The first-ever batch of 17 female cadets graduated from the National Defence Academy (NDA), marking a historic step toward greater gender inclusion in India's armed forces.
Significance of Women in the Armed Forces
Steps Taken to Increase Women's Participation in the Armed Forces
Challenges Faced by Women in the Armed Forces
Conclusion
The inclusion of women in the armed forces is a positive step toward building a more inclusive and equitable defense structure. However, as warfare continues to evolve, with technology, intelligence, and adaptability becoming central to success, gender should not limit a person’s ability to contribute.
Key Areas for Further Improvement:
In summary, while significant progress has been made in incorporating women into India’s armed forces, comprehensive reforms addressing physical standards, gender equality, and infrastructure are necessary to unlock the full potential of women soldiers and leaders in the Indian military
The World Health Organization (WHO) has released its tenth report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2025, highlighting the progress made in reducing tobacco use globally and pointing out areas that still need attention.
Key Findings from the WHO Report on Tobacco Epidemic 2025
Tobacco Production: Global Context
Global and India-Specific Measures to Tackle the Tobacco Epidemic
Challenges
Tobacco Industry Resistance:
Conclusion
To successfully address the global tobacco epidemic, a multi-faceted approach is necessary, combining policy, enforcement, public awareness, and international cooperation. Measures such as increased taxation, graphic health warnings, stronger public education, and tackling tobacco industry interference can lead to significant progress. India, with its growing tobacco control measures and public health campaigns, is playing an essential role in the global fight against tobacco-related diseases
SRVAs are accounts opened by foreign entities with Indian banks that allow international trade transactions to be settled in Indian Rupees (INR) rather than traditional global currencies like the US dollar or Euro.
Significance of SRVAs
What is the Internationalization of the Rupee?
Internationalization of the rupee refers to increasing the usage of the Indian Rupee (INR) in cross-border trade, investments, and financial transactions without the mandatory conversion into dominant foreign currencies like the USD or Euro.
Benefits of INR Internationalization:
Challenges in INR Internationalization:
Key Steps Taken for INR Internationalization:
RBI’s Recommendations for INR Internationalization:
Conclusion:
The internationalization of the Indian Rupee is a significant step towards enhancing India’s global economic influence. The recent changes to Special Rupee Vostro Accounts (SRVAs) and other policy measures by the RBI reflect India’s commitment to reduce reliance on foreign currencies in trade and financial transactions. While there are challenges, including global acceptance and infrastructure limitations, the measures outlined by the RBI provide a strong foundation for increasing the INR’s global role
The World Trade Organization (WTO) plays a pivotal role in shaping the global trade environment by providing a multilateral platform for negotiating and enforcing trade agreements, ensuring that international commerce remains predictable, equitable, and transparent.
What is the WTO?
The WTO was established in 1995 following the Uruguay Round of negotiations (1986-94), succeeding the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). Its primary mandate is to promote free and fair trade across its 166 member countries, which account for 98% of global trade. India has been a WTO member since its inception in January 1995.
WTO’s Core Functions
Factors Limiting the WTO’s Effectiveness
Despite its foundational role, the WTO faces several challenges that are eroding its capacity to regulate global trade effectively.
Crucial Reforms for Strengthening the WTO
To adapt to the evolving trade landscape, the WTO must undergo several reforms:
India's Role in Strengthening Multilateral Trade Governance
India, as a major emerging economy, has a significant role to play in shaping the future of multilateral trade governance:
What is Multilateralism?
Multilateralism is a system where three or more countries cooperate to address global issues, governed by shared rules, norms, and institutions. The key features include:
Examples of Multilateralism:
Conclusion
The WTO has long been the cornerstone of the global trade system, fostering cooperation, stability, and fairness. However, the changing dynamics of global trade—marked by the rise of regional trade agreements, protectionist policies, and the challenges of digital trade—have exposed cracks in its structure.
To remain relevant, the WTO must undergo reforms that address the evolving needs of modern trade, including resolving the dispute settlement paralysis, improving transparency, and expanding its focus to include new trade dimensions like digital commerce and green subsidies
Recently, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), a constituent body of the Quality Council of India (QCI), launched its new Medical Application Portal.
About the Quality Council of India (QCI)
The Quality Council of India (QCI) is a non-profit, autonomous organization established in 1997 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. The QCI was jointly set up by:
QCI operates under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), which is part of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Functions of the Quality Council of India
The main objective of QCI is to establish a robust framework for quality assurance across various sectors in India. Some of the key functions of the QCI include:
Governance of Quality Council of India
QCI functions through its governing body and executive bodies (which include various boards and committees). These bodies implement the strategy, policy, and operational guidelines set out by the governing council.
NABL and the New Medical Application Portal
The National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) is one of the key bodies under the QCI that provides accreditation to testing and calibration laboratories in India. Its newly launched Medical Application Portal is designed to:
This move is part of QCI's broader efforts to enhance healthcare quality, ensuring that laboratories meet stringent standards that are crucial for reliable and accurate medical testing.
Conclusion
The Quality Council of India (QCI) plays a vital role in setting and ensuring quality standards across various sectors, including healthcare. The launch of the Medical Application Portal by NABL is a significant step towards improving the quality of medical testing and services in India. By streamlining the accreditation process and encouraging adoption of international standards, the QCI continues to be at the forefront of India's quality movement
Recently, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Mumbai Police arrested a 49-year-old contractor in connection with the multi-crore Mithi River desilting fraud. The scam has resulted in significant financial losses, with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) losing over ₹65 crore.
This fraud involves the mismanagement and fraudulent practices related to the desilting operations of the Mithi River, a vital watercourse that flows through Mumbai.
About Mithi River
The Mithi River is an important river flowing through the city of Mumbai, Maharashtra, and plays a crucial role in the city’s drainage and monsoon water management systems. Here are some key details about the river:
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.