The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) holds one of the most prominent and challenging examinations in India, requiring a thorough awareness of national and world affairs. Knowing current events not only helps applicants pass the exam, but also allows them to build a broader perspective, critical thinking ability, and analytical skills necessary for successful decision-making and leadership roles. We’ve compiled a list of major news events and developments from this week to assist candidates in their upcoming exam preparation. Take a look:

Adani-Hindenburg Row

The Supreme Court said on November 24 that there is no reason to “discredit” the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), which investigated allegations against the Adani group, because there is no material before it to call the market regulator’s actions into question, and the court is not required to treat what was set out in the Hindenburg report as the “true state of affairs.”While asking the SEBI what it plans to do in the future to ensure investors do not lose wealth owing to stock market volatility or short-selling, the Supreme Court noted that it would not be appropriate for it to form a special investigation team (SIT) on its own without any material before it.

Govt to Help People to File FIR Against Social Media Platforms for IT Rule Violation

In the event that citizens are aggrieved from objectionable content such as deep fakes, the government would aid them in filing an FIR against social media platforms for violating IT rules. Minister of State for Electronics and IT Rajeev Chandrasekhar recently stated that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) will create a mechanism for consumers to report IT rule violations using social media platforms. “Meity will assist users to very easily notify it about violation of IT rules and assist them in filing FIRs,” the minister asserted while speaking to the media post a meeting with social media platforms.

Mumbai Water Tax

A proposal for a water tax revision has been withdrawn by the civic body on the directions of Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, which is a huge relief for Mumbai residents. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Mumbai obtains 3,950 MLD of water per day from seven reservoirs in Thane and Nashik districts. After filtration, the water is delivered to the city via 150-kilometer pipelines and distributed to residences. In 2012-13, the BMC’s standing committee approved a plan to raise the water tax by a maximum of 8 per cent, and the municipal administration was given authority in this respect. According to the policy, the department suggested raising the water tax.

Uniform Civil Code

The Delhi High Court on November 20 scheduled a batch of applications seeking a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) for hearing on December 1 and stated that it “cannot do anything” if the Supreme Court has already determined the subject. A panel led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan noted that a top court bench had already denied a plea for “gender-neutral” and “religion-neutral” laws filed by lawyer Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay, who is also a petitioner before the high court.

India Donates USD 2.5 Million for Palestinian Refugees

India has donated USD 2.5 million to the United Nations organisation for Palestinian refugees, leading the UNRWA on November 21 to praise the generous gesture during a “difficult time”, particularly in Gaza. The United Nations Aid and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), which has been in operation since 1950, provides direct aid and work initiatives to registered Palestinian refugees. It is nearly entirely funded through voluntary donations from United Nations Member States.