UPSC Current Affairs
Census Rehearsal Introduces Open Column for Caste Enumeration
10 stories · about 5 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Census Rehearsal Introduces Open Column for Caste Enumeration
The Union government has introduced an open column to record caste details during the test rehearsal for the second phase of the census. The final methodology for caste enumeration in the upcoming Census 2027 will be shaped by the feedback from this trial. Analysts recall that a similar open-ended approach in the 2011 Socio-Economic and Caste Census resulted in over 46 lakh distinct caste names, complicating data consolidation.
Prime Minister Embarks on Strategic Three-Nation Tour Starting with Indonesia
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a three-nation visit, starting with Indonesia to enhance bilateral strategic relations with President Prabowo Subianto. The visit will subsequently cover Australia and New Zealand, emphasizing India's diplomatic push for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Discussions are expected to center around defense, maritime security, trade, and regional supply chain resilience.
SEBI Eases Short Selling Rules to Attract Derivative Investors to Cash Markets
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) is set to nearly double the list of stocks eligible for securities lending and borrowing. This regulatory shift aims to deepen the cash equities market and redirect retail investors away from high-risk derivative markets, which have witnessed exponential growth. By making short-selling easier through stock borrowing, SEBI hopes to enhance market liquidity and promote systemic financial stability.
El Nino Weather Patterns Projected to Reduce India's Wind and Hydropower Output
A study by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) has warned that El Nino conditions could severely impact India's clean energy generation. Weak wind speeds and reduced rainfall are projected to lower wind and hydropower outputs, creating a supply gap of nearly 18 terawatt hours (TWh) over a one-year period ending in June 2027. This deficit, combined with high summer temperatures, will likely increase reliance on conventional coal-fired electricity.
Hamas Dissolves Gaza Government to Hand Power to UN-Backed Committee
Hamas has announced the dissolution of its government in the Gaza Strip, expressing intent to hand over administrative power to a UN-backed technical committee. The Hamas-run Government Media Office confirmed that only technical and professional staff will remain in their positions to manage the daily affairs of the Palestinian enclave. This decision comes amid ongoing ceasefire discussions and calls for rebuilding the administrative structure of Gaza.
Finance Ministry Notifies Rules of Origin Under India-U.K. Trade Agreement
The Union Finance Ministry has officially notified the rules for determining the origin of goods under the India-U.K. trade pact, known as the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA). These rules will establish the legal framework to verify if exported goods qualify for preferential tariff benefits, preventing third-party countries from routing products through India or the U.K. The agreement secures duty-free access for nearly 99% of India's exports to the United Kingdom.
Editorial Advocacy for Making Cancer a Notifiable Disease Nationwide
Public health experts and medical journals are strongly advocating for cancer to be declared a notifiable disease across India. Making it a notifiable condition would mandate all private and public healthcare facilities to report every diagnosed case to a central registry. This systemic change is deemed vital for generating accurate epidemiological data, identifying regional cancer clusters, and optimizing resource allocation for cancer care.
Supreme Court Warns Against the Use of AI-Fabricated Legal Precedents
The Supreme Court of India has observed that presenting AI-fabricated judicial precedents in courts constitutes criminal misconduct. This warning addresses the rising global trend of lawyers using generative AI tools that hallucinate non-existent case laws and legal opinions. The judiciary emphasized that while technology can assist in legal research, professional integrity and rigorous verification remain paramount to manufacturing justice.
India Mandates Yoga-Based Wellness Training for All Merchant Seafarers
The Government of India has made it mandatory for all Indian seafarers holding a valid Continuous Discharge Certificate (CDC) to complete yoga-based wellness training within one year. Additionally, all maritime students enrolled in Director General of Shipping (DGS) approved training institutes must complete these modules. The decision aims to enhance the physical and mental well-being of merchant navy personnel who endure long, isolating stints at sea.
India's Ongoing Concerns Over Global Sovereign Credit Rating Methodologies
India continues to raise concerns with major global credit rating agencies, which have consistently placed the country just a notch or two above 'junk' status. Despite robust macroeconomic indicators, high GDP growth rates, and external sector resilience, agencies maintain a conservative outlook. Indian officials argue that these rating models are opaque, rely heavily on subjective qualitative indicators, and disproportionately favor developed nations.
Daily News Quiz
Test your knowledge about today's current affairs with 15 questions.