non agricultural use

The US administration is employing tariffs and targeting non-tariff barriers to compel countries to reduce trade obstacles for American goods. These barriers include agricultural regulations, taxation systems like VAT, currency practices, and product standards.

Pakistan stands at a crossroads. It can choose to embrace a future of amicable relations with India, or risk a repetition of the circumstances that led to the breakup of the nation

UPSC rank holder Poorva Choudhary, who secured AIR 533 in 2024, faces online scrutiny over alleged misuse of the OBC-NCL quota due to her family's apparent affluence and her father's status as an ADM. Her father clarified to a media house that he was promoted after the age cutoff and meets income norms, asserting her legal eligibility. While no rules were broken, the social media backlash raises questions about the perception-versus-policy gap in India’s reservation system.

Following the deadly Pahalgam attack, the Indian Army and IAF launched 'Operation Sindoor,' destroying nine terror hideouts linked to JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen in Pakistan and PoK. The strikes targeted key training and operational centers, including Markaz Subhan Allah and Markaz Taiba, used for indoctrination, training, and planning attacks like the Pulwama bombing.

The World Bank reports India lifted 171 million people out of extreme poverty between 2011-12 and 2022-23, reducing it to 2.3%. Using a $3.65/day poverty line, 378 million were lifted out of poverty. While significant progress occurred, challenges remain, including youth unemployment and gender disparities in employment, despite rising employment rates.

Gazans face dire conditions after 19 months of war. An Israeli blockade exacerbates shortages of food, medicine, and fuel. Prices of basic goods have skyrocketed. People are burning clothes for cooking. Airstrikes and attacks leave no safe place. The healthcare system is near collapse. Aid organizations have depleted supplies. Displaced families struggle to survive amid constant fear and uncertainty.

The Centre announced a nationwide caste count alongside the next population census, reversing its previous stance. Opposition leaders claimed victory, asserting their persistent demands compelled the government's change of heart. The govt claimed its decision was to address concerns over non-transparent state-level caste enumerations being carried out in opposition ruled states.

Dhamtari district in Chhattisgarh has been awarded the Prime Minister's Excellence Award 2023 for its innovative GIS-based water conservation plan. The initiative revitalized water structures, created new Amrit Sarovars, and enhanced agricultural potential through data-driven planning. Despite challenges like declining water tables, the district implemented measures such as crop diversification and industrial compliance to promote sustainable water management.

A World Bank report reveals India's significant progress in poverty reduction, with extreme poverty plummeting from 16.2% in 2011-12 to 2.3% in 2022-23, lifting 171 million people out of extreme poverty. The rural-urban gap has narrowed, and India has transitioned into the lower-middle-income category.

Pakistan has reacted strongly to India, threatening retaliation if water flow under the Indus Waters Treaty is disrupted, viewing it as an act of war. They've suspended agreements, severed ties, and warned of a forceful response, raising concerns about escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations. India has not officially responded to Pakistan's threat.