Context

The Shirui Lily festival returns to Manipur after a two-year pause because of the long-drawn conflict in the state.

About the Festival

Organised by Manipur Department of Tourism, first held in 2017.

Named after the Shirui Lily (state flower of Manipur),  the festival coincides with the flower’s blooming season (April to June).

Held annually in Ukhrul district, home to the Tangkhul Naga community.

This will promote eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and awareness about the endangered Shirui Lily.

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Context

Recently, Dr. M.R. Srinivasan, renowned nuclear scientist and former Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) chairman passed away.

Recent Advancements

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR): India has entered Stage II of its nuclear programme with the core-loading of the PFBR at Kalpakkam.

Expansion Plans: 10 new reactors are approved and exploring private sector participation to accelerate growth, including Bharat Small Modular Reactors (BSMRs).

International Collaborations: India has signed agreements with Russia, France, and the U.S. for nuclear technology exchange.

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Context

A new oil war is unfolding through production and pricing strategies rather than armed conflict, with far-reaching global economic implications.

Background

Recently OPEC+ decided to increase crude oil output by 411,000 barrels per day (bpd) from June 2025.

This marks the third consecutive month of production increase, reversing part of the 2.2 million bpd voluntary cuts taken in 2023.

This move caused Brent crude prices to drop sharply, indicating a highly sensitive oil market.

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Context

Government e Marketplace (GeM), India’s national public procurement portal, marked its 8th Incorporation Day.

Government e-Marketplace

GeM is a one stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs. 

It was launched in 2016, and is operated by the GeM SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle), a 100% government-owned company under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Aim: To enhance transparency, efficiency and speed in public procurement. 

The purchases through GeM by Government users have been authorized and made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance in 2017.

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Context

During the recent India-Pakistan crisis, misinformation was spread in social media platforms.

India’s Disinformation Challenge: 

Growing Internet Penetration: India is on track to surpass 900 million internet users, making it highly vulnerable to disinformation without appropriate regulations.

Diverse Landscape, High Risk: India's political, social, and linguistic diversity creates fertile ground for manipulated narratives, voter influence, and social unrest.

Beyond Politics: Disinformation contributes to consumer boycotts, economic conflicts, international tensions.

Decline of Legacy Media Trust: Public trust in traditional news sources is eroding.

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In News

WHO Member States approved a historic resolution calling for adoption of the WHO Pandemic Agreement, aimed at making the world safer from future pandemics. 

Key Provisions

Establishment of a Pathogen Access and Benefit Sharing (PABS) system, to be negotiated and presented at next year’s World Health Assembly.

Creation of a Coordinating Financial Mechanism and a Global Supply Chain and Logistics Network (GSCL) to ensure equitable and timely access to pandemic-related health products.

Pharmaceutical companies in the PABS system must provide 20% of their real-time production of vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostics to WHO for equitable distribution, prioritizing developing countries.

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Context

The Supreme Court restored the condition that a minimum of three years practice as an advocate is required for candidates applying to entry-level judicial service examinations.

Background

The issue dates back to the 14th Law Commission Report, 1958, which proposed 3–5 years of experience as a requirement for lower subordinate judges in every State.

For higher judiciary, an All India Judicial Services (AIJS), a centralised recruitment system for judges, was proposed. The AIJS required no practical experience.

The Supreme Court’s 1992 ruling in All India Judges’ Association vs Union of India supported allowing fresh graduates in the AIJS.

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The India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) marks a significant milestone in India's global trade strategy, signaling its transition from a cost-driven export economy to a value-creating powerhouse.

संदर्भ 

शिरुई लिली महोत्सव राज्य में लंबे समय तक चले संघर्ष के कारण दो वर्ष के अंतराल के बाद मणिपुर में वापस आ रहा है।

महोत्सव के बारे में

यह मणिपुर पर्यटन विभाग द्वारा आयोजित किया जाता है और प्रथम बार 2017 में आयोजित किया गया था।

इसका नाम शिरुई लिली (मणिपुर का राज्य फूल) के नाम पर रखा गया है, और यह फूल के खिलने के मौसम (अप्रैल से जून) के साथ समंजस्यशील है।

यह महोत्सव प्रतिवर्ष उखरुल जिले में आयोजित किया जाता है, जो तांगखुल नागा समुदाय का गृह क्षेत्र है।

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संदर्भ 

हाल ही में, प्रसिद्ध परमाणु वैज्ञानिक और पूर्व परमाणु ऊर्जा आयोग (AEC) के अध्यक्ष डॉ. एम.आर. श्रीनिवासन का निधन हो गया।

भारत का परमाणु कार्यक्रम

भारत का परमाणु कार्यक्रम स्व-निर्भरता, तकनीकी प्रगति, और वैश्विक सहयोग का संतुलन रखते हुए स्वच्छ ऊर्जा और रणनीतिक सुरक्षा पर केंद्रित है।

परमाणु ऊर्जा आयोग (AEC) की स्थापना 1948 में डॉ. होमी भाभा के नेतृत्व में हुई। यह तीन-चरणीय योजना के अनुसार संरचित है: चरण I: प्राकृतिक यूरैनियम का उपयोग करके दबावयुक्त भारी जल रिएक्टर (PHWRs) विकसित करना।

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