Archives: Current Affair

What is intoxicating liquor and industrial alcohol? Recently , A nine-judge Bench of the Supreme Court held in a 8:1 ruling that states have the power to tax not just alcoholic beverages, but also ‘industrial’ alcohol. The key interpretative question before the court was whether “intoxicating liquor” can be defined to also include “industrial alcohol”. Eight […]

UNIFIL stands for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, a peacekeeping mission established by the UN Security Council in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon and help restore international peace and security. Over the years, UNIFIL’s mandate has evolved in response to regional conflicts, particularly after the 2006 Lebanon War. […]

Cyclone Dana is a powerful cyclonic storm that formed in the Bay of Bengal in October 2024. It is expected to make landfall on the eastern coasts of India (primarily Odisha and West Bengal) and Bangladesh around October 24. The cyclone has intensified due to a low-pressure system in the Bay, bringing wind speeds of […]

Consumer-based inflation, often referred to as retail inflation, measures the change in the overall price level of a basket of goods and services that households typically consume. In India, retail inflation is most commonly represented by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). It reflects the rise in the cost of living and directly impacts consumers by […]

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a global federation of trade unions that represents transport workers from various sectors, including maritime, aviation, rail, road, and inland waterways. Founded in 1896, the ITF works to improve the conditions, rights, and safety of transport workers worldwide. It is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, and is affiliated […]

Maharashtra economically better off, but lags behind in social measures: The State is among the top 10 in per capita income; it ranks last among all the States in the share of wasted children: Maharashtra is economically better off than many other States and it weathered the pandemic well. However, its performance on various social […]

Why in New?  While covering the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many western media outlets have used the term ‘shadow fleet’ to describe tanker ships that carry Russian crude oil or oil products to other countries. The term conjures up images of pirate-like vessels and phantom owners trading in illegal, contraband substances. India has been painted as a […]

Why in News? Pakistan’s Lahore has been declared the most polluted city in the world, with a shocking Air Quality Index (AQI) of 394. In response, the Punjab government has announced plans to create artificial rain to combat the smog’s impact. The AQI measures the concentration of various pollutants in the air, with anything above […]

What is “climate diplomacy & Green Diplomacy? Climate Diplomacy Definition: Climate diplomacy refers specifically to international negotiations, agreements, and efforts aimed at addressing climate change and its impacts. It involves discussions among countries, organizations, and stakeholders to develop strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change, and enhancing resilience. Key Aspects: International Agreements: […]

Secularism means live and let live: Supreme Court in UP Madrasa Act case Stating that “secularism means live and let live”, the Supreme Court said that regulating madrasa education was in national interest and therefore, throwing out the entire Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004 as unconstitutional “is to throw the baby out […]