State PCS - Odisha (OPSC)

• 15 Apr 2026

Preeti Saran Re-elected to UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Why in News? 

Indian diplomat Preeti Saran has been re-elected to the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR) for a fresh three-year term starting 2027. 

Key Points 

• About: Ambassador Preeti Saran is a senior officer of the Indian Foreign Service with over 36 years of experience, having served in key postings including Vietnam, Toronto, Moscow, Dhaka and Geneva.  
  • She is currently serving as the Chair of CESCR, becoming the first Indian to hold this position, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for India. 
• Re-election: She has been re-elected to the CESCR.  
• Tenure: The new term will begin in 2027 and continue for three years. 
• CESCR:  
  • It is an 18-member independent expert body under the United Nations system that monitors the implementation of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.  
  • The CESCR functions under the administrative control of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. 

Read More: United Nations Human Rights Commission 

Nari Shakti Youth Parliament Organised Under MY Bharat Initiative

Why in News? 

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports organised the Nationwide Nari Shakti Youth Parliament across 17 zones under the Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat) initiative to strengthen women-led participation in democratic dialogue and policy discussions. 

Key Points 

• About: The Nari Shakti Youth Parliament was conducted simultaneously across 17 zones of India, bringing together more than 7,000 young women for structured parliamentary-style discussions on national issues. 
• Organising Body: The programme was conducted by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports through the MY Bharat platform. 
• Theme: The event was organised under the theme “Nari Shakti: Viksit Bharat Ki Awaaz – Strengthening Inclusive Democracy”, emphasising women’s role in nation-building and governance. 
• Resolution: The resolution collectively endorsed the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes: 
  • Expansion of the Lok Sabha strength from 543 to 816 seats with 33% reservation for women. 
  • implementation of the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023, from the 2029 General Elections. 

Read More: Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 

Vantara University to be Established in Jamnagar

Why in News? 

The wildlife conservation initiative Vantara has announced the launch of Vantara University in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which will be the world’s first integrated global university dedicated to wildlife conservation and veterinary sciences.  

Key Points 

• Launch: The university has been launched by the wildlife conservation organisation Vantara, founded by Anant Ambani, Executive Director of Reliance Industries. 
  • The institution will be established in Jamnagar, Gujarat, where the Vantara wildlife conservation and rehabilitation ecosystem is located.  
• Feature: It is envisioned as the world’s first integrated global university focused specifically on wildlife conservation, veterinary medicine, and animal welfare. 
  • The university will offer programmes in fields such as wildlife medicine and surgery, conservation science, genetics, epidemiology, behavioural science, and conservation policy.  
• Objective: The initiative aims to develop future veterinarians, conservation scientists, and wildlife professionals, positioning India as a global hub for wildlife and veterinary education. 

Read More: Wildlife conservation