Here are some of the most relevant news stories of the week that will help you prepare for the upcoming UPSC exams. (Representative/File)
UPSC GK Capsule: From UPSC aspirants’ death case to Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh winning second medal for India, check out top events of this week
Are you planning to appear for any upcoming competitive exam? If yes, then you need to stay up-to-date with current news and events. Being familiar with current affairs, global events, government policies, social challenges, and scientific breakthroughs is necessary, as most admission tests and competitive exams contain a current affairs section. Here are some of the most relevant news stories of the week that will help you prepare for the upcoming exams. The UPSC mains exam is set to be held on September 20.
Wayanad Landslide
A devastating series of landslides triggered by intense rainfall struck the hilly regions in Kerala’s Wayanad district, resulting in the deaths of at least 308 people. Additionally, around 300 people are still missing and trapped beneath the rubble, as per Kerala ADGP M R Ajith Kumar. The rescue teams, including the Indian Army and NDRF, along with local emergency response departments, are searching for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescue operations also used drone-based radar to find the survivors on the fourth day. Meanwhile, the Indian Army has completed the construction of a 190-foot-long Bailey Bridge in record time to connect the worst-affected areas of Mundakkai and Chooralmala over the Iruvanjippuzha River.
UPSC Cancels IAS Probationer Puja Khedkar’s Candidature
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the cancellation of the probationary candidature of controversial 2022-batch IAS trainee Puja Khedkar. The commission also debarred her from taking future exams. A Show Cause Notice (SCN) was issued by the UPSC to Khedkar on July 18 for fraudulently availing attempts beyond the permissible limit provided for in the Examination Rules by faking her identity. Puja was asked to submit her response to the SCN by July 25.
Delhi HC Slams MCD Over Coaching Centre Deaths
The Delhi High Court slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over the deaths of three UPSC aspirants at a coaching centre in the national capital. The court said that there is an “underlying malice” on the part of the administration and all the departments are “busy passing the buck.” Acting chief justice of the high court, Manmohan, stated that the incident is clearly a case of “criminal negligence,” and the court would straight-pass the orders if the administration wouldn’t take responsibility. Moreover, the bench directed the authorities to remove all encroachments on drains in the Rajinder Nagar area.
Only Quad Can Ensure Freedom and Security in Indo-Pacific: S Jaishankar
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar gave an opening statement at the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo. Jaishankar said that it is the collaboration among this four-nation grouping that can ensure the Indo-Pacific region remains free, stable and secure. “It is therefore essential that our political understanding strengthens, our economic partnerships grow and technology collaborations expand and our people-to-people comfort intensifies. Our meeting should send a clear message that the quad is here to stay here to do and here to grow,” he added.
Paris Olympics 2024
On July 30, Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh bagged the second medal for India in the ongoing Paris Olympics 2024. Bhaker and Sarabjot defeated the South Korean pair of Wonho Lee and Ye Jin Oh in the bronze medal playoff match of the 10 m air pistol mixed team event by a margin of 16-10. India’s victory in the bronze medal playoff match helped Bhaker script history and become the first Indian female athlete to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. She had earlier won the bronze medal in the women’s 10 m women’s pistol event on July 28.
