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India Champions Inclusive Energy Development at BRICS Energy Ministers’ Meet in Brazil

India took a leading role in advocating for inclusive and sustainable energy cooperation during the BRICS Energy Ministers’ meeting held in Brasília, Brazil. Representing the Indian delegation, Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal, stressed the importance of strengthening South-South collaboration under the theme: “Strengthening Global South Cooperation for More Inclusive and Sustainable Governance.” In his remarks, the minister underscored the urgency of addressing global energy security and called for deeper BRICS collaboration to drive economic resilience, environmental sustainability, and fair access to energy across the Global South. He lauded Brazil’s leadership in steering the energy agenda and reiterated India’s steadfast dedication to inclusive energy governance. Highlighting India’s strides in clean energy, Lal shared that the nation has achieved a 90% surge in electricity generation capacity over the past ten years, with installed capacity reaching 475 GW in 2025. India has set its sights on 900 GW by 2032 and is now the world’s third-largest generator of wind and solar power. The minister also emphasized India’s progress toward its climate goals under the Paris Agreement. A major milestone discussed was India reaching a 20% ethanol blending rate, reinforcing its commitment to biofuels and carbon emissions reduction. He also outlined the country’s efforts to modernize its energy infrastructure through investments in smart grids, smart meters, and the expansion of transmission projects such as the Green Energy Corridor. India’s forward-looking energy agenda includes ambitious targets for green hydrogen and nuclear power, aiming for 100 GW of nuclear energy capacity by 2047. Lal also spoke about the recent launch of India’s domestic Carbon Credit Market, inviting BRICS partners to engage and collaborate in this growing space. In terms of efficiency, the minister highlighted key national programs such as the Energy Conservation Building Code, rooftop solar initiatives, and enhanced energy efficiency standards for appliances. He also stressed the importance of the Global Biofuels Alliance as a platform for enhancing global cooperation in sustainable fuel development. While promoting clean energy solutions, Lal acknowledged the present-day reliance on fossil fuels, especially in developing nations. He advocated for cleaner utilization methods such as coal gasification, carbon capture technologies, and green chemical innovations to ensure a balanced energy transition. Looking ahead, Lal invited all BRICS nations to India for the next BRICS Energy Gathering in 2026. He concluded by affirming India’s commitment to leading efforts in energy dialogue across the Global South, with the goal of fostering a secure, inclusive, and sustainable energy landscape. Source: DD News

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UPSC Releases CSE 2024 Prelims Answer Key; 2025 Prelims Scheduled for May 25

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the answer keys for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) Preliminary 2024 on May 21. Candidates who appeared for the General Studies Paper 1 and Paper 2 can now access the answer keys through the Commission’s official websites — upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in. For General Studies Paper 1, three questions from each of the four test series — A, B, C, and D — have been removed. However, no questions have been eliminated from Paper 2. The preliminary exam took place on June 16, 2024, followed by the mains held over five days — September 20, 21, 22, 28, and 29. Candidates who cleared the mains were invited for the personality test (interview) round, which ran from January 7 to April 17, 2025. A total of 2,845 aspirants reached this final interview stage. UPSC declared the final results for CSE 2024 on April 22, 2025. This year, Shakti Dubey secured the All India Rank (AIR) 1. A total of 1,009 candidates have been recommended for various elite services, including the IAS, IFS, IPS, and Central Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ services. However, the candidatures of 241 individuals remain provisional pending further verification. Looking ahead, the UPSC CSE 2025 prelims are scheduled for May 25, with 979 vacancies open across various civil services. Hall tickets for the upcoming prelims have already been issued. Candidates who find discrepancies in their admit cards must promptly report the issue to the Commission via email at uscsp-upsc@nic.in. It is essential to include key personal details such as name, roll number, registration ID, and examination year while raising any concerns. In instances where the photograph on the admit card is either unclear or missing the name and date, candidates are required to bring a valid photo ID along with two recent passport-sized photographs (bearing their name and date) for both examination sessions. An undertaking will also need to be submitted at the exam venue. The UPSC CSE is a three-tiered selection process — comprising the preliminary test, mains, and a personal interview. The final merit list is prepared by combining scores from the mains and the interview round. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: TOI    

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India Joins Global Pandemic Treaty; PM Emphasizes Role of Global South in World Health

In a landmark step towards bolstering global health security and future pandemic preparedness, India has officially joined other WHO member nations in endorsing the Pandemic Treaty during the 78th World Health Assembly held in Geneva. Addressing the assembly, the Prime Minister highlighted the critical need for inclusive global healthcare, stating, “The future of a healthy world depends on inclusion, and the health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable, especially in the Global South who are particularly impacted by health challenges.” He also drew attention to India’s domestic strides in public health, mentioning that government health spending has surged while citizens’ out-of-pocket medical costs have declined significantly. He credited this progress to flagship initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, which extends free healthcare coverage to over 580 million people, and to the proliferation of affordable public pharmacies. “India has established a vast network of Health and Wellness Centres (HWC) that offer screening for major conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. India’s digital platform to track vaccination of pregnant women and children is helping to integrate benefits, insurance, records, and information,” the Prime Minister said. The assembly’s primary goal this year was the finalization of the Global Pandemic Treaty, and the Prime Minister commended the efforts of the WHO and all negotiating nations. “India’s initiatives have brought down out-of-pocket expenditure as a percentage of total health expenditure significantly, while government health expenditure has increased considerably,” he added. A WHO statement confirmed the treaty’s adoption during a plenary session of the assembly, which serves as the organization’s highest decision-making body. The treaty was approved by vote in committee, with 124 nations in favor and 11 abstaining. No country formally opposed the agreement. The Pandemic Agreement outlines key principles and strategies to enhance international collaboration in areas like vaccine access, diagnostics, and treatment distribution, all aimed at reinforcing global preparedness and response to health emergencies. However, the agreement was adopted without participation from the United States, a major WHO donor, which had previously halted its funding commitments to the organization earlier this year. Source: Economic Times  

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Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning Nears ₹50 Crore Mark in India, Outshines Recent Indian Releases

Tom Cruise’s latest action-packed outing, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, continues its impressive run at the Indian box office, outpacing several recent Indian films like Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh (Hindi), Retro (Tamil), and Hit: The Third Case (Telugu). The eighth and concluding chapter of the iconic Mission: Impossible franchise is poised to cross the ₹50 crore milestone within its first week. The film earned ₹5.5 crore on Tuesday, experiencing a slight dip from Monday’s ₹5.75 crore. During the opening weekend, the film brought in a combined ₹33.5 crore—₹16.5 crore on Saturday and ₹17 crore on Sunday—forming the bulk of its current ₹44.75 crore domestic total, according to Sacnilk. English-language screenings continue to lead collections, with dubbed versions in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu contributing to the remainder. The film has seen its highest occupancy during night shows, with 28.30%, while evening and afternoon shows followed at 19.56% and 16.27% respectively. Morning screenings saw a lighter turnout at 7.64%. City-wise, Chennai topped the charts with a strong 40.25% occupancy rate, followed by Kochi (26.50%), Ahmedabad (21.75%), Pune (18.50%), and Mumbai (18%). Despite its dominance so far, The Final Reckoning is set to face fresh competition at the box office this Friday with three new releases: Karan Sharma’s romantic comedy Bhool Chuk Maaf, Prince Dhiman’s period action film Kesari Veer, and Disney’s sci-fi comedy Lilo & Stitch, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp. Among these, Bhool Chuk Maaf appears to be the most formidable challenger, especially considering producer Dinesh Vijan and lead actor Rajkummar Rao’s past success with the horror-comedy Stree 2, which raked in ₹627.50 crore domestically. Opening in Indian theatres on May 17, a full six days ahead of its U.S. release, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning marks the final chapter of Tom Cruise’s long-running franchise. Cruise reprises his iconic role as Ethan Hunt one last time, closing the curtain on a saga that began with the 1996 original. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, the film is backed by Paramount Pictures and Skydance and features a stellar ensemble including Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, Angela Bassett, and Hannah Waddingham. A review from SCREEN described the film as “an ode to that Cruise,” praising its emotional callbacks and high-stakes action, underscoring the sacrifices Hunt made over the years and the people he fought for—and lost—along the way. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures

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Mankind Pharma Names Dapinder Singh Narula as GM – Human Resources

Mankind Pharma has appointed Dapinder Singh Narula as its new General Manager – Human Resources, where he will spearhead Talent Management initiatives for the company. He will operate from Delhi and report directly to Prateek Dubey, the Global CHRO of Mankind Pharma. Narula brings with him over 15 years of diverse HR experience. Prior to joining Mankind Pharma, he played a key leadership role at Jubilant FoodWorks, overseeing Talent Management, Performance, Learning & Development, and HR Business Partnering functions. His professional journey also includes stints at leading organizations such as Max Life Insurance, Adani Enterprises, Larsen & Toubro, and Ericsson. Academically, he holds a B.Tech in Electronics and Communication Engineering from NIT Jalandhar, and an MBA in Human Resources from XIM Bhubaneswar. Source: Economic Times

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IIM Sambalpur Unveils New Undergraduate Programmes in Public Policy and AI to Shape Future Leaders

In a strategic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Sambalpur has launched two groundbreaking undergraduate programmes: Bachelor of Science in Management and Public Policy and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. These four-year, fully residential programmes are designed to nurture future-ready professionals with a blend of analytical, ethical, and leadership skills. The BSc in Management and Public Policy targets students interested in driving grassroots change, with a curriculum that emphasizes sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, and community-led development. The programme aspires to bridge the gap between policy formulation and real-world impact. Admissions to this course will be facilitated through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Meanwhile, the BSc in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, developed in collaboration with industry stakeholders, aims to boost India’s digital transformation journey and enhance global competitiveness. It focuses on cultivating ethical AI use, advanced data analytics, and innovation-driven problem-solving. Entry into this programme will be via JEE Main scores. Highlighting the institution’s progressive approach, the courses are structured with multiple entry and exit options—students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, a degree after three, and an honors degree upon completing the fourth year. This flexibility is intended to support diverse learner pathways in line with NEP 2020 goals. IIM Sambalpur Director, Prof. Mahadeo Jaiswal, expressed pride in the launch, calling it a “pioneering step” in cultivating responsible, entrepreneurial leaders. “These programmes are not only about acquiring academic knowledge; they’re about building leaders equipped with a global outlook and the compassion to address societal challenges,” he noted. The launch event also featured a roundtable discussion on the theme: ‘Global Capability Centres (GCCs) as Engines of Innovation for Global Enterprises’. The dialogue spotlighted the emerging role of GCCs as strategic, innovation-led units rather than cost-effective back-offices. Bramhanand Jha, Vice President at the National eGovernance Division (MeitY), served as the chief guest. He emphasized the transformative role of GCCs in shaping future-ready, tech-enabled enterprises that drive global business strategies. Keynote speakers included Lt. Col. Piyush Shukla, Director of JEE at the National Testing Agency (NTA), and Rajesh Kumar, Director of CUET at NTA. Both underlined the significance of evolving India’s education assessment systems to support innovation, inclusivity, and talent discovery aligned with the country’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. “The education landscape in India is being reshaped to identify talent capable of thriving in dynamic, innovation-driven environments like GCCs,” said Shukla. Kumar added that initiatives like CUET are vital to democratizing access to quality higher education and preparing students for leadership in a global digital economy. The launch concluded with insightful panel discussions featuring academic and industry experts on “Transforming Operations through GCCs: The Digital Shift from Cost Efficiency to Strategic Value” and “Aligning Talent Upskilling with Policy Innovation for Sustainable GCC Growth.” With this initiative, IIM Sambalpur reaffirms its commitment to fostering responsible, innovation-driven leadership that is attuned to the evolving demands of both national and global landscapes. Admissions for both UG programmes will begin in June 2025, with classes set to commence in September 2025. Source: Indian Express Photo Credit: IIM Sambalpur    

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WHO Prepares for Life After U.S. Exit Amid Deep Budget Cuts and Donor Shift

As the World Health Organization (WHO) prepares for its annual assembly in Geneva starting May 19, a significant shift looms over the global health body: how to navigate a future without its top financial backer, the United States. The week-long gathering, typically a forum for setting health priorities and policy, approving vaccines, and coordinating international disease responses, is this year overshadowed by the U.S. decision to leave the organization. In January, President Donald Trump issued an executive order initiating the year-long withdrawal process on his first day back in office. With the U.S. accounting for roughly 18% of the WHO’s funding, officials are now grappling with how to stretch limited resources. “Our goal is to focus on the high-value stuff,” said Daniel Thornton, WHO’s director of coordinated resource mobilisation. While specifics remain under discussion, internal planning documents seen by Reuters suggest the agency will prioritize its emergency response and medicine approval efforts, while scaling back on training programs and potentially closing offices in high-income countries. Key health guidance on vaccines and diseases such as HIV and obesity is expected to continue. A Western diplomat, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the challenge ahead: “We’ve got to make do with what we have.” WHO staff have already begun budget and personnel cuts in anticipation of the funding shortfall. Though the U.S. remains a member until January 21, 2026, under the legally mandated transition period, signs of a policy reversal are slim. President Trump initially left the door open to rejoining if the organization “clean it up,” but health envoys say no concrete steps have followed. In the meantime, WHO faces an immediate budget gap of $600 million this year, with deeper cuts—up to 21%—expected over the next two years. As the U.S. steps back, China is poised to become the largest contributor of assessed contributions—one of WHO’s key funding streams. China’s share will rise from over 15% to 20% following a 2022 funding restructure. “We have to adapt ourselves to multilateral organisations without the Americans. Life goes on,” said Chen Xu, China’s ambassador to Geneva. The evolving donor landscape has prompted calls for deeper reform. Anil Soni, CEO of the WHO Foundation, questioned whether the organization still needs its vast array of committees or to publish thousands of documents each year. He added that the transition was forcing a reassessment of operations, including whether WHO should handle routine logistics like fuel purchases during crises. Soni emphasized the urgency of sustaining vital programs amid the funding squeeze, noting that the agency is increasingly turning to philanthropies and the private sector for targeted support. The ELMA Foundation, for instance, recently contributed $2 million to support the Global Measles and Rubella Laboratory Network, which includes over 700 labs monitoring infectious disease threats. Alongside pandemic preparedness agreements and an investment round to court new donors, funding will remain the central concern at the Geneva meeting. A WHO manager’s recent request for staff to volunteer as ushers—without extra pay—reflects the broader austerity mindset taking hold. Source: Reuters Photo Credit: Reuters

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Supreme Court Directs Bengal Govt to Pay 25% of Outstanding DA to State Employees

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has mandated the West Bengal government to release 25% of the pending dearness allowance (DA) dues owed to its employees. The directive, issued by a bench comprising Justices Sanjay Karol and Sandeep Mehta, gives the state three months to comply. The case will be reviewed again in August. This development marks a considerable setback for the Mamata Banerjee-led administration and a moment of triumph for state employees who have long been demanding DA parity with their central government counterparts. Reacting to the verdict, BJP leader Amit Malviya stated on social media that the ruling is a landmark victory following a protracted legal battle and nearly 17 adjournments initiated by the state government to stall the proceedings. The conflict began when a group of state government employees approached the Calcutta High Court, seeking DA benefits equivalent to those provided by the Centre. In May 2022, the high court ruled in favor of the employees, directing the Bengal government to align its DA rates with those of the Centre. However, the state challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court in November 2022. Although the West Bengal government has made marginal increases in DA over time, it has not managed to bridge the 37% gap compared to the Centre. Currently, central government employees receive 55% DA, while their West Bengal counterparts receive only 18%—a figure that includes the latest 4% hike effective from April 1, 2025. The disparity has led to widespread dissatisfaction among state employees. The Supreme Court’s latest order provides partial relief and sets the stage for further developments in the ongoing battle for DA parity. Source: NDTV Photo Credit: NDTV

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Cybersecurity in Education: Protecting Students in the Digital World

As classrooms evolve from chalkboards to Chromebooks, the education sector is increasingly vulnerable to one of the most pressing threats of the 21st century—cyberattacks. With institutions rapidly adopting digital platforms for learning, administration, and communication, safeguarding the digital safety of students, teachers, and institutional data has become more crucial than ever. The Rise of Cyber Threats in Education Educational institutions are gold mines for cybercriminals. They store vast amounts of sensitive data—from student records and academic histories to biometric information and financial details. According to reports, the education sector is among the top five most targeted industries globally for cyberattacks. Common cyber threats include: Phishing Emails: Deceptive emails tricking students or staff into revealing personal information or login credentials.  Ransomware: Malicious software that locks data until a ransom is paid.  Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to student records and research data.  DDoS Attacks: Distributed Denial-of-Service attacks that crash school websites or learning management systems.  Why Are Educational Institutions Targeted? Low Security Infrastructure: Many institutions, especially in developing countries, operate on outdated systems and lack dedicated IT teams.  Human Error: Students and faculty often lack training in identifying cyber threats, making them easy targets.  High-Value Data: Student identity information can be used for identity theft, while research data is valuable for industrial espionage.  Impact on Students and Learning Cybersecurity lapses in education don’t just compromise data—they disrupt learning and psychological well-being. For example: School closures due to ransomware attacks can lead to missed classes and exams.  Loss of personal data can lead to identity theft and long-term emotional distress.  Exposure to inappropriate or harmful online content through unsecured platforms can impact student safety and mental health.  Protective Measures for Institutions To build a digital fortress around education, institutions must adopt a multi-layered approach: 1. Invest in Cybersecurity Infrastructure Upgrade legacy systems and software regularly.  Use firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption protocols.  Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all user accounts.  2. Conduct Regular Training and Awareness Organize workshops for students, faculty, and staff on recognizing phishing, handling passwords, and reporting suspicious activity.  Encourage cyber hygiene practices such as not sharing credentials or clicking unknown links.  3. Secure Learning Management Systems (LMS) Opt for reputable and secure platforms.  Regularly audit permissions and user access levels.  4. Develop and Test Incident Response Plans Have a clear strategy for identifying, reporting, and recovering from cyber incidents.  Run simulation drills to ensure readiness.  5. Foster a Culture of Digital Responsibility Include digital citizenship and online safety in school curricula.  Promote ethical tech use and respect for privacy among students.  Role of Government and Policy Several governments are waking up to the urgency of cybersecurity in education: In India, initiatives like Cyber Surakshit Bharat and Digital India aim to promote safe digital practices.  The U.S. K-12 Cybersecurity Act provides funding and guidance to public schools for cybersecurity preparedness.  The European Union’s GDPR has raised awareness about data protection responsibilities in educational institutions.  Collaboration is Key Cybersecurity is not just the IT department’s job. It requires a collaborative effort between: School management to fund and prioritize digital safety.  Teachers and students to remain vigilant.  Parents to reinforce safe practices at home.  EdTech providers to build privacy-first platforms.  Looking Ahead: A Secure Digital Future for Learning Education is the cornerstone of progress—and its digital transformation must be safeguarded. As we embrace online learning, AI tools, and smart classrooms, cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. It’s time to put student safety at the heart of digital innovation. By integrating robust cybersecurity strategies, raising awareness, and encouraging a culture of digital responsibility, we can create safe, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments—where education flourishes without fear.  

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CBSE Urges Schools to Launch ‘Sugar Boards’ to Curb Rising Sugar Consumption Among Students

In a proactive step toward safeguarding students’ health, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a directive to all affiliated schools, calling for the establishment of “sugar boards” to help monitor and reduce sugar intake among children. Highlighting a concerning surge in Type 2 diabetes cases among school-aged children—a condition historically associated with adults—the board has emphasized the link between the trend and high levels of sugar consumption. The prevalence of sugary drinks, snacks, and processed foods within and around school premises has been identified as a key contributor to this growing health issue. According to the CBSE, excessive sugar consumption is not only associated with diabetes but also increases the risk of obesity, tooth decay, and metabolic disorders. These health challenges can further impact a child’s academic performance and overall development. Studies show that children between the ages of 4 and 10 consume around 13% of their daily calories from sugar, while those aged 11 to 18 average around 15%—both far above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5%. Acting on recommendations from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), CBSE has advised schools to create informative displays titled “sugar boards.” These boards should clearly outline healthy sugar limits, the sugar content in popular processed and junk foods, the health risks linked to high sugar intake, and suggestions for healthier dietary alternatives. The goal is to empower students to make more informed food choices and foster healthier long-term eating habits. In addition, schools are encouraged to host awareness programs, seminars, and workshops focused on sugar education. Institutions have been asked to document these initiatives and upload brief reports with supporting photographs by July 15. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create healthier school environments and raise awareness about nutrition among students, educators, and parents alike. Source: PTI    

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