Current affairs

Editorial of the Day (30 Jul): Can states tax mining activities?

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court confirmed that States possess the legislative power to impose taxes on minerals in addition to the royalties charged by the Central government. Background 1989 Ruling: A seven-judge Supreme Court bench held that under the Mines...

Operation CHAKRA-III Initiative by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)

Operation CHAKRA-III is a landmark initiative by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies like the FBI and INTERPOL. This operation, launched to dismantle a sophisticated international cyber-enabled financial crime network, marks a significant...

International Tiger Day 2024, History, Theme, Significance

International Tiger Day, celebrated annually on July 29th, is a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the plight of tigers and promoting efforts for their conservation. As one of the most iconic and endangered species, tigers face numerous threats...

Right to be Forgotten, Background, Significance and Challenges

Context: The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a case that will shape the “right to be forgotten”. Right to be Forgotten: Background A three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud will review...

Current Affairs 29th July 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Critical Minerals Context: The Centre has cancelled the auction of 3 critical mineral blocks. About Critical Minerals Critical minerals are mineral resources, both primary and processed, that are essential inputs in modern technologies, economies, and national security. The risk of...

Editorial of the Day (29 July): South Africa’s Law on Climate Change

Context South Africa’s President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has signed legislation that imposes mandatory curbs on emissions from large, fossil-fuel-heavy industries and requires climate-adaptation plans from towns and villages. This law aims to help South Africa meet its emissions reduction commitments under...

Current Affairs 27th July 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Royal Burial Mounds - UNESCO World Heritage Context: The Charaideo Moidams were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. About Moidams – the Mound-Burial System of the Ahom Dynasty The Moidams are linked to the Tai Ahom rulers who migrated...

Ram Mandir Temple, Pran Pratishtha, History and Architecture

Ram Mandir, also popularly known as Ayodhya Ram Mandir, is a Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shri Ram and is believed to be constructed on the Ram Janmabhoomi...

Editorial of the Day (27 July): Cheaper Cancer Drugs

Context: In the 2024-25 budget, the Finance Minister announced customs duty exemptions on three targeted cancer drugs: trastuzumab deruxtecan, osimertinib, and durvalumab. What is Targeted Cancer Drugs? These drugs specifically attack cancer cells while sparing normal cells. They focus on...

Reservation of bills by Governors for President’s Assent

Context: The Supreme Court agreed to examine the Governor's powers related to crucial Bills and eventually referred them to the President. Article 200: Power of Governor Related to Bill Grant assent to the Bill. Withhold assent from the Bill. Reserve...