Current affairs

Karnataka Women’s Quota, Background and Status

Context: The Karnataka government has mandated a 33% reservation for women in services and posts outsourced by various government departments and organisations. More In News Currently, over 75,000 employees hold outsourced jobs in government departments. The government typically hires third-party...

Buddha Purnima 2024, History, Significance and Celebrations

Buddha Purnima 2024, the 2586th birth anniversary of Gautam Buddha, will be celebrated on May 23, 2024. This day holds significant religious importance in Hinduism, as it marks his birth on the Full Moon day in the month of Vaishakha....

Current Affairs 22nd May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Local Environmental Footprints Context: A recent study revealed significant disparities in environmental footprints among Indian households across different economic classes. Study Overview Title: "Water, air pollution and carbon footprints of conspicuous/luxury consumption in India." Focus: Examines CO2, water, and particulate...

Editorial of the Day (22nd May): Risk of Russia’s Nuclear Posturing

Context The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its second year with no end in sight. Russia announced plans to hold drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons along the Ukrainian border. In March, Russia declared it would station nuclear weapons...

Current Affairs 21st May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Spices Board of India Context: The Spices Board of India is conducting inspections at various MDH and Everest processing plants across the country to ensure that spice exports comply with the standards required by their respective export destinations. About Spices...

Venezuela’s Melting Glaciers

Context: Venezuela's last glacier, Humboldt, was recently reclassified as an ice field, making Venezuela likely the first modern country to lose all its glaciers. More In News Venezuela has six glaciers located about 5,000 metres above sea level in the...

Editorial of the Day (21st May): India-China Consumption Comparison

Context: In 2023, India surpassed China as the world's most populous country. Background China's birth rate is declining (6.4 births per 1,000 people) and its total fertility rate is around 1%. It recorded negative population growth for the first time...

Generalised System of Preference (GSP)

Context In U.S.-India relations, renewing the GSP program can significantly enhance bilateral trade, providing stable market access and fostering economic growth in both nations. Despite bipartisan support, the U.S. GSP program has remained in limbo since its expiration in 2020,...

MPLAD Scheme, Key Features and Challenges

Context: Over the past decade, Lok Sabha members elected from Delhi's seven constituencies have failed to utilise Rs 100 crore out of their entitled Rs 311.5 crore funds under the Members of Parliament Local Area Development (MPLAD) scheme. Members of...

WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogen List (BPPL)

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has updated its Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL), highlighting critical priority pathogens that pose major global threats due to their high burden, resistance to treatment, and ability to spread resistance to other bacteria. WHO...