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Opposition Plans No-Confidence Motion Against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar Over Alleged Partisanship

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Cover Page; Page: 01) Topic: GS2 – Polity   Context: The article discusses the Opposition’s decision to move a no-confidence or impeachment resolution against Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar, citing allegations of partisanship and misconduct.   Analysis of News:    Vice President in India The Vice President of India is the second-highest constitutional…

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Study brings Indian star tortoise to evidence-based conservation

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Important species Context ● The Indian star tortoise, a protected species, is increasingly threatened by illegal wildlife trade and unethical pet ownership. ● Despite legal protections, the species faces significant conservation challenges, including improper release practices. ● Recent research…

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Oilfields Amendment Bill, 2024

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 14) Topic: GS2 – Polity Context: The article discusses about the Oilfield Bill which was recently passed by Rajya Sabha.  Analysis of News:    What is the Oilfields Bill? The Oilfields Bill amends the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act of 1948, which originally governed both oil and mineral operations. The…

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At ICJ, India blames developed nations for the climate crisis

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS2 – International Relations, GS3 – Environment Context ● The news discusses India’s position during a landmark hearing at the International Court of Justice, where it criticized developed nations for causing the climate crisis and failing to meet climate finance commitments. ● India…

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Is Syria’s Assad regime in danger?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context ● The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, has seen intermittent phases of conflict and relative calm. ● Recently, Islamist militants launched an offensive, capturing significant territories, including Aleppo and Hama, destabilizing the Assad regime’s control. ●…

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Rabi Crop Sowing Rebounds Amid Weather and Fertilizer Challenges; Food Inflation Remains a Concern

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 11) Topic: GS3 – Agriculture Context: Unusually high temperatures in October delayed sowing of key rabi crops like wheat, mustard, and chana. These temperatures, the highest since 1901 in several regions, adversely impacted seed germination and caused bacterial rot in mustard. Crops like potato and jeera were particularly affected,…

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Potato Price Surge in Odisha: Minister Blames West Bengal for Supply Restrictions Amid Nationwide Crisis

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 11) Topic: GS3 – Agriculture Context: Odisha’s Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister KC Patra has alleged that West Bengal, a major supplier of potatoes to Odisha, is intentionally restricting shipments to create an artificial scarcity. The move, according to Patra, aims to tarnish the reputation of Odisha’s BJP-led…

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Government Scraps Windfall Gains Tax Amid Stabilized Global Oil Prices and Declining Revenues

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 09) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context: The windfall gains tax was introduced on July 1, 2022, to address super-normal profits of fuel exporters and oil producers during the global energy crisis following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It aimed to ensure domestic fuel supply and offset revenue losses from…

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Tensions Rise as Sukhbir Singh Badal Faces Attack Amid Akal Takht-Mandated Atonement

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 09) Topic: GS1 – History Context: Sukhbir Singh Badal, President of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and former Deputy Chief Minister of Punjab, was shot at near the Golden Temple. Although unharmed, the incident underscores heightened tensions, particularly as Badal and other SAD leaders perform atonement for alleged misrule during…

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Is the caste Census a useful exercise?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS2 – Governance Context ● The demand for a caste Census has sparked political debates, with proponents advocating for data to ensure proportional representation in government jobs, land, and wealth. ● However, challenges in accurate caste data collection and the flaws in caste-based…