Category: current affairs

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 02/05/2024 ISRO finds proof of enhanced possibility of water ice in polar craters of the moon (General Studies- Paper III) Source : The Hindu Indian space scientists, in collaboration with international researchers, have conducted a study revealing significant evidence of water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon. The study, led by ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC), sheds light on the abundance, distribution, and origins of sub-surface water ice on the lunar poles. Key Highlights Key Findings: Abundance of Sub-Surface Ice: The study indicates that the amount of sub-surface ice within the first couple of…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/05/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 01/05/2024 Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunisation’ (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Hindu The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974. This initiative was introduced as the global eradication of smallpox loomed on the horizon, necessitating the utilization of existing immunization infrastructure to expand vaccine benefits. Nearly every nation initiated its own national immunization program following the WHO’s announcement. India, for instance, launched its EPI in 1978, later renaming it the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985.…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30/04/2024 Expert panel favours reopening elephant corridor (General Studies- Paper III) Source : The Hindu An expert panel, commissioned by the Kerala High Court, has recently proposed measures to address the escalating human-elephant conflict in Chinnakanal, emphasizing the urgent need for connectivity between Anayirankal and Old Devikulam in Munnar. Key Highlights Reopening of Elephant Corridor: The panel advocates for the reopening of the elephant corridor spanning from Anayirankal to Old Devikulam, covering a 60-acre shola forest. This initiative aims to restore the connectivity crucial for the free movement of wild elephants. By facilitating access to a vast…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29/04/2024 NHRC accreditation status faces review in Geneva this week (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Hindu The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of India is gearing up to defend its human rights processes at a crucial meeting in Geneva. The meeting, scheduled for May 1, is organized by the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA) of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI). This meeting holds significant importance as it will determine whether NHRC retains its “A status” within the alliance, impacting its ability to vote at the UN Human Rights Council and other UNGA…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/04/2024 Rise of a new Japan (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express Following its defeat in World War II, Japan embraced a policy of pacifism as a means of atoning for its militaristic past. This approach entailed refraining from significant military buildup, limiting defense spending, and abstaining from involvement in military conflicts globally. Japan’s commitment to pacifism stemmed from a desire to cleanse itself of the sins of militarism and imperialism that characterized its pre-war era. Key Highlights Dependence on the US Alliance: To compensate for its pacifist stance, Japan forged a close bilateral…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26/04/2024 Can Govt redistribute privately owned property? (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express The Supreme Court of India commenced hearings on April 24 regarding a case related to wealth distribution. This case pertains to the government’s authority to acquire and redistribute privately owned properties if they are deemed essential for the common good, as stipulated in Article 39(b) of the Constitution. Key Highlights Relevance of Article 39(b): Article 39(b) is part of Part IV of the Constitution, known as “Directive Principles of State Policy” (DPSP). It mandates the state to formulate policies ensuring the…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25/04/2024 Asia worst hit by disasters in 2023 (General Studies- Paper III0 Source : the Indian Express The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) recently released its ‘State of the Climate in Asia 2023’ report, highlighting the significant impact of extreme weather, climate, and water-related hazards on the region. Key Highlights Impact and Casualties In 2023, Asia bore the brunt of 79 disaster events, affecting over nine million individuals and causing the direct loss of more than 2,000 lives. These disasters primarily comprised floods and storms, which accounted for over 80% of reported hydrometeorological hazards. Mortality and Damage The…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24/04/2024 Denying women child care leave is violation of Constitution (General Studies- Paper II) Source : The Indian Express A woman, an assistant professor in a Government College in Nalagarh, approached the bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and J B Pardiwala with a plea. She asserted that the Himachal Pradesh government had denied her child care leave necessary for attending to her child suffering from a genetic condition. Key Highlights Constitutional Entitlement to Women’s Participation: The bench emphasized that women’s participation in the workforce isn’t just a privilege but a constitutional entitlement safeguarded by Article…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/04/2024 Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’ (General Studies- Paper III) Source : The Hindu In a groundbreaking ruling, the European Court of Human Rights held the Government of Switzerland accountable for violating the rights of elderly women associated with the civil society group KlimaSeniorinnen. The court’s decision emphasized Switzerland’s failure to adequately address emissions reduction, thereby neglecting its duty to protect women from the adverse effects of climate change. This landmark case underscores the intersection of climate crisis and human rights, setting a precedent globally. Key Highlights Climate Change as a Human Rights Issue Echoing this…

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22/04/2024 IRDAI removes age bar for purchasing health insurance (General Studies- Paper III) Source : The Hindu The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has made a significant policy shift, eliminating the age limit previously imposed on purchasing health insurance policies. Effective from April 1, this decision aims to extend health benefits to the elderly population. Key Highlights Prior Restrictions and Current Mandate Previously, individuals above the age of 65 were barred from buying new health insurance policies. However, with the latest directive from IRDAI, there is no longer an age restriction. Additionally, insurance providers…