UPSC

  The International Day of Women in Diplomacy 2025 is more than a celebration—it is a call to dismantle the structures that hold women back and to foster a world where foreign policy reflects the diversity, wisdom, and leadership of all genders. The International Day of Women in Diplomacy (IDWD) is observed annually on June 24 to honour and recognize the essential role that women play in the field of diplomacy—historically male-dominated but now slowly transforming with the rise of capable and dynamic women leaders. Designated by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during its 76th session in 2022 (Resolution A/RES/76/269), this day is a call to action for greater gender equality in foreign policy, peace processes, and global governance. 2025 Theme: Explained: Gender-balanced foreign ministries Anti-harassment and mentoring programs Quotas for women in ambassadorial roles Reform of patriarchal norms within diplomatic institutions History a...

  A 90-member Indian Army contingent, led by troops from the Jammu and Kashmir Rifles, has departed for France to take part in the eighth edition of the India-France joint military exercise ‘Shakti’, scheduled from June 18 to July 1, 2025, at Camp Larzac, La Cavalerie. This biennial engagement between the two nations focuses on enhancing counter-terror cooperation, sub-conventional operations, and military interoperability in semi-urban terrain, under the UN Charter’s Chapter VII mandate. Why in News: The eighth edition of the bilateral Indo-French military exercise ‘Shakti’ begins on June 18, 2025, in France. Indian Army contingent has left for the 15-day-long operation hosted at Camp Larzac. The exercise aims to simulate UN Chapter VII peacekeeping operations in semi-urban environments. What is Exercise Shakti: Exercise Shakti is a biennial Indo-French military drill aimed at fostering joint training, tactical coordination, and mutual trust. Conducted a...

Every year in Puri, Odisha, a very special festival takes place to honor Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra. In 2025, this event started on June 11 with the Snana Purnima ritual and will continue until July 5 with the famous Jagannath Rath Yatra. What is Snana Purnima? Snana Purnima is the day when the three deities are brought out for a public bath. This happens once a year at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. They are bathed with  108 pots of sacred water from a golden well inside the temple.  This special event is held on a large platform called the Snana Mandap, and it marks the beginning of the Rath Yatra celebrations. Anavasara: After the Snana Yatra, the deities are believed to fall sick due to the cold water. They are taken inside the temple and kept away from public view for about 15 days. This rest period is called Anavasara. Devotees believe the gods are healing during this time and getting for the Rath Yatra. About the Chariots: During the...