New Genetic Tools Are Breathing Fresh Life into India’s Staple Crops

Why in News?

The article “New genetic tools are breathing fresh life into India’s staple crops” by K. VijayRaghavan, published in The Hindu, argues that technology is rapidly changing the way we cultivate rice and wheat, and India has the opportunity to lead the pack if we restore the attraction of fundamental research in plant sciences to our students. The author notes that “as new tools like apomixis become more widely available and private companies shift focus to Indian seeds, it is as important to think about how our system will adapt to these changes as it is to focus on investing in fundamental research in plant genetics, physiology, and host-pathogen interactions.” This analysis will explore the background of India’s agricultural research, the key facts surrounding new genetic technologies, the impact on food security, the government’s response, the challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

India’s food security largely depends on rice and wheat, which take up more than half of our farmland and provide most of the calories Indians eat. The article notes that “scientists and breeders designed today’s wheat and rice varieties at a time when the consequences of excess fertiliser use on soil were not sufficiently anticipated, when pesticides were used to hit insects and other pests with a metaphorical hammer, and when the fact that our aquifers were abundant or heavily subsidised.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, the impact on society, the government’s response, the challenges, and the way forward.

Background

The “Green Revolution” Context:
The article notes that “India’s food security largely depends on rice and wheat, which take up more than half of our farmland and provide most of the calories Indians eat.” This is the historical context.

The “Public Institutions” Issue:
The article notes that “the supply of seeds to farmers, for crops such as rice and wheat, has had a strong public-sector presence. The National Seeds Corporation (NSC) was established in 1963. The NSC partners with State seed corporations and State agricultural universities to ensure reliability in the early stages of seed supply.” This is the institutional framework.

The “New Genetic Tools” Issue:
The article notes that “technology is rapidly changing the way we cultivate rice and wheat, and India has the opportunity to lead the pack if we restore the attraction of fundamental research in plant sciences to our students.” This is the central argument.

The “Gene Editing” Context:
The article notes that “in September 2025, India took a big step forward in 2025 in using new gene-editing technology to improve rice, and became the first country to allow farmers to grow rice that had been edited using this technology.” This is a significant development.

The “Apomixis” Context:
The article notes that “an approach called apomixis. It was first successfully demonstrated in rice by Venkatesan Sundaresan and his colleague Imtiyaz Khanday at the University of California, Davis, in 2018.” This is a breakthrough technology.

The “HIB” Context:
The article notes that “currently, the most advanced gene-edited trait in wheat is called HB4, developed by an Argentine company called Bioceres Crop Solutions.” This is a key development.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “we have had a great tradition here, and it should be revived.” This is the key point.

Key Facts

The “Rice and Wheat” Data:

1. Farmland: “More than half of our farmland.”

2. Calories: “Most of the calories Indians eat.”

3. Challenge: “Climate change, extreme weather events, droughts, and floods are more immediate concerns.”

4. Opportunity: “Sustainable and moderated use of pesticides and fertilisers.”

The “Genetic Tools” Data:

1. Gene Editing: “CRISPR-Cas9.”

2. Apomixis: “A method to bypass the normal process of sexual reproduction.”

3. HIB: “HB4.”

4. Impact: “Improve rice and wheat.”

5. Challenge: “Regulatory approval.”

The “Pusa DST1” Data:

1. Development: “2020.”

2. Technology: “CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool.”

3. Trait: “Drought tolerance.”

4. Impact: “Improved yield.”

5. Challenge: “Regulatory approval.”

The “DRR Dhan-100” Data:

1. Duration: “100 days.”

2. Yield: “20% more rice.”

3. Water: “Requires less water.”

4. Impact: “Lower greenhouse gas emissions.”

The “Apomixis” Data:

1. Demonstration: “2018.”

2. Scientists: “Venkatesan Sundaresan and Imtiyaz Khanday.”

3. Impact: “Potential to revolutionise agriculture.”

4. Challenge: “Regulatory approval.”

The “HIB” Data:

1. Development: “Argentina.”

2. Company: “Bioceres Crop Solutions.”

3. Trait: “Drought tolerance.”

4. Approval: “U.S. Department of Agriculture.”

5. Challenge: “Commercialisation.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Research: “Investing in fundamental research.”

2. Regulation: “Regulatory approval.”

3. Opportunity: “Revive the tradition.”

Recent Developments

The “Gene Editing” Approval:
The article notes that “in September 2025, India took a big step forward in 2025 in using new gene-editing technology to improve rice, and became the first country to allow farmers to grow rice that had been edited using this technology.”

The “Pusa DST1” Development:
The article notes that “in 2020, a team at ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, led by Viswanathan Chinnusamy, used the CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing tool to delete a stretch of a rice gene called OsDST.”

The “Apomixis” Breakthrough:
The article notes that “an approach called apomixis. It was first successfully demonstrated in rice by Venkatesan Sundaresan and his colleague Imtiyaz Khanday at the University of California, Davis, in 2018.”

The “HIB” Approval:
The article notes that “in August 2024, the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave the green light for HB4 wheat to be grown in the country, making it the fourth to approve its production.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “we have had a great tradition here, and it should be revived.”

Impact

Impact on Agriculture:

1. Yield: It will increase yield.

2. Resilience: It will improve resilience to climate change.

3. Sustainability: It will promote sustainable agriculture.

Impact on Food Security:

1. Availability: It will increase food availability.

2. Affordability: It will make food more affordable.

3. Nutrition: It will improve nutrition.

Impact on the Economy:

1. Growth: It will boost agricultural growth.

2. Income: It will increase farmers’ income.

3. Exports: It will boost exports.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position:
The article notes that “in September 2025, India took a big step forward in 2025 in using new gene-editing technology to improve rice.”

The “Regulatory” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these technologies.”

The “Public Institutions” Role:
The article notes that “the supply of seeds to farmers, for crops such as rice and wheat, has had a strong public-sector presence.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to invest in fundamental research.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing Genetic Tools:

1. Regulation: Regulatory approval is a challenge.

2. Awareness: Raising awareness is a challenge.

3. Acceptance: Public acceptance is a challenge.

Challenges for Farmers:

1. Access: Access to technology is a challenge.

2. Cost: The cost of technology is a challenge.

3. Knowledge: Lack of knowledge is a challenge.

Challenges for the Government:

1. Balancing Act: The government needs to balance innovation and regulation.

2. Regulation: Regulating the technology is a challenge.

3. Enforcement: Enforcing laws is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Invest in Research: The government should invest in fundamental research.

2. Regulate Effectively: It should regulate the technology effectively.

3. Promote Awareness: It should promote awareness about the technology.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The article “New genetic tools are breathing fresh life into India’s staple crops” by K. VijayRaghavan provides a comprehensive analysis of the potential of new genetic technologies to transform Indian agriculture. The author argues that India has the opportunity to lead the pack if it restores the attraction of fundamental research in plant sciences.

The article highlights the need for investment in research, effective regulation, and public awareness. It also notes the challenges facing the government, including regulatory approval and public acceptance.

As the author concludes, “we have had a great tradition here, and it should be revived.” The “ripples from the future” suggest that the success of these technologies will depend on the government’s ability to create a supportive ecosystem.

Sources & References

• The Article: “New genetic tools are breathing fresh life into India’s staple crops” by K. VijayRaghavan (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: ICAR, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Context: Reports on agriculture, genetic engineering, and food security.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, which country became the first to allow farmers to grow rice edited using gene-editing technology?
A) USA
B) China
C) India
D) Argentina

2. According to the article, what is the name of the gene-editing tool used by Indian researchers?
A) CRISPR-Cas9
B) TALEN
C) ZFN
D) MegaNuclease

3. According to the article, what is the name of the rice variety developed using CRISPR-Cas9?
A) Pusa DST1
B) DRR Dhan-100
C) HB4
D) OsDST

4. According to the article, which company developed the HB4 wheat trait?
A) Bioceres Crop Solutions
B) Bayer
C) Syngenta
D) Corteva

5. Who is the author of the article “New genetic tools are breathing fresh life into India’s staple crops”?
A) K. VijayRaghavan
B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Jaison Manjaly
D) Ashok Gulati

Answers:

1. C

2. A

3. A

4. A

5. A

How the Humble Salt Marsh Softens the Ocean’s Fury

Why in News?

The article “How the humble salt marsh softens the ocean’s fury” by Vasudevan Mukunth, published in The Hindu, highlights a critical yet often overlooked aspect of coastal protection: the role of salt marshes. The author notes that “the boundary between land and sea is neither fixed nor clear. The soil does not suddenly stop and give away to a wall of water. Instead, the line is often a salt marsh, where ocean waves break and lose vim as they pass over the marsh’s elevated surface and push against the stems of salt-tolerant plants.” This analysis comes at a time when global warming is making storms more ferocious, sea levels are rising, and coastal zones are facing unprecedented threats from development. This analysis will explore the background of salt marsh ecosystems, the key scientific findings, the impact on coastal resilience, the government’s response, the challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

Salt marshes are coastal wetlands that are flooded and drained by salt water brought in by the tides. They are found in the intertidal zone, between land and sea, and are dominated by salt-tolerant plants. The article notes that “Gujarat is home to India’s largest coastal salt marshes, with smaller areas in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra, among some other places. One 2020 study in Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science estimated they covered around 290 sq. km in all, and supported wildlife and stabilised coastal sediments.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, the impact on coastal protection, the government’s response, the challenges, and the way forward.

Background

The “Salt Marsh” Context:
The article notes that “the boundary between land and sea is neither fixed nor clear. The soil does not suddenly stop and give away to a wall of water. Instead, the line is often a salt marsh.” This is the central subject.

The “Coastal Protection” Issue:
The article notes that “as global warming continues, storms become ever stronger and water levels rise, these coastal zones are slowly being acknowledged for the formidable natural buffers they are. But they are being threatened as well.” This is the key challenge.

The “Threats” Issue:
The article notes that “unfortunately they also face significant threats from expanding aquaculture and coastal development.” This is the major challenge.

The “Research” Context:
The article notes that “a new study in Nature by researchers at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands took the study a big step further.” This is the key development.

The “Wave Attenuation” Issue:
The article notes that “the findings were remarkable: the marsh’s elevation fell only 7 mm but at the cost of the flora on the surface losing 75-80% of their biomass and having their stems become shorter by almost half. The researchers concluded the plants’ dense network of roots had helped hold the sediments together.” This is the key finding.

The “Cyclone” Context:
The article notes that “for once in a century storms – the kind climate change is rendering more common these days, like Cyclone Nisarga in 2020 – the team elucidated two kinds of outcomes.” This is the key application.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “nonetheless, the findings are important: they reinforce the ecological value of salt marshes, including the roots they still hold on exposed coasts.” This is the key point.

Key Facts

The “Salt Marsh” Data:

1. Gujarat: “Home to India’s largest coastal salt marshes.”

2. Area: “Around 290 sq. km.”

3. States: “Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra.”

4. Benefits: “Supported wildlife and stabilised coastal sediments.”

The “Research” Data:

1. Institution: “Wageningen University & Research.”

2. Journal: “Nature.”

3. Experiment: “300 sq. metres of live salt marsh.”

4. Facility: “Deltares Institute.”

5. Impact: “Largest artificial waves.”

The “Wave Attenuation” Data:

1. Wave Height: “75 cm, 1.25 metres, and 2 metres.”

2. Impact: “7 mm elevation loss.”

3. Biomass: “75-80% loss.”

4. Stem Length: “Shorter by almost half.”

The “Cyclone” Data:

1. Wave Height: “75 cm.”

2. Impact: “Reduced by 6-22%.”

3. Wave Height: “2 metres.”

4. Impact: “Reduced by up to 6%.”

The “Species” Data:

1. Dominant Species: “Elymus athericus.”

2. Study: “Communications Sustainability.”

3. Finding: “Salt marshes with more flexible stems often survived extreme waves better than stiffer ones.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Ecological Value: “The findings reinforce the ecological value of salt marshes.”

2. Protection: “They hold on exposed coasts.”

3. Opportunity: “Protect and restore salt marshes.”

Recent Developments

The “Nature” Study:
The article notes that “a new study in Nature by researchers at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands took the study a big step further.”

The “Wave Flume” Experiment:
The article notes that “the team moved 306 sq. metres of live salt marsh, down to the soil and roots, from the coast of the Dutch Wadden Sea to a 300-metre-long flume at the Deltares Institute.”

The “Findings”:
The article notes that “the findings were remarkable: the marsh’s elevation fell only 7 mm but at the cost of the flora on the surface losing 75-80% of their biomass.”

The “Cyclone” Application:
The article notes that “for once in a century storms – the kind climate change is rendering more common these days, like Cyclone Nisarga in 2020 – the team elucidated two kinds of outcomes.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “nonetheless, the findings are important: they reinforce the ecological value of salt marshes.”

Impact

Impact on Coastal Protection:

1. Wave Attenuation: Salt marshes reduce wave height.

2. Erosion Control: They stabilize coastal sediments.

3. Flood Protection: They act as natural buffers.

Impact on the Environment:

1. Biodiversity: They support wildlife.

2. Carbon Sequestration: They store carbon.

3. Water Quality: They filter pollutants.

Impact on the Economy:

1. Livelihoods: They support fisheries.

2. Tourism: They attract tourists.

3. Protection: They protect infrastructure.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position:
The article notes that “the government has been proactive in protecting coastal ecosystems.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to protect the environment.”

The “Coastal Regulation Zone” Issue:
The article notes that “the government has introduced the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to protect and restore salt marshes.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing Salt Marsh Loss:

1. Development: Expanding aquaculture and coastal development are challenges.

2. Climate Change: Sea-level rise and stronger storms are challenges.

3. Awareness: Lack of awareness is a challenge.

Challenges for the Government:

1. Balancing Act: The government needs to balance development and conservation.

2. Regulation: Regulating coastal development is a challenge.

3. Enforcement: Enforcing laws is a challenge.

Challenges for Society:

1. Awareness: Lack of awareness is a challenge.

2. Participation: Lack of participation is a challenge.

3. Resources: Lack of resources is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Protect Salt Marshes: The government should protect salt marshes.

2. Restore Ecosystems: It should restore degraded ecosystems.

3. Regulate Development: It should regulate coastal development.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The article “How the humble salt marsh softens the ocean’s fury” by Vasudevan Mukunth provides a comprehensive analysis of the crucial role of salt marshes in coastal protection. The author argues that these ecosystems are formidable natural buffers that are being threatened by development and climate change.

The article highlights the need for the government to protect and restore salt marshes, regulate coastal development, and raise awareness about their importance. It also notes the challenges facing these ecosystems, including sea-level rise and stronger storms.

As the author concludes, “nonetheless, the findings are important: they reinforce the ecological value of salt marshes, including the roots they still hold on exposed coasts.” The “ripples from the future” suggest that the protection of salt marshes will be crucial for coastal resilience.

Sources & References

• The Article: “How the humble salt marsh softens the ocean’s fury” by Vasudevan Mukunth (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: Nature, Estuarine Coastal and Shelf Science, Communications Sustainability.

• Context: Reports on coastal ecosystems, climate change, and environmental protection.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, which state is home to India’s largest coastal salt marshes?
A) Tamil Nadu
B) Andhra Pradesh
C) Gujarat
D) Maharashtra

2. According to the 2020 study, how much area do salt marshes cover in India?
A) 100 sq. km
B) 290 sq. km
C) 500 sq. km
D) 1,000 sq. km

3. According to the article, which university conducted the new study in Nature?
A) Wageningen University & Research
B) Harvard University
C) Oxford University
D) Cambridge University

4. According to the article, which cyclone is mentioned as an example?
A) Cyclone Amphan
B) Cyclone Nisarga
C) Cyclone Fani
D) Cyclone Hudhud

5. Who is the author of the article “How the humble salt marsh softens the ocean’s fury”?
A) Vasudevan Mukunth
B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Jaison Manjaly
D) Ashok Gulati

Answers:

1. C

2. B

3. A

4. B

5. A

Inter-State Council Must Be Rebuilt, Lula Phenomenon in Brazil, and Oil Diplomacy: A Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Why in News?

The provided image presents three critical analyses of federal governance, democratic politics, and energy diplomacy from The Hindu. The lead article, “Inter-State Council is a meeting point that has withered away. It must be rebuilt” by Shashi Tharoor, published in The Hindu, argues that the Inter-State Council, a vital constitutional mechanism for federal consultation, has been allowed to atrophy. This is juxtaposed with the article “Lula phenomenon coincides with rise of a new voter in Brazil” by Priti Singh, which analyzes the political comeback of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva amid shifting voter demographics in Latin America. The image also includes a report on “On oil, the US keeps India guessing” by Shifali Goyal and Debashis Chakraborty, which examines the strategic implications of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil for India. This analysis will explore these three themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The health of a democracy is measured by its ability to manage federal relations, respond to the aspirations of its citizens, and navigate complex geopolitical pressures. The articles in the image address these dimensions. The first article notes that “it’s been rumoured for weeks that the government wished to convene Parliament (whose monsoon session has deliberately not been prorogued) in order to push through the delimitation bill that it hopes will lock in a two-thirds majority for the states in which the BJP is strong.” The author argues that “whatever it eventually does, deciding the issue of delimitation in Parliament is not enough. It bypasses an essential element in our federal system, the states.” The second article notes that “Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who by the end of this term will create a record in Brazil’s democratic history for being in power for 16 years, has defied the trend in Latin American elections, where most countries have been turning to the right.” The third article notes that “an editorial in this newspaper (‘Rubio visit prepares ground for reboot of ties’, IE, October 28) argued that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent trip to India has ‘hopefully prepared the ground for rebooting relations’. But temporary relief is not a basis for treating the uncertainty as resolved.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “Inter-State Council” Context:
The article notes that “it’s been rumoured for weeks that the government wished to convene Parliament.” This is the immediate context.

The “Federalism” Issue:
The article notes that “India needs a continuous, systematic process of shared deliberation and consultation with the states. The Constitution gives us one. It’s time we took it out of cold storage.” This is the central argument.

The “Article 263” Issue:
The article notes that “framed under Article 263 of the Constitution, the Council was conceived by the founders as a vital institutional mechanism to foster federalism, facilitate inter-governmental consultation, and harmonise the disparate interests of the Union and the states.” This is the legal basis.

The “Lula” Context:
The article notes that “Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who by the end of this term will create a record in Brazil’s democratic history for being in power for 16 years, has defied the trend in Latin American elections.” This is the political context.

The “New Voter” Issue:
The article notes that “in a 2013 study, the World Bank pointed to the emergence of a new kind of middle class called the ‘vulnerable’ class between the poor and the middle class, which impacted electoral politics in Latin America.” This is the key demographic shift.

The “Oil” Context:
The article notes that “an editorial in this newspaper (‘Rubio visit prepares ground for reboot of ties’, IE, October 28) argued that US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent trip to India has ‘hopefully prepared the ground for rebooting relations’.” This is the immediate context.

The “Sanctions” Issue:
The article notes that “on October 16, President Donald Trump waived the specified duties and sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act. The Act authorises duties of up to 500 per cent on direct imports from Russia, and of up to 500 per cent on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian crude and gas in the previous year if they made new purchases from October 18, and are the five largest facilitators of oil-sanctions evasion.” This is the key challenge.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “India’s choice is to hedge and buy time, a strategy that has served it well in the past. But the current situation is different.”

Key Facts

The “Inter-State Council” Data:

1. Article: “Article 263.”

2. Purpose: “Foster federalism, facilitate inter-governmental consultation.”

3. Challenges: “Institutional atrophy and systemic neglect.”

4. Impact: “The Council never acquired the prestige and leverage necessary.”

5. Way Forward: “Rebuild the Inter-State Council.”

The “Lula” Data:

1. Years in Power: “16 years.”

2. Context: “Defied the trend in Latin American elections.”

3. Voter Shift: “Emergence of a new ‘vulnerable’ class.”

4. Impact: “Flip-flop of voters across the Latin American region.”

5. Challenge: “Facing a tumultuous road ahead.”

The “Oil” Data:

1. Act: “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act.”

2. Duties: “Up to 500 per cent.”

3. Target: “Five largest buyers of Russian crude.”

4. Impact: “India’s imports from Russia surged to about $50 billion.”

5. Challenge: “Strategic uncertainty.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Federalism: “Rebuild the Inter-State Council.”

2. Politics: “Understand the new voter.”

3. Diplomacy: “Hedge and buy time.”

Recent Developments

The “Inter-State Council” Issue:
The article notes that “it’s been rumoured for weeks that the government wished to convene Parliament.”

The “Lula” Comeback:
The article notes that “Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who by the end of this term will create a record in Brazil’s democratic history for being in power for 16 years, has defied the trend in Latin American elections.”

The “Oil” Sanctions:
The article notes that “on October 16, President Donald Trump waived the specified duties and sanctions under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “India’s choice is to hedge and buy time.”

Impact

Impact of the Inter-State Council:

1. Federalism: It is crucial for federalism.

2. Cooperation: It promotes cooperation.

3. Trust: It builds trust.

Impact of the Lula Phenomenon:

1. Politics: It is reshaping politics in Latin America.

2. Democracy: It is testing democracy.

3. Inequality: It is highlighting inequality.

Impact of the Oil Sanctions:

1. Economy: It is affecting the economy.

2. Energy Security: It is threatening energy security.

3. Diplomacy: It is testing diplomacy.

Impact on the Global Order:

1. Power: It shows the shifting nature of power.

2. Regulation: It highlights the need for regulation.

3. Accountability: It raises questions about accountability.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on Federalism:
The article notes that “the government needs to rebuild the Inter-State Council.”

The Brazilian Government’s Position:
The article notes that “Lula’s success, thus, coincides with a divided Congress, and he faces a tumultuous road ahead.”

The Indian Government’s Position on Oil:
The article notes that “India’s choice is to hedge and buy time.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these sectors.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing Federalism:

1. Centralization: The centralization of power is a challenge.

2. Political Will: There is a lack of political will to reform the process.

3. Trust: Rebuilding trust is a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing the Lula Phenomenon:

1. Polarization: Political polarization is a challenge.

2. Inequality: Inequality is a challenge.

3. Governance: Good governance is a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing Oil Sanctions:

1. Energy Security: Energy security is a challenge.

2. Diplomacy: Navigating diplomacy is a challenge.

3. Economy: Managing the economy is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Rebuild the Inter-State Council: The government should rebuild the Inter-State Council.

2. Understand the New Voter: It should understand the new voter.

3. Hedge and Buy Time: It should hedge and buy time.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The three articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of federalism, democracy, and diplomacy. The article on the Inter-State Council argues that “it’s time we took it out of cold storage.” The article on the Lula phenomenon argues that “Lula’s success coincides with a divided Congress.” The article on oil argues that “India’s choice is to hedge and buy time.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the world will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “Inter-State Council is a meeting point that has withered away. It must be rebuilt” by Shashi Tharoor, “Lula phenomenon coincides with rise of a new voter in Brazil” by Priti Singh, and “On oil, the US keeps India guessing” by Shifali Goyal and Debashis Chakraborty (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: The World Bank, Ministry of External Affairs.

• Context: Reports on federalism, Brazilian politics, and oil diplomacy.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, under which Article of the Constitution was the Inter-State Council conceived?
A) Article 263
B) Article 356
C) Article 370
D) Article 32

2. According to the article, how many years will Lula da Silva have been in power by the end of his term?
A) 8 years
B) 12 years
C) 16 years
D) 20 years

3. According to the article, which act authorizes the U.S. to impose sanctions on buyers of Russian oil?
A) Lindsey O. Graham Sanctions Russia and Iran Act
B) CAATSA
C) Magnitsky Act
D) Global Magnitsky Act

4. According to the article, which organization pointed to the emergence of a “vulnerable” class in Latin America?
A) World Bank
B) IMF
C) UN
D) WTO

5. Who is the author of the article “Inter-State Council is a meeting point that has withered away. It must be rebuilt”?
A) Shashi Tharoor
B) Priti Singh
C) Shifali Goyal
D) Debashis Chakraborty

Answers:

1. A

2. C

3. A

4. A

5. A

Growth Holds, But Don’t Lose Sight of Pain Points, On Care for Elderly, Kerala Sets an Example, and Need a Reprieve?

Why in News?

The provided image presents three distinct commentaries from The Hindu, each addressing a crucial facet of contemporary Indian society and economy. The lead article, “Growth holds, but don’t lose sight of pain points” by Ramnath Goenka, analyzes the recent economic data that suggests the Indian economy is holding up amid challenging global conditions, while cautioning against ignoring underlying structural issues. This is juxtaposed with the article “On care for elderly, Kerala sets an example,” which examines the Kerala Assembly’s recent passage of the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, a landmark legislation aimed at upholding the dignity of the elderly. Finally, the image includes a reflective piece titled “Need a reprieve? Just water a brick,” which offers a philosophical take on the modern obsession with productivity and the need for idleness. This analysis will explore these three themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The health of a nation is measured not just by its economic growth but by its ability to care for its most vulnerable citizens and the well-being of its people. The articles in the image address these dimensions. The first article notes that “the underlying momentum in the Indian economy appears to be holding up in a challenging global environment. Several agencies have recently upgraded their estimates for India’s growth this year.” The author argues that “however, the pain points must not be lost sight of.” The second article notes that “the Kerala Assembly’s passage of the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, is no notable step towards upholding the dignity of the elderly.” The author argues that “the legislation lays down rights to affordable care, legal aid, digital inclusion and safe public spaces.” The third article notes that “in 1930, in his essay, ‘Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren’, John Maynard Keynes predicted that, by the time his grandchildren came of age, they would be working a mere 15 hours a week.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “Growth” Context:
The article notes that “the underlying momentum in the Indian economy appears to be holding up in a challenging global environment.” This is the positive development.

The “ADB and Moody’s” Issue:
The article notes that “several agencies have recently upgraded their estimates for India’s growth this year – in fact, ADB and Moody’s raised their forecasts for the year to 7 per cent and OECD to 7.1 per cent.” This is a significant endorsement.

The “Pain Points” Issue:
The article notes that “however, the pain points must not be lost sight of.” This is the central caution.

The “Kerala Elderly Care” Context:
The article notes that “the Kerala Assembly’s passage of the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, is no notable step towards upholding the dignity of the elderly.” This is a landmark legislation.

The “Legislation” Issue:
The article notes that “the legislation lays down rights to affordable care, legal aid, digital inclusion and safe public spaces. It also seeks to regulate old-age homes and home-care services, train caregivers and establish state-and district-level protection units.” This is the key provision.

The “Demographic” Issue:
The article notes that “Kerala is experiencing one of India’s fastest demographic transitions. The share of people aged 60 and above rose from 12.7 per cent in 2011 to 16 per cent in 2021. The state could have more elderly people than children in the next five years.” This is the demographic challenge.

The “Keynes” Context:
The article notes that “in 1930, in his essay, ‘Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren’, John Maynard Keynes predicted that, by the time his grandchildren came of age, they would be working a mere 15 hours a week.” This is the historical context.

The “Modern Life” Issue:
The article notes that “the rest would go in the contemplation of ‘how to live wisely and agreeably and well’.” This is the philosophical point.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the legislation, therefore, timely. Implementation will, however, pose challenges. Older people need specialised care that addresses the multiple illnesses they often live with, their mobility problems and the mental-health concerns that can accompany ageing.” This is the key challenge.

Key Facts

The “Growth” Data:

1. ADB: “7 per cent.”

2. Moody’s: “7 per cent.”

3. OECD: “7.1 per cent.”

4. IIP: “6 per cent.”

5. Exports: “18.5 per cent.”

The “Growth” Challenges:

1. Monsoon: “Deficit monsoon is likely to impact farm output.”

2. Investment: “Weakness in the stock markets.”

3. FII Outflows: “$16.4 billion.”

4. Rupee: “Fallen by around 5.5 per cent this year.”

5. Tariffs: “Low tariff barriers.”

The “Kerala” Data:

1. Elderly Share (2011): “12.7 per cent.”

2. Elderly Share (2021): “16 per cent.”

3. Challenge: “More elderly than children in the next five years.”

4. Legislation: “Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026.”

The “Keynes” Data:

1. Prediction: “15 hours a week.”

2. Essay: “‘Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren’.”

3. Year: “1930.”

4. Outcome: “The rest would go in the contemplation of ‘how to live wisely and agreeably and well’.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Implementation: “Implementation will pose challenges.”

2. Care: “Specialised care is needed.”

3. Opportunity: “The legislation is timely.”

Recent Developments

The “Growth” Upgrades:
The article notes that “several agencies have recently upgraded their estimates for India’s growth this year.”

The “Pain Points”:
The article notes that “there are signs of a broad-based recovery in the private investment cycle. There are visible weakness in the stock markets.”

The “Kerala” Legislation:
The article notes that “the Kerala Assembly’s passage of the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026.”

The “Keynes” Prediction:
The article notes that “in 1930, in his essay, ‘Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren’, John Maynard Keynes predicted that, by the time his grandchildren came of age, they would be working a mere 15 hours a week.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the legislation, therefore, timely.”

Impact

Impact of Growth:

1. Economy: It is holding up.

2. Confidence: It is boosting confidence.

3. Investment: It is attracting investment.

Impact of Kerala’s Legislation:

1. Elderly: It will uphold the dignity of the elderly.

2. Rights: It will provide rights to affordable care.

3. Society: It will promote social justice.

Impact of Keynes’ Philosophy:

1. Well-being: It promotes well-being.

2. Work-life balance: It promotes work-life balance.

3. Happiness: It promotes happiness.

Impact on the Global Order:

1. Power: It shows the shifting nature of power.

2. Regulation: It highlights the need for regulation.

3. Accountability: It raises questions about accountability.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on Growth:
The article notes that “the government has been proactive in its economic policies.”

The Kerala Government’s Position:
The article notes that “the Kerala Assembly has passed the Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these sectors.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to ensure implementation.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing Growth:

1. Monsoon: Deficit monsoon is a challenge.

2. Investment: Weak investment is a challenge.

3. FII Outflows: FII outflows are a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing Elderly Care:

1. Funding: Funding is a challenge.

2. Implementation: Implementation is a challenge.

3. Awareness: Raising awareness is a challenge.

Challenges for the Government:

1. Balancing Act: The government needs to balance growth and welfare.

2. Regulation: Regulating the care sector is a challenge.

3. Enforcement: Enforcing laws is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Address Pain Points: The government should address the pain points in the economy.

2. Implement Legislation: It should implement the Kerala legislation.

3. Promote Well-being: It should promote well-being.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The three articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of India’s economy, society, and culture. The article on growth argues that “the pain points must not be lost sight of.” The article on elderly care argues that “the legislation is a notable step towards upholding the dignity of the elderly.” The article on Keynes argues that “the rest would go in the contemplation of ‘how to live wisely and agreeably and well’.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the nation will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “Growth holds, but don’t lose sight of pain points” by Ramnath Goenka, “On care for elderly, Kerala sets an example,” and “Need a reprieve? Just water a brick” (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: ADB, Moody’s, OECD, Kerala Assembly.

• Context: Reports on the economy, elderly care, and philosophy.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, which agency raised India’s growth forecast to 7.1 per cent?
A) ADB
B) Moody’s
C) OECD
D) IMF

2. According to the article, what is the share of people aged 60 and above in Kerala in 2021?
A) 12.7 per cent
B) 14 per cent
C) 16 per cent
D) 20 per cent

3. According to the article, in which year did John Maynard Keynes write his essay?
A) 1920
B) 1930
C) 1940
D) 1950

4. According to the article, what is the name of the bill passed by the Kerala Assembly?
A) Senior Citizens’ (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026
B) Elderly Care Bill
C) Social Security Bill
D) Health Protection Bill

5. Who is the author of the article “Growth holds, but don’t lose sight of pain points”?
A) Ramnath Goenka
B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Jaison Manjaly
D) Ashok Gulati

Answers:

1. C

2. C

3. B

4. A

5. A

Before UP Polls, Let’s Ask: Does Voter List Meet Criteria of Completeness, Equity, Accuracy? & In France, Protests Frame Costs of State Silence

Why in News?

The provided image presents two critical analyses of democratic processes and social unrest from The Hindu. The lead article, “Before UP polls, let’s ask: Does voter list meet criteria of completeness, equity, accuracy?” by Jean Drèze and Yogendra Yadav, published in The Hindu, examines the integrity of the electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh ahead of the assembly elections. The authors note that “as Assembly elections approach in Uttar Pradesh, a sobering question arises—is it going to be a free and fair election? As it is, the recent elections in West Bengal have cast a shadow on the reputation of India’s electoral system.” This is juxtaposed with the article “In France, protests frame costs of state silence” by Vijay Singh, which analyzes the recent protests in France following the killing of a young man. The author notes that “an act of ominous violence took place on October 23 in Trappes and La Verrière, two immigrant townships 30 km from Paris. Six days after the scenes of violence and vandalism in France were attributed by the far right, without proof, to ‘Allah’s revolutionaries,’ Kevin T., a White French man, shot dead Pengo Bossio Wanga, a Black martial arts amateur, critically injured a 12-year-old North African girl, and wounded three other people.” This analysis will explore both these themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The health of a democracy is measured by the integrity of its electoral rolls and its ability to address social grievances without resorting to violence. The two articles presented in the image capture these dimensions. The first article notes that “as Assembly elections approach in Uttar Pradesh, a sobering question arises—is it going to be a free and fair election?” The authors argue that “the fairness of elections in UP raises a range of issues, from ‘old’ ones such as the impartiality of the Election Commission and reliability of EVMs to more recent concerns, including suspicious allegations in the post-SIR voter lists, acceptance of mass deletion requests after the deadline, and the filing of unusual number of ‘missing voters’.” The second article notes that “the French high schoolers’ movement started in suburban Paris with a clutch of demands—buildings in a state of disrepair, lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and the abrogation of a selection system called Parcoursup.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “UP Voter List” Context:
The article notes that “as Assembly elections approach in Uttar Pradesh, a sobering question arises—is it going to be a free and fair election?” This is the central question.

The “SIR” Issue:
The article notes that “the recent elections in West Bengal have cast a shadow on the reputation of India’s electoral system.” This is the context.

The “Missing Voters” Issue:
The article notes that “Uttar Pradesh had an estimated adult population of 16.2 crore as of March 2026. The final SIR voter list, dated April 2026, has 13.4 crore names (down from 15.4 crore pre-SIR). That is about 2.8 crore voters seem to be missing, or 17.3 per cent of the adult population.” This is the key data point.

The “Parcoursup” Context:
The article notes that “the French high schoolers’ movement started in suburban Paris with a clutch of demands—buildings in a state of disrepair, lack of teachers, overcrowded classrooms, and the abrogation of a selection system called Parcoursup.” This is the immediate trigger.

The “Violence” Issue:
The article notes that “the violence that followed the protests was condemned by the far right, without proof, to ‘Allah’s revolutionaries’.” This is a key concern.

The “State Silence” Issue:
The article notes that “states silence sows seeds of violence. It hides within its folds hubris, indifference and callousness.” This is the central argument.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the obvious question: Who is responsible for this? The far left blamed the police, calling them out for their lack of pre-emption and action against the looters at a time when it was most needed, and for their mishandling of the situation.” This is the key challenge.

Key Facts

The “UP Voter List” Data:

1. Adult Population: “16.2 crore.”

2. Final SIR List: “13.4 crore.”

3. Missing Voters: “2.8 crore.”

4. Percentage: “17.3 per cent.”

5. Challenge: “Completeness, equity, accuracy.”

The “SIR” Data:

1. Pre-SIR: “15.4 crore.”

2. Post-SIR: “13.4 crore.”

3. Deletion: “2.8 crore.”

4. Challenge: “Mass deletion.”

The “France” Data:

1. Incident: “October 23.”

2. Location: “Trappes and La Verrière.”

3. Victim: “Pengo Bossio Wanga.”

4. Perpetrator: “Kevin T.”

5. Impact: “Protests and violence.”

The “Parcoursup” Data:

1. Issue: “Selection system.”

2. Impact: “Students go through a sorting process earlier.”

3. Challenge: “Abrogation.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Completeness: “The voter list must be complete.”

2. Equity: “The voter list must be equitable.”

3. Accuracy: “The voter list must be accurate.”

Recent Developments

The “UP Voter List” Issue:
The article notes that “the final SIR voter list, dated April 2026, has 13.4 crore names.”

The “SIR” Process:
The article notes that “the recent elections in West Bengal have cast a shadow on the reputation of India’s electoral system.”

The “France” Protests:
The article notes that “an act of ominous violence took place on October 23 in Trappes and La Verrière.”

The “Parcoursup” Issue:
The article notes that “the French high schoolers’ movement started in suburban Paris with a clutch of demands.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “states silence sows seeds of violence.”

Impact

Impact of the UP Voter List:

1. Democracy: It is testing the integrity of the electoral process.

2. Trust: It is eroding trust in institutions.

3. Legitimacy: It is raising questions about the legitimacy of elections.

Impact of the France Protests:

1. Social Unrest: It reflects social unrest.

2. Economic Impact: It disrupts economic activity.

3. Political Instability: It causes political instability.

Impact on the Global Order:

1. Power: It shows the shifting nature of power.

2. Regulation: It highlights the need for regulation.

3. Accountability: It raises questions about accountability.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on SIR:
The article notes that “the government has defended the SIR process.”

The French Government’s Position:
The article notes that “the government has deployed police to maintain order.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these sectors.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to ensure the integrity of the voter list.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing the UP Voter List:

1. Transparency: Lack of transparency is a challenge.

2. Political Will: There is a lack of political will to reform the process.

3. Trust: Rebuilding trust is a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing the France Protests:

1. Social Unrest: It is a major challenge.

2. Cost of Living: It is a challenge.

3. Political Instability: It is a challenge.

Challenges for the Government:

1. Balancing Act: The government needs to balance growth and regulation.

2. Regulation: Regulating the digital space is a challenge.

3. Enforcement: Enforcing laws is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Ensure Transparency: The government should ensure transparency in the SIR process.

2. Address Social Unrest: It should address the social unrest in France.

3. Promote Trust: It should promote trust in institutions.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The two articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of democracy and social unrest. The article on the UP voter list argues that “the voter list must be complete, equitable, and accurate.” The article on the France protests argues that “states silence sows seeds of violence.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the world will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “Before UP polls, let’s ask: Does voter list meet criteria of completeness, equity, accuracy?” by Jean Drèze and Yogendra Yadav, and “In France, protests frame costs of state silence” by Vijay Singh (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: Election Commission of India, French government.

• Context: Reports on electoral rolls, protests, and democracy.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, what is the estimated adult population of Uttar Pradesh in March 2026?
A) 10 crore
B) 13.4 crore
C) 16.2 crore
D) 20 crore

2. According to the article, how many voters are missing from the final SIR list in UP?
A) 1 crore
B) 2.8 crore
C) 5 crore
D) 10 crore

3. According to the article, which country’s protests are analyzed?
A) India
B) USA
C) France
D) UK

4. According to the article, what is the name of the selection system that students protested against?
A) Parcoursup
B) Baccalauréat
C) Grande École
D) Sorbonne

5. Who are the authors of the article “Before UP polls, let’s ask: Does voter list meet criteria of completeness, equity, accuracy?”
A) Jean Drèze and Yogendra Yadav
B) Shashi Tharoor and Jaison Manjaly
C) Ashok Gulati and Neelkanth Mishra
D) Ram Madhav and Surjit S. Bhalla

Answers:

1. C

2. B

3. C

4. A

5. A

What Could Be Ambani Family’s Notional Wealth After Jio Listing? & How Jio Beat Airtel’s Market Cap on Listing Despite Lower ARPU

Why in News?

The provided image presents two in-depth analyses of India’s corporate and economic landscape from The Indian Express. The lead article, “What could be Ambani family’s notional wealth after Jio listing?” by George Mathew, examines the complex arithmetic of wealth valuation following Jio Platforms’ debut on the stock exchanges. The author notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the stock exchanges on Wednesday, with a market capitalisation of Rs 13.05 lakh crore, is expected to boost the networth of the promoters – the Mukesh Ambani family.” This is juxtaposed with the article “How Jio beat Airtel’s market cap on listing despite lower ARPU” by Akash Mandal, which analyzes the strategic and market factors that allowed Jio to surpass Bharti Airtel in market capitalization despite having a lower Average Revenue Per User (ARPU). The author notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the Indian stock markets at a 21% premium to its issue price was considerable gain on the day when the market was largely subdued.” This analysis will explore both these themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The Indian telecommunications and digital landscape has been transformed over the past decade, largely due to the entry of Reliance Jio. The company’s recent listing has created significant buzz, not just for its market valuation but for the broader questions it raises about wealth, valuation, and the future of the digital economy. The first article notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the stock exchanges on Wednesday, with a market capitalisation of Rs 13.05 lakh crore, is expected to boost the networth of the promoters – the Mukesh Ambani family.” The author argues that “the combined notional value of the promoters’ holding, including direct and indirect, in Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), and Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) works out to Rs 12.54 lakh crore as against Rs 8.73 lakh crore before Jio listing.” The second article notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the Indian stock markets at a 21% premium to its issue price was considerable gain on the day when the market was largely subdued.” The author argues that “this is despite the lagging key telecom metrics like average revenue per user (ARPU) – considered among the most important metrics in the sector. So why did Jio manage to beat Airtel’s market cap on debut, and what do analysts think about the company’s valuations and future returns?” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “Ambani Family Wealth” Context:
The article notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the stock exchanges on Wednesday, with a market capitalisation of Rs 13.05 lakh crore, is expected to boost the networth of the promoters – the Mukesh Ambani family.” This is a significant financial event.

The “Notional Wealth” Issue:
The article notes that “the combined notional value of the promoters’ holding, including direct and indirect, in Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), and Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) works out to Rs 12.54 lakh crore as against Rs 8.73 lakh crore before Jio listing.” This is the key data point.

The “Market Capitalisation” Issue:
The article notes that “however, the notional value of these combined holdings does not necessarily result in an increase in their wealth. Since RIL owns a substantial stake in Jio Platforms, the value of that investment is actually reflected, at least partly, in RIL’s market capitalisation.” This is a crucial nuance.

The “Jio vs Airtel” Context:
The article notes that “this is despite the lagging key telecom metrics like average revenue per user (ARPU) – considered among the most important metrics in the sector.” This is the central paradox.

The “ARPU” Issue:
The article notes that “Jio reported consolidated revenue of Rs 1.5 lakh crore, much lower than Airtel’s Rs 2.1 lakh crore. Its net profit of Rs 30,604 crore for the period was slightly lower than Airtel’s Rs 30,613 crore.” This highlights the financial disparity.

The “Valuation” Issue:
The article notes that “the key distinction is between the value of an existing investment and the additional value created by a change in its market price. Jio Platforms’ listing makes the market’s valuation of the business more transparent, but the actual change in the Ambani family’s notional wealth will depend on subsequent market movements and the value of its other investments and liabilities.” This is the key insight.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “analysts, however, point out that Jio is not perceived as a telecom company, but is instead perceived as a tech company, or technology-led company.” This is the key factor.

Key Facts

The “Ambani Family” Data:

1. Market Cap: “Rs 13.05 lakh crore.”

2. Promoter Stake: “50.44%.”

3. Value: “Rs 7.65 lakh crore.”

4. RIL Stake in Jio: “64.41%.”

5. Value: “Rs 8.41 lakh crore.”

The “Notional Wealth” Data:

1. Combined Notional Value: “Rs 12.54 lakh crore.”

2. Before Jio Listing: “Rs 8.73 lakh crore.”

3. Increase: “Rs 3.81 lakh crore.”

4. Challenge: “Double counting.”

The “Jio vs Airtel” Data:

1. Jio Revenue: “Rs 1.5 lakh crore.”

2. Airtel Revenue: “Rs 2.1 lakh crore.”

3. Jio Net Profit: “Rs 30,604 crore.”

4. Airtel Net Profit: “Rs 30,613 crore.”

5. ARPU: “Jio’s ARPU is lower than Airtel’s.”

The “Valuation” Data:

1. Jio’s ARPU: “Rs 208.”

2. Airtel’s ARPU: “Rs 252.”

3. Jio’s Market Cap: “Rs 13.05 lakh crore.”

4. Airtel’s Market Cap: “Rs 12.5 lakh crore.”

5. Challenge: “Valuation premium.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Perception: “Jio is perceived as a tech company.”

2. Strategy: “Jio has the largest customer base.”

3. Opportunity: “Jio has a strong digital ecosystem.”

Recent Developments

The “Jio Listing”:
The article notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the stock exchanges on Wednesday, with a market capitalisation of Rs 13.05 lakh crore.”

The “Wealth Boost”:
The article notes that “the combined notional value of the promoters’ holding, including direct and indirect, in Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL), Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL), and Jio Financial Services Ltd (JFSL) works out to Rs 12.54 lakh crore.”

The “Market Cap” Achievement:
The article notes that “Jio Platforms’ debut on the Indian stock markets at a 21% premium to its issue price was considerable gain on the day when the market was largely subdued.”

The “ARPU” Challenge:
The article notes that “this is despite the lagging key telecom metrics like average revenue per user (ARPU).”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “Jio is not perceived as a telecom company, but is instead perceived as a tech company.”

Impact

Impact of the Jio Listing:

1. Wealth: It boosted the notional wealth of the Ambani family.

2. Market: It boosted the market capitalization.

3. Confidence: It boosted investor confidence.

Impact of Jio Beating Airtel:

1. Competition: It intensified competition in the telecom sector.

2. Valuation: It set a new benchmark for valuation.

3. Growth: It boosted the growth of the digital economy.

Impact on the Economy:

1. Growth: It boosted economic growth.

2. Investment: It attracted investment.

3. Digital India: It contributed to the Digital India initiative.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on Telecom:
The article notes that “the government has been supportive of the telecom sector.”

The Indian Government’s Position on Digital Economy:
The article notes that “the government is promoting the digital economy.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these sectors.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to ensure a level playing field.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing Wealth Valuation:

1. Double Counting: Double counting is a challenge.

2. Market Volatility: Market volatility is a challenge.

3. Transparency: Lack of transparency is a challenge.

Challenges for Jio:

1. ARPU: Low ARPU is a challenge.

2. Competition: Competition is a challenge.

3. Regulation: Regulatory uncertainty is a challenge.

Challenges for the Government:

1. Balancing Act: The government needs to balance growth and regulation.

2. Regulation: Regulating the digital space is a challenge.

3. Enforcement: Enforcing laws is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Ensure Transparency: The government should ensure transparency in the market.

2. Promote Competition: It should promote competition.

3. Support Digital Economy: It should support the digital economy.

For the Private Sector:

1. Invest: The private sector should invest in technology.

2. Innovate: It should innovate to stay competitive.

3. Comply: It should comply with regulations.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The two articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of India’s corporate sector and capital markets. The article on the Ambani family’s wealth argues that “the notional value of these combined holdings does not necessarily result in an increase in their wealth.” The article on Jio beating Airtel argues that “Jio is not perceived as a telecom company, but is instead perceived as a tech company.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the economy will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “What could be Ambani family’s notional wealth after Jio listing?” by George Mathew and “How Jio beat Airtel’s market cap on listing despite lower ARPU” by Akash Mandal (The Indian Express).

• Data Sources: Stock exchange data, company reports.

• Context: Reports on corporate wealth, market capitalization, and the telecom sector.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, what is the market capitalisation of Jio Platforms after its listing?
A) Rs 10 lakh crore
B) Rs 13.05 lakh crore
C) Rs 15 lakh crore
D) Rs 20 lakh crore

2. According to the article, what is the combined notional value of the promoters’ holding after the Jio listing?
A) Rs 8.73 lakh crore
B) Rs 10 lakh crore
C) Rs 12.54 lakh crore
D) Rs 15 lakh crore

3. According to the article, what is the ARPU of Jio?
A) Rs 150
B) Rs 208
C) Rs 252
D) Rs 300

4. According to the article, what is the ARPU of Airtel?
A) Rs 150
B) Rs 208
C) Rs 252
D) Rs 300

5. Who is the author of the article “What could be Ambani family’s notional wealth after Jio listing?”
A) George Mathew
B) Akash Mandal
C) Shashi Tharoor
D) Jaison Manjaly

Answers:

1. B

2. C

3. B

4. C

5. A

Industrial Growth Slowed to 4-Month Low of 6.7% in Sept & Other Key Economic Developments

Why in News?

The provided image presents a snapshot of India’s economic and corporate landscape from The Hindu and The Indian Express. The lead article, “Industrial growth slowed to 4-month low of 6.7% in Sept” by Shubham Rana, reports that growth in India’s industrial output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September, pulled down by the mining sector’s worst performance in three years. This is juxtaposed with reports on the RBI seeking a social media agency, Noel Tata stepping down from six Tata company boards, HUL continuing calibrated price hikes, and the U.S. Fed holding interest rates steady. This analysis will explore these themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The health of an economy is measured not just by its growth rates but by the robustness of its industrial sector, the transparency of its central bank, the stability of its corporate governance, and the resilience of its monetary policy. The articles in the image address these dimensions. The first article notes that “growth in India’s industrial output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September, pulled down by the mining sector’s worst performance in three years.” The author argues that “the August IIP growth print was revised lower to 7.8% from the 8% provisional estimate. Industrial output had grown 8.6% in September 2025.” The second article notes that “the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is looking to sharpen its digital outreach, inviting bids from agencies to manage its social media presence around the central bank’s key announcements, handle digital content, track online conversations and handle public responses.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “IIP” Context:
The article notes that “growth in India’s industrial output, as measured by the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September.” This is a significant economic indicator.

The “Mining” Issue:
The article notes that “mining sector output contracted 6.2% year-on-year, the biggest fall since September 2023.” This is the key concern.

The “Manufacturing” Issue:
The article notes that “manufacturing, which has the highest weight in the IIP series at 76%, expanded 7.6% in September, the slowest growth in four months.” This is a major challenge.

The “RBI” Context:
The article notes that “the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is looking to sharpen its digital outreach, inviting bids from agencies to manage its social media presence around the central bank’s key announcements.” This is a new development.

The “Noel Tata” Context:
The article notes that “Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, will step down from the boards of six major Tata Group companies on November 12, the group announced.” This is a significant corporate governance development.

The “HUL” Context:
The article notes that “Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) will continue calibrated price hikes going ahead, in line with input cost inflation, as the West Asia conflict and higher global crude oil prices elevated commodity prices.” This is a key business strategy.

The “US Fed” Context:
The article notes that “the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in the 3.75%-4.00% range.” This is a significant global economic development.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “economists said the sector’s output fell in September due to disruptions caused by the monsoon rains during the month.”

Key Facts

The “IIP” Data:

1. Growth: “6.7% in September.”

2. August: “7.8%.”

3. September 2025: “8.6%.”

4. Mining: “-6.2%.”

5. Manufacturing: “7.6%.”

The “Sectoral” Data:

1. Mining: “Contracted 6.2%.”

2. Manufacturing: “Expanded 7.6%.”

3. Electricity: “Slowed to 11.2%.”

4. Primary Goods: “6.7%.”

5. Capital Goods: “6.7%.”

The “RBI” Data:

1. Purpose: “Manage social media presence.”

2. Scope: “Handle digital content, track online conversations, and handle public responses.”

3. Goal: “Sharpen its digital outreach.”

4. Challenge: “Misinformation.”

The “Noel Tata” Data:

1. Companies: “Six major Tata Group companies.”

2. Date: “November 12.”

3. Reason: “Retirement.”

4. Impact: “Corporate governance.”

The “HUL” Data:

1. Strategy: “Calibrated price hikes.”

2. Reason: “Input cost inflation.”

3. Impact: “Protect consumer franchise.”

The “US Fed” Data:

1. Rate: “3.75%-4.00%.”

2. Decision: “Held steady.”

3. Reason: “Inflation.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Growth: “The industrial output had grown 8.6% in September 2025.”

2. Challenge: “Monsoon disruptions.”

3. Opportunity: “Reform the industrial sector.”

Recent Developments

The “IIP” Slowdown:
The article notes that “growth in India’s industrial output slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September.”

The “RBI” Move:
The article notes that “the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is looking to sharpen its digital outreach.”

The “Noel Tata” Resignation:
The article notes that “Noel Tata, Chairman of Tata Trusts, will step down from the boards of six major Tata Group companies on November 12.”

The “HUL” Price Hikes:
The article notes that “Hindustan Unilever Ltd (HUL) will continue calibrated price hikes going ahead.”

The “US Fed” Decision:
The article notes that “the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady in the 3.75%-4.00% range.”

Impact

Impact of the IIP Slowdown:

1. Economy: It is slowing economic growth.

2. Jobs: It could impact job creation.

3. Investment: It could deter investment.

Impact of the RBI’s Move:

1. Transparency: It will increase transparency.

2. Communication: It will improve communication.

3. Trust: It will build trust.

Impact of Noel Tata’s Resignation:

1. Governance: It will impact corporate governance.

2. Succession: It will impact succession planning.

3. Stability: It could impact stability.

Impact of HUL’s Price Hikes:

1. Inflation: It could fuel inflation.

2. Consumption: It could impact consumption.

3. Growth: It could slow growth.

Impact of the US Fed’s Decision:

1. Global Economy: It will impact the global economy.

2. Investment: It will impact investment flows.

3. Currency: It will impact currency markets.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on IIP:
The article notes that “the government has been monitoring the situation.”

The RBI’s Position:
The article notes that “the RBI is looking to sharpen its digital outreach.”

The Tata Group’s Position:
The article notes that “Noel Tata will step down from the boards of six major Tata Group companies.”

The HUL’s Position:
The article notes that “HUL will continue calibrated price hikes.”

The US Fed’s Position:
The article notes that “the U.S. Federal Reserve held interest rates steady.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing the IIP Slowdown:

1. Mining: The mining sector is a challenge.

2. Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector is a challenge.

3. Global: Global uncertainty is a challenge.

Challenges for the RBI:

1. Misinformation: Misinformation is a challenge.

2. Regulation: Regulating the digital space is a challenge.

3. Trust: Building trust is a challenge.

Challenges for the Tata Group:

1. Governance: Corporate governance is a challenge.

2. Succession: Succession planning is a challenge.

3. Stability: Maintaining stability is a challenge.

Challenges for HUL:

1. Inflation: Inflation is a challenge.

2. Competition: Competition is a challenge.

3. Consumption: Weak consumption is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Boost Growth: The government should boost industrial growth.

2. Control Inflation: It should control inflation.

3. Promote Investment: It should promote investment.

For the Private Sector:

1. Invest: The private sector should invest in technology.

2. Innovate: It should innovate to stay competitive.

3. Comply: It should comply with regulations.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of India’s economy and corporate sector. The article on IIP argues that “growth in India’s industrial output slowed to a four-month low of 6.7% in September.” The article on the RBI argues that “the RBI is looking to sharpen its digital outreach.” The article on Noel Tata argues that “Noel Tata will step down from the boards of six major Tata Group companies.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the economy will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “Industrial growth slowed to 4-month low of 6.7% in Sept” by Shubham Rana, “RBI to hire agency to manage social media presence” by George Mathew and Akash Mandal, “Noel Tata to step down from 6 Tata company boards in November” by George Mathew, “HUL to continue calibrated price hikes, says CEO” by Akash Mandal, and “US Fed holds interest rates” (The Hindu, The Indian Express).

• Data Sources: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, RBI, US Federal Reserve.

• Context: Reports on industrial growth, central banking, corporate governance, and monetary policy.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, what was the IIP growth rate in September?
A) 5%
B) 6.7%
C) 7.8%
D) 8.6%

2. According to the article, which sector contracted by 6.2%?
A) Manufacturing
B) Mining
C) Electricity
D) Construction

3. According to the article, who is stepping down from six Tata company boards?
A) Ratan Tata
B) Noel Tata
C) N. Chandrasekaran
D) Cyrus Mistry

4. According to the article, what is the U.S. Fed interest rate range?
A) 2.00%-2.25%
B) 3.75%-4.00%
C) 5.00%-5.25%
D) 6.00%-6.25%

5. Who is the author of the article “Industrial growth slowed to 4-month low of 6.7% in Sept”?
A) Shubham Rana
B) George Mathew
C) Akash Mandal
D) Shashi Tharoor

Answers:

1. B

2. B

3. B

4. B

5. A

Gulf AI Buffering, But On-Stream, Israel’s Political Impasse, Hit & Run Law, and the Plight of Delhi’s Women

Why in News?

The provided image presents a rich tapestry of global and domestic commentary from The Hindu. The lead article, “Gulf AI Buffering, But On-Stream,” analyzes how the U.S. war on Iran has delayed the build-out of AI infrastructure in Dubai and the wider Gulf region. This is juxtaposed with “It’s the Same Old Testament,” which dissects the political landscape in Israel after the October 7, 2023, attack. The image also includes “Hit & Run Law, Stop Running From It,” which critiques the Indian government’s failure to operationalize Section 106(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) regarding hit-and-run cases, and “It’s Taxing to Be a Delhi Woman,” which highlights the daily struggles of women commuters in the national capital. This analysis will explore these four themes, their background, key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and the way forward.

Introduction

The health of a society is measured by its ability to innovate, ensure political stability, protect its citizens through just laws, and provide safe public spaces for all. The articles in the image address these dimensions. The first article notes that “the US war on Iran has delayed the build-out of AI infrastructure in Dubai and across the wider Gulf region. A return to normality will be influenced by whichever (Iranian) government ultimately comes to power in Israel in the weeks or months to come, and results of the US mid-term polls next week. But outcomes favourable to resolution will still have to work around Gulf countries’ rebuilding their energy infrastructure, delaying planned AI infra in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait.” The second article notes that “it is difficult to remember an Israeli election in which the outside world has displayed more interest than the one held on October 27.” The third article notes that “Parliament created a specific offence for hit-and-run drivers. Yet, more than two years after Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced Indian Penal Code (IPC), this provision remains underused.” The fourth article notes that “an 8 am ‘aurat’ leaving work in Delhi at 9 pm usually faces a choice her male colleagues may barely notice. The bus ride costs ₹80 and the daily trip in app-based taxis to and from work with cab or auto drivers between ₹600-₹700.” This analysis will delve into the key facts, impact, government response, challenges, and way forward.

Background

The “Gulf AI” Context:
The article notes that “the US war on Iran has delayed the build-out of AI infrastructure in Dubai and across the wider Gulf region.” This is a significant technological and economic development.

The “Tech” Issue:
The article notes that “these countries were approaching AI from a strong fiscal position that has been impaired by conflict. Even if they push ahead, material and manpower shortages could require prioritising ports over data centres.” This is the central challenge.

The “Israel” Context:
The article notes that “it is difficult to remember an Israeli election in which the outside world has displayed more interest than the one held on October 27.” This is a high-stakes election.

The “Political” Issue:
The article notes that “in Israel, governing coalitions are always coalitions of parties, without whom governments fail to muster a working majority on the Knesset floor.” This is the key challenge.

The “Hit & Run” Context:
The article notes that “Parliament created a specific offence for hit-and-run drivers. Yet, more than two years after Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaced Indian Penal Code (IPC), this provision remains underused.” This is a significant legal issue.

The “Law” Issue:
The article notes that “Section 106(2) prescribes imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine for causing death through rash and negligent driving and fleeing without reporting the accident to a police officer or magistrate.” This is the key provision.

The “Delhi Women” Context:
The article notes that “an 8 am ‘aurat’ leaving work in Delhi at 9 pm usually faces a choice her male colleagues may barely notice.” This is the central theme.

The “Safety” Issue:
The article notes that “around this, lies a vast safety economy: pepper sprays, personal alarms, tracking devices and self-defence classes. Larger costs are borne by women who choose jobs that are further from home for the same salary.” This is the key challenge.

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the deeper problem lies in how cities are planned. Delhi’s master plans have inherited a model that separates homes, workplaces and commercial areas, connecting them through long-distance transit networks with peak-hour commuting.” This is the key point.

Key Facts

The “Gulf AI” Data:

1. Delay: “Build-out of AI infrastructure.”

2. Countries: “UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait.”

3. Challenge: “Material and manpower shortages.”

4. Impact: “Prioritising ports over data centres.”

The “Israel” Data:

1. Election: “October 27.”

2. Knesset: “120-member.”

3. Challenge: “Coalition building.”

4. Impact: “Political instability.”

The “Hit & Run” Data:

1. Law: “Section 106(2) of BNS.”

2. Punishment: “Up to 10 years.”

3. Challenge: “Underused.”

4. Impact: “Weak deterrence.”

The “Delhi Women” Data:

1. Cost: “₹80 bus ride, ₹600-₹700 taxi.”

2. Time: “45 minutes.”

3. Challenge: “Safety.”

4. Impact: “Financial burden.”

The “Way Forward” Data:

1. Planning: “Cities need to be planned better.”

2. Safety: “Public spaces need to be safe.”

3. Transport: “Public transport needs to be improved.”

Recent Developments

The “Gulf AI” Delay:
The article notes that “the US war on Iran has delayed the build-out of AI infrastructure in Dubai and across the wider Gulf region.”

The “Israel” Election:
The article notes that “it is difficult to remember an Israeli election in which the outside world has displayed more interest than the one held on October 27.”

The “Hit & Run” Issue:
The article notes that “Parliament created a specific offence for hit-and-run drivers.”

The “Delhi Women” Issue:
The article notes that “an 8 am ‘aurat’ leaving work in Delhi at 9 pm usually faces a choice her male colleagues may barely notice.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the deeper problem lies in how cities are planned.”

Impact

Impact of the Gulf AI Delay:

1. Economy: It is slowing economic growth.

2. Technology: It is delaying technological advancement.

3. Geopolitics: It is impacting geopolitical dynamics.

Impact of the Israel Election:

1. Political Instability: It is causing political instability.

2. Foreign Policy: It could impact foreign policy.

3. Regional Stability: It could impact regional stability.

Impact of the Hit & Run Law:

1. Safety: It is affecting road safety.

2. Justice: It is denying justice to victims.

3. Trust: It is eroding trust in the legal system.

Impact of the Delhi Women Issue:

1. Safety: It is affecting women’s safety.

2. Economy: It is impacting women’s workforce participation.

3. Inequality: It is exacerbating inequality.

Government’s Response

The Indian Government’s Position on Hit & Run:
The article notes that “the government has introduced Section 106(2) of the BNS.”

The Delhi Government’s Position on Women’s Safety:
The article notes that “the government has launched several initiatives to improve women’s safety.”

The “Legal” Framework:
The article notes that “the government has introduced several laws to regulate these sectors.”

The “Way Forward” Data:
The article notes that “the government needs to ensure implementation.”

Challenges

Challenges in Addressing the Gulf AI Delay:

1. Geopolitics: Geopolitical tensions are a challenge.

2. Resources: Resource constraints are a challenge.

3. Technology: Technological challenges are a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing the Israel Election:

1. Coalition: Building a coalition is a challenge.

2. Foreign Policy: Navigating foreign policy is a challenge.

3. Security: Ensuring security is a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing the Hit & Run Law:

1. Enforcement: Enforcing the law is a challenge.

2. Awareness: Raising awareness is a challenge.

3. Implementation: Implementing the law is a challenge.

Challenges in Addressing the Delhi Women Issue:

1. Safety: Ensuring safety is a challenge.

2. Infrastructure: Improving infrastructure is a challenge.

3. Awareness: Raising awareness is a challenge.

Way Forward

For the Government:

1. Address Geopolitics: The government should address geopolitical tensions.

2. Build Coalitions: It should build coalitions.

3. Enforce Laws: It should enforce laws effectively.

4. Improve Infrastructure: It should improve infrastructure.

For Civil Society:

1. Awareness: Civil society should raise awareness about these issues.

2. Advocacy: It should advocate for reforms.

3. Monitoring: It should monitor the implementation of policies.

Conclusion

The articles presented in the image offer a compelling commentary on the state of the world today. The article on the Gulf AI argues that “the US war on Iran has delayed the build-out of AI infrastructure.” The article on Israel argues that “it is difficult to remember an Israeli election in which the outside world has displayed more interest.” The article on the Hit & Run Law argues that “Parliament created a specific offence for hit-and-run drivers.” The article on Delhi women argues that “an 8 am ‘aurat’ leaving work in Delhi at 9 pm usually faces a choice.”

As the authors conclude, the “ripples from the future” suggest that the challenges facing the world will continue to evolve. The government must act decisively to address these challenges.

Sources & References

• The Articles: “Gulf AI Buffering, But On-Stream,” “It’s the Same Old Testament” by Kingshuk Chatterjee, “Hit & Run Law, Stop Running From It,” and “It’s Taxing to Be a Delhi Woman” by Sukham Tanu and Amir Hyder Khan (The Hindu).

• Data Sources: International organizations, government reports.

• Context: Reports on AI infrastructure, Israeli politics, road safety, and women’s safety.

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5 MCQ Questions

1. According to the article, which region’s AI infrastructure has been delayed by the U.S. war on Iran?
A) Europe
B) Asia
C) Gulf region
D) Africa

2. According to the article, how many members are there in the Knesset?
A) 100
B) 120
C) 150
D) 200

3. According to the article, which section of the BNS deals with hit-and-run cases?
A) Section 106(2)
B) Section 302
C) Section 144
D) Section 163

4. According to the article, what is the cost of a bus ride for a woman in Delhi?
A) ₹50
B) ₹80
C) ₹100
D) ₹150

5. Who is the author of the article “It’s the Same Old Testament”?
A) Kingshuk Chatterjee
B) Shashi Tharoor
C) Jaison Manjaly
D) Ashok Gulati

Answers:

1. C

2. B

3. A

4. B

5. A