Abdul Basit Alvi
The United States, with its rich history of space exploration, has always had its sights set on the celestial bodies beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Among these celestial neighbors, the Moon has held a special place in the hearts of both scientists and dreamers alike. Over the decades, the US has launched several pioneering missions to our lunar neighbor, each contributing to our understanding of the Moon and paving the way for future endeavors. The US lunar exploration story began with the iconic Apollo program. Launched by NASA in the early 1960s, Apollo aimed to achieve the unthinkable – sending humans to the Moon. After years of meticulous planning and technological innovation, Apollo 11, in July 1969, became the first mission to successfully land humans on the lunar surface. Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took those historic first steps, leaving an indelible mark on history with Armstrong’s famous words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” The Apollo program continued with several subsequent missions, with a total of six lunar landings occurring between 1969 and 1972. These missions not only provided invaluable scientific data but also inspired generations to come. They demonstrated the United States’ commitment to space exploration and its technological prowess during the Space Race with the Soviet Union. While the Apollo program concluded in the early 1970s, the US did not lose interest in the Moon. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of lunar exploration efforts, driven by both NASA and private companies. One significant endeavor is NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the Moon, including the first woman and the next man. This program seeks not only to revisit the Moon but to establish a sustainable presence there. With plans for lunar landers, the construction of a lunar Gateway space station, and collaborations with international partners, Artemis represents a new chapter in lunar exploration. Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) is another crucial component of NASA’s lunar exploration strategy. This initiative enables private companies to transport scientific payloads and technology demonstrations to the Moon, fostering innovation and reducing the cost of lunar missions. The US space industry has witnessed a remarkable transformation, with private companies playing an increasingly significant role in lunar exploration. SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, is developing its Starship spacecraft, which could have lunar exploration capabilities. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, is also working on lunar landers, including the Blue Moon, to transport cargo and potentially crew to the Moon. These private companies, along with NASA, have made lunar exploration more accessible, creating a competitive environment that drives innovation and pushes the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. As we look to the future, US Moon missions hold the promise of exciting scientific discoveries, technological advancements, and international collaborations. The Moon is not only a destination in itself but also a stepping stone for deeper space exploration, including missions to Mars and beyond.In the coming years, as the US continues its journey back to the Moon and beyond, we can anticipate new breakthroughs, breathtaking discoveries, and a renewed sense of wonder about our place in the cosmos. With the legacy of Apollo guiding us, the United States remains at the forefront of lunar exploration, showing that our thirst for knowledge and exploration knows no bounds. Now come to the other side. According to the available data from the World Bank, the United States of America is currently the world’s largest economy, with a GDP of over $23 trillion in 2021. The United States, often referred to as the land of opportunity, stands as one of the world’s most influential economic giants. Its economic prowess is a testament to its entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and a strong commitment to free-market principles. The US economy is remarkably diverse, with a broad range of industries contributing to its wealth. These sectors include technology, finance, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and entertainment, among others. This diversification has allowed the United States to maintain economic stability, even in the face of global economic challenges. Innovation is the lifeblood of the American economy. The United States is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, including tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft. The country invests heavily in research and development, fostering an environment where startups and established companies alike can push the boundaries of technology and drive economic growth. Small businesses are the backbone of the US economy. They represent a significant portion of the country’s GDP and provide jobs to millions of Americans. The entrepreneurial spirit in the United States is fostered by a business-friendly environment, access to venture capital, and a culture that encourages risk-taking. The United States boasts one of the world’s largest consumer markets, providing businesses with access to a vast customer base. Additionally, the country’s commitment to free trade has allowed it to engage in international commerce, further expanding its economic reach. The US is a member of multiple trade agreements, such as NAFTA (now USMCA) and has extensive trade relationships with countries around the world. The United States has a well-developed and stable financial system, with Wall Street at its heart. The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and NASDAQ are among the world’s largest and most influential stock exchanges. This financial infrastructure attracts global investors and businesses looking for capital and investment opportunities. The US is renowned for its world-class universities and research institutions. Its workforce benefits from high-quality education and vocational training, which has led to a skilled and adaptable labor force. This well-educated workforce contributes to innovation, productivity, and competitiveness. Political stability and the rule of law are critical to a thriving economy. The United States has a long history of democratic governance, a strong legal framework, and respect for property rights. This provides businesses with a stable and predictable environment in which to operate. The US invests heavily in infrastructure, with an extensive network of highways, airports, ports, and railways. This infrastructure supports domestic and international trade, facilitates the movement of goods and people, and contributes to economic growth. The rich economy of the United States is the result of a combination of factors, including its diverse industries, commitment to innovation, entrepreneurial culture, and access to global markets. While the country faces economic challenges like any other, its resilience and adaptability have allowed it to maintain its position as a global economic powerhouse. As the United States continues to evolve and embrace new technologies and industries, its economic strength is likely to remain a defining feature of the nation for years to come. They have equal rights for all. They don’t have severe issues Human rights and freedom of expression. Poverty level is minimum and people are free and prosperous in US. The United States, often considered a beacon of democracy and freedom, has long championed the cause of human rights within its borders and on the global stage. As a nation founded on principles of liberty and justice for all, the supremacy of human rights is enshrined in its constitution and deeply ingrained in its national identity. The United States was founded on the principles of individual liberty, equality, and justice. The U.S. Constitution, with its Bill of Rights, serves as a cornerstone for the protection of human rights. These fundamental documents ensure the rights to free speech, religion, assembly, and due process, among others. The commitment to safeguarding these rights is a testament to the importance placed on human rights from the nation’s inception. One of the most significant chapters in the history of human rights in the United States is the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s. Led by iconic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this movement aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were monumental pieces of legislation that outlawed racial discrimination and expanded voting rights for all Americans, regardless of their race or ethnicity. The U.S. Supreme Court has played a crucial role in shaping the nation’s approach to human rights. Landmark cases, such as Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), have helped advance civil rights and social justice. The United States has a robust tradition of free speech and a free press, which are integral components of human rights. These freedoms allow individuals and the media to hold those in power accountable and express dissenting opinions without fear of persecution. The First Amendment to the Constitution protects these essential rights. The United States has often served as a refuge for those fleeing persecution in their home countries. The nation’s commitment to providing a safe haven for refugees and asylum seekers demonstrates its dedication to protecting the rights and well-being of individuals seeking a better life. Beyond its borders, the United States has been a strong advocate for human rights around the world. It has played a leading role in organizations such as the United Nations, promoting democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental freedoms. The U.S. has also imposed sanctions on nations with poor human rights records and supported humanitarian efforts in conflict zones. The supremacy of human rights in the United States is not a mere slogan but a guiding principle deeply woven into the nation’s fabric. From its founding principles to landmark civil rights legislation, the country has made significant strides in advancing human rights and promoting equality and justice for all its citizens. While challenges persist, the United States remains committed to upholding human rights both within its borders and as a global advocate for the cause. As a shining example of democratic values, it continues to inspire the world in the ongoing struggle for human dignity and freedom. Now come to India. Now days everyone is appreciating India on its successful moon mission while my point of view is different. According to available details, Indian Chandrayaan-3 is the third mission in the Chandrayaan programme, a series of lunar-exploration missions developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Launched in July 2023, the mission consists of a lunar lander named Vikram and a lunar rover named Pragyan, similar to those launched with Chandrayaan-2 in 2019. The propulsion module carried the lander and rover configuration to lunar orbit in preparation for a powered descent by the lander. Chandrayaan-3 was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre on 14 July 2023. The spacecraft entered lunar orbit on 5 August, and the lander touched down in the lunar south polar region on 23 August at 12:32 UTC, making India the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon, and the first to do so near the lunar south pole. India, claims to have rich cultural heritage and rapid economic growth, often garners . However, beneath the surface of progress and prosperity, the country grapples with a deep-rooted issue: poverty. The persistence of poverty in India not only hampers the country’s so-called socio-economic development but also leads to a range of human rights violations. India is home to one of the largest populations of people living in poverty globally. Poverty in India is multifaceted, with rural and urban disparities, income inequality, and lack of access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare. Millions of Indians face daily struggles to secure food, shelter, education, and healthcare for themselves and their families. Poverty directly infringes upon an individual’s right to an adequate standard of living. Access to nutritious food, clean water, decent housing, and education is often denied to those living in poverty. Poverty exacerbates health disparities, limiting access to medical care and proper nutrition. Lack of healthcare infrastructure in rural areas forces many to forgo treatment, leading to preventable illnesses and deaths. Poverty frequently results in a lack of access to quality education. Children from impoverished backgrounds often drop out of school to support their families, perpetuating the cycle of poverty and limiting their future opportunities. Many impoverished individuals in India are forced to accept low-paying, exploitative jobs with harsh working conditions, infringing on their right to work with dignity and receive fair wages. Poverty pushes children into labor at a young age, depriving them of their right to a childhood and an education. Child labor often exposes them to hazardous conditions, physical abuse, and psychological trauma. Minority communities, women, and marginalized groups disproportionately bear the brunt of poverty and its associated human rights violations. Discrimination in access to resources and opportunities further exacerbates their vulnerability. Readers, millions of homeless people and poor sleep on streets of India. Incidents of aggression against minorities and Human right violations in Occupied Kashmir, Manipur, Assam and all over India are in front of us. Women rape ratio is on peak. There is no freedom of expression and fair reporting in India. They are a so-called secular country but in reality they are follower of Hindutova and have zero respect for minorities. Moon missions of India have given no practical benefit to people of India. Modi intends to gain political benefits through their moon missions. Other countries have made their people prosperous before going to moon while India is entirely opposite where they are going to moon by snatching food from the poor. Indian Government needs to rectify their country first before making homes on moon.