1. Ajay Kumar Appointed as Chairman of UPSC
Context:
Dr. Ajay Kumar, a 1985 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and former Defence Secretary, has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC).
Constitutional Basis:
- Appointed under Article 316(1) of the Constitution.
- Tenure: 6 years or until the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- Appointing Authority: President of India.
Eligibility:
- Must be a UPSC member or possess substantial experience in public service.
- Dr. Kumar qualifies under the latter due to his senior roles in defence and governance.
About UPSC:
- Established: Originally as Public Service Commission (1926); reconstituted as UPSC in 1950.
- Articles 315–323: Provide for its structure, powers, and functions.
Key Functions:
- Conducts exams for All India Services and Central Services Group A & B.
- Advises on recruitment methods, promotions, disciplinary cases.
- Consults on framing and amendment of recruitment rules.
Significance for UPSC Aspirants:
Understanding the constitutional provisions (Articles 315–323), role in governance, and appointment process is essential for both Prelims and Polity section in GS-II of Mains.
Question (UPPSC 2020)
In the removal of which of the following officials the Parliament does not play any role?
- Judges of the High Court
- Judges of the Supreme Court
- Chairman of the Union Public Service Commission
- Comptroller and Auditor General of India
Choose the correct answer from the codes given below:
Options:
(a) Only 1 and 2
(b) Only 3 and 4
(c) Only 1, 2 and 3
(d) Only 3
Answer (d)
2. Ayurveda Day to Be Celebrated on Fixed Date – 23rd September
Context:
The Government of India has declared 23rd September as the fixed annual date for celebrating Ayurveda Day, replacing the earlier practice of aligning it with Dhanteras.
Why 23rd September?
- It coincides with the Autumnal Equinox—a day when day and night are nearly equal.
- Symbolizes balance, a core principle in Ayurveda which emphasizes harmony between mind, body, and nature.
Earlier Issues:
- Dhanteras falls on a different date every year (based on Hindu calendar).
- Created inconsistency in organizing events and awareness drives.
Relevance:
- Promotes integration of Ayurveda in public health.
- Enhances global branding of India’s traditional medicine system.
- Helps in aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being).
Question (UPSC CDS)
Consider the following statements regarding AYUSH Ministry:
1. Traditional Knowledge Digital Library is a venture by AYUSH Ministry.
2. National AYUSH Mission was launched to prompt health education in rural and urban India.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Options:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
3. Sikkim Celebrates 50 Years of Statehood
Context:
Sikkim, India’s 22nd state, is celebrating its Golden Jubilee (1975–2025).
Historical Background:
- Ruled by Chogyals (Buddhist priest-kings) since 17th century.
- Became a protectorate of India in 1950 (Indo-Sikkim Treaty).
- After a referendum, Sikkim became part of India on 16 May 1975 via the 36th Constitutional Amendment.
Celebrations:
- Butterthon (May 1–16): 16-day butterfly-watching event.
- Sikkim houses 700+ species of butterflies (almost half of India’s total).
- Dzongu area alone hosts 420+ species.
Importance:
- Promotes eco-tourism and biodiversity awareness.
- Reinforces Sikkim’s image as a model of sustainable development.
4. Operation Keller Launched in South Kashmir
Context:
The Indian Army, along with CRPF and J&K Police, launched Operation Keller in the forests of Shopian (Keller area).
Nature of Operation:
- Search-and-destroy mission targeting terrorist hideouts.
- Strengthens the security grid in South Kashmir districts.
Strategic Significance:
- Follows Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in PoK.
- Shows increased coordination among security agencies.
- Reinforces India’s commitment to counter-insurgency and internal security.
Prelims Angle:
- Be aware of military operations (Sindoor, Keller).
- Agencies involved: Indian Army, CRPF, J&K Police.
5. India Engages with UN’s 1267 Sanctions Committee
Context:
India is interacting with the UNSC 1267 Monitoring Team to list The Resistance Front (TRF) after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, J&K.
About 1267 Committee:
- Also known as Daesh and Al- Qaeda Sanctions Committee.
- Established in 1999 via UNSC Resolution 1267.
- All 15 UNSC members are part of the committee.
- Decisions taken by consensus.
Sanctions Mechanism:
- Travel bans
- Asset freezes
- Arms embargoes
Relevance:
- India’s proactive diplomacy in using multilateral platforms.
- TRF is seen as a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
- Links to India’s counter-terror diplomacy and global governance.
6. Global Report on Internal Displacements 2025
Released By: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (IDMC), Geneva.
Affiliation: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Key Findings (2024 data):
- 45.8 million displaced due to disasters – highest on record.
- 20.1 million displaced due to conflicts.
- 99.5% of disaster-related displacements due to weather/climate events.
Regional Highlights:
- USA: 11 million (wildfires – Park Fire, California).
- South Asia: 9.2 million (El Niño impact).
- Sub-Saharan Africa: 19.3 million (conflict + drought).
Concerns:
- Rise in climate-conflict nexus.
- Tripling of countries facing both types of displacement since 2009.
- Lack of support leads to prolonged displacement.
About IDMC:
- Established: 1998
- Maintains GRID (Global Internal Displacement Database).
- Influences UN, governments, and NGOs on policy formulation.