UPSC Current Affairs
SC Pushes FGD Emission Compliance, India Regains 'A' Rating, and Geopolitical Moves in Indian Ocean
8 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Supreme Court Refers Flue Gas Desulphurisation Plea to NGT
The Supreme Court directed a petitioner seeking strict enforcement of Flue Gas Desulphurisation (FGD) installations in thermal power plants to approach the National Green Tribunal. The petition highlighted repeated deadline extensions granted to coal-fired power plants to curb toxic sulphur dioxide emissions, compounding respiratory health hazards across industrial clusters.
Rescue of Non-Native Orangutans Highlights Exotic Wildlife Smuggling
Forest officials in Odisha rescued five young orangutans, an ape species native exclusively to Southeast Asia, pointing to transnational smuggling routes for exotic pets. India has steadily tightened regulatory norms for possessing exotic live species under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act to comply with CITES standards.
Japan Credit Rating Agency Upgrades India to 'A' Sovereign Rating
The Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India's sovereign debt rating to 'A' grade, marking the country's return to this rating tier after 35 years. The rating agency highlighted India's robust domestic economic fundamentals, high public capital expenditure, and solid foreign exchange reserves as key factors driving macroeconomic resilience.
Chagos Archipelago Dispute Resurfaces with Maldivian Diplomatic Outreach
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu initiated diplomatic discussions concerning the Chagos Archipelago, citing historical and geographical linkages. The strategically located archipelago in the central Indian Ocean remains contested between Mauritius and the United Kingdom, holding major significance for maritime security.
Economic Studies Question Efficacy of Flexible Inflation Targeting in India
Recent economic research indicates that India exhibits a relatively flat Phillips curve, where interest rate hikes may dampen economic output without promptly cooling consumer price inflation. Persistently elevated household inflation expectations relative to central bank projections further complicate the transmission of monetary policy.
UK Bans Trade with West Bank Settlements to Support Two-State Solution
The United Kingdom announced a ban on trade with illegal settlements in the West Bank to reinforce its diplomatic commitment to a viable two-state solution between Israel and Palestine. The move reflects mounting global regulatory scrutiny on goods originating from disputed territories under international humanitarian law.
Inter-Basin Water Transfer Activated in Andhra Pradesh to Tackle Dry Spells
District authorities in Andhra Pradesh prepared contingency plans to divert Handri-Neeva Sujala Sravanthi (HNSS) canal waters into local reservoirs to mitigate El Nino induced drinking water distress. The intervention demonstrates how lift irrigation and river diversion networks serve as vital buffers against localized water shortages.
Lancet Study Warns of 50 Percent Rise in Passive Smoking Deaths
A comprehensive study published in The Lancet revealed that deaths attributable to second-hand tobacco smoke in India have increased by 50 percent since 1990. Public health experts emphasized the need for stricter implementation of smoke-free public spaces under tobacco control legislation to stem preventable non-communicable diseases.
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