CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
Thailand and Cambodia are currently engaged in their worst fighting in over a decade, exchanging heavy artillery fire across their disputed border. The conflict has resulted in at least 16 deaths and the displacement of tens of thousands of people. Escalation of Tensions: Historical Site Disputes Fueling Nationalism: About Preah Vihear Temple:
India and the United Kingdom on July 24 signed a landmark Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking the beginning of a new era of economic partnership between the two nations. The agreement was signed by India’s Commerce and Industry Minister, Mr. Piyush Goyal, and the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Mr. Jonathan Reynolds, in the presence of Prime Ministers Shri Narendra Modi and Sir Keir Starmer. Read More …
India has improved its standing on the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight places to 77th rank from its 85th position last year. This rise comes as the number of countries offering visa-free access to Indian passport holders has marginally increased to 59 destinations. Understanding the Henley Passport Index: Global Leaders in Passport Power:
The Prime Minister of India and the President of Maldives jointly released commemorative stamps today, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of India-Maldives diplomatic relations. This special release symbolizes the deep-rooted and historical ties between the two Indian Ocean nations. Symbolism of the Commemorative Stamps: Historical Context of Diplomatic Relations:
On July 20, 2025, the Kamchatka region in Russia’s Far East was struck by a series of at least five earthquakes near its coast, with the most powerful registering a magnitude of 7.4. Seismic Activity in a “Hot Zone”:
The Pacific island nation of Tuvalu is facing an existential threat from climate change, prompting its population to prepare for a future elsewhere. A significant majority of its citizens are seeking relocation to Australia under a unique climate migration agreement. Climate Catastrophe in Tuvalu: The Falepili Union and Climate Migration:
The Indian Army recently received its first batch of three Apache AH-64E attack helicopters from the United States at Hindon Airbase. A Long-Awaited Induction: Capabilities of the Apache AH-64E:
The White House announced today that United States President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This diagnosis followed a medical evaluation by his doctor due to swelling observed in his lower legs. Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): (Sources: TH)
India has strongly advocated for urgent and time-bound reforms of the UN Security Council, reiterating its steadfast commitment to the implementation and review of the “Pact for the Future” agreement to strengthen global cooperation. India’s Stance and Appeal: About the “Pact for the Future”:
Deadly clashes have erupted in southern Syria over the past week, sparked by the reported abduction of a merchant from the Druze minority. The conflict intensified with the direct military intervention of Israel on July 15th. Escalation of Conflict: About the Druze Community:
A colossal 54-pound (24.5-kg) Martian meteorite, the largest known fragment of Mars ever discovered on Earth, has sold for an astounding $5.3 million at Sotheby’s, setting a new auction record for a meteorite. The Auction and Discovery Martian Origins and Earthly Descent Rarity and Significance
The World Health Organization (WHO) has published new Integrated Guidelines on the Clinical Management of Arboviral Diseases. Key Highlights (Source: WHO)
Three notorious Cambodian torture and execution sites, used by the Khmer Rouge regime to perpetrate genocide 50 years ago, have been inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This recognition highlights the immense human tragedy of that period. The Inscribed Sites: The Khmer Rouge Regime and Genocide:
A trade agreement between India and the four-nation European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is set to come into force in October 2025. This significant development was confirmed by an official statement. Key Highlights of the Agreement:
France has announced a historic accord with its South Pacific overseas territory, New Caledonia, proposing its declaration as a new state within the French Republic. Key Points (Source: AIR)