Current affairs

Black Rain Crisis in Iran: Causes, Environmental Impact, and Health Risks Explained

Context Following massive fires at major fuel depots and oil refineries triggered by recent conflicts, several regions in Iran have witnessed "Black Rain". About Black Rain Black rain is an extreme form of acid rain or polluted precipitation. It occurs...

Anna Mani: Pioneer of Indian Meteorology and Renewable Energy Research

Context A new biographical work highlights the legacy of Anna Mani About Anna Mani She was a physicist who worked under Sir C.V. Raman at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, where she conducted research on the optical properties...

Lakkundi Treasure: Rare Gold Coins Discovered in Karnataka’s Historic Temple Town

Context A significant cache of 500–600-year-old gold ornaments, believed to belong to the Vijayanagara Empire, was recently discovered during a house excavation in Lakkundi, Gadag district, Karnataka Lakkundi Treasure: Key Details Estimated Age: 500–600 years old (14th–16th Century). Composition: Approximately...

Supreme Court Examines Challenge to Muslim Inheritance Law in India

Context The Supreme Court of India is considering a plea challenging provisions of the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 related to inheritance. The petition argues that the law gives Muslim women a smaller share of inheritance than men,...

Regulating Social Media Use Among Children: Challenges and Policy Measures

Context Governments across the world are exploring ways to limit children’s exposure to social media because of growing evidence linking excessive screen use with mental health and learning problems. Governments in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh have announced plans to restrict...

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Modernising Railway Stations Across India

Context A Parliamentary Committee has recommended that the Railways should conduct periodic assessments of passenger satisfaction and undertake post-redevelopment impact evaluations of stations upgraded under the flagship Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. About Amrit Bharat Station Scheme It was launched in...

Prioritising Natural Gas Supplies Amid West Asia Crisis: India’s Energy Strategy

Context The ongoing conflict in West Asia and the disruption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have significantly affected Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) supplies to India. To manage the supply shock and protect essential consumer sectors, the Government...

Posidonia oceanica: Mediterranean Seagrass and Its Ecological Significance

Context Greece has launched a specialized eco-mooring project at Porto Rafti to protect Posidonia oceanica, a seagrass species About Posidonia oceanica Common Name: Neptune Grass or Mediterranean Tapeweed. Endemism: It is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea (found nowhere else). Classification:...

India’s First National Checklist of Fireflies: Key Findings and Significance

Context Researchers have published the first-of-its-kind comprehensive checklist of Indian fireflies in the journal Zootaxa, documenting 92 species across 27 genera based on records spanning from 1881 to 2025. Key Findings of the Study Species Diversity: India is home to...

India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline: Features, Route, and Strategic Significance

Context India has supplied 5,000 metric tonnes of diesel to Bangladesh through the India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline as the neighbouring country faces a fuel shortage amid disruptions in global energy supply linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. India–Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline...