Current Affairs

Tamil Nadu launched its first Dark Sky Park at Ariyur Shola Reserve Forest, Kolli Hills, Namakkal, costing Rs 1 crore, to enable celestial observation with minimal artificial light pollution. It operates 15 January–15 June and is closed during monsoon; lighting is restricted within 1.5 km. Facilities include three telescopes and solar panels. India’s first Dark Sky Park is Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra (fifth in Asia). International Dark Sky Places include parks, reserves and sanctuaries recognised by the International Dark-Sky Association; Hanle is a Dark Sky Reserve.

Union Budget 2026–27 announced deferred Customs Duty payment under the Eligible Manufacturer Importer (EMI) Scheme, a trust-based facilitation by CBIC under Section 47(1) of the Customs Act, 1962 and the Deferred Payment of Import Duty Rules, 2016. It enables eligible manufacturers to clear imports without upfront duty, paying monthly. Applies to compliant AEO-T1 entities (including MSMEs), from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028; applications open 1 March 2026 via AEO portal under WCO framework.

A national programme introduced Gardasil-4, a quadrivalent single-dose HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer; it is 93–100% effective against targeted HPV types. Quadrivalent vaccines induce immunity to four antigens. HPV includes ~200 viruses and is an STI; persistent high-risk infection causes cervical cancer, though ~90% clear naturally. Cervical cancer is 4th in women globally, 2nd in India; India has ~25% of deaths and ranks 4th in morbidity; ~20% of children lose their mother to it.

NASA is restructuring its Artemis lunar programme due to repeated delays. Artemis envisages sending astronauts on increasingly difficult missions to explore more of the Moon. Its stated purposes include scientific discovery, economic benefits, and building a foundation for the first crewed missions to Mars. Artemis I was launched in 2022; Artemis II, Artemis III and Artemis IV are planned for launch.

A study reaffirmed HIV capsid as a viable drug target despite resistance. HIV, a rapidly mutating RNA virus, can evade drugs via mutations during RNA-to-DNA conversion; many capsid mutations are deleterious due to its essential 3D structure. After zidovudine (1987), ART targets multiple proteins. Lenacapavir, a capsid inhibitor, was FDA-approved (2025); low solubility enables 6‑month injection. Resistance mainly arises with monotherapy; with other drugs, control persists; prevention efficacy was 100% in high-risk individuals, and resistant viruses replicate at 20–30%.

Minister of State for Defence inaugurated the restored Chungthang–Lachen road axis and Taram Chu Bridge in North Sikkim. Border Roads Organisation restored 28 km under MoD’s Project Swastik, clearing 96 landslides and undertaking 8 km formation cutting, after disasters (South Lhonak GLOF, Oct 2023; Cyclone Remal, June 2024; cloudbursts, May–June 2025). The 400‑ft Bailey suspension bridge supports civilian and military logistics. Project Swastik began as Project Dragon (1960), renamed 1963; maintains 1,412 km roads, 80 bridges; 65 years in 2025.

Scientists identified a small self-replicating RNA molecule, QT45, supporting the hypothesis that RNA was Earth’s earliest genetic material. QT45 has 45 nucleotides and copies its genetic information by forming a complementary strand, using three nucleotide building blocks, then reconstructing the original; replication takes weeks under special conditions. The finding addresses the DNA/RNA–protein “chicken-and-egg” problem; RNA can store information and catalyse reactions. Miller–Urey (1953) produced amino acids, not DNA/RNA.

Experts report stable White-rumped Vulture populations in Wayanad despite reduced breeding; invasive plants and human activity are affecting nesting areas. White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis; family Accipitridae) is a colonial breeder in tall trees, an obligate scavenger, found mainly in plains and across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Pakistan, Myanmar and Cambodia. It is IUCN Critically Endangered and Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act, 1972); major decline due to veterinary NSAIDs (diclofenac, aceclofenac, ketoprofen) causing kidney failure and visceral gout.

UN Road Safety Fund-funded (2018) “Sustainable Financing for Road Safety in India”, with WHO/UNICEF/UNESCAP, supports action plans in Rajasthan, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam. India reported ~1.68 lakh fatalities (2022–23): 18–45, two-wheelers; overspeeding key cause; ~3% GDP loss. MV (Amend.) Act 2019; NRSS 2018–2030 (50% cut by 2030); IRAD (MoRTH-MHA); 6-year CSS for 14 states (₹7,270 crore; WB, ADB, GoI); Marrakesh Declaration (4th Ministerial, 2025).

The Supreme Court noted that over a decade since introduction, NOTA has had limited impact on political parties’ candidate selection. NOTA, enabling voters to reject all candidates, was mandated in PUCL vs Union of India (2013), directing the Election Commission to add it on EVMs; first used in 2013 Assembly polls in Chhattisgarh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Delhi. It is inapplicable in unopposed elections; even if NOTA tops, next-highest wins. A proposed “50%+1” rule seeks re-election, barring prior candidates; Maharashtra and Haryana SECs order re-polls if NOTA gets a majority.

Supreme Court closed 2021 suo motu proceedings on polluted rivers, transferring primary oversight to the National Green Tribunal, and reiterated Article 21 includes a right to hygienic conditions and clean environment. Polluted river stretch: BOD >3 mg/litre (oxygen needed by aerobic microbes to degrade organic matter). CPCB 2025: 296 stretches on 271 of 645 rivers across 32 States/UTs; Maharashtra 54. Key sources: untreated sewage/effluents, solid waste, runoff, sand mining, encroachment; >60% sewage untreated. Measures: Namami Gange (2014), Yamuna Action Plan (1993), NRCP (non-Ganga), LiDAR/drone drain mapping.

Union Minister of Science and Technology launched the SUJVIKA Portal during the 40th foundation day of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). An AI-driven trade statistics digital intelligence platform, developed with industry partner ABLE, it provides authenticated biotechnology product import data with sector-wise insights. It helps identify high-value/high-volume imports, assess import dependency, and prioritise indigenisation and R&D. DBT (set up 1986) supports life sciences applications, including advanced biofuels and waste-to-energy.

Reports suggest Iran is close to finalising a deal with China to procure CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles, reflecting focus on maritime strike capability. CM-302 is the export variant of China’s YJ-12. It is ~7 m long, 0.7 m diameter, 2000–2500 kg, Mach 2.5–3+, ~290 km range, 250 kg HE warhead; ship/ground launched, sea-skimming; inertial+BeiDou mid-course, active radar terminal; ~90% hit probability.

In the 7th waterbird census at Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve, Assam, the smew (Mergellus albellus; family Anatidae) was sighted for the first time, raising concerns over climate-driven range shifts. A rare winter visitor to India, it inhabits fish-rich freshwater wetlands; breeds in Eurasian taiga; IUCN: Least Concern. The survey covered 166 wetlands across 10 ranges; Rowmari Beel led numbers (15,661) and diversity (77 species). Ramsar Criterion 5: ≥20,000 waterbirds.

National Science Day 2026 was observed on 28 February; instituted by Government of India (1986) to mark C.V. Raman’s Raman Effect discovery (28 February 1928), which won the 1930 Physics Nobel. Raman Effect: wavelength change on scattering through a material. Nodal agency: Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology. Theme 2026: “Women in Science Catalysing Viksit Bharat”.

Union Cabinet approved renaming Kerala as “Keralam”, requiring Parliamentary approval under Article 3. A Bill (introducible in either House) needs the President’s recommendation, is referred to the State Assembly for advisory views, and passes by simple majority; after Presidential assent, changes reflect in the First and Fourth Schedules. Ashoka’s Rock Edict II (257 BC) mentions “Keralaputra”; Kerala formed on 1 November 1956; Malayalam uses “Keralam”.

Prime Minister’s official visit to Israel, amid Gaza conflict, fragile ceasefire and heightened Israel–Iran tensions (including 2025 conflict and US military presence), highlights India–Israel strategic ties. India recognised Israel in 1948; full diplomatic relations began on 29 January 1992 under PM P V Narasimha Rao. Defence links include Israeli supplies in 1962 war and Kargil. Key visits: Ariel Sharon (2003), first Indian PM visit (2017, no Palestine stop), reciprocal (2018). In November 2025, defence pacts were signed and FTA talks initiated; cooperation spans defence, cyber, AI, agriculture, advanced tech and connectivity/economic corridor.

Scientists at SKUAST-Kashmir developed early-maturing wheat varieties Shalimar Wheat-4 (matures last week of May) and Shalimar Wheat-3 (matures first week of June) to stabilise Kashmir’s rice–wheat rotation, where rice fields must be vacated by May–June. SW-3 yields up to 38 q/ha, is biofortified (iron+zinc >40 ppm; protein 12%), and both are yellow-rust resistant, suitable up to ~1,850 m. Developed via conventional cross-breeding with pedigree selection, multi-location testing and farmer trials over 9–10 years.

India and Brazil signed an MoU on rare earths and critical minerals during President Lula da Silva’s state visit to India to strengthen supply chains and strategic cooperation across exploration, mining, processing, refining and recycling. Critical minerals are essential inputs vulnerable to supply disruption/price spikes. India seeks reduced import dependence (notably China) for EVs, electronics, defence and green tech; Brazil seeks investment and value addition. Both target bilateral trade of USD 30 billion by 2030. Rare earths comprise 17 minerals. India’s National Critical Mineral Mission (2024–2031) includes a National Critical Mineral Stockpile.

Union Health Minister launched an indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine in Kasauli. Developed by Central Research Institute, Himachal Pradesh, it protects against tetanus and diphtheria and contains tetanus antigen with a lower diphtheria antigen concentration. Introduced under Universal Immunisation Programme (11 vaccines against 12 diseases), it replaces Tetanus Toxoid for all age groups including pregnant women; WHO advised this in 2006, NTAGI endorsed it; 133 countries have adopted it.

Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and CSIR signed a cooperation arrangement granting Brazil access to India’s Traditional Knowledge Digital Library (TKDL) for patent examination and grant procedures. TKDL, established in 2001 by the Government of India via CSIR–Ministry of AYUSH collaboration, is a prior-art database to prevent erroneous patents and misappropriation, covering Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Yoga, in five languages, via NDAs; access now extends to 18 patent offices.

Severe illness after seafood at a Vizhinjam restaurant is suspected due to tetrodotoxin (TTX) contamination. TTX is a highly potent, naturally occurring, non-protein, heat-stable marine neurotoxin produced by symbiotic bacteria; found in pufferfish and some marine organisms. Cooking/freezing do not destroy it. It blocks voltage-gated sodium channels causing numbness, vomiting, weakness, paralysis and respiratory failure. No antidote; supportive/respiratory care. WHO flags it as a serious seafood-poisoning risk.

Scientists at ICAR-Directorate of Floricultural Research, Pune identified Contarinia icardiflores as a new blossom midge pest of jasmine (Jasminum sambac) in India. About 1.5–2 mm, its larvae feed inside flower buds causing swelling, discolouration and rotting before blossoming; life cycle 16–21 days. It is genetically distinct from Contarinia maculipennis (mitochondrial COI sequencing). Emerging threat in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

At the International Energy Agency’s annual ministerial meeting in Paris, progress was noted on India’s request for full membership; India is currently an Association Country. The IEA, created in 1974 after the 1973 oil crisis, is a Paris-based autonomous intergovernmental organisation. It has 32 members (all OECD). It ensures energy security, promotes development and sustainability, publishes World Energy Outlook and Oil Market Report, and coordinates emergency responses and clean energy transition.

India and France signed a Protocol to amend the Double Taxation Avoidance Convention (DTAC) signed in 1992. DTAA/DTAC prevents double taxation on income of individuals or businesses. Amendments remove the Most Favoured Nation clause, reducing ambiguity in treaty benefits; MFN is a WTO principle of equal favourable terms for members. The Protocol also incorporates BEPS Multilateral Instrument provisions (in force 2018; effective 2019) to curb OECD-G20 BEPS base erosion and profit shifting.