Weekly Important News (20 - 26 Oct)

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

Net FDI fell 159% in August: RBI data India saw a sharp reversal in net FDI in August, with $4.15 billion repatriated and only $2.63 billion inflows. Core sector growth also slowed to 3% in September, driven by contractions in oil, gas, and steel output.

  • Deepavali fireworks send Delhi air quality to five-year low Delhi’s PM2.5 levels spiked to 410 µg/m³ on Deepavali, the highest in five years. Despite firecracker bans, pollution surged across North India, worsened by stubble burning. The article also notes India’s Kabul mission gaining embassy status.
  • Does India’s 1.9 fertility rate reflect reality? India’s reported TFR of 1.9 may be misleading due to undercounted and delayed birth registrations. The article critiques data collection methods and urges more accurate fertility tracking to inform policy and resource planning.
  • Neeraj Chopra conferred rank of Lt. Colonel (Honorary) Olympic javelin champion Neeraj Chopra was formally honored with the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Territorial Army during a ceremony in Delhi, attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief Gen. Upendra Dwivedi.
  • Govt. proposes mandatory labelling of AI-generated content India’s IT Ministry has proposed amendments requiring social media platforms to label AI-generated content. Meanwhile, Kerala will be declared free of extreme poverty on November 1, after identifying and supporting over 64,000 vulnerable families.
  • India must step in as solar power supplier India ranks fourth globally in solar capacity, with 70 GW installed and plans to double manufacturing by 2026. The article urges India to become a global solar supplier to sustain industry and reduce import dependence.
  • Indian Embassy in Kabul will help ‘regional peace’: Taliban India upgraded its Kabul mission to full embassy status, welcomed by the Taliban as a step toward regional stability. Qatar also introduced its ambassador, signaling growing diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s current administration.
  • NHAI to deploy 3D sensors for road safety NHAI will use 3D sensors and AI to detect potholes and cracks across 20,000 km of highways in 23 states. Data will feed into the Road Asset Management System to improve maintenance and driving conditions.
  • Officers issuing content notice to be made more ‘accountable’ India’s IT Rules will be amended to ensure officers issuing takedown notices clarify their intent and are held accountable. The move aims to boost transparency in government communication with social media platforms.
  • U.S. sanctions Russian oil majors; Indian refiners may cut buys Sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil could raise global oil prices by 3%. Trump claims India and China will halt Russian oil imports, though India’s share has only gradually declined from 32% in 2022 to 24.6% in 2025.
  • The UN matters, as a symbol of possibility Shashi Tharoor defends the UN’s relevance, citing its symbolic power and potential for reform. Despite criticisms of inefficiency and outdated structures, he argues the UN remains vital for global cooperation and peacekeeping.
  • Is Punjab’s stubble burning problem really declining? The article questions claims of reduced stubble burning in Punjab, citing discrepancies between satellite and ground data. It calls for better monitoring and policy alignment to tackle pollution and protect environmental health.
  • Why cloud seeding is not a solution to Delhi’s pollution Cloud seeding offers only temporary relief and cannot address Delhi’s chronic pollution sources. The article debunks myths and advocates for emission control, waste management, and regulatory enforcement as sustainable solutions.
  • Tri-services to get systems, platforms for ₹79,000 cr India approved ₹79,000 crore in defense acquisitions to boost mobility, lethality, and intelligence. Other updates include India-Bhutan border talks and ISRO’s Gaganyaan mission, now 90% complete and preparing for crewed spaceflight.
  • Sanctioning Russia: Trump’s strategic pressure Trump’s sanctions aim to weaken Russia’s economy and military to force ceasefire talks over Syria. The article explores broader geopolitical stakes, including NATO dynamics, China’s positioning, and global energy market disruptions.
  • Japan’s new PM commits to defense spend, Quad ties Prime Minister Kishida pledges increased defense spending and stronger ties with India and the Quad. Separately, India opposes any moves that could disrupt the Gaza ceasefire, reaffirming its support for regional peace.
  • India’s largest hydropower project begins test run The 2,000 MW Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project in Arunachal Pradesh began test runs, aiming for full commissioning by June 2024. Meanwhile, the Centre plans to protect traditional media from digital disruption via a new committee.

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