CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
In line with the Union Budget 2026–27 announcement by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has introduced a new facilitation measure enabling deferred payment of Customs duty for a newly notified category of importers called Eligible Manufacturer Importers (EMIs). The guidelines have been issued through Circular No. 08/2026-Customs dated 28 February 2026. Key Features of the EMI Scheme Under Read More …
Scotland has become the first country in the United Kingdom to legalise water cremation, introducing a major change to funeral practices. The process, known as alkaline hydrolysis, offers families a third option alongside burial and traditional flame-based cremation. What Is Water Cremation? Under alkaline hydrolysis: Supporters describe the move as the most significant reform to cremation law since it was first introduced in 1902. Environmental Considerations Water cremation is often Read More …
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader since 1989, has been killed in US and Israeli airstrikes at the age of 86. Early Life and Revolution 1981 Assassination Attempt Rise to Power Regional and Global Role Governance Style Supreme Leader of Iran Sources: IE,
India and Canada have signed a landmark uranium supply agreement worth $2.6 billion, strengthening long-term cooperation in civil nuclear energy and ensuring fuel security for India’s expanding nuclear power programme. Under the agreement, Canadian mining giant Cameco will supply 22 million pounds (around 10,000 tonnes) of uranium to India between 2027 and 2035. Boost to India’s Civil Nuclear Programme The deal will provide a stable and long-term supply of uranium Read More …
Assam Agriculture Minister Atul Bora flagged off the first export consignment of GI-tagged Karbi Anglong Ginger to London. This marks the first time that ginger from Karbi Anglong district has been exported to the international market. The consignment was sent to London, signalling a new beginning for the district’s farmers. Boost to Farmers Karbi Anglong ginger is known for its superior quality, strong aroma, and high fibre content. The export Read More …
Indian scientists have played a key role in overturning a nearly five-decade-old model explaining how bacteria regulate gene expression, challenging long-standing textbook concepts in molecular biology. A new study led by researchers from the Bose Institute, an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), in collaboration with Rutgers University, has questioned the widely accepted “sigma (σ) cycle” model of bacterial gene regulation. The findings were published in Read More …
An indigenously developed 30 kW Wide Band Gap (WBG)-based Integrated Drive System (IDS) for electric vehicle (EV) applications was launched in Chennai on 2 March, marking a significant step in strengthening India’s power electronics ecosystem. The advanced drive system has been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) and Lucas TVS under the National Mission on Read More …
India and Canada on March 2 signed a landmark $2.6 billion uranium supply agreement, marking a significant step forward in bilateral relations and clean energy cooperation. The agreement was signed during talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Mark Carney at Hyderabad House in the national capital. Long-Term Fuel Security for Nuclear Energy The uranium supply deal will ensure a long-term and reliable fuel source for India’s Read More …
Researchers at Nagaland University have conducted an extensive study on the genetic diversity of Musa sikkimensis, a wild banana species native to the Eastern Himalayas and Northeast India, highlighting its importance for climate resilience, food security and sustainable agricultural development. Commonly known as the ‘Darjeeling banana’ or ‘Sikkim banana’, Musa sikkimensis is a wild-seeded species that serves as a vital genetic reservoir. According to the research team, it possesses valuable Read More …
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed two major contracts worth ₹5,083 crore to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and the Indian Navy. ₹2,901 Crore Deal for ALH Mk-III (Maritime Role) The MoD has signed a ₹2,901 crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru for the procurement of six Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in the Maritime Role (MR) configuration for the Indian Coast Guard. Read More …
A team of ichthyologists from Europe, America and India has discovered Gitchak nakana, the first aquifer-dwelling (phreatobitic) fish recorded from Northeast India. The finding marks the first report of previously unknown subterranean fauna from this part of Asia. The discovery was published on February 26 in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports. Key Features of the Species Among the more than 300 known subterranean fish species worldwide, fewer than 10% Read More …
National Science Day was celebrated across the country on February 28 to mark the discovery of the Raman Effect by eminent physicist C. V. Raman. The day is observed annually on February 28, commemorating Raman’s groundbreaking discovery, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1930. National Science Day celebrations include theme-based science communication programmes, exhibitions, lectures, and outreach activities conducted nationwide. Theme for 2026 The theme Read More …
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 28 February launched the nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination Campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, Rajasthan, marking a historic milestone in India’s fight against cervical cancer. India’s HPV Vaccination Programme India’s national programme uses Gardasil-4 (Quadrivalent: HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18) in a single-dose schedule, aligned with global scientific evidence and WHO recommendations. The campaign will cover girls aged 14 years (those who Read More …
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 28 February released nine cheetahs brought from Botswana into quarantine enclosures at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh as part of Project Cheetah. The cheetahs will undergo acclimatisation and health monitoring before being gradually released into the larger landscape. With this addition, India now hosts 48 cheetahs, including 28 India-born cubs, officials said. Strengthening Global Collaboration India had initiated Read More …
A new study published in the International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction (March 2026) has warned that the saddle dam of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is showing critical signs of instability, raising concerns over potential geohazard risks for downstream countries. Key Findings Regional Implications Experts warn that a failure of the saddle dam could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream, threatening millions of people in Sudan and Egypt, both Read More …