UPSC Current Affairs
West Asia Tensions Push Oil Past $100, Gram Sabha Rights Debated, and PAC Flags Cess Diversion
9 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Forest Rights Groups Protest Stand on Gram Sabha Consent
The Campaign for Survival and Dignity has urged the Tribal Affairs Ministry to withdraw its stance regarding Gram Sabha consent for infrastructure projects. Activists argue that bypassing local consent is part of a misinformation campaign to expedite development projects at the cost of tribal rights. This highlights the ongoing tension between environmental conservation, infrastructure development, and indigenous rights under the Forest Rights Act of 2006.
Brent Crude Soars Past $100 Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Global oil prices spiked past 100 dollars per barrel following military exchanges between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. The US military targeted several Iranian oil tankers, and retaliatory actions by Iranian forces and Houthi rebels disrupted commercial shipping routes. This escalation threatens global supply chains and highlights the fragile security architecture in West Asia.
Government to Launch PM-KUSUM 2.0 to Promote Agrivoltaics
The Union Government is expected to announce the PM-KUSUM 2.0 scheme soon, incorporating a dedicated component for agrivoltaics. Agrivoltaics allows farmers to generate solar power while continuing crop cultivation on the same land, optimizing land-use efficiency. The initiative aims to reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and provide a steady secondary income to farmers.
PAC Flags Failure to Transfer ₹9,222 Crore in Cess Collections
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has questioned the Finance Ministry over its failure to transfer 9,222 crore rupees collected through various cesses into their designated reserve funds. PAC Chairman K.C. Venugopal emphasized that cess proceeds are legally mandated for specific welfare and development projects and should not be used to manage the fiscal deficit. This raises significant concerns regarding fiscal transparency and parliamentary oversight of public finances.
Judiciary Cracks Down on Reflexive Arrests of Activists
In recent judgements, Indian courts have cautioned law enforcement agencies against making hasty and reflexive arrests of social activists and dissenters. The judiciary emphasized that arrest should not be a mechanical exercise, and the right to personal liberty must be protected unless custodial interrogation is absolutely necessary. This judicial pushback reinforces constitutional safeguards under Article 21.
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05
The Indian Space Research Organisation has launched its Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-05, designed to provide high-resolution imaging data. The satellite will assist in real-time monitoring of weather patterns, forest cover, agricultural productivity, and disaster management. This launch underscores India's shift toward leveraging space technology for developmental and security planning.
India Urged to Adopt Fiscal Measures to Curb Sugar Consumption
Public health experts have called for India to introduce targeted tax measures on sugar-sweetened beverages, drawing inspiration from successful global models like the UK's soft drinks industry levy. Such policies encourage manufacturers to reformulate products to fall below tax thresholds, reducing public sugar consumption. Addressing the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes requires a mix of regulatory and fiscal interventions.
RBI Swap Mechanism Shielding Banks from FCNR(B) Currency Risks
Foreign Currency Non-Resident, Bank, known as FCNR(B), deposits are attracting scrutiny regarding currency risk management. While the Reserve Bank of India swap window shields banks from currency fluctuations on the principal amount, commercial banks remain exposed to dollar interest payment liabilities if the rupee depreciates significantly. This dynamic highlights the challenges banks face in managing high-yield foreign deposits during periods of global monetary volatility.
Women's Representation in Senior Corporate Roles Drops to 16.7%
A study by diversity consulting firm Avtar reveals that the share of women in corporate executive roles has dropped from 20 percent to 16.7 percent. Experts attribute this decline partly to international changes in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies, especially in parent US corporations, which have a cascading effect on Indian subsidiaries. This highlight underscores the systemic barriers still facing women trying to reach senior leadership positions.
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