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ClearIAS

6/1/2025, 6:00:57 AM

The Indian Army is conducting extensive trials of next-generation indigenous defence technologies at key locations like Pokhran, Babina, Joshimath, Agra, and Gopalpur. These evaluations, under simulated combat conditions, focus on systems such as the Akashteer air defence control system, VSHORADS missile, Zorawar light tank, and AI-enabled weaponry. The initiative underscores India's commitment to the 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' vision, enhancing operational readiness and showcasing strategic superiority through the integration of advanced, homegrown military technologies.

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5/29/2025, 12:14:33 PM

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh approved Category-I Miniratna status for three Defence Public Sector Undertakings: Munitions India Limited (MIL), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (AVNL), and India Optel Limited (IOL). Since their formation in 2021, these companies have significantly increased their revenues and exports, achieving high levels of indigenisation. This recognition enhances their operational autonomy, supporting India's goal of self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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6/3/2025, 7:56:37 AM

At the BRICS Summit, India championed inclusive digital growth, emphasizing its digital public infrastructure, including platforms like UPI and CoWIN, as models for global cooperation. Prime Minister Modi highlighted initiatives such as Bhashini to overcome language barriers and proposed collaboration in areas like skill mapping, traditional medicine, and environmental conservation. India also advocated for cultural integration in development strategies, aligning with its vision of sustainable and inclusive progress. These efforts underscore India's commitment to leveraging technology and culture for global development.

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6/1/2025, 11:05:16 AM

Kerala experienced a significant surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) during the fiscal year 2024–25, with inflows more than doubling to ₹3,300 crore from ₹1,633 crore the previous year. This growth elevated Kerala to the ninth position among Indian states, accounting for 0.79% of the nation's total FDI. The Information Technology (IT) sector was a major contributor, attracting investments from companies like Vensure, KAISEMI, Armada, and dSPACE. Industries Minister P. Rajeeve expressed optimism that initiatives such as the Global Capability Centre and Genome City, along with commitments from the Invest Kerala Global Summit 2025, will further enhance FDI inflows in the coming years.

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5/28/2025, 5:30:45 AM

Coal imports in India fell by 7.9% in FY 2024-25, totaling over 243 million tonnes, down from 264.53 million tonnes the previous year, saving around $7.93 billion in foreign exchange. Despite a 3.04% rise in coal-based power generation, thermal power plant imports for blending dropped by 41.4%. The Ministry of Coal attributed this to increased domestic production and reduced imports, which contributed to a 5% growth in coal output compared to the previous fiscal year.

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6/2/2025, 6:31:15 AM

India's gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections rose by 16.4% year-on-year, reaching ₹2.01 lakh crore. This marks the second consecutive month where collections have surpassed the ₹2 lakh crore mark, indicating robust economic activity and improved tax compliance. The surge is largely attributed to a 25% increase in revenue from imports, reflecting strong import demand. Despite a slight decline from April's record-high collections, the May figures represent the fastest growth rate since October 2022, signaling a strong start to the fiscal year 2025-26.

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6/4/2025, 12:43:10 PM

UN General Assembly elected Bahrain, Congo, Liberia, Colombia, and Latvia to two-year terms on the Security Council starting January 2026. Latvia joins for the first time, emphasizing its historical experience with conflict. Bahrain aims to promote Middle East peace, including a Gaza ceasefire and a two-state solution. Congo highlights Africa’s role in global peace, Liberia focuses on inequality and climate change, and Colombia stresses environmental preservation and human rights. These nations replace Algeria, Guyana, South Korea, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia

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6/3/2025, 11:16:14 AM

Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, erupted yesterday, sending ash and smoke billowing into the sky over Sicily and causing alarm among tourists. Sicily’s president, Renato Schifani, reassured the public that the lava flows remained within the natural containment area and did not pose a threat to residents. According to Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology, the eruption involved strombolian explosions—a type of volcanic activity marked by increasing intensity. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and have urged the public to remain vigilant as the volcanic activity continues.

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5/28/2025, 12:01:17 PM

In a push for self-reliance, India is developing the Electric Hansa (E-Hansa), a next-generation, two-seater electric trainer aircraft at nearly half the cost of imported models. Science and Technology Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, after a high-level review meeting, praised the CSIR-NAL, Bengaluru, for its indigenous development under the HANSA-3 (NG) program. He also lauded ISRO for the successful SPADEX mission and its role in Operation Sindoor. Notably, Group Captain Subhash Shukla will conduct seven microgravity experiments during the Axiom Space Mission.

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5/23/2025, 6:28:07 AM

Fitch Ratings has revised India's medium-term GDP growth potential upward by 0.2 percentage points to 6.4% over the next five years. This adjustment reflects a significant increase in labor force participation, contributing more to growth than productivity gains. Conversely, China's growth projection has been reduced from 4.6% to 4.3%, due to declining labor participation and weaker investment. These changes highlight India's strengthening economic outlook relative to other emerging markets, as noted in Fitch's latest assessment.