Enhanced cooperation against illegal immigration and human trafficking.
• Multilateral Cooperation
  • Commitment to Quad and Indo-Pacific cooperation.
  • Quad Leaders' Summit to be hosted in India.
  • Plans to convene partners from India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEC) and I2U2 Group by 2025.
  • Launch of Indian Ocean Strategic Venture for regional economic investments.
  • Meta to invest in a 50,000 km undersea cable project in the Indian Ocean.
  • Building new partnerships in the Western Indian Ocean, Middle East, and Indo-Pacific.
• Counterterrorism & Security
  • Condemnation of terrorism, with a call to Pakistan to bring 26/11 and Pathankot perpetrators to justice.
  • US approved extradition of Tahawwur Rana to India.
  • Strengthening law enforcement cooperation against organized crime, human trafficking, and narco-terrorism.
  • Addressing Khalistan-linked extremism.
• Geopolitical Issues
  • Trump denied any US "deep state" involvement in Bangladesh affairs.
  • Modi dismissed discussions on Adani Group issues during bilateral talks.

Economy 

How reciprocal tariffs work - Indian Express 

Recently, US President Donald Trump unveiled his plan to hit the whole world with “reciprocal tariffs”. The actual imposition will likely happen after April 1st; between now and then, the US trade department is supposed to work out the details for each country.

Reciprocal Tariffs

• Tariffs: Taxes imposed on imported goods, increasing their price for consumers in the importing country.
• Example: A Banarasi saree imported to the US becomes costlier due to import tariffs, impacting the US buyer.
• US’ Reciprocal Tariffs: Eliminates preferential treatment for developing nations.
• Impact:
  • Could increase trade costs and disrupt existing trade agreements.
  • Developing countries may struggle as they rely on higher tariffs for economic protection.
  • May lead to retaliatory tariffs, escalating trade tensions globally.
• Method of Calculation

• Method:  Not a simple mirroring of tariffs imposed by each country.
• Additional factors considered:
  • Subsidies & incentives provided by governments to domestic exporters.
  • Trade support mechanisms affecting competitiveness with the US.

• Impact on Developing Countries: Countries like India, which offer export subsidies, may face higher tariffs.
• Potential Consequences:
  • Developing nations may face higher trade barriers.
  • Could discourage government-led export promotion policies.
  • May lead to retaliatory measures and affect global trade relations.

US-designed reactors, SMRs, and why the 123 Agreement could finally realise its full potential - Indian Express 

As India and the United States affirmed their commitment to furthering a bilateral Energy Security Partnership, an agreement that aims to make Washington “a leading supplier of oil and gas to India” is in focus. However, this pact is being seen by both sides primarily as a means to bridge their trade deficit.

Nuclear Cooperation

• Proposed Amendments: India plans to amend the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010 (CLNDA).
• Aim: Facilitate India-US collaboration in nuclear reactor production and deployment.
• US Concerns:
  • US seeks legal commitment from India to ease nuclear liability provisions.
  • India initially offered only an assurance, not a formal legislative commitment.
• Future Implications:
  • Bilateral arrangements under CLNDA to address liability issues.
  • Expected to unlock large-scale US-designed reactor projects.
  • Collaboration on advanced small modular reactors to expand nuclear power generation.
• India’s Demand: India seeks exemption from Part 810 of the US Atomic Energy Act (1954), which restricts US companies from manufacturing nuclear equipment or designing reactors outside the US.
• Importance: Without this exemption, India’s Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) initiative would be hindered.
• Amendments to India’s Nuclear Laws:
  • Atomic Energy Act, 1962: Proposed changes to allow private sector participation in nuclear energy and enable SMR operations beyond state-owned NPCIL.
  • Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010: Existing liability provisions discourage foreign investments due to concerns over supplier liability.
• Importance of SMRs for India
  • Seen as the future of nuclear energy for a clean energy transition.
  • India aims for global leadership in SMR technology.
• Global operational SMRs:
  • Russia’s Akademik Lomonosov (35 MWe) – since May 2020.
  • China’s HTR-PM (grid-connected in Dec 2021, operational in Dec 2023).
  • Western SMRs in development.

TRUST initiative could ramp up supply chains for critical minerals, pharma - Indian Express 

India and the United States have launched a bilateral initiative for cooperation in the recovery and processing of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements (REEs).

Transforming Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology (TRUST) Initiative

• About: Initiative to boost technology transfer, high-tech trade, and critical mineral supply chains.
• Aim: To counter China’s dominance in critical minerals and enhance India-US collaboration in defence, AI, semiconductors, quantum computing, and energy.
• Objectives: Strengthen supply chains for critical minerals like lithium, rare earth elements (REEs), and advanced materials.
• Focus: 
  • Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), crucial for India’s pharma sector (largest share of India's $20B consumer goods exports to the US in 2023).
  • Reduce barriers to technology transfer and export controls.
• US Efforts:
  • $675M Critical Minerals and Materials (CMM) Programme (2020) for supply chain diversification.
  • $125M Battery and Critical Mineral Recycling Programme (2024) for R&D in battery reuse.
• India’s Efforts:
  • National Critical Minerals Mission (2024) with ₹16,300 crore funding, including ₹7,000 crore for exploration and ₹1,500 crore for recycling incentives.
  • Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) (2022) for semiconductors, AI, and defence applications.
• Strategic Importance of Critical Minerals
  • Neodymium, Praseodymium, Samarium → Fighter jets, missiles, radars.
  • Lithium, Cobalt, Nickel → Batteries for EVs and energy storage.
  • Gallium, Indium → Semiconductors, AI hardware.
  • Europium, Terbium → Medical diagnostics, imaging.
  • Rare earth magnets → Wind turbines, space technology.
• Countering China: China controls 70% of global REE production, making supply chain diversification crucial for technological sovereignty.
• India’s potential: It has some reserves but remains dependent on imports, particularly for heavy rare earths.
• Expected Impact:
  • Strengthen India’s technological and strategic autonomy by securing critical minerals.
  • Encourage R&D, innovation, and private sector partnerships in advanced technologies.
  • Reduce dependence on China while enhancing US-India cooperation in high-tech sectors.

Environment 

Ongole Cattle - The Hindu 

A cow of the Ongole breed, originally from Andhra Pradesh, has set a record in Brazil by selling for $4.82 million (approximately Rs 41 crore) at an auction.

Ongole Cattle

• About: Indigenous cattle breed from Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh.
• Naming: After Ongole town (Nellore) (earlier part of Nellore district).
• Capabilities: Hardiness, disease resistance, and adaptability to scarce resources.

Utility:

• Triple-purpose breed – Used for draught, milk, and meat production.
• Large, majestic-looking, and docile, making them ideal for heavy draught work.

• Coat Color: Glossy white.
• Male markings: Dark head, neck, hump, and black points on knees and pasterns.
• Horns:
  • Bulls: Short, thick, and firm, growing outward and backward.
  • Cows: Thinner horns, extending outward, upward, and inward.

Defence 

U.S. pushes for more defence deals, offers F-35 fighter aircraft to India - The Hindu

The U.S. will be increasing military sales to India “by many billions of dollars” starting this year, President Donald Trump said recently at the joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while also offering America’s most advanced military platform, the F-35 fifth generation fighter jet, to India.

F-35 Fighter Aircraft

• Overview: Fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft developed by Lockheed Martin.
• Role: Performs air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
• Major Variants:
  • F-35A: Conventional Takeoff and Landing (CTOL).
  • F-35B: Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing (STOVL).
  • F-35C: Carrier-Based operations.
• Key Features
  • Stealth Technology: Low radar detectability for evading enemy defense systems.
  • Advanced Avionics: Enhanced communication and surveillance for better combat decisions.
  • State-of-the-art Weapons: Capable of carrying various bombs and missiles.
  • Network Connectivity: Supports real-time data sharing for coordinated combat strategies.
• User Countries: United States, Israel, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Australia.