UPSC Current Affairs
West Bengal curtails Panchayat financial powers
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
West Bengal curtails Panchayat financial powers
The West Bengal Assembly has passed a Bill that deprives panchayat pradhans (village council chiefs) of their financial powers. The Bill was passed with 169 votes in favour and 13 against, while 32 MLAs abstained. This legislative move aims to restructure local governance and fiscal administration at the grassroots level in the state.
Free legal aid cell opens in Vijayanagara
The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has officially commenced operations in the Vijayanagara district of Karnataka. Inaugurated by Karnataka High Court Judge Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur, the authority aims to deliver free legal services directly to the poor. It will also focus on encouraging amicable dispute resolutions through alternative mechanisms before cases reach the courts.
Venezuela announces withdrawal from International Criminal Court
Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). The government of Venezuela justified this step by alleging a systemic geographical bias within the tribunal. It claimed that the ICC disproportionately targets developing nations across Africa and Latin America.
United States imposes new tariffs on Indian exports
The United States has introduced new 10% forced labour tariffs on various global trading partners, including India, following investigations into supply chain standards. The Indian Commerce Ministry clarified that 45% of Indian exports to the US will remain unaffected by these new tariffs. The remaining 55% of exports will face the levy, though this rate is lower than the penalties imposed on several other investigated nations.
India plans Phase-2 of Strategic Petroleum Reserves
India is planning to execute Phase-2 of its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR) program under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, estimated to cost 14,527 crore rupees. This phase follows the successful implementation of Phase-1, which established 5.33 million metric tonnes of cumulative capacity across Visakhapatnam, Mangaluru, and Padur. The expansion is critical for bolstering national energy security amid global supply chain disruptions.
Decline in global migratory bird species
A new scientific study has revealed that more than half of the world's migratory bird species are experiencing population declines. The rapid loss of habitats, climate change, and human disturbances along migratory pathways are cited as primary drivers of this crisis. The study highlights the urgent need for coordinated international conservation efforts to protect key ecological corridors.
Rajasthan battles Chandipura virus cases
Rajasthan has intensified health surveillance measures after two deceased young girls tested positive for the Chandipura virus. This emerging vector-borne pathogen primarily targets children under the age of 15, causing sudden high fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis. State health authorities have deployed medical teams to affected regions to prevent further transmission.
India targets self-reliance with National Investment Policy for Urea-2026
India has formulated the National Investment Policy for Urea (NIPU)-2026, which is aimed at achieving absolute self-reliance in domestic urea production. The policy focuses on encouraging fresh investments in the fertilizer sector to cut down on expensive imports and stabilize prices for farmers. By promoting energy-efficient technology, the policy also aims to reduce the massive subsidy burden of the government.
India evaluates Qdenga vaccine for dengue prevention
Health experts are urging the government to make the Qdenga dengue vaccine accessible and affordable for high-risk populations in India. Dengue remains a persistent public health threat in the country, exacerbated by monsoon-induced vector breeding. Strategic regulatory approvals and domestic manufacturing partnerships will be key to rolling out this vaccine effectively.
India-U.K. trade deal leaves key issues unresolved
Although the India-United Kingdom Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) aims to lower trade barriers, several key areas remain unresolved. Crucial questions regarding investment protection agreements, intellectual property and patent rules, and carbon border adjustment taxes have been deferred for future bilateral negotiations. Resolving these regulatory differences will determine the long-term success of the trade partnership.
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