The Indian government has introduced a new GDP series with an updated base year of 2022-23, replacing the 2011-12 base. According to the second advance estimates, India's economic growth is projected at 7.6% for FY26, an upgrade from the 7.4% predicted earlier. While real GDP growth shows a stronger outlook driven by a 12.5% surge in manufacturing, nominal GDP has been revised downward for the 2023-26 period. This revision is expected to negatively impact fiscal metrics like the fiscal deficit-to-GDP and debt-to-GDP ratios. The services sector is also expected to quicken to 8.9% growth in FY26.
The base year for GDP calculation has been updated from 2011-12 to 2022-23 to improve data representativeness.
FY26 growth is pegged at 7.6%, largely driven by the secondary sector, specifically manufacturing and construction.
Nominal GDP has been revised downward, which may lead to higher fiscal deficit-to-GDP ratios than previously estimated.
Exam Points
New GDP base year: 2022-23.
FY26 GDP growth estimate: 7.6%.
Projected manufacturing sector growth for 2025-26: 12.5%.
Shashi Tharoor argues that Kerala must transition from a 'Remittance Economy' to an 'Innovation Economy' to address its unique challenges. Despite high literacy and social indicators, Kerala faces an aging population and land scarcity. The article suggests leveraging Kerala's biodiversity for a 'Graphene Valley,' developing 'retirement villages' for global seniors, and utilizing the Vizhinjam International Seaport as a global logistics hub. By adopting high-value, low-footprint models like Dutch glasshouse farming and Singapore's logistics efficiency, Kerala can transform its constraints into competitive advantages in biotech, IT, and medical tourism.
Kerala needs to pivot from relying on remittances (₹1.3 lakh crore annually) to high-tech innovation and value addition.
The state should utilize its unique genetic pool for precision medicine and establish a 'Graphene Valley' for advanced materials.
Vizhinjam Seaport must be developed into a comprehensive logistics and value-addition hub rather than just a transit point.
Exam Points
Kerala's population density: 901 per square kilometre.
Annual remittance to Kerala: Estimated ₹1.3 lakh crore.
Strategic location: Vizhinjam International Seaport as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
Amidst global conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war, Prabhash Ranjan argues that international law remains a vital normative framework. While Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, which prohibits the use of force, is frequently breached, states still feel compelled to justify their actions within legal frameworks. Beyond high-profile conflicts, international law 'works silently' to facilitate global trade, civil aviation, and climate action. Recent milestones like the High Seas Treaty and the Pandemic Agreement, along with the continued functioning of international courts, demonstrate that the judicialization of international relations is flourishing rather than dying.
Article 2(4) of the UN Charter remains the primary normative framework for prohibiting the threat or use of force.
International law provides a necessary framework for powerless states to demand accountability from global powers.
The 'silent' operation of international law governs critical areas like maritime resources, outer space, and human rights.
Exam Points
UN Charter Article 2(4): Prohibits the threat or use of force in international relations.
High Seas Treaty: Focuses on the sustainability of marine biological diversity.
International Criminal Court (ICC): A key global institution for resolving international disputes.
The Meghalaya government has heightened surveillance for meningococcal disease after two Agniveer trainees died of suspected bacterial infections in Shillong. An advisory has been issued urging the public to avoid crowded places and follow health protocols. Health authorities have initiated active epidemiological investigations, contact tracing, and laboratory reviews at the Assam Regimental Centre. While the situation is currently under control with no new cases detected outside the initial area, the East Khasi Hills District Surveillance Unit is monitoring close contacts and implementing preventive interventions to prevent a wider outbreak.
Meningococcal disease is a severe bacterial infection that requires rapid identification and treatment to prevent mortality.
The state has initiated active epidemiological investigations and contact tracing following deaths at a military training centre.
Public health advisories emphasize social distancing and adherence to outbreak response protocols in East Khasi Hills.
Exam Points
Pathogen: Meningococcal bacteria.
Location: Shillong, East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya.
Affected group: Agniveer trainees at the Assam Regimental Centre.
The Supreme Court is hearing a petition challenging the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act of 2025. The petition argues that the Act allows private and foreign companies to operate nuclear plants while capping their liability at an 'absurdly low' level of ₹3,000 crore and exempting suppliers from accountability. Chief Justice Surya Kant noted that while nuclear power is essential for India's energy security, a balance must be struck between national interest and the potential for catastrophic loss, similar to the Chernobyl or Fukushima accidents.
The SHANTI Act 2025 facilitates private and foreign sector participation in India's nuclear energy production.
Critics argue the ₹3,000 crore liability cap for operators is insufficient compared to the potential damage of nuclear accidents.
The Act's exemption of suppliers from liability is challenged on the grounds that it may lead to compromised safety standards.
Exam Points
SHANTI Act: Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India Act, 2025.
The Indian Navy has commissioned INS Anjadip, the fourth indigenously designed and built Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC). Constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE), the 77-metre vessel is specifically engineered to detect and neutralize enemy submarines in littoral or coastal waters. Equipped with advanced sonar systems, lightweight torpedoes, and anti-submarine rockets, the ship reflects India's growing 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' capabilities in naval design. Beyond combat, it is equipped for coastal surveillance, search and rescue, and low-intensity maritime operations.
INS Anjadip is the fourth vessel in a series of eight ASW SWC ships built indigenously by GRSE, Kolkata.
The ship is designed for the 'littoral combat environment,' focusing on shallow-water submarine threats.
It features modern combat management systems, shallow-water sonars, and lightweight torpedoes for precision strikes.