UPSC Current Affairs
GST Process Reforms, India's FDI Lead over China, and Major Health Screenings in Telangana
10 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
GST Council Unveils Major Process Reforms for 2027
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council has proposed a series of administrative reforms aimed at easing refunds, streamlining registrations, and reducing litigation. These changes, expected to take effect from April 1, 2027, represent a shift from rate-related tweaks to structural improvements in how the tax is administered.
India Outpaces China in Global Greenfield Investment Share
According to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), India's share of global greenfield investments has more than doubled that of China during the 2020-2025 period. While India remains a fast-growing major economy, the report notes that domestic consumption is showing signs of strain due to inflation.
U.S. Suspends Indian IT Giants from Green Card Programme
The U.S. Department of Labour has suspended several major IT firms, including Infosys, Tata, Wipro, and HCL, from the PERM (Program Electronic Review Management) green card processing system. This suspension also affects global tech giants like Microsoft and Adobe, creating significant hurdles for Indian professionals seeking permanent residency in the U.S.
Centre Proposes Tighter Curbs on Prescription Drug Advertising
The Union Health Ministry has proposed an amendment to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules to strictly prohibit the advertising of prescription medicines across the entire supply chain. The move aims to prevent inappropriate self-medication and reduce the risks associated with the promotion of medicines that require medical supervision.
Taiwan Earmarks Record 3% of GDP for Defense Spending
President Lai Ching-te has announced a record defense budget of NT$1.1 trillion (approximately $34.5 billion) for 2027, accounting for over 3% of Taiwan's GDP. The increase is intended to strengthen deterrence capabilities amidst rising tensions and potential security threats in the region.
Focus on Breaking the Chain of Leprosy Transmission
Public health experts are calling for a shift in India's strategy against leprosy, moving from merely measuring prevalence to actively breaking the chain of transmission. Despite being declared eliminated as a public health problem in 2005, local transmission continues, necessitating targeted interventions in high-burden districts.
NIMHANS Study Links Loneliness to 'Empty Nest' Syndrome
A study by NIMHANS found that parents of children who have emigrated abroad are increasingly experiencing psychological distress and loneliness. The research noted a trend of excessive series-watching as a coping mechanism, emphasizing the need for better mental health support for the elderly in globalized societies.
Anthropic Bans Abusive Behaviour Toward AI Models
AI startup Anthropic has implemented new rules banning users from engaging in 'cruel' or abusive behavior against its Claude AI model. The company stated that while AI does not have feelings, preventing persistent harmful interactions is necessary to maintain the integrity of the platform and prevent misuse.
Andhra Pradesh & Telangana
State news for APPSC and TGPSC. Also see the weekly roundup and the APPSC Group-I 2026 guide.
NDA Alliance to Reserve 34% Seats for BCs in AP Local Polls
The NDA coalition government in Andhra Pradesh has decided to provide 34% representation for Backward Classes (BCs) in the upcoming local body elections. Since the Rajiv Ranjan Mishra Commission reported an average reservation of 28.18%, the parties have pledged to fill the gap through party nominations where mandatory quotas fall short.
Telangana Health Survey Finds High NCD Rates
A massive screening initiative in Telangana covering 1.49 crore people has identified 18 lakh individuals with hypertension and 9 lakh with diabetes. The findings from this Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) survey will help the state design targeted healthcare interventions at the community level.
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