News Analysis

GS 3: EconomyGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Health SectorGS3: Government Budgeting

Centre’s tobacco tax rejig to take effect from Feb. 1, Pg1

Centre's tobacco tax rejig, effective February 1, introduces new excise duties, GST rates, and valuation mechanisms impacting affordability and revenue streams.

GS 2: GovernanceEthicsGS2: Education Sector

Mandating student presence, erasing learning, Pg8

Delhi HC ruling challenges mandatory attendance, advocating for curiosity-driven learning and criticising bureaucratic control in Indian universities.

GS 3: EconomyEthicsGS1: Poverty and Developmental IssuesGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS4: Corporate Governance

Paying Musk, irrational exuberance and inequality, Pg8

Tesla shareholder's approval of Elon Musk's trillion-dollar pay package raises concerns about irrational exuberance, inequality, and corporate governance.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: Environment & EcologyPrelimsGS1: Poverty and Developmental IssuesGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS2: Health Sector

The water divide, Pg8

Indore water tragedy exposes governance failures; contaminated supply claims lives despite Swachh Bharat Mission, demanding urgent reforms and accountability.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 3: EconomyGS1: Poverty and Developmental IssuesGS1: Urbanization, Problems and RemediesGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Has housing become prohibitively expensive in Indian cities?, Pg9

Urban housing crisis deepens: Skyrocketing prices push homeownership out of reach for most Indians, exacerbating inequality and social exclusion.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: GovernanceEthicsGS2: Education SectorGS3: Communication Networks, Media and Social Media Challenges

Getting teens to read the news, Pg9

Bridging the information gap: Strategies to engage teenagers with news through inclusive, accessible, and age-appropriate journalism in the digital age.

GS 1: Indian SocietyGS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS2: Devolution of Powers and Finances up to Local LevelsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS3: Land Reforms in India

From encroachment to legal ownership, Pg10

Haryana's amendment legalizing Shamilat deh encroachment favors elites, undermining Dalit rights and historical injustices in land distribution, raising social justice concerns.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: GovernanceGS3: Major Crops, Cropping Patterns and Irrigation SystemsGS3: E Technology in Aid of FarmersGS3: Technology Missions in AgricultureGS3: Biotechnology

Why does India need climate- resilient agriculture?, Pg10

India prioritizes climate-resilient agriculture amidst climate change, integrating biotechnology, AI, and sustainable practices for enhanced productivity and environmental protection.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 2: GovernanceGS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and DegradationGS3: Environmental Impact Assessment

The Aravalli question faces the brunt of India’s fondness for ‘strategic exemptions’, Pg11

Aravalli Hills mining faces scrutiny as 'strategic exemptions' clash with environmental protection, raising concerns over sustainable development and regulatory transparency.

GS 3: Internal SecurityGS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: GovernanceGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

DRDO will play key role in India’s air defence: Rajnath, Pg12

Defence Minister unveils DRDO's pivotal role in 'Sudarshan Chakra' initiative, enhancing India's air defence capabilities by 2035.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyGS 2: Social JusticePrelimsGS2: Health Sector

‘Anti-cholesterol drugs may reduce risk of death in diabetes patients’, PgII

Statins show promise in reducing mortality and cardiovascular risks for type 2 diabetes patients, even those at low cardiovascular risk.

GS 2: Social JusticeGS 2: GovernanceGS1: Social Empowerment, Communalism, Regionalism and SecularismGS2: Vulnerable SectionsGS2: Health Sector

What transgender men face when they access healthcare, PgII

Transgender men face healthcare hurdles despite progressive policies, including discrimination, lack of medical understanding, and unsupervised hormonal therapy, reveals report.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

India, Bangladesh begin joint water measurements as Ganges Treaty enters final year, Pg2

India and Bangladesh collaborate on Ganges water measurements as 30-year water-sharing treaty nears expiration, fostering cooperation.

GS 2: International RelationsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS2: Important International Institutions, Agencies and Fora

UN chief condemns Israeli law blocking electricity, water for UNRWA facilities, Pg2

UN Chief denounces Israel's ban on essential services to UNRWA facilities, citing violation of UN privileges and impeding aid to refugees.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the Economy

How Japanese scallops became a pawn in diplomatic tensions with China, Pg2

Japanese scallops become pawns in diplomatic tensions with China after seafood import ban impacting Hokkaido's economy and international relations.

GS 3: EconomyGS 2: GovernanceGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS3: Changes in Industrial Policy and Effects on Industrial Growth

Relief package may have set stage for Govt exit from Vodafone Idea, stake sale in works, Pg3

Vodafone Idea's revival: Government considers stake sale after relief package, aims for profitable exit amidst financial struggles.

GS 3: EconomyGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Health SectorGS3: Government Budgeting

Cigarettes to cost 15-40% more from February 1, Pg3

Cigarette prices to surge 15-40% as government hikes GST and excise duties from February 1st, impacting tobacco industry.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: Internal SecurityPrelimsGS2: India and its Neighbourhood Relations

India, Pakistan share list of nuclear installations, Pg4

India and Pakistan exchange lists of nuclear sites and prisoners despite strained relations, continuing 35-year-old no-attack agreement.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS 1: Indian GeographyGS1: Salient Features of World's Physical GeographyGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Before SC call for 'experts', a panel sought more studies for method to define Aravallis, Pg7

Aravalli definition row: SC seeks expert review after panel suggests more studies for uniform hill identification method.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology Development

PM to launch first Vande Bharat sleeper this month, Pg7

India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train to launch between Kolkata and Guwahati this month, boosting railway infrastructure and connectivity.

GS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS3: Space Technology

After missing multiple deadlines, Gaganyaan's first uncrewed mission likely to lift-off by March (AS PER CURRENT TIMELINE, FIRST CREWED MISSION LIKELY BY LATE 2027 OR EARLY 2028), Pg9

Gaganyaan's uncrewed mission faces further delays, now targeted for March, while crewed mission pushed to late 2027/early 2028.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 3: EconomyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

Between India and EU, a carbon gap and an FTA bridge, Pg10

EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism threatens Indian steel and aluminium exports, potentially wiping out 16-22% of prices received from January 1.

GS 2: International RelationsGS 2: PolityGS2: India and its Neighbourhood RelationsGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's Interests

Navigating a world without norms, Pg11

Israel's recognition of Somaliland signals the decline of the 'rules-based international order,' posing challenges to territorial integrity and sovereignty.

GS 3: EconomyGS 2: GovernanceGS 2: Social JusticeGS3: Inclusive GrowthGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS2: Vulnerable Sections

Banking correspondent outlets down 2.3 lakh in FY25: RBI data, Pg12

RBI data reveals sharp decline in banking correspondent outlets, threatening financial inclusion and DBT ecosystem in rural India due to policy shortcomings.

GS 3: EconomyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS3: Government Budgeting

At Rs 1.79 lakh crore, GST revenue growth back in positive zone in December, Pg12

GST collections rebound in December 2025 with 1.3% growth, signaling tax system resilience post rate cuts.

GS 3: EconomyGS 2: GovernancePrelimsGS2: Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi Judicial BodiesGS3: Indian Economy, Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment

PFRDA allows banks to set up pension funds to manage NPS, Pg12

PFRDA allows scheduled commercial banks to establish pension funds for NPS management, aiming to boost competition and protect subscriber interests.

GS 3: EconomyGS 1: Indian GeographyPrelimsGS3: Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.GS3: Indigenization of Technology and New Technology DevelopmentGS3: Security Challenges and Management in Border Areas

Railways targets new frontiers amid traffic, freight challenges, Pg12

Indian Railways accelerates infrastructure projects, connects Kashmir and Mizoram, targets freight diversification, and introduces Vande Bharat sleeper trains by 2025.

GS 3: EconomyGS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 2: International RelationsGS2: Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India's InterestsGS3: Effects of Liberalization on the EconomyGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

As EU carbon tax kicks in, India’s metal exports face price threat, Pg13

EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism threatens Indian metal exports with potential price cuts of 15-22% due to carbon tax.

GS 3: Environment & EcologyGS 2: International RelationsGS1: Poverty and Developmental IssuesGS2: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and AgreementsGS3: Conservation, Pollution and Degradation

A shift in the climate narrative as Paris pact comes under scrutiny, Pg13

Paris Agreement faces scrutiny as developing nations demand resources and policy flexibility, challenging mitigation-centric approach and emission standards.

GS 2: GovernanceGS 3: Science & TechnologyPrelimsGS2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectorsGS2: Vulnerable Sections

24 athletes added to TOPS; archery receives extra push, Pg17

Government expands Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), inducting 24 new athletes, including 8 compound archers, for enhanced 2028 Olympics preparation.

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