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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…

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China’s Mega Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo: A Looming Challenge for India and Downstream Nations

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained- Page No. – 09) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context China’s proposed Yarlung Tsangpo hydropower project poses significant geopolitical, environmental, and water security challenges for downstream nations, particularly India. Analysis of the news: Overview of the Project Strategic Motivations and Environmental Risks India’s Concerns Bilateral Mechanisms and Their…

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DAP (di-ammonium phosphate) BEYOND NBS SUBSIDY

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context The article discusses the Indian government’s extension of a ₹3,500 per tonne subsidy on di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) fertiliser to manage rising costs and maintain affordable prices for farmers. Analysis of the news: About Fertilizer subsidy in India Extension of Subsidy on Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) Impact of Fixed Maximum Retail…

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Obesity: soft core of an epidemic of non-communicable diseases

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Health Context The article discusses how obesity is a significant contributor to non-communicable diseases, increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, certain cancers, and negatively impacting overall quality of life. Obesity and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)…

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Govt. report reveals stark infrastructure gap in Indian schools

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice – Education Context Recent government data from UDISE+ reveals significant gaps in electricity, drinking water, toilets, and disabled-friendly facilities across Indian schools. Facility Total Schools Schools with Functional Facility Schools without Functional Facility Electricity 14.71 lakh 13.19 lakh 1.52…

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Experts on GM crop panels to declare conflict of interest

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6) Topic: GS2 – Governance, GS3 – Agriculture Context ● The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has amended rules governing the selection of experts for the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC), which regulates genetically modified (GM) seeds in India.   Amendment to…