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News In Short 30-01-2026

In News

  • The Economic Survey notes that Indian school exams focus on rote learning, and recommends a PISA-like assessment at Grade 10 to identify learning gaps and inform targeted interventions.

    • PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment)

  • PISA evaluates education systems by testing real-world application of knowledge—focusing on problem-solving, critical thinking, and practical literacy rather than rote memorization.
  • It is conducted every three years by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). 
  • India participated only once (PISA 2009) through Tamil Nadu & Himachal Pradesh.

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    Swadeshi as a Disciplined Strategy

    Context

  • As per the Economic Survey 2025-26, Swadeshi is “inevitable and necessary” as the global trading environment is marked by export controls, technology denial regimes and carbon border mechanisms.

    • About

  • The Survey noted that, unlike corporates in post-war America, Germany, Japan, and East Asia, Indian firms show a relative lack of appetite for long-term risk absorption and nation-building investments.
  • It said Indian firms show limited willingness for long-term risk absorption and global competitiveness, relying more on regulatory arbitrage and protected margins than on productivity, scale, or learning.
  • Swadeshi means to ensure continuity of production in the face of external shocks, and a pathway to build enduring national capabilities that reinforce economic sovereignty. 

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    India-Arab League: Bridging Cultures, Creating Opportunities

    Context

  • India is set to host the 2nd ministerial summit of foreign ministers from the League of Arab States (Arab League), after a decade-long gap.

    • About

  • The meeting is an indicator of how India and Arab states intend to recalibrate their partnership in response to:
  • Disruptions in maritime trade routes.
  • Energy transition pressures.

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    Eco Survey Calls for Relaxing FRBM for Centre

    Context

  • The Economic Survey 2025-26 has argued in favour of a delay in strict fiscal targets for the Centre, such as those that had been set under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act.

    • Highlights of survey on Fiscal Targets

  • After spiking to 9.2% of GDP during the pandemic year of 2020-21, the Centre’s fiscal deficit was on target to be 4.4% at the end of the current financial year, in line with commitment to halve the FY21 fiscal deficit in five years.
  • India lowered its general government debt-to-GDP ratio by about 7.1 percentage points since 2020 while continuing to maintain high levels of public investment

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    Economic Survey 2025–26: Social Sector Paradox

    In News

  • The Economic Survey 2025–26 flags a social sector paradox in India: strong gains in health outcomes alongside stagnation or uneven progress in education quality and urban capacity.

    • What is the Social Sector Paradox?

  • The social sector paradox describes a scenario where surface-level metrics like enrolment rates or life expectancy rise, but underlying quality, learning outcomes, and service delivery capacities do not keep pace with population growth, economic needs, or urban expansion.

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    Rising Digital Addiction & Mental Health Issues

    Context

  • The Economic Survey 2025-26, has flagged the rapid rise of digital addiction and screen-related mental health problems as a major healthcare issue, particularly among children and adolescents.

    • Digital Addiction as an Emerging Public Health Issue

  • The Survey recognises excessive screen time and social media usage as contributors to anxiety, depression, attention disorders, sleep disruption, obesity, and lifestyle diseases.
  • Children and adolescents are identified as neurologically and psychologically more vulnerable to compulsive digital use due to addictive platform designs.
  • Behavioral tracking and targeted advertising exploit children’s cognitive vulnerabilities, reinforcing addictive consumption patterns.

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    Economic Survey First Time Cites Power Gap Index 

    In News

  • For the first time, the Economic Survey 2025–26, tabled in Parliament, has cited the Power Gap Index to underline a Strategic Paradox in India’s rise.

    • What is the Power Gap Index?

  • The Power Gap Index is not a standalone index like HDI.
  • It is a derived analytical measure from the Asia Power Index compiled annually by the Lowy Institute.
  • It measures the gap between a country’s potential power (resources) and its actual regional influence.

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    Economic Survey 2025-26 Key Highlights

    Context

  • Recently, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs tabled the Economic Survey 2025-26 in Parliament.

    • What is an Economic Survey?

  • It is an official annual document that reviews the state of the Indian economy over the past year and outlines key economic trends, challenges, and policy directions.
  • It is prepared by the Economic Division, Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser (CEA).
  • It is table­d in Parliament just before the Union Budget every year.

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