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Daily News Analysis- 18/10/2023

Why Egypt is keeping Gaza’s Rafa border crossing shut

News: The closure of Gaza’s Rafah border crossing by Egypt can be attributed to several factors. Security concerns play a significant role, as Egypt seeks to prevent the movement of weapons and militants between the Sinai Peninsula and the Gaza Strip, which is controlled by the Hamas group. Egypt has faced security challenges in the Sinai, and the closed border helps curb the flow of arms and fighters.

• Egypt’s relations with Hamas have been historically complicated. While Egypt has attempted to mediate and maintain a degree of influence over Gaza, it has also been wary of the group’s ties to the Muslim Brotherhood, which Egypt has designated as a terrorist organization. 
• This political tension has led to fluctuations in the operation of the Rafah border crossing.
• Lastly, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and regional geopolitics, with the involvement of other countries like the United States and Israel, also influence Egypt’s decisions regarding the border closure.
• These combined factors make the Rafah border crossing a complex and sensitive issue for Egypt.

India leads EMs ETF inflows

News: India has emerged as a frontrunner in attracting Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) inflows among Emerging Markets (EMs). Several factors contribute to India’s leadership in this trend.

About Exchange traded Funds

• ETFs are Index Funds.
• An ETF is a basket of stocks that reflects the composition of an Index, like S&P CNX Nifty or BSE Sensex.
• They are listed and traded on exchanges like stocks.
• They enable investors to gain broad exposure to entire stock markets in different Countries and specific sectors with relative ease, on a real-time basis and at a lower cost than many other forms of investing.
• ETFs trading value is based on the net asset value of the underlying stocks that it represents
• They are similar to mutual funds in a certain manner but are more liquid as they can be sold quickly on stock exchanges like shares.
• Their price changes daily as they are traded throughout day.
• ETF route is considered as safer mode of investment as it shields investors against stock market volatility.

Meitei tribe

News: The Meitei tribe is an indigenous community primarily residing in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. They are the majority ethnic group in Manipur and have a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

• The Meitei people are known for their distinctive traditions, art, dance, and language, which is known as Meiteilon or Manipuri.
• Their culture is deeply rooted in Hinduism, but there is also a strong influence of indigenous animistic beliefs.
• Festivals like Lai Haraoba and Yaoshang are celebrated with great enthusiasm, showcasing Meitei rituals, music, and dance.
• The traditional attire for Meitei women includes the elegant ‘phanek’ and ‘innaphi,’ while men often wear the ‘panjabi’ and ‘phee.’ Martial arts, especially Thang-ta and Sarit-Sarak, hold significant cultural importance and are practiced by the Meiteis.
• Historically, the Meitei people have played a crucial role in the socio-political landscape of Manipur. Their struggle for recognition and autonomy has been a significant part of the state’s history.
• Despite challenges, the Meitei tribe continues to preserve its cultural identity and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Manipuri society.

Naga Tribe 

News: The Naga tribe is a diverse and historically rich ethnic group residing in the northeastern regions of India and northwestern Myanmar.

• Comprising numerous sub-tribes, the Naga people are known for their distinct culture, traditions, and languages. Their traditional settlements are characterized by terraced fields, unique huts, and vibrant craftsmanship.
• The Naga tribes have a strong warrior tradition, and their society is often organized along clan lines. Each tribe has its own dialect and cultural practices, but they share some common features, such as headhunting, which was practiced in the past but has largely ceased.
• Religion plays a significant role in Naga life. Many Nagas have converted to Christianity, while some continue to follow their traditional animistic beliefs.
• The Naga people have a rich artistic heritage, expressed through colorful attire, intricate beadwork, and wood carvings.
• Their festivals, like the Hornbill Festival in Nagaland, are vibrant celebrations of their culture, featuring traditional dances, music, and sports like Naga wrestling.
• The Naga tribes have a complex history and have played a role in the political landscape of their region. Today, they are striving to preserve their cultural identity while adapting to modern influences and challenges.

Target space station by 2035, Indian on moon by 2040

News: India has set ambitious goals in the field of space exploration. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) envisions establishing a space station by 2035 and landing an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.

• The plan to build a space station showcases India’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in human spaceflight and space research. A space station would serve as a platform for scientific experiments, technology development, and international collaboration, positioning India as a prominent player in space exploration.
• Furthermore, the goal to put an Indian on the moon by 2040 marks a significant step forward from the Chandrayaan missions. This lunar endeavor aligns with India’s efforts to study the moon’s resources and explore its potential for scientific and commercial purposes.
• It would also cement India’s presence in lunar exploration and provide valuable insights into the moon’s geology and potential resource utilization.
• These ambitious space missions reflect India’s determination to establish itself as a major player in the global space community, contributing to scientific advancements and technological innovations.