UPSC Current Affairs
Strategic Energy Reserves, Global Tariff Shocks, and Air Defence Progress
10 stories · about 5 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
East Asia Summit: S. Jaishankar Stresses Unimpeded Waterways
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasised that international waterways must remain safe and unimpeded during his address at the East Asia Summit. He stated that attacks on seafarers, civilian shipping, and maritime infrastructure cannot be tolerated. The statement comes amidst rising geopolitical tensions and maritime disruptions, particularly in the Red Sea.
Unprecedented Floods Devastate Assam
The death toll from the devastating floods in Assam has climbed to 47, with over seven lakh people affected across multiple districts. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attributes the unprecedented situation to localised heavy rainfall that was 436 percent above normal, combined with cloudbursts upstream in Nagaland. Emergency relief operations and monitoring are actively underway to manage the crisis.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day fast in New Delhi following a written assurance from the Union government. The government agreed to withdraw non-violent cases against student protestors and consider compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who took their lives. Wangchuk cited long negotiations and the need to prevent any potential violence as key factors behind ending his strike.
India Plans Phase-2 of Strategic Petroleum Reserves
India is planning to initiate Phase-2 of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program under the Public Private Partnership (PPP) model, estimated to cost Rs 14,527 crore. This initiative builds on Phase-I, which established a cumulative capacity of 5.33 million metric tonnes of crude across Vishakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur. The expansion aims to shield the country from sudden supply disruptions and volatile global oil markets.
US Unveils New Tariffs on Sixty Global Partners
The United States has introduced new import tariffs targeting 60 trading partners, including major economies such as China, India, and the European Union. The levies range from 10 percent to 12.5 percent and are a major component of the rebuilt trade agenda under the US administration. These protectionist measures are expected to disrupt global trade flows and increase export costs for Indian manufacturers.
Parliamentary Panel Urges FSSAI to Finalise Nutrition Labelling
A Parliamentary Panel has expressed dismay over the prolonged delay in finalising the Front of Pack Nutrition Labelling (FOPNL) norms by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Despite draft regulations being notified in September 2022 and receiving over 14,000 stakeholder comments, the rules are still under consultation. The panel has urged the regulator to notify these crucial public health standards in a strictly time-bound manner to curb lifestyle diseases.
US Signs Civil Nuclear Cooperation Deal with Saudi Arabia
The United States has signed a landmark civil nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, a move that is expected to significantly reshape the geopolitical landscape of West Asia. This deal establishes a framework for cooperation on peaceful nuclear technology while adhering to strict non-proliferation safeguards. The pact comes at a time of heightened regional tensions and represents a major diplomatic shift in US-Arab relations.
DRDO Conducts Flight Test of Project Kusha Air Defence System
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted a flight test of Project Kusha, India's indigenous long-range air defence system. Designed to detect and destroy incoming enemy aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles at ranges of up to 350 kilometres, the system will provide a robust multi-layered air defence umbrella. This test represents a crucial step toward achieving self-reliance in advanced strategic technologies.
FCNR(B) Deposits Emerge as Rupee Stabilisation Tool
Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) or FCNR(B) deposits have increasingly become a strategic macroeconomic tool for the Reserve Bank of India to stabilise the rupee. Amid global geopolitical fragmentation, volatile capital flows, and uncertain interest-rate cycles, these foreign-currency-denominated accounts help cushion external shocks. However, experts warn that relying heavily on FCNR(B) also risks increasing India's short-term external debt liabilities.
India Dispatches Ebola Preparedness Medical Aid to Kenya
India has dispatched 4.5 tonnes of medical aid to Kenya to strengthen its public health preparedness against potential Ebola outbreaks. The consignments include essential medicines, protective gear, and medical equipment, reinforcing India's role as a first responder in global health emergencies. This humanitarian assistance highlights India's commitment to deepening its healthcare partnership with African nations.
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