1. National Critical Minerals Mission Approved

Key Details: The Indian government has sanctioned ₹16,300 crore for the National Critical Minerals Mission to promote mineral exploration within the country and at offshore locations.
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 (Economy, Science & Technology, Infrastructure)
Concepts to Understand:
- Critical Minerals: These are essential for strategic sectors such as electronics, defense, and renewable energy (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements).
- India’s Dependence: India relies heavily on imports for these minerals, and this mission aims to enhance self-reliance.
- Geopolitical Significance: Countries like China dominate the global supply chain of critical minerals, making self-sufficiency vital for India’s strategic interests.

2. The Mining Mafia and Attacks on Officials in Tamil Nadu

Key Details: The report highlights repeated violent attacks on activists and government officials enforcing mining laws.
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 (Environment, Governance), GS-2 (Law & Order, Policy Implementation)
Background:
- Illegal Sand Mining: A major environmental and governance issue, affecting river ecosystems and causing land degradation.
- Political and Criminal Nexus: Involvement of local politicians and mafias makes enforcement difficult.
- Possible Reforms: Strengthening environmental regulations, using technology (e.g., drones, satellite monitoring), and ensuring legal protection for whistleblowers.

Key Details: The Indian economy is facing sluggish growth, largely due to weak private consumption and investment.
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 (Economy)
Key Economic Concepts:
- GDP Growth Trends: Post-liberalization, India's economic phases have included:
  - 1991-2004: Reform-driven growth
  - 2004-2011: High growth & poverty reduction
  - 2011-Present: Slowdown due to demand-side constraints
- Impact of Policy Decisions:
  - Demonetization & GST: Disruptions in cash flow and businesses.
  - COVID-19 Lockdowns: Further weakened private sector confidence.
- Budget Solutions: The government might focus on increased public spending in social sectors to boost demand.

Key Details: 30 people died in a tragic stampede during the Kumbh Mela.
UPSC Relevance: GS-1 (Society & Culture), GS-2 (Disaster Management, Governance)
Concepts to Understand:
- Crowd Management: Lessons from past tragedies show the need for improved infrastructure, digital monitoring, and trained personnel.
- Role of Disaster Management Authorities: Implementation of NDMA guidelines on large gatherings.
- Cultural Significance: Maha Kumbh is one of the largest religious gatherings, requiring special administrative attention.

Key Details: A Chinese AI startup, DeepSeek, has developed a chatbot rivaling American counterparts despite U.S. export restrictions on high-tech chips.
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 (Science & Technology, International Relations)
Concepts to Understand:
- AI and Geopolitics: The U.S. seeks to limit China's technological advancements, especially in AI and semiconductors.
- China’s Strategy: Using alternative chips and optimizing algorithms to counter Western sanctions.
- India’s Role: India aims to develop AI self-sufficiency through initiatives like the INDIA AI mission.

Key Details: A U.S. organization has launched a database documenting allegations against 80 Catholic priests in the Philippines.
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations, Human Rights)
Significance:
- Global Human Rights Concerns: Similar cases have emerged in the U.S., Argentina, Chile, and Ireland.
- Religious and Legal Challenges: Balancing religious authority and criminal accountability.
- Lessons for India: Strengthening child protection laws and improving judicial mechanisms for abuse victims.

Key Details: The government is moving forward with a contentious bill that Opposition parties claim could threaten Waqf properties.
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 (Governance, Minority Rights, Constitution)
Key Issues:
- Understanding Waqf: A waqf is an endowment made by Muslims for religious, educational, or charitable purposes.
- Concerns Over Amendments: Opposition claims that the bill could lead to disputes over land ownership and weaken community control over religious properties.

Impact: Escalation of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, affecting global energy security.
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations)
Concepts to Study: Energy security, war-time economic disruptions, global supply chain risks.

Impact: Increased regional instability, humanitarian crisis.
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations, Security)
Concepts to Study: African conflicts, role of the UN, and India's peacekeeping efforts.

Economic Slowdown: "Discuss the impact of private consumption trends on India's economic growth post-2011. Suggest measures to address the slowdown." (GS-3)
Illegal Mining: "Illegal sand mining poses severe environmental and governance challenges. Analyze its impact and suggest regulatory measures." (GS-3)
Crowd Management: "What are the key elements of an effective disaster management plan for large religious gatherings like the Kumbh Mela?" (GS-2)
AI & Geopolitics: "Examine the role of artificial intelligence in global power dynamics. How can India leverage AI for strategic advantage?" (GS-3)
Minority Rights: "What is the significance of Waqf properties in India? Critically analyze the impact of the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill." (GS-2)