Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated India is moving 'beyond advocacy' on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Black Sea safety, and grain export agreements, indicating a more involved diplomatic role.
Key points
- India desires an end to the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy.
- India is engaged in conversations with both Russia and Ukraine.
- Focus areas include Black Sea safety, grain and energy exports, and non-attack possibilities.
- This signifies a shift from passive advocacy to active, albeit limited, involvement.
Background & context
India has historically maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy in international conflicts. Its relationship with Russia dates back to the Soviet era, marked by strategic cooperation in defense and other areas.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The statement was made at the 62nd Munich Security Conference in Delhi.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2 (International Relations): India's foreign policy, relations with major powers, impact of geopolitical conflicts on India.
Why in news?
Scientists are rethinking the 'chemical arms race' against fungi due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains like Candida auris, which pose a significant mortality risk.
Key points
- Fungal infections like dermatophytosis are common, but multidrug-resistant strains are emerging.
- Candida auris is a rapidly emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen, particularly in ICUs.
- Infections by C. auris have a high mortality rate (30-40%).
- Global warming is suggested as a potential factor in increased fungal pathogenicity, as fungi thrive below 30°C.
Background & context
Fungal infections, while often perceived as minor (e.g., skin infections), can become severe and life-threatening, especially in immunocompromised individuals. The development of resistance to existing antifungals is a growing global health concern.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Candida auris was first reported in Japan in 2009.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2 (Health): Public health, infectious diseases, antimicrobial resistance. GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology): Biotechnology, advancements in medical science.
Why in news?
Students at AMU are protesting and blocking campus gates demanding the holding of students' union elections, which have been absent for nearly eight years.
Key points
- Students are protesting the lack of students' union elections for approximately eight years.
- Protests escalated with the blocking of all four campus entry gates.
- Tensions rose following reports of police detaining students from a hostel.
- The university administration claims an 'outsider' with a dubious past was detained during a police raid.
Background & context
Student union elections are a significant part of campus democracy and student representation in educational institutions. Their absence can lead to a lack of student voice and grievances.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protests began on September 21, 2026.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2 (Polity): Governance, student activism, role of universities. GS Paper 1 (Society): Social movements, youth issues.