Current affairs

Mission Samriddh Gaon: Objectives, Features and Rural Development

Context The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has launched Mission Samriddh Gaon, with pilot projects in Budni and Khategaon blocks of Madhya Pradesh. Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026 About Mission Samriddh Gaon Nature: An integrated framework for rural...

Carbosulfan Insecticide: Uses, Mechanism, Toxicity and Ban

Context The Agriculture Ministry has proposed a complete ban on carbosulfan, citing risks to human health and the environment, based on expert recommendations under the Insecticides Act, 1968. Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026 About Carbosulfan Nature: Broad-spectrum carbamate...

Heatwaves Declared as Disasters: What It Means for India and State Disaster Funds

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has added heatwaves and lightning to India's list of notified natural calamities, taking the total number of notified natural calamities to 14. The decision, based on the recommendations of the Sixteenth Finance Commission (FC-XVI)...

SCO Summit 2026: 25th Anniversary, Members, Agenda and India’s Significance

The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit 2026 will be held in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, from August 31 to September 1, 2026. Kyrgyzstan is chairing the SCO for 2025–26, with the summit marking the organisation’s 25th anniversary. The summit comes at an...

World Lake Day 2026: Why Lakes Matter, History, Significance and Facts

World Lake Day 2026 is observed on August 27 to highlight the ecological, economic and social importance of lakes and promote their conservation, restoration and sustainable management. Lakes are vital freshwater ecosystems that support biodiversity, livelihoods, agriculture, tourism and regional...

Operation Economic Outcast: US Economic Pressure Campaign Against Iran

The United States has launched “Operation Economic Outcast”, a major economic pressure campaign aimed at cutting Iran off from global financial and trading networks. Announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on August 24, 2026, the campaign seeks to target...

Vaishya Tekri Excavation: Tracing Ashoka’s History in Ujjain

The fresh excavation at Vaishya Tekri in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, has renewed interest in the city's association with Mauryan Emperor Ashoka and the spread of Buddhism in ancient Malwa. The site is believed to contain a large stupa-like mound, but...

Political Clearance for Foreign Visits: Rules for CMs and Ministers

Context The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied political clearance for Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s proposed US visit, leading to the cancellation of that part of his foreign tour. Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026 About Political...

Thermal Protection System (TPS): Gaganyaan Re-entry Technology

Context As ISRO prepares for the Gaganyaan uncrewed flight tests, the crew module’s Thermal Protection System (TPS) will protect it during atmospheric re-entry. Read Also: UPSC Daily Current Affairs 2026 About Thermal Protection System Nature: External protective layer that shields...

8.7 Crore Indian Youth Not in Education or Work: NITI Aayog’s Skilling Plan

India’s demographic dividend is often described as one of the country’s biggest development opportunities. However, the large number of young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) highlights a critical challenge: India must convert its young population...