UPSC Current Affairs
Core Sector Expansion, New Dengue Vaccine Approval, and PVTG Health Concerns Highlight the Day
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Core Sector Grows at 5% Under New Index
The Union Government has released a revised Index of Core Industries with a new base year, expanded sector coverage, and updated weightages. Under this updated framework, the core sectors recorded a 5% growth in June 2026, marking a five month high. This statistical revision aims to provide a more accurate and realistic representation of India's industrial and economic performance.
India Approves First Dengue Vaccine QDENGA
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved Takeda's QDENGA, the country's first dengue vaccine, for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Administered in two doses, this vaccine protects against all four serotypes of the dengue virus. Crucially, it can be given without prior screening for past dengue exposure, simplifying mass immunization and public health delivery.
Protests and Curfews Re-ignite Debate on Assembly Rights
A crackdown on the Climate Justice Peace (CJP) march to Parliament in New Delhi has injured several protestors and led to the imposition of strict prohibitory orders. Activist Sonam Wangchuk has vowed to continue his fast until youth leaders are permitted to meet parliamentarians. This incident highlights the ongoing constitutional tension between the right to assemble peacefully and public order restrictions.
Severe Anaemia and Stunting Alarm in Odisha's PVTGs
A study by Utkal University has revealed that more than half of adult women among Odisha's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) are anaemic. The study flags a critical public health emergency, noting that the Hill Kharia tribe exhibits a stunting prevalence of 82.76%. These findings highlight significant gaps in targetted nutrition, health delivery, and social security programs.
Gujarat Tops NITI Aayog's Investment Friendliness Index
Gujarat has emerged at the top of NITI Aayog's inaugural Investment Friendliness Index 2026, scoring 56.6 points. Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu secured the second and third positions respectively in this first-of-its-kind assessment of 17 major Indian states. The index measures states across ease of doing business, regulatory burdens, infrastructure quality, and investment facilitation.
Kudankulam Nuclear Plant Data Leak Spotlights Cybersecurity
Reports of a data leak at the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant have raised urgent concerns regarding the vulnerability of India's critical information infrastructure. Experts emphasize that cybersecurity and operational transparency are non-negotiable for nuclear installations. The incident has prompted calls for a robust national cybersecurity framework to protect sensitive energy assets from sophisticated cyber threats.
Strait of Hormuz Tanker Crisis Escalates Global Oil Concerns
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers exploded and were immobilized while transiting the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz. This incident has escalated regional security tensions, with India's net oil and gas imports already surging due to regional volatility. The Strait is a vital maritime choke point for global oil transport, making shipping safety in the region a top strategic priority for India.
Vikram-1 Rocket Marks Growth of Private Space Sector
The launch of Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket marks an engineering triumph that advances India's ambitions in the commercial space flight domain. Developed by a private Indian aerospace manufacturer, the rocket is designed to deliver small satellites into low Earth orbit. The successful launch represents a pivotal transition toward private sector participation, though maintaining commercial viability in a competitive global market remains a challenge.
Death of Indian Seafarers off Odessa Sparks Maritime Safety Concerns
Four Indian seafarers were killed in a missile strike on a commercial vessel leaving Ukraine's Odessa Port, prompting a strong condemnation from India's Ministry of External Affairs. The government reiterated its firm opposition to attacks on merchant vessels, stating they violate the fundamental principle of freedom of navigation. The crisis underscores the growing collateral risks that global conflicts impose on civilian maritime personnel.
CIC Directs IITs to Form Student Suicide Prevention Panels
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed all Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to constitute high-level committees to curb student suicides. The directive mandates that details of these committees and their mental health interventions must be proactively disclosed on the official websites of the institutes. The order came during the disposal of appeals filed by an alumnus working in student mental health rehabilitation.
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