Must ReadASI begins drilling into Konark Sun Temple to remove 100-year-old British-era sand
The [Archaeological Survey of India] (ASI) has initiated the process of drilling a passage into the Jagamohan (assembly hall) of the 13th-century [Konark Sun Temple] in Odisha. This is to remove sand packed inside by the British administration between 1901 and 1903 to prevent the structural collapse of the monument.
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Must ReadRajnath in Germany: Defence cooperation pacts inked, talks held
India and Germany signed two key agreements: the Defence Industrial Cooperation Roadmap and an Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in UN Peacekeeping Training during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Berlin. The talks focused on co-development and co-production of defence equipment, particularly niche technologies, and enhancing military-to-military cooperation.
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Must ReadState capex hits 2.7% of GDP under SASCI scheme: Report
A recent report indicates that State capital expenditure (capex) has reached 2.7% of GDP, significantly driven by the [Scheme for Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment] (SASCI). However, the utilisation of these 50-year interest-free central loans shows a stark divergence among states, with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra leading, while Kerala and Telangana lag, primarily due to varying fiscal health and demographic factors.
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Must ReadIran seizes Gujarat-bound container ship in Strait of Hormuz; chilling video shows armed soldiers boarding vessels
The article reports on the seizure of a Gujarat-bound container ship by Iranian armed forces in the [Strait of Hormuz]. This incident highlights the growing tensions in the Middle East and its potential impact on international trade, particularly for countries like India that rely heavily on these maritime routes.
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ImportantSuresh Babu assumes office as Chairman & Managing Director of BHAVINI
P.A. Suresh Babu has been appointed as the Chairman and Managing Director of [Bharatiya Nabhikiya Vidyut Nigam Limited] ([BHAVINI]).
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Must Read'Disaster resilience must be built into infra projects,' says Economic affairs secretary Anuradha Thakur
At an event organized by the [Department of Economic Affairs (DEA)] and the [Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)], Economic Affairs Secretary Anuradha Thakur emphasized the critical need to embed disaster resilience into infrastructure planning and execution. A report released at the event highlighted that global infrastructure losses from climate and disaster risks are estimated at $845 billion annually, underscoring the severe economic and developmental impact of failing to build resilient systems.
ImportantIndia’s post-LWE future, from red sun to new dawn
The article highlights the positive transformation in regions previously affected by **Left Wing Extremism (LWE)**, specifically West Midnapore (West Bengal) and Simdega (Jharkhand). It attributes this change to targeted development initiatives like the [Integrated Action Plan (IAP)] and the deployment of [Prime Minister’s Rural Development Fellows (PMRDFs)], showcasing how investments in sports infrastructure and youth empowerment have led to individuals from these regions representing India internationally.
India's digital currency push targets its leaky welfare system
The [Reserve Bank of India] (RBI), in collaboration with state governments and banks, is conducting pilot projects to utilize the **e-rupee**, India's **Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)**, for welfare payments. These pilots aim to test the efficacy of **programmable money** in ensuring targeted delivery of subsidies, specifically in agriculture and the [Public Distribution System], to reduce leakage and improve efficiency.
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ImportantCommon concerns: on India-South Korea ties
The editorial analyzes the evolving bilateral relations between India and South Korea, highlighting shared concerns and potential areas for deeper cooperation. While the specific text of the editorial is unavailable, the provided tags (diplomacy, trade policy, technology, Ayodhya, culture) suggest a focus on both strategic/economic ties and the historical/cultural links that bind the two nations.
ImportantPersian deadlock: on the U.S. and the war on Iran
The provided text appears to be metadata and boilerplate text from an editorial titled 'Persian deadlock: on the U.S. and the war on Iran'.
Read on The HinduDive Into Study NotesOnly 3.2% Telangana households own car; ownership among SC, ST and BC communities much lesser
The Socio, Economic, Educational, Employment, Political and Caste (SEEEPC) survey conducted in Telangana has revealed significant economic disparities among different castes. Using a newly formulated Composite Backwardness Index (CBI) based on 42 parameters, the survey highlighted that only 3.2% of households own a car, with ownership significantly lower among SC, ST, and BC communities, underscoring deep-rooted inequality and the need for targeted affirmative action.
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ImportantA ‘medal-at-all-costs’ mentality, lack of funds, broken anti-doping mechanisms: Why the integrity of Indian sports is under a cloud
The [World Anti-Doping Agency] (WADA) and the [Athletics Integrity Unit] (AIU) have recently highlighted India as a major producer and consumer of performance-enhancing drugs in sports. This persistent doping menace, coupled with inadequate testing and intelligence mechanisms, raises critical concerns about the integrity of Indian sports governance, especially as the nation aspires to host the 2036 [Olympic Games].
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ImportantWhat delayed salaries reveal about Punjab government’s strained finances
Recent journalistic reports highlight ongoing administrative, fiscal, and political challenges in Punjab under the current government. Key issues include strained state finances impacting welfare schemes, legislative friction between the state executive and the Governor over special Assembly sessions, and center-state disputes regarding central schemes like the Viksit Bharat mission.
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ImportantExplained: Why India sees so many firework factory explosions
Recent fatal explosions in firecracker manufacturing units in Kerala (Thrissur) and Tamil Nadu (Virudhunagar) have highlighted severe safety and regulatory lapses in India's fireworks industry. These incidents underscore the volatile mix of chemical components, environmental factors like summer heat, and systemic governance failures that repeatedly turn manufacturing hubs into disaster zones.
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