A steady India in an uncertain world 🌍

Big outcomes are shaped long before they feel visible. This issue focuses on the decisions and delays that will matter later.

Today’s issue covers:

Science & Public Health

NASA’s Artemis II mission is being framed as humanity’s return to deep space, with astronauts set to fly around the Moon for the first time in over five decades. The mission is designed to test life-support systems, navigation, and crew endurance beyond Earth orbit.

What it will not do is land on the Moon or carry major scientific experiments. Artemis II is essentially a systems check, not a discovery mission. Critics argue that its value lies more in spectacle and signaling than in advancing space science.

Supporters counter that without missions like this, future lunar landings and Mars plans remain impossible. Still, questions remain about cost, priorities, and whether prestige is being mistaken for progress.

The Global Stir

India is moving quickly on a new round of free trade agreements, with several deals scheduled to roll out through 2026. The agreement with the United Kingdom is expected to come into force by May, marking one of India’s most significant recent trade partnerships.

The Oman trade pact is likely to begin from June, while the deal with New Zealand is expected to be signed in April and could become operational by October.

Together, these agreements are part of India’s effort to diversify export markets, reduce dependence on a few trading partners, and improve access for Indian goods and services. Trade talks with the United States have also resumed, signaling a broader push to expand India’s global trade footprint.

Money Matters

The International Monetary Fund expects India’s economy to grow 6.5% in FY27, even as it lowers growth expectations for several major economies facing geopolitical stress and tighter financial conditions.

Global growth is projected at around 3%, pressured by conflict-related uncertainty in West Asia, volatile energy prices, and slowing trade. India stands out on the back of resilient domestic consumption, steady public infrastructure spending, and a services-led export base that remains less exposed to global demand shocks.

The IMF, however, flagged risks. Higher crude oil prices could strain India’s import bill and inflation outlook, while global capital flows remain sensitive to interest rates and geopolitical escalation.

State of the Week - Karnataka

The Karnataka government has announced a plan to develop private-style residential layouts for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe families without the need for traditional group housing or cluster models. 

Under the new policy, eligible beneficiaries will receive individual plots with layout amenities similar to private developments, including structured roads, water supply, and sewerage.

The initiative aims to give families greater choice and dignity in housing while boosting infrastructure in rural and peri-urban areas. 

Sports

Two-time Olympic champion Viktor Axelsen has announced his retirement from professional badminton at the age of 32, citing persistent back injuries.

Axelsen said his body could no longer withstand the physical demands of elite competition, despite his recent success at the Olympics. Known for redefining modern men’s singles with power and precision, he left the sport earlier than expected but on his own terms, closing a career marked by dominance, discipline, and rare consistency at the top level.

From the Edges

The Meghalaya government has said elections for the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council will be scheduled only after the current delimitation exercise is completed. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who oversees District Council Affairs, confirmed that a delimitation committee has been notified to revise constituency boundaries.

Once the committee finishes its work, the proposal must be approved by the state Assembly and forwarded to the Governor before elections can be announced.

Earlier unrest in the Garo Hills over non-tribal candidates led to postponement of the polls. The state also said it is prepared for a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls if ordered by the Election Commission of India.