In modern theatre, the use of puppetry and masks has evolved to become sophisticated tools for storytelling and artistic expression. These elements draw from traditional practices but have been adapted to create unique aesthetic and emotional effects on contemporary stages.

### Evolution of Puppetry

1. **Integration with Technology**: Modern puppetry often incorporates advanced technology, such as robotics and digital animation, to create more lifelike and intricate movements.

2. **Diverse Forms**: Puppetry has expanded beyond traditional hand and string puppets to include shadow puppetry, full-body puppets, and even hybrid forms combining human actors with puppets.

3. **Symbolism and Abstraction**: Puppets in modern theatre are frequently used to represent abstract concepts or symbolize characters’ inner states, allowing for a more nuanced narrative.

### Evolution of Masks

1. **Enhanced Design**: Contemporary masks use innovative materials and designs, enabling more expressive and versatile performances.

2. **Integration with Acting**: Masks are often combined with physical theatre techniques, emphasizing body language and movement to convey emotions and stories.

### Aesthetic Effects

1. **Heightened Visual Impact**: Both puppetry and masks create a striking visual spectacle, captivating audiences and enhancing the theatrical experience.

2. **Emotional Distance and Depth**: Masks can create a sense of anonymity and universality, allowing audiences to project emotions and themes onto characters. Puppetry can evoke a range of emotions, from whimsical to poignant, by creating a sense of otherworldliness.

3. **Metaphorical Storytelling**: These tools enable abstract and metaphorical storytelling, allowing theatre-makers to explore complex themes and ideas in a visually engaging manner.

Overall, the evolution of puppetry and masks in modern theatre enhances the medium’s expressive potential, creating visually and emotionally rich performances that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.

The United Nations (UN) plays a crucial role in global governance, addressing international peace, security, development, and human rights. As global challenges evolve, the UN’s structure and functioning face calls for reform to enhance its effectiveness and representativeness.

### India’s Bid for a Permanent UNSC Seat

India has been actively pursuing a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to reflect its growing geopolitical and economic influence. India argues that the current UNSC structure, primarily reflecting post-World War II realities, is outdated and does not represent the contemporary global order. India’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, its large population, and its role as the world’s largest democracy bolster its case for permanent membership.

### Challenges in UN Reform

1. **Resistance from Current Permanent Members**: The existing P5 members (China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US) are hesitant to share their veto power, complicating reform efforts.

2. **Diverse Interests**: Balancing the interests of various regional groups and member states, each with its own priorities and concerns, poses a significant challenge.

3. **Consensus Building**: Achieving the broad consensus required for reforms, particularly amending the UN Charter, is a complex and lengthy process.

### Opportunities in UN Reform

1. **Enhanced Legitimacy**: Expanding the UNSC to include more permanent members would increase its legitimacy and better reflect the current global power dynamics.

2. **Strengthened Multilateralism**: A reformed UN can promote more effective multilateralism, addressing global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and pandemics with greater inclusivity.

3. **Greater Representation**: Including emerging powers like India would ensure that the perspectives of developing countries are better represented in global decision-making.

India’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat and the broader UN reform process highlight the need for a more inclusive and effective global governance system, capable of addressing 21st-century challenges.

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has significantly influenced India’s trade policies and integration into the global economy. By adhering to WTO rules, India has liberalized its trade regime, reduced tariffs, and enhanced its trade competitiveness. This has boosted exports, attracted foreign investment, and stimulated economic growth.

On key issues, India maintains distinct positions within the WTO framework:

1. **Agricultural Subsidies**: India advocates for the protection of its agricultural sector, emphasizing food security and livelihood concerns for its large farming population. It supports public stockholding programs and seeks flexibility in subsidy regulations to support its farmers.

2. **Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)**: While respecting IPR norms, India pushes for a balance between protecting patents and ensuring access to affordable medicines. It supports flexibilities under the TRIPS Agreement, especially compulsory licensing, to address public health challenges.

3. **Dispute Settlement Mechanism**: India values the WTO’s dispute resolution process but calls for reforms to make it more efficient and fair. It supports a transparent, rules-based system but stresses the need to address power imbalances that may disadvantage developing countries.

India’s engagement with the WTO reflects its commitment to a fair and equitable global trading system, advocating for reforms that consider the developmental needs of emerging economies.

India has been a proactive member of the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) since the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) came into force. Demonstrating its commitment, India completed the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpiles in 2009, well ahead of the deadline. India actively participates in OPCW’s verification measures, inspections, and capacity-building programs, contributing to global efforts against chemical weapon threats.

India has hosted and taken part in various OPCW training programs to bolster the capacity of member states to implement the capacity of member states to implement the CWC. Additionally, India provides technical assistance to countries, sharing best practices and expertise to enhance national regulatory frameworks.

Regarding the Syrian chemical attacks, India firmly condemns the use of chemical weapons and supports impartial investigations by the OPCW to establish facts and hold perpetrators accountable. India advocates for a political solution to the Syrian conflict, emphasizing dialogue and negotiations, and supports the UN-led peace process. It stresses the importance of international cooperation to strengthen global disarmament and non-proliferation regimes, highlighting its commitment to a world free of chemical weapons.