Current affairs

Proteins as Quantum Sensors: New Advances in Quantum Biology

Context For decades, fluorescent proteins have allowed scientists to visualise life at the molecular scale. Now, new research shows that through engineering specific electronic states inside these proteins,  can be transformed into genetically encoded quantum sensors capable of detecting magnetic...

Illegal Use of Satellite Phones: Security Concerns and Regulations in India

Context Security agencies and the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) have raised alarm over undeclared portable satellite communication devices — satellite phones and satellite-messaging units like Zoleo — being carried and used on ships in Indian waters. How Satellite Phones...

Pakistan Airstrikes in Afghanistan: Causes, Impact and India’s Strategic Concerns

Context Pakistan’s recent cross-border strikes into Afghanistan and its expanding diplomatic engagements in Washington, Europe, West Asia and China underline a paradox. For India, this combination of external assertiveness and internal fragility presents complex strategic risks. Global Outreach Engagement with...

Brazil President’s Visit to India 2026: Key Highlights and Strategic Importance

Context Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s February 2026 State visit to India marked a significant deepening of the India–Brazil Strategic Partnership. More About the Visit The 2026 visit comes amid: Heightened U.S. tariff tensions affecting both countries. Growing...

Militarisation of Quantum Research and Global Tech Arms Race

Context A group calling itself “Quantum Scientists for Disarmament” has issued a manifesto opposing the growing militarisation of quantum research, urging academics to reject defence funding and demand transparency in university–military partnerships. Why the Manifesto Now? Global Rearmament Trends: NATO’s...

Central Excise Day 2026: History, Significance and Role of CBIC in India’s Tax System

India observes Central Excise Day 2026 on 24 February 2026 to commemorate the enactment of the historic Central Excise Act, 1944. The day recognizes the contribution of the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) in tax administration, customs...

Legal Issues in the Definition of Rape – Constitutional and Criminal Law Debate

Context A recent High Court judgment has brought attention back to the pre-2013 legal yet narrower definition of rape. The case has triggered debate on how sexual offences were interpreted before legal reforms. Background of the Case Acquittal on rape...

A Tribal Hamlet’s tryst with AI: Limbuguda’s digital turn

Context In the remote hills of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district in Telangana, Limbuguda, a hamlet of less than 40 Kolam tribal families, is witnessing a silent transformation. A Multipurpose Centre (MPC) set up under the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya...

US Supreme Court Rejects Trump Tariffs – Legal and Trade Policy Implications

Context The S. Supreme Court, in a 6–3 ruling, struck down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 1977. The judgment marks a critical moment in the debate over separation of powers, executive...

A Treatise for Federalism: The Kurian Joseph Report

Context A high-level committee on Union–State relations appointed by the Government of Tamil Nadu, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Kurian Joseph, has presented a detailed report warning against the growing centralisation of power in India. The report calls for...