Are you planning to appear for any upcoming competitive exam? Staying up-to-date with current news and events is crucial, as most admission tests and competitive exams include a current affairs section. Familiarity with global events, government policies, social challenges, and scientific breakthroughs is necessary for success. Here are some of the most relevant news stories of the week to help you prepare for the upcoming exams, including the UPSC mains exam on September 20.
Wayanad Landslide
A series of devastating landslides triggered by intense rainfall struck Kerala’s Wayanad district, resulting in the deaths of at least 308 people. Around 300 people remain missing and are believed to be trapped beneath the rubble, according to Kerala ADGP M R Ajith Kumar. Rescue teams, including the Indian Army and NDRF, along with local emergency response departments, are searching for survivors trapped in collapsed buildings. Rescue operations have also employed drone-based radar to locate survivors. 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) has cancelled 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 to Khedkar on July 18 for fraudulently availing attempts beyond the permissible limit 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 criticized 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 stated that there is an “underlying malice” on the part of the administration and accused all departments of “busy passing the buck.” Acting Chief Justice Manmohan called the incident a case of “criminal negligence” and threatened to issue direct orders if the administration did not take responsibility. Additionally, the bench directed 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 made an opening statement at the Quad Foreign Ministers Meeting in Tokyo, emphasizing that collaboration among the four-nation grouping is essential to ensure the Indo-Pacific region remains free, stable, and secure. “It is therefore essential that our political understanding strengthens, our economic partnerships grow, 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 secured 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 make history as 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 pistol event on July 28.
Stay informed and best of luck with your preparations!
