Current affairs

Ahilya Bai Holkar Biography, Leadership and Administration

Context: May 31, 2024, marked the 300th birth anniversary of the Maratha queen Ahilya Bai Holkar. Ahilya Bai Holkar: Early Life and Rise to Power Birth: Ahilya Bai Holkar was born in 1725 in a shepherd (Dhangar/Gadariya) family in Chondi...

Current Affairs 31st May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

World's First Rocket with Fully 3D Printed Engine Context: Agnikul Cosmos, an Indian space startup, successfully conducted a sub-orbital test launch using their vehicle Agnibaan SOrTeD. This vehicle was powered by the world's first single-piece 3D-printed semi-cryogenic rocket engine. About...

Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Legacy of Swami Vivekananda

In a gesture laden with symbolism and historical resonance, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a 45-hour meditation session at the iconic Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanniyakumari. The Prime Minister's choice of the Vivekananda Rock Memorial for his meditation holds...

CubeSats and NASA’s PREFIRE Mission, Objectives, Impact on Climate Science

Context: NASA, in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, launched the first of two CubeSats to study heat emissions at Earth's poles. This was part of NASA’s PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) mission. About CubeSats CubeSats are...

PM JANMAN Scheme, Objectives, Focus Areas and Challenges

Context The Government launched the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) in November 2023 to improve the socio-economic conditions of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). The 'Housing scheme' within PM-JANMAN aims to provide secure housing for 4.90 lakh...

Eucalyptus Trees Controversy in Kerala

Context: The Kerala government's recent order allowing the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees sparked controversy due to concerns raised by environmentalists about its potential negative impact on forests and human-animal conflict. Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC)...

Urbanisation in India and its Impact on Public Space

Context: A series of recent accidents in Indian cities, including building collapses, boiler blasts, and fires, have highlighted the issue of institutional failure in urban development. Recent Mishaps in Indian Cities Several recent incidents across Indian cities have highlighted potential...

Editorial of the Day (30th May): The End of Unipolarity

Context: Critics argued that the U.S. exhibits a double standard by condemning Russian attacks in Ukraine but not Israeli actions in Gaza. However, the U.S. approach to both conflicts has been similar, favouring militarization over negotiations and providing arms, funding,...

Current Affairs 30th May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Rudra M Missile Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) announced a successful trial of the RudraM-II launched from a Su-30 MKI jet off the coast of Odisha. About RudraM-II Type: An indigenously developed air-to-surface anti-radiation missile (AMR). Developer:...

What is All Eyes On Rafah? Get Details of Rafah Operation of Israel

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has reached a critical juncture, with significant military operations taking place in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. Recent developments have seen Israeli forces advancing into the city, raising concerns about...