Current affairs

Federal Fiscal Mismatch: Rising Debt Burden of States Explained for UPSC

Context The fiscal health of Indian States has come under focus after Kerala and Tamil Nadu released White Papers highlighting rising public debt. The reports have reignited the debate on whether increasing State debt reflects fiscal mismanagement or a structural...

GST Day 2026: India Marks 9 Years of GST, Taxpayer Base Reaches 1.65 Crore

GST Day 2026 is being observed across India on July 1 to commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), one of the country's most significant tax reforms. Introduced on July 1, 2017, GST replaced a complex...

National Doctors’ Day 2026: Theme, History, Significance, Date and Dr. B.C. Roy

National Doctors' Day 2026 is being celebrated across India on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to honour the unwavering dedication, compassion, and service of doctors who safeguard the nation's health. The annual observance recognizes the invaluable role played by medical professionals...

India–Seychelles Relations: Strategic Importance, Challenges & Way Forward | UPSC Notes

Context Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi attended the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the Independence of Seychelles as the Guest of Honour. Why is Seychelles Strategically Important for India? Net Security Provider in the IOR: Seychelles strengthens India's role as a...

IVF Embryo Mix-Ups in India: ART Act 2021, Legal Issues, Constitutional Perspective

Context The advent of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), especially In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF), has revolutionised the field of reproductive medicine globally. For several couples’ facing infertility, IVF is not just a medical intervention but the realisation of an emotional desire...

International Asteroid Day 2026: What Are Asteroids? Theme, History and UPSC Relevance

International Asteroid Day 2026 is observed worldwide on 30 June 2026 to raise awareness about asteroid impact hazards and the importance of protecting Earth through planetary defence. The annual observance commemorates the 1908 Tunguska Event, the largest recorded asteroid airburst...

India’s MSMEs: Time to Step Up – Challenges, Growth Drivers & Policy Reforms | Economic Survey 2025-26

Context The Economic Survey 2025-26 has highlighted India's MSME sector as a critical economic cornerstone contributing 31.1% to GDP and employing 32.8 crore people, while flagging their failure to transition from micro to mid-sized firms as a major structural constraint...

Statistics Day 2026: Theme, History, Significance, Objectives, P.C. Mahalanobi

Statistics Day 2026 is being observed across India on 29 June 2026, marking the 20th edition of the annual celebration dedicated to promoting the importance of statistics in governance, economic planning, and evidence-based policymaking. The day commemorates the birth anniversary...

Operation Amistad: India’s Humanitarian Relief Mission to Venezuela Explained

India launched Operation Amistad as a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) mission to support Venezuela after a devastating earthquake struck the country on 24 June 2026. The operation demonstrates India's commitment to assisting nations during humanitarian crises and reinforces...

World MSME Day 2026: Theme, History, Significance, Challenges and Importance

World MSME Day 2026 is observed globally on 27 June 2026 to recognize the vital contribution of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in generating employment, promoting entrepreneurship, driving innovation, and supporting sustainable economic development. Established by the United Nations...