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India and Thailand Upgrade Ties to Strategic Partnership Ahead of BIMSTEC Summit

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Govt & Politics, Page – 06) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context India and Thailand upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, strengthening cooperation in security, trade, and culture ahead of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok. Analysis of the news: Upgrading Bilateral Relations to Strategic Partnership Prime…

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India holds fire as Trump announces tariffs

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 1) Topic: GS2 – International Relations, GS3 – Indian economy Context The U.S. government imposed new “reciprocal tariffs” ranging from 10% to 49% on imports, affecting many countries including India. India faces a 27% tariff on its exports to the U.S., despite ongoing talks on…

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Why are undersea cables important?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS3 – Infrastructure Context India is expanding its internet infrastructure with new undersea cable systems. The latest, 2Africa Pearls, adds 100 Tbps capacity, boosting global connectivity. What are Undersea Cables? Undersea cables connect internet networks across countries and continents. These cables are a…

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Fluoride Contamination in Sonbhadra: A Public Health Crisis Amid Delayed Clean Water Solutions

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Express Network, Page – 12) Topic: GS3 – Environment Context In Sonbhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, excessive fluoride contamination in groundwater has caused skeletal fluorosis among villagers, leading to severe mobility issues, joint pain, and muscle weakness. The problem was first identified in 2013, and a recent Jal Nigam report…

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IMD Predicts Severe Heatwaves Across India: Rising Temperatures Demand Urgent Action

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 14) Topic: GS3 – Disaster Management Context The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted an above-normal number of heatwave days across most parts of India this summer, highlighting the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme heat events. Analysis of the news: The Looming Threat of Heatwaves…

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India’s critical efforts to tackle air pollution could worsen warming

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation Context Reducing aerosol emissions without simultaneously cutting greenhouse gases may accelerate warming and extreme heat, especially in polluted regions like India. Aerosols and Greenhouse Gases Aerosols and greenhouse gases both impact the climate but in…

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‘India must use window of opportunity to finalise ‘stronger’ FTA with Sri Lanka’

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 15) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context India and Sri Lanka are exploring a stronger Free Trade Agreement (FTA) to enhance economic integration, especially after India’s aid during Sri Lanka’s 2022 economic crisis. The agreement could boost trade, services, and regional connectivity. India-Sri Lanka Free…

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India and Chile to Begin Talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Economy, Page – 15) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context India and Chile announced the commencement of talks on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), focusing on critical minerals like lithium and copper. Analysis of the news: India-Chile Talks on Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) Growing Bilateral Trade Focus…

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Mahabodhi Temple Dispute: Buddhist Protests Renew Demand for Full Control

(Source – Indian Express, Section – Explained, Page – 14) Topic: GS1 – History Context Buddhist groups across India are protesting to demand full control of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, seeking repeal of the 1949 Bodh Gaya Temple Act, which currently grants Hindus a dominant role in its management. Analysis of the news:…