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GDP growth projected to fall to four-year low at 6.4%

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context ● The National Statistics Office (NSO) projects India’s real GDP growth for 2024-25 at 6.4%, a four-year low, compared to 8.2% in 2023-24. ● The economy, which grew 6% in the first half of 2024-25, is expected to…

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Climate Change Disrupts Global Water Cycle: Rising Extremes in Floods, Droughts, and Precipitation

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 23) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context The article examines how climate change is intensifying disruptions in the global water cycle as highlighted in the 2024 Global Water Monitor Report. Analysis of the news: Climate Change and the Water Cycle Understanding the Water Cycle Impact…

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U.S. to remove Indian entities from restricted lists, says Jake Sulliva

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context Jake Sullivan announced the U.S. will remove Indian scientific and nuclear entities from restricted lists, fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation.  What is a restricted list? The restricted list refers to a list of entities and individuals in certain countries,…

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What is the human meta- pneumovirus?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 –  Social Justice – Health, GS3 – Science and Technology Context China is piloting a pneumonia monitoring system due to rising infections, with human metapneumovirus detected in children under 14. Social media reports on crowded hospitals, but no health emergency has been…

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Decoding the National Anthem controversy

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context On January 6, Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi left the Legislative Assembly without delivering his customary address after the National Anthem was not played before his scheduled address. The Governor had previously refused to read out his address…

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Tamil Nadu CM announced a $1 million prize for deciphering Indus Valley Script.

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 11) Topic: GS1 – History Context Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has announced $1 million prize for deciphering the Indus Valley script. Analysis of the news: Stalin’s Offer and the Indus Script Mystery The Study Behind the Announcement The study titled “Indus Signs…

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Implications of China’s mega-dam project

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context The Medog dam, a 60 GW hydropower project, is proposed to be built at the Great Bend region in Medog county, Tibet, China. This dam will have significant downstream consequences for India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. Impact of the…

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Arunachal Pradesh Revives 1978 Anti-Conversion Law Amid Cultural Preservation and Religious Freedom Debate

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 14) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context The Arunachal Pradesh government is reviving a 1978 anti-conversion law to address rising concerns over cultural preservation and religious conversions. Analysis of the news: What is the Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act? Why Was the Act Introduced?…

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In Madurai, mining for tungsten and trouble

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 8) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice,GS3 – Environment Context Women in Madurai protest against tungsten mining project, citing environmental, cultural, and heritage concerns over government decision. Background of the Protest Opposition to Mining Government Stance and Legal Context Community and Expert Concerns Political Dynamics Conclusion…

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India’s BUR-4 Highlights 36% Emissions Intensity Reduction and Progress Toward 2030 Climate Goals

(Source – Indian Express) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context India’s Biennial Update Report (BUR-4) showcases significant progress in reducing emissions intensity and advancing toward its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Analysis of the news: Overview of the BUR Progress on Emissions Reduction Sectoral Emissions Breakdown Achievements on Climate Goals India’s updated NDCs (2022) aim…