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Context: WhatsApp keeps automatic backups in Google Drive on Android and iCloud on iPhone, so deleted chats are usually restorable only from the most recent backup saved before deletion.

Context: A world model is an AI system that learns how an environment behaves so it can predict what happens next, which helps machines plan actions. Google has released earlier Genie models as research previews, so Genie 4 continues that line of work.

Context: Google has put a first data-centre satellite in orbit, so this test checks whether AI can work beyond Earth. A haiku is a short three-line poem, often about nature.

Context: Pensioners under the EPFO scheme must prove each year that they are alive to keep receiving their monthly pension, and a life certificate is the usual proof. Doing it online saves trips to offices, which matters most for older people.

Context: Dearness allowance is a payment added to basic salary and pension to offset rising prices, and states revise it periodically. The central government also revises its own DA rate twice a year, so state hikes are often watched by staff elsewhere.

Context: The Election Commission of India updates voter rolls, and a national revision can add or remove names. Opposition parties have been challenging the process, so the rally is part of a longer fight over how elections are run.

Context: Alphabet owns Google, along with YouTube and Android. Big tech firms are spending heavily on AI chips and data centres, and investors keep asking when those bets will earn money. Sharp swings like this often reflect that wider debate, not one quarter alone.

Lucy launched in 2021 to study Jupiter's Trojan asteroids, groups of rocky bodies that share the giant planet's orbit. Scientists think these asteroids may be leftovers from the early solar system, which helps explain how the planets formed.

The RBI is the central bank that regulates India's banks and sets banking rules. Banks now hold large amounts of digital customer data and run online payments, so breaches can put ordinary people's savings and accounts at risk.

Context: The Quad is an informal partnership of India, the US, Japan and Australia, formed to work together on the Indo-Pacific. Economic coercion means pressure through trade or money, and the grouping has been widening its work on AI and critical minerals.

Context: Nandini is a cooperative milk brand in Karnataka, and families buy it daily, so price changes affect household budgets. Milk price decisions often spark debate about farmers' earnings versus what consumers can afford.

Context: Personalised cancer vaccines are designed around a patient's own tumour, and most are still in research or early trials rather than routine treatment. Claims from startups should be read alongside peer-reviewed evidence.

Context: KMF, or Karnataka Milk Federation, is the state's large dairy cooperative and sells milk under the Nandini brand. Dairy price revisions like this often reflect rising costs for farmers and transport, so households feel the change in their monthly budget.

Context: AI data centres on Earth use large amounts of electricity and cooling, which is a growing concern for tech firms. Putting computing in orbit is an untested idea that companies are exploring as a possible alternative.

Context: BE FAST stands for balance, eyes, face, arms, speech and time, a memory aid for a stroke's common signs. Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability in India, and early treatment can limit lasting damage.

Tax devolution is the share of the Union's tax income that the Centre passes on to state governments, which they use for schools, roads and health. The Centre typically pays it in regular monthly instalments, with extra payments added at times.

Context: El Niño is a natural warming of the central and eastern Pacific that shifts rain and heat patterns worldwide. It often weakens the Indian monsoon, so farmers and water planners watch it closely.

Context: GST is India's goods and services tax, a single tax that replaced many state and central levies in 2017. Each state where a business sells can require its own registration, so easier rules can matter a lot to small online sellers.

Context: Many women do farm work but are often not counted as farmers in official records, because land ownership usually decides recognition. Recognition can affect access to farm schemes, loans and benefits.

Context: AI models are trained on large amounts of web content, and news sites have long complained about bots copying their work. Robots.txt, the standard file that tells bots what not to crawl, is the common tool publishers use today.

Context: Fuel prices in India are set in a daily revision system, and rates differ between cities because of local taxes and transport costs. CNG is a cleaner gas used by many cars and autos, so its price changes hit daily commuters directly.

Context: Pensioners usually need to prove each year that they are alive to keep receiving their pension, and the life certificate is the usual proof. Face authentication lets pensioners verify their identity using a camera instead of visiting a bank or pension office in person.

Context: Many homebuyers have waited years for flats when a builder defaulted on loans and stalled work. Under India's insolvency law, a developer's failure can freeze all its projects, so the new rules offer a narrower route for sound ones.

Context: The Cook Islands is a group of small islands in the South Pacific, linked to New Zealand, and a transit visa is permission to pass through a country on the way to another destination.

Context: India has long had rules on research using animals, and regulators update them from time to time. Animal welfare groups and scientists often clash over how strict such safeguards should be.

Context: YouTube has age settings and content rules, but AI tools let anyone make songs and videos quickly, so filters struggle to keep pace. Bhojpuri and Punjabi music are hugely popular across India, so such content can reach large family audiences.

The census counts the population once every ten years, and its data helps guide how government plans services and resources. Enumerators are the field staff who visit homes to collect the answers.

Context: Nandan Nilekani is an Infosys co-founder and the architect of Aadhaar, and the panel was set up to review how India's national exams are run after the 2024 NEET paper-leak row.

Automatic emergency braking systems use sensors to spot a possible crash and brake if the driver does not react in time. India has some of the highest road death tolls in the world, so vehicle safety rules are a steady policy focus.

Context: France's yellow vest protests of 2018 also began over living costs and spread across the country, so similar anger has a history there. Paris is the capital and a common site of large street protests.

Context: Farmers in Punjab often burn paddy stubble after harvest to clear fields quickly, and the smoke worsens air quality in Delhi and nearby areas each autumn. Delhi has announced winter anti-pollution curbs, so this is part of the same seasonal fight.

Context: Google Cloud rents computing power and software to businesses, and the AI race has pushed big tech firms to spend heavily on data centres. Search ads bring in most of Alphabet's money, so changes there matter.

Context: Oppo is a Chinese smartphone maker, and its Find series is its premium line, which buyers often compare with rival flagship phones from other brands.

Context: Oil beetles are a group of insects whose larvae hitch rides on wild bees to reach their nests. Many species have declined as wildflower meadows and their host bees have disappeared, so rediscoveries are closely watched by conservationists.

Context: The H-1B is a US work visa that many Indian software engineers and other skilled workers use, and a green card grants permanent residence. Each new Congress and administration can change these rules, so election results matter for applicants.

Context: Big tech firms are spending huge sums on AI data centres and chips, so investors are worried whether those costs will pay off; the Nasdaq is the US index heavy in technology shares.

Context: Lava is an Indian smartphone brand known for budget phones, and this rise lands in the segment where buyers are most price-sensitive. Mid-range phones sit just above that tier, so their buyers may also watch prices closely.

Flash floods are sudden, fast-moving floods that can develop within minutes or hours of heavy rain. The Southwest is known for dry spells, so soaked ground after heavy rain can make flash flooding more likely.

Context: Iran, the US and Israel have been in a long-running standoff over Iran's nuclear programme. The supreme leader holds final authority over Iran's military and state decisions, so his orders carry major weight.

Context: KYC, or Know Your Customer, is the process banks follow to confirm who their customers are. Mule accounts are often opened with stolen or borrowed identities, and online fraud has been rising in India, so the court's review could change how accounts are opened.

Context: Indian Oil is a state-run company that sells LPG, the cooking gas used in most Indian homes. When under-recoveries rise, oil firms lose money on each cylinder, which can lead to higher prices or government support.

Context: France saw widespread riots in 2023 after a teenager was killed during a police traffic stop near Paris. Governments across Europe have since debated how to hold young people and their families responsible for public disorder.

Ebola is a rare but deadly virus that spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of infected people. DR Congo has seen several Ebola outbreaks since the first recorded one in 1976, which keeps the country a long-running focus for response teams.

Context: Foxconn is the Taiwanese company that assembles many Apple devices, including in India. Foldable phones use flexible screens, which have been a known durability concern for the whole industry.

Colon cancer is cancer of the large intestine, one of the more common cancers worldwide. Gut bacteria live in the digestive system, and scientists have long studied whether some of them can contribute to disease.

Context: Jowar, also called sorghum, is a staple grain eaten widely in parts of Karnataka. When rain fails, harvests shrink and supply tightens, so prices tend to climb.

Context: Many households in Indian cities hire maids and cooks through private agencies, which often operate with little public oversight. Police verification is meant to check a worker's background before they enter a home.

Context: Tax devolution is the share of central tax revenue that the Union government passes on to states. Extra instalments like this help states meet their spending needs, and the Finance Commission sets the broad formula.

Context: The Census is India's official count of its population, and it was delayed from 2021. Caste was not counted in the last full census, and the new round will include it for the first time.

Context: NavIC is India's own regional satellite navigation system, meant to give location and timing services over India and nearby areas. Like GPS, it needs a group of satellites in orbit, so each new launch helps keep it working.

Context: The Quad is an informal grouping of India, the US, Japan and Australia that works on shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. Critical minerals such as lithium and rare earths are used in batteries and electronics, making supply a growing concern for governments.

Context: The ATP is the men's professional tennis tour body that runs most events and rankings. Doubles pairs usually earn far less than singles stars, so cuts to draws and prize money hit them hardest.

Context: A cess is an extra charge collected for a specific purpose, separate from the regular tax on goods. TASMAC is the state-run liquor retailer in Tamil Nadu, and liquor sales bring in a large share of state revenue.

Context: MLC polls elect members of Bihar's Legislative Council, and both JD(U) and BJP are part of the NDA alliance that runs the state government.

Context: Glass waste is hard to recycle, so turning it into building material can help cut landfill waste. Concrete with glass has long raised concern about a chemical reaction that can crack it, which is why long-term checks matter.

Context: UNESCO is the UN agency that runs the World Heritage list, which can bring tourism and global recognition. Chhath Mahaparv is a festival of Bihar and eastern India honouring the sun god. Soft power means influence gained through culture rather than force.

WalletHub is a US personal finance website, so its rankings reflect its own chosen measures. Rankings like this one weigh several factors, so a higher salary may matter less if living costs are high.

Context: Fusion joins light atoms together to release energy, the same process that powers the sun, and no country has yet run a fusion power plant that sends electricity to the grid. Private firms are joining this race, and India's effort is one example.

Context: Madhyamam is a Malayalam news daily based in Kerala, and this dispute is over unpaid wages that have built up for months. Long pay delays often lead to strikes, and unions usually push for talks between the staff and management.

Context: The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow sea route that carries a large share of the world's oil, so disputes over it can push up fuel prices far beyond the region. Iran and the US have been in conflict for years, and talks have started and stalled several times.

FSSAI is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, which sets food rules and licences for restaurants and food businesses across the country. A show cause notice is a formal first step asking a business to respond before any final penalty is decided.

Context: The Constitution makes English the default language of the Supreme Court and High Courts, while Hindi is the main official language of the Union. The Official Languages Act of 1963 allowed English to continue alongside Hindi, and the language debate has run for decades.

Context: NVS satellites are part of NavIC, India's own regional navigation system that works alongside global systems like GPS. A constellation means a group of satellites working together to cover a region.

Context: Cotton is the main raw material for India's textile and garment industry, which employs a large number of people. Governments sometimes use such exemptions when domestic supply is tight.

Context: The Enforcement Directorate investigates money laundering and can arrest people even when they have been granted bail in an earlier case. Azam Khan is a senior Samajwadi Party leader from Uttar Pradesh, and the case concerns funds linked to Jauhar University.

Context: India's census is held every ten years and runs in two steps, first listing houses and buildings, then counting every person. Jammu and Kashmir's progress shows how the national count is moving state by state.

Context: CGHS, the Central Government Health Scheme, provides medical care to central government employees, pensioners and their eligible family members. Rules on who counts as a dependant decide who can use the benefit.

Context: The Houthis are an armed group that controls much of northern Yemen, where a long civil war has left millions in need of aid. The UN has raised concerns about its staff being held by the group, and this case adds to that pattern.

Context: Russia's war in Ukraine has disrupted grain exports from Black Sea ports, which matter for food prices worldwide. A 2022 deal brokered by the UN and Turkey briefly restored shipments before it collapsed in 2023.

Context: Alvarez, a Mexican boxer, is one of the biggest names in the sport, and he lost to American Terence Crawford in 2025 before this return. Riyadh has become a major host for big-money title fights in recent years.

Context: Manchester City have been among the strongest teams in English football in recent years, so a win at their ground is rare. Manchester United and Chelsea are big-name clubs in the same league, so this round of results is closely followed by fans.

Delhi often sees severe smog in winter, when cold air traps pollution close to the ground. Similar winter action plans have been used in the National Capital Region for years, with curbs stepping up as air quality worsens.

Context: Protests grew after a railway station canopy collapsed in Novi Sad in November 2024, killing 16 people and fuelling anger over corruption. Vučić has dominated Serbian politics for over a decade, so his government's fall is a major shift.

Context: Gaganyaan is India's planned human spaceflight mission, run by ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation. Parachutes slow a returning spacecraft to a safe landing speed, so their testing is a key safety step.

Context: Customs duty is a tax on goods brought into India, and cotton is the main raw material for yarn and clothing. Exemptions like this are often used when domestic supply runs short or prices rise.

Context: BS VI is India's current vehicle emission standard, and Delhi has tightened rules on older, non-compliant vehicles to fight severe winter air pollution. Commuters from nearby NCR towns are among those most affected.

Context: India's census is held every ten years, and the previous one was in 2011. Its results shape decisions on seats, welfare schemes and how government money is shared between states.

Context: Digital arrest scams involve fraudsters posing as police, CBI or tax officials, keeping victims on video calls while they transfer money. Such cases have grown across India, and courts are asking whether banks should do more to flag suspicious transfers.

Context: Punjab has struggled with drug abuse and trafficking for many years, and it has been a major campaign issue in past polls. Assembly elections are due in 2027, so parties are competing to show they can act on it.

Tenements are multi-family housing blocks built by government bodies for low-income families, and many are old and unsafe. Rebuilding aging blocks usually requires residents to move out first while construction takes place.

Context: T20 is the shortest form of international cricket, where big scores and quick records are common. The record Phillips is chasing belongs to another batter, so readers can follow this match to see whether it is broken.

Context: Test cricket is the longest format, played over up to five days, and a series is a set of matches between two teams. Harmer is a spinner, a bowler who turns the ball, and taking ten wickets in one match is a rare feat.

The US keeps military bases across the Gulf and wider Middle East, so attacks on them touch many countries and oil routes. Iran and the US have been rivals in the region for decades, and India watches closely because of oil and its large diaspora.

Context: Space telescopes orbit high above Earth and are usually not built to be brought back, so their orbits slowly decay over time. Rescue missions in space are rare and technically difficult, which is why a failed attempt draws attention.

Context: NHAI, the National Highways Authority of India, builds and manages national highways. Flyover projects on busy Kerala roads often face local objections over traffic, flooding and access to shops, so such disputes are common.

Context: Bank fraud often involves transfers that the account holder did not authorise, and quick reporting to the bank is the usual first step to limit losses. Customers who act early usually have a better chance of recovering money.

Context: India sends many nurses to work in countries such as the Gulf, the UK and the US, where patients and staff speak different languages. Overseas employers often test language ability before hiring, so this is a common concern for nursing graduates.

Context: Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities in Manipur have been in conflict since May 2023, and the state has seen displacement and deaths. Agreements with armed groups and tribal organisations are often contested locally, so the rally reflects a wider debate over peace and security in the state.

Context: Zilla panchayats are district-level and taluk panchayats are block-level elected bodies that manage local development and services. Local body polls are often delayed, so a fixed timeline matters to voters and candidates.

Context: CAQM is the Commission for Air Quality Management, which sets air rules for Delhi and nearby states that often face severe winter smog. Factories are among the sources of pollution, so enforcement of these rules is a long-running effort.

Context: Airfares in India often rise during festival season because demand peaks and many people travel home. Airlines also add fuel and other surcharges that pass costs on to passengers, so route prices can shift quickly.

Context: Poland's Constitutional Tribunal reviews whether laws follow the constitution, so a deadlock there can hold up legal decisions. The pro-European government and the nationalist president have clashed over the court for a long time.

Low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal can grow into depressions that bring heavy rain, flooding and disruption to coastal states. Andhra Pradesh and Kerala often see heavy rain in this season, so following local alerts and IMD updates helps families plan travel and safety.

The G20 is a grouping of major economies that meets to discuss global issues. Energy supplies have been a worry for many countries, since disruptions in one region can raise prices elsewhere, including for India.

Context: Cyclone Arnab recently hit Odisha, and the Bay of Bengal often produces storms in autumn that can bring heavy rain to coastal districts. IMD, India's weather agency, issues these warnings, and this storm is forecast to be weaker than Arnab.

Maximum retail price is the highest amount a shop can legally charge for a product, so the cap protects buyers from paying more. Rice is a staple food in India, and state governments often set such limits when prices rise.

Context: The Railway Board is the central body that oversees Indian Railways and sets rules that its zones follow. Many long-distance trains run overnight, so charging limits affect travellers who rely on phones for tickets, maps and navigation.

Context: AI models learn from large amounts of data, but hospital records, bank details and government files are often too private to share openly. Sealed-room setups are one way to keep such data protected while still letting AI use it.

Context: Amhara is a large region in northern Ethiopia where armed conflict between government forces and regional militias has been ongoing since 2023, and drones have become a common weapon in the fighting.

Context: The Indian Institutes of Management are top business schools, and placements are the campus job offers students receive through company recruitment drives. Strong placement numbers are closely watched by students choosing between management courses each year.

Context: Char Dham is a major Hindu pilgrimage circuit in the Himalayas, where roads are narrow and weather can change quickly. Chartered flights carry pilgrims into these mountain conditions, which can make landings and take-offs hard.

Context: Sugarcane is a major cash crop in north Karnataka, and farmers' income depends on the price mills pay for their cane. Price disputes often return each harvest season, which is why protests keep coming back.

Context: El Niño is a periodic warming of the Pacific Ocean that often weakens the Indian monsoon and brings drier spells. Kyasanur forest disease is a tick-borne illness found in forested parts of Karnataka and Kerala.

Export duties are extra taxes on fuel sold abroad, and the government reviews them every fortnight to balance domestic supply with overseas sales. Indian refiners also export a lot of fuel, so these levies can influence how much is kept for domestic buyers.

Context: The Siang project is a large hydropower dam on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh, seen as a strategic counter to China's mega dam upstream on the Yarlung Tsangpo. Such projects often face local concern about land, water and displacement.

Context: The state first offered this instant pension to women in the old-age category, and this change reaches groups who often have irregular incomes. Filariasis is a mosquito-borne disease, and toddy tappers collect palm sap for a living.

Context: Ferrari is a luxury sports car maker, and its shift toward hybrid and electric engines is a major industry debate. India is a growing market for premium cars, which explains the focus.

Context: The FSB is Russia's main internal security agency, successor to the KGB. Embassies often pass security alerts to their citizens when they hear of possible threats, and this one was shared publicly.

Context: November is when the monsoon has withdrawn from most of India, so daytime temperatures often rise while nights turn cooler. IMD's monthly outlooks help farmers, city planners and power utilities prepare for the coming weeks.

Context: SoO, or Suspension of Operations, is a truce deal between the government and armed groups in Manipur, and it has been contested since ethnic violence began there in 2023.

Context: Oleshky is in southern Ukraine, on the Dnipro river, and has been under Russian control since the early months of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022. Short local pauses like this are usually fragile, so they do not end the wider war between the two countries.

Context: India's main privacy law is the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, which sets rules for how companies and the state use personal data. Changes to it would affect how millions of people's data is collected and protected.

Context: Under India's IT Rules, the government and platforms can order posts taken down, and the rules set time limits for acting on those orders. Debate continues over how much users can see, challenge or appeal such removals.

Context: The Commonwealth is a group of mostly former British colonies, and the King is its head. Debate over Britain's role in slavery and whether it should apologise or pay reparations is still active in Britain.

Context: The IOA is the umbrella body that runs India's Olympic movement and selects its teams. The Athletes' Commission gives sportspeople a voice inside that body, so its vote shapes how athletes' concerns are heard.

Context: A repechage is a second-chance round in wrestling, where athletes who lost earlier can still win a bronze medal. Jaspooran's loss means he finished just short of a podium finish, a common result in tournaments with many strong competitors.

Khamenei is Iran's supreme leader and holds final authority over the country's armed forces. Tensions between Tehran and Washington have been a major ongoing story, with both diplomacy and threats in play.

Context: Tensions between Iran and the United States have been rising, and Iran's leaders have recently promised a strong response to any new US attack. Qeshm is an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz, a busy route for oil shipments.

Oleshky sits on the Dnipro River in southern Ukraine's Kherson region, which Russia occupied early in its 2022 full-scale invasion. Civilians who stayed behind in the occupied area have faced danger and hardship since then.

Vande Bharat is India's fast semi-high-speed train line, built in India and now running on many routes. Sleeper versions add overnight berths, which suit long journeys like Varanasi to Delhi.

Context: Municipal corporations and municipal councils run civic services such as roads, water and sanitation in Indian towns and cities. Their elected mayors and chairpersons lead these bodies, so local elections shape everyday services for residents.

Context: Misappropriation means funds were taken or misused rather than used as intended. An FIR, or First Information Report, is the formal police complaint that starts a criminal investigation into such cases.

Context: The G20 brings together 19 countries plus the European Union and African Union, and its joint statements usually need every member to agree. Russia's war in Ukraine has divided members for years, making shared text hard to reach.

Diabetes means the body cannot control blood sugar well, and many patients rely on daily medicines or insulin today. Scientists are looking for new tools that could reduce the need for regular drugs.

Context: Utilities are the companies that generate, transmit and sell electricity, and many are regulated, so state regulators approve how much they can charge. Rising demand and costly grid upgrades are common reasons bills climb, and the midterm elections are due in November 2026.

Attappady is a hilly forest region in Palakkad district of Keralam, home to a large tribal population. Infant deaths and malnutrition there have been recurring concerns for decades, and the area has long faced gaps in health care and food access.

Context: The Commission for Air Quality Management coordinates pollution control across Delhi and its neighbouring cities. Every winter, smoke and dust push the region's air into hazardous levels, and the commission often uses steps like these.

Context: Low-pressure areas over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea often grow into depressions or cyclones, and they can bring heavy rain to coastal south India. The IMD, India's official weather agency, issues these forecasts, which are updated as the system moves.

Context: PM-KISAN, launched in 2019, gives eligible farmer families income support of Rs 6,000 a year, paid in three instalments. Instalments are announced regularly by the Centre, and state governments often share the event with local leaders.

Context: Canada and the EU are both close US trading partners, and the US has used tariffs and trade threats in recent years, which has pushed both to look for other partners. Critical minerals are key inputs for electronics and batteries.

Context: Charitable trusts in India often get tax exemptions, and the I-T Department checks them to make sure the money is used for the stated charitable purpose. Tighter merger rules are part of that ongoing oversight.

Context: The Convention on Biological Diversity is a UN-backed treaty that sets global goals for protecting plants, animals and ecosystems. COP stands for Conference of the Parties, the meeting where member countries review progress and make new decisions.

Context: Bonus payments are a yearly money matter for many workers, and in India the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 sets the rules for them. Fake messages can cause anxiety and protests, so official clarifications from labour offices are the reliable source to check before acting.

Context: The World Bank is a global lender that publishes poverty estimates by comparing household spending with an international poverty line. Its figures for India have often been debated, because national surveys and methods can give different results.

Context: After the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021, many Afghans who had worked with US forces were evacuated abroad. Their future immigration status has since become a contested policy question in the US.

PV Sindhu is one of India's best-known badminton players and won an Olympic silver medal in 2016 and bronze in 2020. Anmol is another Indian player, so the final was an all-Indian contest.

Context: Abiy Ahmed has led Ethiopia since 2018 and won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, and his government fought a war in the northern Tigray region from 2020 to 2022. Ethiopia has faced internal conflicts, so defence readiness is a major focus.

Context: Age concessions are relaxations that let candidates from specified social and welfare groups apply beyond the general age limit. Direct recruitment means hiring candidates from outside government rather than promoting existing staff.

Context: India offers two income tax regimes, an old one that allows many deductions and a newer one with lower rates but fewer deductions. Taxpayers pick the regime that gives them the lower tax bill.

Context: Yaks are large, high-altitude animals found across the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau, and they are important to herders there. Finding a related species helps scientists trace how today's yaks evolved.

Context: Refugees are people forced to flee their home country because of persecution, war or violence. Resettlement means a country agrees to accept them permanently, usually through a government-run route rather than irregular travel.

Manipur has been divided by ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities since 2023, and the SoO deal was meant to calm armed groups while talks continued. Its future matters for peace in the state before any election.

Context: IMD is India's official weather agency and issues monthly and seasonal outlooks. November is the period when the northeast monsoon is still active in parts of south India, so temperature forecasts matter for farmers.

Context: Mandya is a farming district in southern Karnataka, where canal irrigation is a major concern for farmers. Jayadeva is a well-known heart-care institute in Bengaluru, so a 100-bed hospital adds to the state's healthcare network.

Context: Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, and US tariffs on Canadian products have hit industries like forestry and paper that rely heavily on exports. When a single mill anchors a small town, its closure can affect nearly every local family.

Context: GST is India's national tax on most goods and services, and enforcement officers can check businesses and goods. Rules like these shape how often traders and transporters face checks and penalties.

Context: Nepal is India's neighbour, and the two countries share open borders and deep cultural and trade links. Requests for aid and investment are a common theme in Nepal's dealings with India and other partners.

Context: Delhi faces severe smog most winters, when cold air and smoke from crop burning trap pollution close to the ground. The GRAP (Graded Response Action Plan) is a staged set of emergency steps that rise as air quality worsens.

Context: AAP governs Punjab, and the state's next Assembly election is due in 2027. Candidate lists in the months before a vote show which seats each party sees as key.

Diwali, also called Deepawali, is one of India's biggest festivals and is celebrated across many regions with different local customs. Dhanteras usually marks the start of the festival, with Bhai Dooj closing it.

Context: BPT is a popular rice variety in South India, and rice is a staple food for most Indian households. Governments set ceiling prices to stop sudden spikes in the cost of essential food.

Context: The Chief Election Commissioner heads the body that runs India's national and state elections. Removing a CEC is a formal process that needs a motion passed in Parliament, so a public event like this does not by itself remove anyone from office.

Context: A glacial lake outburst flood happens when a lake held back by glacier ice or debris suddenly bursts, sending water and rocks rushing downstream. Bhutan's Himalayan rivers flow into Assam, so the flood risk reaches Assam's plains quickly.

Context: Municipalities and nagar panchayats are the local councils that look after roads, water and sanitation in towns and small cities in India. Unopposed wins happen when no rival candidate files a nomination, so the seat is filled without a vote.

Context: Many old bridges and culverts in India were built during British rule and are being replaced as traffic grows and older designs wear out. Replacements like this are part of routine road and rail upgrades.

Context: The Olympics are the biggest multi-sport event, and wrestling is one of its long-standing disciplines. Senior World Championships gold is among the sport's most prestigious titles, so this win raises expectations for Los Angeles.

The Quad is an informal grouping of India, Japan, Australia and the United States that works on shared interests in the Indo-Pacific. Economic coercion means using trade or money to pressure another country, and export curbs are one common tool.

Context: The 2018 Sandpapergate scandal involved Australian players tampering with the ball in South Africa, which made this series a closely watched return. Simon Harmer is a South African off-spin bowler.

Context: Aden is Yemen's southern port city and the base of the internationally recognised government. The Houthis, an armed group that controls much of northern Yemen, have fought that government since 2014, and Saudi Arabia leads a coalition backing it.