Current affairs

Oscar Nominations 2025: Complete List of 97th Academy Awards Nominees

The much-anticipated nominations for the 97th Academy Awards were officially announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 23, 2025. After a series of delays caused by the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the nominations were...

Smart Cities Mission (SCM), Objectives, Current Status

Context: Smart Cities mission nearly a decade later, has faced significant challenges and criticisms, leading to its perceived failure. According to a recent study by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, the Introduction of smart classrooms under the Smart Cities...

Low Temperature Thermal Desalination

Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) is an innovative technology used to convert seawater into potable water. Here's an overview of its key features: Overview of LTTD LTTD involves using the temperature difference between warm surface water and cold deep seawater to...

Indian Coffee Brews Global Demand

Context India’s coffee exports reached  $1.29 billion in FY 2023-24, almost double the $719.42 million in 2020-21. About Coffee Coffee cultivation in India began in the 1600s when Baba Budan, a legendary saint, brought seven Mocha seeds to Karnataka’s Baba...

ILO Report on International Migrant Workers

Context International Migrants (IMs) made up 4.7% of the global labour force in 2022, totaling 167.7 million, which is 30 million more than in 2013. Key Contributions of International Migrants (IMs) Global Labour Force Data: Employed and Unemployed: 6 million...

Indian Economy: Cyclical Slowdown or Structural Challenges?

Context The Indian economy is currently facing significant challenges that raise questions about whether it is experiencing a cyclical slowdown or if it is returning to its pre-pandemic growth trajectory. Current Economic Growth Trends Projected Growth Rate: India's GDP is...

Dead Olive Ridley Turtles on Tamilnadu Beaches

Context In recent times a significant number of olive ridley turtles have been found dead along the Tamil Nadu coast, especially around Chennai. Potential Causes of Death Bycatch from Fishing Nets: Olive ridley turtles get trapped in fishing nets of...

Queen Sembiyan Mahadevi: Architect of the Chola Renaissance

Early Life and Role as Empress Consort of Gandaraditya Chola: Sembiyan Mahadevi became queen consort in 949 CE, married to Gandaraditya Chola. Empress of the Chola Empire: Her tenure as empress lasted until 957 CE, a period marked by her...

Ram Mandir Temple, Pran Pratishtha, History and Architecture

The sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is vibrant with devotion and festivity, marking the first anniversary of the 'Pran Pratishtha' of Ram Lalla at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. This milestone event, celebrated on January 22, 2025, symbolizes...

World Monuments Watch List 2025: A Detailed Overview

The World Monuments Watch (WMF) 2025 list highlights 25 of the world’s most at-risk cultural heritage sites. For the first time, this list includes sites beyond Earth’s surface, marking a pivotal moment in the program's 30-year history. The 2025 list...