- INDIAN INDICES PLUNGE AS TRADE WAR FEARS GRIP GLOBAL MARKETS
SUBJECT: ECONOMY
- Stock markets globally crashed, but India is an exception, remaining resilient despite the turmoil.
- Since Donald Trump’s inauguration as US President on January 20, 2025, the Sensex has been volatile.
- Despite the drop, Indian markets are advised to perform well over a 3 year horizon. Why?
- India’s economy is domestic-driven, less impacted by global slowdowns.
- Corporate earnings growth.
- Policy stability.
- How Big is the Threat of Recession?
- Global Recession Concerns: US GDP growth slowed to 0.4% in 2024.
- Trump’s policies (e.g., tariffs) have increased global market volatility.
- India’s Position: India is relatively insulated due to its domestic-driven economy.
- However, it cannot be completely immune to global economic shocks.
- Investment Implication: Focus on stable, large-cap stocks to mitigate risks.
2. GANDHI HAD RECOGNISED THE RIGHTS OF PALESTINIANS
SUBJECT: PERSONALITIES
- Palestinians are the indigenous people of Palestine, and their right to the land has historical backing, including support from Mahatma Gandhi.
- Ambassador’s statement —“Even Mahatama Gandhi had said that Palestine belongs to the Palestinians just like England belongs to the English people”
- Criticism of Israel:The ambassador condemned Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians and accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of obstructing the peace process.
- Media Concerns:He criticized international media for inadequate coverage of the situation in the West Bank.
3. NCDs CAN STRIKE EARLY, HEALTH RISKS RISE POST MENOPAUSE SAYS REPORT
SUBJECT: SOCIAL ISSUES
- NCDs are increasingly affecting children and adolescents, as revealed by a recent screening of students. Obesity, pre-hypertension, and high blood glucose levelswere observed.
- Post-Menopausal Risks:Women face significantly increased risks of diabetes, obesity, fatty liver, and hypertension after menopause.
- The Need:Comprehensive health management strategies are crucial throughout life, especially for women post-menopause.
4. FAIR SEAT ALLOCATION IN LOK SABHA
SUBJECT: POLITY
- The upcoming Census and potential readjustment of Lok Sabha seats based on population.
- Southern States’ Concerns:Northern states with higher population growth (due to less successful family planning programs) might gain a disproportionate number of seats, diminishing the South’s political influence.
- Proposed Solution:Use the state with the lowest population growth (Kerala) as a benchmark. Increase seats in all states by the same percentage as Kerala’s population growth (68%).This would maintain the current balance of power while acknowledging population changes.
5. INCONCLUSIVE CHAPTER
SUBJECT: STATES
- President Murmu withheld assent to Tamil Nadu’s anti-NEET bill, reigniting the debate over NEET-based admissions.
- Tamil Nadu’s Stance:The state wants to conduct medical admissions based on Class 12 board exam scores. They’ve attempted to legislate against NEET multiple times, but these efforts have been unsuccessful.
- Central Government & Supreme Court:The Union government and Supreme Court support NEET.
- The Way Forward:Tamil Nadu has limited legal options and should focus on helping students prepare for NEET effectively while continuing the legal battle.
