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A chance to strike gold during the Kuwait visit

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait, the first in 43 years, aims to strengthen India-Kuwait ties by addressing untapped potential in trade, energy, and strategic partnerships. ● Kuwait holds significant strategic and economic importance in the…

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Supreme Court Declares Coconut Oil as Edible Oil, Resolves 15-Year Taxation Debate

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12) Topic: GS2 – Governance Context: The Supreme Court of India resolved a 15-year debate by classifying coconut oil as an edible oil for taxation purposes. This decision ensures a lower tax rate (5% under GST) compared to the higher rate (18%) applied to haircare products. Analysis of News:   …

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should-legislatures-in-india-have-fixed-tenures

Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context ● The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes aligning the tenures of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies to a fixed five-year term. ● It aims to streamline elections and reduce costs while preserving mid-term…

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An economic tightrope 

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context The article highlights India’s pivotal economic prospects and challenges in 2025, focusing on growth dynamics, policy reforms, and global uncertainties.  India in 2025: A Year of Economic Milestones and Challenges The year 2025 is poised to be transformative for the…

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 From aid to trade

(Source: Indian Express; Section: The Ideas Page; Page: 13) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context The article highlights Sri Lanka’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s state visit to India, emphasizing renewed bilateral cooperation to strengthen economic, trade, and regional partnerships in South Asia.  Sri Lanka’s President Visits India: Strengthening Bilateral Ties Sri Lanka’s new President, Anura…

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Making affordable generics more reliable

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context ● Generic medicines are crucial for healthcare affordability, especially in a country with high out-of-pocket expenses. ● However, inconsistent quality control, decentralised regulation, and inadequate enforcement of standards undermine their efficacy and safety. ● Strengthening India’s…

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The Hindu Editorial: December 19, 2024.

Strengthening the roots of an agri-carbon market (Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS3 – Agriculture Context ● Carbon markets offer an opportunity to transform Indian agriculture by incentivizing sustainable practices while addressing climate change. ● However, challenges like socio-economic exclusivity, lack of training, and delayed payments hinder their…

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Government Introduces Bills to Pave the Way for “One Nation, One Election”

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 17) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context: The government has introduced two Bills in Lok Sabha to enable simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state Assemblies, advancing the BJP’s vision of “One Nation, One Election.” The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and a consequential Bill for Union Territories aim…

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The Constitution On minority rights

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context Minority rights safeguard cultural diversity and equality in democratic societies. Recognized globally on December 18, Minority Rights Day highlights their significance, underscored by constitutional provisions like Articles 29 and 30 in India. Judicial interpretations, including recent cases, emphasize…

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Private aviation is releasing more than its ‘fair share’ of emissions

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation   Context The aviation sector is among the top global emitters of greenhouse gases, with private jets having a significantly higher per-passenger carbon footprint. India’s growing private aviation sector reflects its rising wealth, but sustainable…