Weekly Important News (13 - 19 Oct)

Fresh SSB batches start around the 1st & 15th of every month.

📰 Article Summaries

1. Google to invest $15 billion in AI data centre at Vizag Google will establish a gigawatt‑scale AI data centre in Visakhapatnam, its largest outside the U.S., partnering with Bharti Airtel and AdaniConnex. The $15 billion project aims to boost India’s digital infrastructure, jobs, and AI‑driven innovation across sectors.
2. IMF forecasts India to grow 6.6% in 2025 The IMF cut India’s 2024 growth forecast to 6.1% from 6.3%, citing fading momentum after a strong first quarter. Growth is projected to rebound to 6.6% in 2025, despite global headwinds like trade tensions and protectionism.
3. Refugees, infiltrators The article stresses India’s need for a clear, non‑discriminatory refugee policy. Currently reliant on outdated laws, India faces challenges with refugees from neighboring states. It calls for a legal framework ensuring fair treatment, free from religious or political bias.
4. The future of the IMEC The India‑Middle East‑Europe Economic Corridor envisions maritime and rail connectivity linking India to Europe via the Gulf. While promising for trade, it faces geopolitical hurdles, especially amid West Asian conflicts, requiring adaptable routes and sustained diplomatic cooperation.
5. Maoist violence restricted to 11 districts The government reports Maoist activity now limited to 11 districts, mainly in Chhattisgarh. Surrenders, including senior leaders, and development schemes have reduced affected districts from 126 in 2013 to 70 in 2021, signaling progress in curbing left‑wing extremism.
6. Trump and MEA at odds over Russian oil imports Donald Trump urged India to stop Russian oil imports, but India’s MEA defended its diversified energy needs. Related articles note Russia’s defense offers, Congress’ criticism of Modi’s U.S. ties, and China’s defense of its own Russian oil purchases.
7. Ceasefire halts deadly fighting on Afghanistan‑Pakistan border A 48‑hour ceasefire eased tensions after deadly clashes between Taliban and Pakistani forces. Shops reopened in Spin Boldak as residents returned. India reaffirmed commitment to Afghan sovereignty, with Ambassador Jaiswal stressing support for territorial integrity and regional stability.
8. U.S. Chamber sues Trump administration over H‑1B fee hike The U.S. Chamber of Commerce challenged a $10,000 H‑1B visa fee hike, calling it unlawful and harmful to employers. A sidebar showed steep cost increases for lower‑salaried workers. Separately, 210 Maoists surrendered in Chhattisgarh, including 19 with bounties.
9. Better global governance, led by China and India The article highlights India‑China cooperation in shaping global governance, referencing the Panchsheel Agreement and recent summits. It stresses reforming international institutions, post‑COVID collaboration, and the potential of emerging economies to drive multilateralism despite bilateral tensions.
10. Claim, counterclaim: India must speak with moral clarity An editorial urges India to respond firmly to Donald Trump’s remarks on oil imports and foreign policy. It argues India should adopt principled, unambiguous positions on global issues, balancing U.S.‑China rivalry with its own strategic autonomy.
11. HAL Nashik unit to roll out 24 Tejas jets annually Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated HAL’s new Nashik production line for Tejas Mk1A and HTT‑40 aircraft. The facility boosts India’s self‑reliance in defense, enabling 24 Tejas jets per year through government‑industry‑academia collaboration.
12. Women form 49% of Ayushman Bharat hospital admissions Women account for nearly half of hospital admissions under AB‑PMJAY in 2024‑25. With 9.19 crore admissions and ₹81,000 crore spent, oncology, ophthalmology, and obstetrics dominate treatments. Over 45 crore cards have been issued, expanding healthcare access nationwide.
13. How are India‑Taliban relations changing? India has cautiously engaged the Taliban through aid, wheat, and medical supplies, while hosting Taliban officials. The evolving ties reflect pragmatic diplomacy amid regional security concerns, balancing humanitarian outreach with vigilance over terrorism and geopolitical shifts.
14. Pakistan to hold talks with Taliban in Doha Pakistan will meet Taliban leaders in Doha to address rising cross‑border violence, especially in North Waziristan. The talks follow deadly attacks on Pakistani soldiers. Separately, Donald Trump claimed India would stop buying Russian oil, though India continues purchases.
15. Government email accounts migrated to Zoho Over 12 lakh Central government email accounts, including the PMO’s, have shifted from NIC to Zoho. The move aims to build a self‑reliant digital ecosystem, though concerns remain about security risks in using open‑source platforms.
16. India sends Minister to Egypt for Gaza summit Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh represented India at Cairo’s Gaza peace summit, attended by 20+ leaders. The summit, hosted by Egypt and the U.S., sought humanitarian solutions. Modi declined due to short notice; Biden and Netanyahu were absent.
17. Natural farming gains traction in Himachal Over 1.5 lakh Himachal farmers have adopted chemical‑free farming under state schemes. Supported by incentives and MSPs, farmers report lower costs and healthier soil. The government is building markets for organic produce to ensure fair prices and sustainability.
18. Gaza declaration inked as Hamas frees hostages Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey brokered a ceasefire declaration as Hamas released 24 hostages and Israel freed 198 prisoners. In India, retail inflation fell to a seven‑year low of 1.54% in October 2017, easing consumer pressures.
19. Talking to Taliban: India must be wary Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to Delhi marks Taliban’s outreach since 2021. The article warns India to remain cautious, given Taliban’s terror links. It stresses balancing engagement with security concerns, alongside U.S., Pakistan, and China’s roles in Afghanistan.
20. India invites Carney for AI summit, trade talks with Canada India invited Canadian representative Mark Carney to an AI summit as both sides agreed to restart trade talks. Jaishankar and Anita Anand discussed nuclear SMRs and bilateral ties, signaling efforts to reset strained India‑Canada relations
21. Number of births declines; deaths rise slightly: report India’s 2023 Civil Registration System shows 2.52 crore births, slightly down from 2022, and 86.6 lakh deaths, marginally higher. Uttar Pradesh led in births, Maharashtra in deaths. Gender imbalance persists, with Gujarat recording the lowest sex ratio at birth.
22. Achieving rooftop solar targets remains a challenge Despite rising applications under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana, only 13.1% of India’s 1‑crore rooftop solar target is met. Shortages, subsidy delays, and funding gaps threaten the FY2027 goal, requiring ₹2.65 lakh crore and stronger implementation capacity.
23. The evolving political dynamics in volatile Bangladesh Bangladesh’s politics remain dominated by the Awami League and BNP rivalry, shaped by history, leadership battles, and military influence. The article examines electoral strategies, shifting ground realities, and the army’s role in maintaining balance amid growing volatility.
24. How innovation drives economic growth The Nobel Prize in Economics 2022 honored Bernanke, Diamond, and Dybvig for research on banks and crises. The article links innovation, creative destruction, and knowledge systems to long‑term growth, stressing how financial stability and innovation together fuel economies.