Home  /  Author archive for NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team
">

Author Archives: NEXT IAS Current Affairs Team

News In Short 04-04-2026

Context

  • The possible emergence of El Niño conditions, along with global oil price shocks, has intensified concerns over rising inflation in India.

    • What is El Nino?

  • El Niño is the warming of seawater in the central-east Equatorial Pacific that occurs every few years. 
  • During El Niño, surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific rise, and trade winds, east-west winds that blow near the Equator, weaken. 

    • Read More

    India–Australia ECTA Completes Four Years

    Context

  • The India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has completed four years since its signing.

    • About

  • The agreement was signed on 2 April 2022 and has played a pivotal role in enhancing trade flows, fostering industry linkages, and creating new opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs, and employment in both countries.
  • Key Provisions: India granted preferential market access on 70.3% of its tariff lines, covering 90.6% of trade value, while Australia granted preferential market access on 100% of its tariff lines, corresponding to 100% of imports from India.

    • Read More

    Temporary Relief Measure in Special Economic Zones (SEZs)

    Context

  • The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a temporary relief measure allowing manufacturing units in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to sell goods in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) at concessional customs duty rates.

    • Rationale Behind the Current Policy Change

  • Global Trade Disruptions: SEZ units heavily depend on exports; disruptions affect viability.
  • Temporary relief ensures business continuity.
  • Level Playing Field: Concessional duties calibrated to avoid unfair advantage over DTA units.

    • Read More

    Comparative Analysis of Present Energy Turmoil and 1973 Oil Crisis

    Context

  • The ongoing conflict in West Asia has disrupted global oil supply, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing comparisons with the 1973 Oil Shock.

    • 1973 Oil Crisis Vs Present Crisis

  • In 1973, the disruption was caused by coordinated action by Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries.
  • It involved production cuts and targeted embargoes against Western nations.
  • In contrast, the present crisis is driven by geopolitical conflict affecting a critical transit chokepoint rather than coordinated production cuts.

    • Read More

    News In Short 01-04-2026

    In News

  • Concerns have risen over the possible disruption of the Bab el-Mandab Strait, following the entry of the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen into the ongoing Middle East conflict.

    • About

  • The Bab el-Mandab Strait, also known in Arabic as the “Gate of Tears,” is located at the southern tip of the Red Sea.
  • It lies between Yemen on one side and the Horn of Africa on the other.
  • It connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden, and further with the Indian Ocean.

    • Read More

    Energy Statistics India 2026

    Context

  • Energy Statistics India 2026 presents key data on energy production, consumption, and trends, supporting policy decisions and energy planning in India.

    • About

  • The Publication comprises an integrated dataset containing information about reserve, capacity, production, Consumption and import/export of all the energy commodities of India. 
  • It also contains different tables, graphs, and Sustainable Energy Indicators as per International Standards.

    • Read More

    Cooperatives of India

    Context

  • Centre has  informed Lok Sabha that of the8.48 lakh societies, 2.11 lakh are in loss, 1.41 lakh non-functional and 47,688 under liquidation.

    • Major Highlights

  • Only 3.49 lakh cooperatives are in profit.
  • Uttar Pradesh has the highest percentage of defunct societies at 41.8% , followed by Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal.
  • The condition of smaller States is even worse Nagaland (72.7%), Delhi (67.1%), Sikkim (55.3%), Manipur (52%) and Chandigarh (46.4%).

    • Read More

    scroll to top