1. Landmark India-EU Free Trade Agreement Concluded
Subject: International Relations / Economy
- Historic Consensus: India and the European Union (EU) have officially concluded negotiations for a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement (FTA), described as the “Mother of All Deals.”
- Strategic Agenda 2030: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and EU leaders adopted the “Towards 2030: India-EU Joint Comprehensive Strategic Agenda,” focusing on five pillars: Prosperity, Technology, Security, Connectivity, and People-to-people ties.
- Market Access: The deal phases out tariffs on over 90% of bilateral trade, providing zero-duty access for Indian gems, jewelry, and textiles, putting them on par with competitors like China.
- Services and Pharma: The EU made binding commitments in 144 services subsectors, including IT and digital services. The Indian pharma sector is set for a “stronger dose” of market access with zero tariffs on most medical exports.
- Regulatory Challenges: Despite the breakthrough, Indian exporters face hurdles from the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which act as non-tariff barriers.
- Geopolitical Weight: This agreement connects the world’s 4th largest economy (India) with the 2nd largest (EU), representing 25% of global GDP and strengthening supply chain resilience against global fragmentation.
2. President Addresses Joint Sitting: Operation Sindoor & National Security
Subject: Polity / Defence
- Budget Session 2026-27: President Droupadi Murmu addressed the joint sitting of Parliament, marking the start of the Budget Session. She urged MPs to stand united on national security and the vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
- Validation of Valour: The President specifically lauded Operation Sindoor, an indigenous military response that destroyed terror hotbeds. She stated that India’s response to attacks will remain “strong and decisive.”
- Internal Security Gains: It was highlighted that Maoist extremism, once affecting 126 districts, is now confined to just 8 districts, with significant surrenders reported in the past year.
- Indus Water Treaty: In a major policy shift, the President confirmed that keeping the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance is part of a broader strategy to combat cross-border terrorism.
- Social Justice & Inclusion: Invoking Ambedkar and Gandhi, the speech emphasized that “true social justice” means every citizen receives their rightful share without discrimination.
- Concept – Article 87: Under this Article, the President addresses both Houses of Parliament at the commencement of the first session after each general election and at the commencement of the first session of each year.
3. Tamil Nadu: First-Ever Madras Hedgehog Conservation Study
Subject: National Issues / Environment
- Conservation Initiative: The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has launched the first-ever scientific study on the Madras Hedgehog (Paraechinus nudiventris) in the Theri forests of Thoothukudi district.
- Budgetary Support: The state government has allocated ₹20.5 lakh for the conservation and habitat mapping of this elusive species for the 2025–26 period.
- Ecological Significance: The study aims to understand the population density and threats faced by the hedgehog, which is endemic to South India and often overlooked in major conservation plans.
- Local Governance: Community engagement programs are being integrated into the study to prevent the illegal trade and accidental killing of these insectivores.
- Synergy with Sangam Literature: Historically, the Madras Hedgehog finds mentions in Tamil Sangam literature, and this project seeks to revive cultural and ecological interest in the species.
4. India’s Economic Momentum: GDP & Fiscal Deficit Projections
Subject: Economy
- IMF Upgrade: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has upgraded India’s FY26 growth forecast to 7.3%, citing resilient domestic demand and a surge in the manufacturing sector.
- Fiscal Consolidation: As the Union Budget 2026-27 nears (to be presented on Feb 1), reports suggest the government aims to reduce the fiscal deficit to 4.0% of GDP from the current 4.4%.
- Industrial Output: India’s industrial output rose to 7.8% in December 2025, driven by 12.7% growth in basic metals and a massive 33.5% expansion in the motor vehicles sector.
- Consumer Trends: Rural consumption has grown at 7.9%, outpacing urban softening, supported by stable inflation and increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP).
- Concept – Fiscal Deficit: This represents the gap between the government’s total expenditure and its total receipts (excluding borrowings), indicating the extent of government borrowing.
5. Defence Indigenization: Focus on “Survival of the Fastest”
Subject: Defence
- DRDO’s Transformation: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing DRDO scientists, emphasized the shift from “Survival of the Fittest” to “Survival of the Fastest” in military technology adoption.
- Export Targets: India has set an ambitious defence export target of ₹50,000 crore by 2029-30, following a record achievement of ₹24,000 crore in the current cycle.
- Collaborative Ecosystem: The Ministry is pushing DRDO to move from a monopolistic R&D model to a collaborative one involving private industries, MSMEs, and startups.
- Indigenous Readiness: Operation Sindoor was cited as a prime example where indigenous drones, radars, and electronic warfare systems were effectively utilized on the battlefield.
- Empowerment: The passing out of the first batch of women cadets from the NDA was celebrated as a milestone for “Naari Shakti” (Women Power) in the armed forces.
