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 Should Governors head State universities?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – Governance  Context The Governor’s role as Chancellor of State universities is a matter of debate. It often leads to political interference, undermining university autonomy and governance. Governor as Chancellor of State Universities: A Colonial Legacy It originated during British rule and…

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Indian space programme breaks into 2025 in ‘mission mode’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context The news highlights India’s advancements in space exploration, including successful docking, private collaborations. It also highlights preparations for human spaceflight and advanced missions like Chandrayaan-4. PSLV-C60 Mission and SpaDeX Experiment On December 30, 2024, the PSLV-C60 mission…

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Trump’s Greenland Gambit: A Geopolitical Power Play to Counter China in the Arctic

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 12) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● Donald Trump has expressed interest in buying Greenland, highlighting ongoing US ambitions in strategically important regions like the Arctic.  Analysis of the news: Trump’s Renewed Interest in Greenland US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Greenland highlight…

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Odisha tops NITI fiscal health index, Chhattisgarh next best

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Indian Economy Context NITI Aayog’s inaugural Fiscal Health Index (FHI) report ranks Indian States based on fiscal stability, revenue mobilisation, expenditure quality, and debt management for 2022-23. Top-Performing States: Achievers Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Goa, and Jharkhand were ranked as…

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Bombay HC Rules Loudspeakers Not Essential to Religious Practice, Enforces Strict Noise Pollution Regulations

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained – Page No. – 16) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context ● The Bombay High Court held that the denial of permission to use loudspeakers does not violate an individual’s right to practice religion, as the use of loudspeakers is not an essential religious practice protected under the Constitution….

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Trump’s Tariff Strategy: Implications for Global Trade and India’s Preparedness in a Shifting Landscape

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 15) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context ● Policymakers and analysts globally are awaiting US President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, particularly targeting countries like China, Mexico, and Canada with which the US has significant trade relations.  Analysis of the news: Understanding Tariffs and Their Implications…

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National Health Mission has curbed several public health concerns, says Centre’s report

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context The National Health Mission (NHM) has played a significant role in improving public health in India according to an assessment report (2021-24) presented to the Union Cabinet. It has led to a reduction in maternal mortality,…

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Is the government encouraging ‘crosspathy’?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context The Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has issued a directive allowing homeopathic practitioners, who have completed a certificate course in modern pharmacology, to prescribe allopathic medications.  Previous Notification and Legal Challenge In 2017, the Maharashtra…

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India’s oil demand likely to hit yet another record in 2025-26

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy – Page No. – 13) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context ● India’s refined petroleum fuels and products consumption is forecast to reach a new peak in FY26, driven by steady energy demand across various sectors.  Analysis of the news: Record Petroleum Consumption in FY26 The Petroleum Planning…

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Need policy for affordable bioethanol

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13) Topic: GS3 – Indian economy – Energy Context Honda Motor Co. Ltd. Chief Engineer Hiroya Ueda highlighted the potential of bioethanol and renewable energy-based electrification for India to achieve carbon neutrality. Introduction to Bioethanol and Challenges Bioethanol and renewable energy-based electrification can help India…