WHY IN THE NEWS? ● Global food prices rose in August to their highest level since late 2022, according to the FAO Food Price Index. ● The increase reflects growing concerns over extreme weather, geopolitical conflicts, disrupted trade routes and agricultural supply risks. ● Higher prices of cereals, vegetable…
Why in the News ? On Teachers’ Day, President Droupadi Murmu will confer National Teachers’ Awards in New Delhi, recognising exemplary educators from school and higher education institutions. She emphasised continuous learning, technological adoption, innovative pedagogy, independent thinking and teachers’ role in shaping responsible citizens. Teachers’ Day and National Teachers’ Awards ● Presidential…
Why in the News ? The latest National Accounts Statistics (NAS) reports manufacturing GVA at ₹38.6 lakh crore for 2023–24. However, an alternative estimate based on ASI and ASUSE data produces a substantially lower figure, raising concerns over methodology, data coverage and independent verification of GDP estimates. Manufacturing GVA Gap and Alternative Estimates ● …
Why in the News ? The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the ongoing El Niño could intensify through 2027 and potentially become the strongest observed since systematic monitoring began. Exceptionally warm Pacific Ocean temperatures may increase the likelihood of widespread extreme weather events. El Niño Intensification and Global Weather Risks ● …
Why in the News ? India hosted the Quad Sherpas’ Meeting in New Delhi under Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. The meeting reviewed cooperation in maritime security, emerging technologies, economic security and humanitarian assistance, while preparing for the next Quad Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. Quad Sherpas’ Meeting and Key Areas ● Strategic coordination: The meeting…
Why in the News ? ISRO successfully launched EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite, aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The satellite was placed into sub-geosynchronous orbit and is expected to strengthen real-time Earth imaging for agriculture and disaster management. EOS-05 Mission and Its Significance ● Successful launch: The…
Why in the News ? The Government has constituted a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to examine the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. The committee, headed by Sanjay Jaiswal, will scrutinise proposed changes aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the use of foreign contributions. Joint Parliamentary Committee and FCRA Bill ● …
Why in the News ? Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju held bilateral meetings with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Serbia and Angola on the sidelines of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Belgrade, Serbia. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, economic engagement and legislative diplomacy. India’s Diplomatic Outreach During NAM Summit ● Saudi…
Why in the News ? The UN Environment Program (UNEP) has outlined an “overshoot, peak and decline” pathway, acknowledging that temporarily crossing the 1.5°C warming threshold is increasingly unavoidable. The strategy aims to minimise the magnitude and duration of overshoot and restore temperatures below 1.5°C by 2100. UNEP’s Overshoot, Peak and Decline Pathway ● …
Why in the News ? The Delhi High Court has held that returning from maternity leave cannot ordinarily result in loss of a woman’s position, responsibilities, managerial authority or career prospects. The ruling strengthens statutory protection against professional disadvantage under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961. Delhi HC Ruling on Post-Maternity Employment Rights ● …