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Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 has sparked nationwide protests and criticism over its provisions altering waqf property regulations and governance. Analysis of the news: What is a Waqf Property? Representation on Waqf Boards Government Control Over Waqf Property Abolition of…

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Judicial Accountability in Focus: CJI Initiates Probe Against Delhi HC Judge

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 16) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna has initiated a three-member in-house inquiry into allegations against Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, following the discovery of currency notes at his residence after a fire incident. This internal judicial probe,…

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US Seeks Greater Market Access in India for Soyabean, Corn, and Cotton Amid Trade Barriers

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 12) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context The US is seeking greater market access for its soyabean, corn, and cotton in India, pushing for tariff reductions and relaxation of import restrictions. Analysis of the news: US Agricultural Exports and Market Focus The US is a major…

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Railway Connectivity in Meghalaya: Development Stalled Amid Local Opposition

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 12) Topic: GS2 – Governance GS3 – Internal Security Context Indian Railways is set to shelve key railway projects in Meghalaya due to strong local opposition over concerns of migration and demographic changes. Analysis of the news: Status of Rail Connectivity in Meghalaya Meghalaya currently has…

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Time to float more Indian ships

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context India’s heavy reliance on foreign shipping increases trade costs and supply chain risks. Strengthening the domestic fleet through Bharat Container Line (BCL) aims to enhance India’s maritime security and economic resilience. Urgency for India to Strengthen Its Shipping…

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Do not publish NIRF ranking for 2025: HC to Education Ministry

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education Context The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court restrained the Education Ministry and the National Board of Accreditation (NBA) from publishing the NIRF ranking for 2025. The order was issued while hearing a public interest litigation…

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Civil society groups call on govt. to not water down RTI Act

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 3) Topic: GS2 – Indian Polity Context Over 30 civil society organizations have urged the Union government to refrain from weakening the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Analysis of the news: The concern arises from an amendment passed in 2023 that limits the disclosure…

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X Challenges Government’s Use of IT Act for Content Moderation, Citing Free Speech Concerns

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 15) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context Elon Musk-owned X (formerly Twitter) has contested the Indian government’s application of Section 79(3)(b) of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000, arguing that it bypasses the procedural safeguards outlined in Section 69A, which specifically governs content blocking. The legal battle,…

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The TB crisis and women: why gender issues matters more than ever

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice –Health Context Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health challenge in India, with gender inequalities affecting women’s access to diagnosis, treatment, and social support. The government has set a target to eliminate TB by 2025, but financial barriers, stigma,…