Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Kerala is witnessing a continued rise in Shigellosis cases, with health authorities intensifying surveillance and containment measures.
Key points
- 13 more cases reported in Kerala on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
- Four cases in Kozhikode, three each in Malappuram and Kannur, two in Palakkad, and one in Kollam.
- Five deaths linked to the disease reported this month.
- Total cases in June rise to 133; total cases this year reach 209 with 6 deaths.
- Shigellosis is a bacterial infection affecting intestines, spread via contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene.
Background & context
Shigellosis is a significant public health concern, especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. It is caused by Shigella bacteria and can lead to dysentery. It is highly contagious and requires prompt medical attention and public health interventions to control outbreaks.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Shigellosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the intestines.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Health issues, disease prevention and control. GS Paper 3: Disaster Management (epidemics).
Why in news?
A non-profit initiative is providing a novel 'parametric' heat insurance product to informal workers in Delhi-NCR to protect them against extreme temperatures.
Key points
- 3,925 informal workers enrolled in Delhi-NCR for a parametric heat-insurance product.
- The scheme is run by non-profit Jan Sahas, with partners like Go Digit General Insurance and Godrej Properties.
- Parametric insurance triggers payouts based on pre-set weather conditions, eliminating the need for premiums or claims.
- Payouts are automatically made to workers' accounts if weather indices cross a predetermined threshold.
- Recipients like Shabbir Alam and Hariom received financial assistance during hot weather.
Background & context
Informal workers, often engaged in outdoor activities like construction and driving, are highly vulnerable to extreme heat. Lack of social security and fixed incomes makes them susceptible to financial distress during heatwaves. Parametric insurance offers a potential innovative solution to provide swift financial relief based on objective weather data.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Parametric insurance relies on a pre-set trigger event, like a specific temperature threshold, to initiate a payout.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues (vulnerability of informal sector). GS Paper 3: Economy (insurance, risk management), Environment (climate change impacts).
Why in news?
A national event was organized in Chennai to disburse benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), marking the distribution of employment letters.
Key points
- Event organized by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in Chennai.
- Focus on disbursing benefits and employment letters under PM-VBRY.
- Participants included beneficiaries, employers, industry associations, and government officials.
- At one venue, 60 employment letters were distributed to beneficiaries.
- At another venue, 96 beneficiaries and 14 employers participated, with 10 employment letters distributed.
Background & context
The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) is a government initiative aimed at promoting employment and skill development. Such schemes are crucial for addressing unemployment and enhancing the employability of the youth, aligning with national development goals.
★ Prelims fact capsule
PM-VBRY is an initiative by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for employment, skill development. GS Paper 3: Indian Economy (employment generation).