Read Current Affairs
- Why in News?
- Angela Rayner has resigned from multiple senior positions, including Deputy Prime Minister, Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, and Housing Secretary, after facing scrutiny over a stamp duty underpayment.
- Key Provisions:-
- Reports revealed she paid £30,000 instead of the £70,000 due, breaching the standards of ministerial conduct. The controversy sparked political pressure, leading to her decision to step down from her posts. In the subsequent cabinet reshuffle, David Lammy has been named as the new Deputy Prime Minister and will also take on the role of Justice Secretary. Yvette Cooper has been appointed as the new Foreign Secretary, marking a significant change in the party’s leadership team. Rayner’s departure has triggered a wave of debate over political accountability and financial transparency, with calls for stricter adherence to ethical guidelines for public office holders. The developments signal a major shift in the party’s internal dynamics ahead of key political challenges.
- Why in News?
- In the forthcoming session of the United Nations General Debate, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will not be delivering India’s address. Instead, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will represent the country on the global stage.
- Key Provisions:-
- The decision comes as the Prime Minister’s schedule is filled with a series of high-level diplomatic engagements and domestic priorities requiring his attention. Jaishankar, a seasoned diplomat with extensive experience in multilateral forums, is expected to outline India’s positions on key global issues, including sustainable development, climate action, international security, and reforms of multilateral institutions. His participation will also involve a series of bilateral and multilateral meetings with counterparts from various nations, aimed at strengthening India’s diplomatic ties and advancing strategic interests. The upcoming debate is seen as a crucial opportunity for India to reinforce its stance on pressing international matters while showcasing continuity in its foreign policy approach.
- Why in News?
- The Union Government has released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results, highlighting top-performing institutions across categories.
- Key Provisions:-
- IIT Madras secured the first position in the overall category, reaffirming its leadership in academic excellence and research. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, topped the Universities category, maintaining its reputation as a premier research-focused institution.
- Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, NIRF provides a transparent and reliable system to rank Indian colleges and universities, helping students, parents, and policymakers make informed decisions. Institutions are evaluated on five broad parameters with specific weightage: Teaching, Learning & Resources (30%), Research and Professional Practice (30%), Graduation Outcome (20%), Outreach and Inclusivity (10%), and Perception (10%). The rankings aim to promote competition, drive quality improvement, and enhance the global standing of Indian higher education. They also serve as a benchmark for institutions to identify strengths and areas needing development.
- Why in News?
- The Union Government has released the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2025 results, highlighting top-performing institutions across categories.
- Key Provisions:-
- IIT Madras secured the first position in the overall category, reaffirming its leadership in academic excellence and research. The Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, topped the Universities category, maintaining its reputation as a premier research-focused institution.
- Launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Education, NIRF provides a transparent and reliable system to rank Indian colleges and universities, helping students, parents, and policymakers make informed decisions. Institutions are evaluated on five broad parameters with specific weightage: Teaching, Learning & Resources (30%), Research and Professional Practice (30%), Graduation Outcome (20%), Outreach and Inclusivity (10%), and Perception (10%). The rankings aim to promote competition, drive quality improvement, and enhance the global standing of Indian higher education. They also serve as a benchmark for institutions to identify strengths and areas needing development.