UPSC Current Affairs
Western Ghats ESZ, Economic Growth, and Gender Reforms
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Centre reissues draft notification for Western Ghats Eco-Sensitive Zone
The Union Government has reissued a draft notification to declare over 56,000 square kilometers across six states in the Western Ghats as an Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). This move aims to protect the biodiversity hotspot while navigating long-standing differences with states like Kerala and Karnataka regarding the inclusion of specific villages and regions.
Indian Coast Guard unveils reforms for gender equality
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh announced new reforms within the Indian Coast Guard to promote gender parity and streamline welfare measures. Key changes include enhanced roles for women and a simplified process for granting ex-gratia compensation to the families of personnel reported missing at sea while on duty.
Industrial growth reaches 23-month high of 7.3 percent
India's Index of Industrial Production (IIP) surged to 7.3 percent in June 2026, marking its highest growth in nearly two years. The acceleration was driven by robust performance in the manufacturing, electricity, and capital goods sectors, indicating a strong recovery in industrial demand.
India sends formal invite to Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that a formal invitation has been extended to Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit India. This diplomatic gesture follows high-level talks between the Nepali administration and India's National Security Advisor, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties between the two neighbors.
Study reveals complex dengue burden with co-circulating strains
A nationwide surveillance study by ICMR-VRDL has found that multiple virus strains of dengue are circulating simultaneously in India. This co-circulation increases the risk of severe disease and presents significant hurdles for the efficacy and rollout of upcoming dengue vaccination programs.
Anti-Paper Leak Bill debated in Parliament
The government has hailed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill as a milestone for safeguarding the future of the youth, while the Opposition has labeled it a cosmetic exercise. The debate follows recent controversies regarding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leaks and the subsequent resignation of the Education Minister.
RBI views Rupee as no longer overvalued amid FCNR(B) inflows
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated that the Indian Rupee is currently valued fairly, supported by foreign currency non-resident (FCNR-B) deposits reaching 32 billion dollars. The central bank emphasized that inflation control remains the top priority to ensure external economic stability.
Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves (TOTR) initiative gains momentum
The Tigers Outside Tiger Reserves initiative is being implemented to establish a landscape-based framework for conservation. It seeks to protect tigers migrating through corridors while ensuring the safety and livelihoods of human populations residing near these non-protected forest areas.
US imposes 10 percent tariffs on 55 percent of Indian exports
The United States has announced a 10 percent 'forced labour' tariff on 55 percent of Indian exports, following an investigation into labor practices. The Indian Commerce Ministry noted that while significant, these tariffs are lower than those imposed on other scrutinized nations.
Early menopause crisis identified among women in rural Bihar
A recent study has highlighted a worrying trend where women in rural Bihar are reaching menopause in their early thirties. Experts point to poor reproductive surgical care and the incentivization of unnecessary hysterectomies under state insurance schemes as primary drivers of this health crisis.
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