Geography 

Trump threatens to reclaim Panama Canal, sparking tension - Indian Express 

US President-elect Donald Trump has hinted that his administration might attempt to regain control of the Panama Canal, describing its transfer to Panama as a “foolish” decision by the United States.

Polity 

Why has the MHA reimposed restrictions in three NE States? - The Hindu 

Recently, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in the States of Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram to restrict and monitor the movement of foreigners. From now on, foreigners visiting the three States would have to seek prior permission and Protected Area Permits (PAP) from the government. 

World Affairs 

‘MFN not to hit India-EFTA pact’ - The Hindu 

The Swiss decision to suspend the most favoured nation clause in the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement will not delay the ratification and implementation of the already signed trade agreement between India and the EFTA bloc, Switzerland has said.

Most Favoured Nation (MFN) Status

• Principle: Ensures non-discrimination among WTO members.
• Benefits:
  • Lowest tariffs.
  • Highest import quotas.
  • Fewest trade barriers.
• Origin: Established after World War II as a multilateral trading system.
• Exceptions:
  • Bilateral trade agreements.
  • Special access for developing countries.
  • Non-WTO members  are not bound by MFN rules.
• Suspension of MFN
  • India-Pakistan:
    • India revoked Pakistan's MFN status in 2019 after a terrorist attack.
    • Pakistan never granted MFN status to India.
• Procedure: No formal mechanism to suspend MFN or mandatory reporting to the WTO.
• Significance:
  • Rules-Based Framework: Replaces power-based policies with a system ensuring equal trading rights.
  • Promotes Free Trade: Encourages trade creation and reduces trade diversion.
  • Benefits Smaller Countries: Provides smaller nations with trade advantages typically reserved for major economies.
  • Market Access: Expands opportunities for industries to cater to larger markets, enhancing product quality.

PM Modi awarded Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer - Indian Express 

The Indian Prime Minister was awarded the Wisam Mubarak al-Kabeer, or the Order of Mubarak the Great, by Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of Kuwait.

Economy 

India’s reliance on China for critical minerals - The Hindu 

The Ministry of Mines in 2023 identified 30 critical minerals deemed essential for the nation’s economic development and national security. While the report highlighted India’s complete import dependency for 10 critical minerals, it did not fully address a more pressing concern — the extent and nature of dependency on China.

Green deposits - The Hindu 

Considering the threat that climate change poses globally, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued a comprehensive framework for lenders to accept green deposits in April last year.