NASA’s Midas Touch: Parker Probe Touching The Sun

In Greek mythology, Icarus was the son of an architect called Daedalus. They wanted to escape from the island of Crete since the king had imprisoned them for sharing their secrets. Daedalus had constructed wings from birds’ moulted feathers and some other materials. He had used the beeswax for the ‘construction’ of the wings. Daedalus had warned his son that he should not fly too high. But Icarus became overambitious and flew too close to the Sun. The heat melted the wax in his wings, and he drowned in the sea.

AJEY LELE

India-Russia “Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership” Reaches New Heights

The India-Russia relationship has entered a new phase, marked by intensified bilateral engagements over the past six months. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Moscow twice this year, in July and October, to strengthen ties with Russia, a steadfast ally. Most recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s three-day visit to Moscow (December 8–10, 2024) signaled a new chapter in the India-Russia defence partnership.

MAHESH RANJAN DEBATA

Cyber Insecurity in South Korea: Decoding Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

September 02, 2024

The issue brief explores the complex challenges South Korea faces in securing its cyberspace amid rapid digital transformation and escalating geopolitical tensions. Despite being one of the most digitally connected nations, South Korea's cybersecurity framework suffers from significant vulnerabilities, particularly due to persistent cyber threats from North Korea and other state and non-state actors. The study examines South Korea's cybersecurity framework through four distinct phases, each reflecting increased sophistication in policy development.

Riding the Technological Wave: India's Digital Diplomacy and Global Engagements

In the 1850s, upon receiving the first telegraph messages, the flummoxed British Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary, Lord Palmerston, famously exclaimed, "My God, this is the end of diplomacy!" His reaction reflected the skepticism and surprise that often accompany shifts in public diplomacy. As technology continues to evolve, it increasingly overshadows traditional forms of diplomacy, which are now often viewed as relics of the past.

SONAKSHI GARG

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships: Analysing India's 2+2 Dialogues with the USA, Japan, Australia, and Russia

August 05, 2024

This Issue Brief provides a comprehensive examination of India's 2+2 Dialogues with key global partners, including the USA, Japan, Australia, Russia, and the UK, emphasizing the strategic importance of these engagements. Extending the analysis to India's partnerships with France, South Korea, Brazil, and Indonesia, the study evaluates the multifaceted impact on India's foreign policy.

The Crossroads: Kashmir—India's Bridge to Xinjiang

Review by Dr Mahesh Ranjan Debata (June 20, 2024): Historically, culturally and emotionally, Kashmir and Xinjiang have been intertwined for the past 2,000 years. Until 1949, Xinjiang was India's overland trade route to Central Asia and beyond. Even today, a significant portion of the "undivided Jammu and Kashmir," currently occupied by Pakistan and China, maintains connections to Xinjiang in various forms.

Space Bonhomie: China Launches Satellite For Pakistan

On May 30, 2024, China successfully deployed a communications satellite destined for Pakistan. The PakSat MM1, a versatile communication satellite, was launched atop a Long March 3 B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Southwest China's Sichuan province. The satellite is positioned in a geosynchronous orbit and is slated to commence operations by August 2024.

AJEY LELE

ISRO Tests Reusable Launch Vehicle For Sustainable Space Exploration

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully carried out its second Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Landing Experiment, named RLV-LEX-02, at the Aeronautical Test Range (ATR) in Chitradurga, Karnataka on March 22, 2024. This follows the trailblazing success of the first landing test, RLV-LEX-01, on April 2, 2023. The vehicle showcased in these tests is expected to be pivotal in a ground-breaking reusable two-stage orbital launch system by 2030.

AJEY LELE