Current affairs

Iran President Ebrahim Raisi declared dead in Helicopter Crash

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and his foreign minister died when their helicopter crashed as it was crossing mountain terrain in heavy fog. This event has significant implications for Iran’s political landscape and its role in regional stability. Despite this, significant...

Copernicus Programme by European Space Agency and European Union

Context: In response to Iran's request, the European Union (EU) activated its emergency satellite mapping service to assist in locating the helicopter carrying Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi, which had crashed in East Azerbaijan province. EU’s Copernicus Programme Purpose: Part of...

Current Affairs 23rd May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Amazon Fires Context In the first four months of the year 2024, Brazil's Amazon rainforest has experienced its largest blazes on record. This situation has raised concerns about the impacts of climate change, government policies, and human activities on the...

Russia-China Meet: Impact on Global Geopolitics and India’s Strategy

Context Recently a summit was held in Beijing between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping marking the 75th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations. Their deepening alliance impacts global geopolitics and economies, including India's complex relations with both...

Karnataka Women’s Quota, Background and Status

Context: The Karnataka government has mandated a 33% reservation for women in services and posts outsourced by various government departments and organisations. More In News Currently, over 75,000 employees hold outsourced jobs in government departments. The government typically hires third-party...

Current Affairs 22nd May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Local Environmental Footprints Context: A recent study revealed significant disparities in environmental footprints among Indian households across different economic classes. Study Overview Title: "Water, air pollution and carbon footprints of conspicuous/luxury consumption in India." Focus: Examines CO2, water, and particulate...

Risk of Russia’s Nuclear Posturing: Impact on Global Security and Non-Proliferation

Context The Russia-Ukraine war has entered its second year with no end in sight. Russia announced plans to hold drills simulating the use of tactical nuclear weapons along the Ukrainian border. In March, Russia declared it would station nuclear weapons...

Current Affairs 21st May 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Spices Board of India Context: The Spices Board of India is conducting inspections at various MDH and Everest processing plants across the country to ensure that spice exports comply with the standards required by their respective export destinations. About Spices...

Venezuela’s Melting Glaciers

Context: Venezuela's last glacier, Humboldt, was recently reclassified as an ice field, making Venezuela likely the first modern country to lose all its glaciers. More In News Venezuela has six glaciers located about 5,000 metres above sea level in the...

Editorial of the Day (21st May): India-China Consumption Comparison

Context: In 2023, India surpassed China as the world's most populous country. Background China's birth rate is declining (6.4 births per 1,000 people) and its total fertility rate is around 1%. It recorded negative population growth for the first time...