Current Affairs Chronicle

🎓 Centre Simplifies Scholarship Access for SC and OBC Students

In a major step towards inclusive education, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has removed the requirement of submitting a domicile certificate under the Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Schemes for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The reform aims to make scholarship benefits more accessible and student-friendly.

The initiative is expected to benefit nearly 1.2 crore students every year, especially those pursuing education outside their home states. To further streamline scholarship services, the government has also launched the SETU (Scholarship for Educational Transformation and Upliftment) portal on the UMANG platform, providing a single-window system for registration, application tracking, and verification processes.

🌍🌱 World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought 2026 💧🌾

On 17 June 2026, the world comes together to observe World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address land degradation, desertification, and drought.

🔹 Why It Matters
Desertification and land degradation threaten food security, water availability, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Protecting and restoring our land is essential for a sustainable and resilient future.

🔹 Key Focus Areas
✅ Sustainable Land Management
✅ Restoration of Degraded Ecosystems
✅ Drought Resilience and Preparedness
✅ Community Participation and Awareness
✅ International Cooperation and Policy Action

🔹 Theme 2026
🌾 "Rangelands: Recognise. Respect. Restore"

The theme emphasizes the importance of rangelands in supporting biodiversity, food systems, climate stability, and the livelihoods of communities across the globe. Protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems is crucial for environmental sustainability.

🌿 Every action counts. By conserving land, adopting sustainable practices, and working together, we can combat desertification, restore ecosystems, and build a greener future for all.

"Healthy Land, Healthy Future" 🌍💚

📈🇮🇳 India’s Exports Surge 14.66% to US$ 162.69 Billion in April–May 2026-27

India’s export sector recorded strong growth as the Ministry of Commerce and Industry reported that the country’s total exports of goods and services increased by 14.66% year-on-year to US$ 162.69 billion during April–May 2026-27.

🌟 Key Highlights:

🔹 Total Exports: Increased from US$ 141.89 billion to US$ 162.69 billion, reflecting robust growth in both merchandise and services exports.

🔹 Merchandise Exports: Rose by 16.09% to US$ 88.91 billion, compared to US$ 76.59 billion in the same period last year.

🔹 Non-Petroleum Exports: Grew by 10.49% to US$ 70.74 billion, highlighting diversification and resilience in India's export basket.

🔹 May 2026 Performance: Total exports were estimated at US$ 81.96 billion, registering a 15.83% growth over May 2025.

🔹 Imports & Trade Deficit:
📦 Total Imports: US$ 92.47 billion
📊 Trade Deficit: US$ 10.51 billion

The impressive export growth underscores India's strengthening position in global trade and reflects the country's expanding manufacturing and services capabilities.