Current affairs

PUFFINS Telescope Mission: NASA’s $20 Million Space Telescope Explained

The PUFFINS Telescope Mission is a NASA-funded space mission designed to study tiny dust particles present in the space between stars. Led by Bengaluru-born astronomer Dr. Ramya Anche of the University of Arizona, the mission will use ultraviolet observations to...

World Food Day 2026: Strengthening Nutrition Security in India

Context World Food Day, observed on October 16, commemorates the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1945. On World Food Day 2026, the heads of the FAO, IFAD and WFP stressed technology-driven agrifood innovation to address global...

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026: Key Details

The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2026 is observed on 17 October 2026 to raise awareness about poverty, social exclusion, inequality and the need to protect human dignity. The day highlights the importance of ensuring that every individual...

India’s Ramsar Sites Reach 103: Sukhna Wetland and Sauj Jheel

Context India’s Ramsar site count has reached 103 with the addition of Sukhna Wetland in Chandigarh and Sauj Jheel in Uttar Pradesh. About Sukhna Wetland Location: Chandigarh, at the foothills of the Shivalik Range. Origin: Man-made freshwater reservoir created in...

Kigali Amendment to Montreal Protocol: Objectives, India’s Targets 2026

Context The Kigali Amendment completed 10 years on 15 October 2026, renewing global efforts to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and limit climate warming. About the Kigali Amendment Nature: Legally binding amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the...

Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA)

Context The Union Government approved India’s accession to SIOFA, upgrading its status from a Cooperating Non-Contracting Party to a full Contracting Party. About SIOFA Nature: Multilateral fisheries agreement and Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (RFMO) for conserving and sustainably managing non-tuna...

State of the World’s Forests (SOFO) 2026: Key Findings for UPSC

Context The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) released SOFO 2026, highlighting global forest degradation and the need to restore an additional 470 million hectares by 2030. About SOFO 2026 Nature: FAO’s biennial flagship report on global forests, focusing on Forest...

Preventive Detention in India: Article 22, Safeguards and Supreme Court

Context The Supreme Court directed the Centre and Delhi Police to prevent unlawful detentions and ensure freedom of movement amid protests linked to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the Chief Election Commissioner. About Preventive Detention Meaning: Detention without trial...

Lakshadweep Achieves 100% Literacy under ULLAS

Context Lakshadweep was declared a fully literate Union Territory under the ULLAS–Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, according to the supplied source. About ULLAS (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) Scheme Nature: Centrally Sponsored Scheme aligned with National Education Policy (NEP)...

Khajuraho’s Javari Temple: History, Architecture and UPSC Facts

Context The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) traced the missing head of an 11th-century Vishnu idol at Javari Temple to an ASI storage facility, resolving a long-standing legal controversy. About Javari Temple Location: Eastern Group of Temples, Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district,...