|

Kerala’s maternal mortality ratio climbs as fertility levels fall to a new low

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context Kerala faces rising maternal mortality rates due to declining birth rates, impacting social fabric and demographic shifts in the state. Kerala’s Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) Decline in Fertility Rate Impact of Migration and Social Changes Challenges…

|

Should voter IDs be linked with Aadhaar?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have accused each other of manipulating electoral rolls ahead of the Delhi Assembly elections, reigniting the debate on linking voter IDs with Aadhaar numbers. Background of the Proposal…

|

NATO members reluctant to endorse Trump’s defence spending proposal

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● Donald Trump proposes a significant increase in NATO members’ defence spending to 5% of GDP, sparking debates about feasibility amid security concerns, particularly over Russia’s actions. Proposal for NATO Defence Spending Increase: Trump’s Proposal: S. President-elect Donald…

|

Unprecedented Winter Wildfires Ravage Los Angeles

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 14) Topic: GS1 – Geography Context The article highlights the unprecedented winter wildfires in Los Angeles. Analysis of the news: What Are Wildfires? ● Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that spread rapidly across forests, grasslands, or urban areas, fueled by dry vegetation and wind. ●…

|

2024 was the first year to breach global warming limit, show data

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context ● In 2024, global temperatures surpassed 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, signaling a climate crisis, with urgent calls for emissions reductions and financial support for vulnerable nations.  Humanity’s Shift Towards Climate Crisis 2024 marked the first year when the global…

|

Tragedy in Assam: Workers Trapped in Flooded Rat-Hole Mine Highlights Persistent Safety and Environmental Challenges

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network – Page No. – 09) Topic: GS3 – Disaster Management Context The article discusses the tragedy of workers trapped in a flooded rat-hole mine in Assam. Analysis of the news: Coal Mine Tragedy in Assam What is Rat-Hole Mining? Rat-hole mining is a traditional and hazardous method…

|

Union govt. yet to wake up from its slumber on Dam Safety Act, says SC

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3) Topic: GS3 – Disaster and disaster management Context ●The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for failing to implement the Dam Safety Act, 2021, to ensure dam safety and prevent disasters.  Analysis of the news: The Supreme Court criticized the Union government for not…

|

Why is deciphering the Indus script important?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS1 – Indian History – Ancient History Context ● Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1-million prize for decoding the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) script. ● This initiative coincided with the centenary of the IVC’s discovery, first reported in September 1924…

|

India Deepens Engagement with Taliban: High-Level Meeting Highlights Security, Aid, and Strategic Interests

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Cover Page – Page No. – 01) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held a meeting with Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Dubai, marking a significant upgrade in India’s engagement with the Taliban regime. Analysis of the news: Key Issues Discussed…