The deadliest clashes so far broke out between Syrian government forces and Kurdish fighters in a contested area of the northern city of Aleppo, as efforts to merge the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) with the national army have shown little progress. SANA said a soldier was killed in an SDF attack.
Meaning: Growth is cleaner, but overall pollution is higher.
Meaning: Capacity added, but coal still dominates power supply.
Meaning: Fast expansion, but the system is not ready to absorb full output.
Meaning: Energy transition incomplete.
Also, forest cover includes plantations, not just natural forests
Meaning: Carbon sink claims are contested.
Gaza Peace Plan
• Seeks an end to active hostilities in Gaza.
• Emphasises humanitarian assistance, reconstruction, and civilian protection.
• Proposes security arrangements to prevent future violence.
• Supported diplomatically by the U.S., but faces resistance from multiple stakeholders.
Two-State Solution:
• Envisions Israel and Palestine as two independent states, coexisting peacefully.
• Palestine with recognized borders, alongside Israel’s security guarantees.
• Supported by India and most of the international community.
Context:
The Union Government has released the First Advance Estimates (FAE) of national income for FY 2025–26, projecting real GDP growth at 7.4%, up from 6.5% in FY25.
The estimate comes amid global trade uncertainties, particularly high U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, affecting labour-intensive sectors.
What are First Advance Estimates (FAE)?
• Earliest official estimate of annual GDP growth
• Released before the financial year ends (early January)
• Prepared by the National Statistical Office (NSO), MoSPI
• Used as the base document for Budget formulation
• Based on partial data (first 7–8 months of the year)
FAE is not final — it is revised later through Second Advance Estimates and Provisional Estimates as more data becomes available.
Context
The government has notified the first phase of Census 2027, marking India’s first digital Census and the first to include caste enumeration since Independence.
Prelims-Relevant Data Point
• Seventh Schedule: Union List – Entry 69
• Phase 1: April 1 – Sept 30, 2026
• Phase 2 (Population Enumeration): February 2027
• Nature: First digital Census of India
• New Feature: Caste enumeration included
• Coverage: All States & Union Territories
• Self-enumeration: Allowed (15 days before HLO starts)
• Authority: Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India
• Workforce: ~30 lakh enumerators & officials
HLO (Houselisting Operations): First phase of Census that collects data on housing conditions and household assets, not population.
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