CURRENT AFFAIRS DESTINATION FOR UPSC & STATE CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATIONS
Researchers have unearthed 1.52-million-year-old fossils near Lake Turkana in northern Kenya, belonging to the extinct human relative Paranthropus boisei, revealing key insights into its anatomy and lifestyle. Major Discovery Key Findings About Paranthropus boisei Evolutionary Context Lake Turkana Source: Nature
Researchers analysing data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Swarm mission have reported that the South Atlantic Anomaly (SAA) — the region of weakest intensity in Earth’s magnetic field — has expanded slightly since 2014, now covering 0.9% more of the Earth’s surface than a decade ago. What is the South Atlantic Anomaly? Cause of the Weak Spot Swarm Mission and Observations Significance Source: ESA
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have for the first time observed a ring system in the process of formation and evolution around a small icy body named Chiron, which orbits the Sun between Saturn and Uranus. Discovery and Observation The findings, based on observations from 2023 using the Pico dos Dias Observatory in Brazil, were combined with earlier data collected in 2011, 2018, and 2022.Researchers found that Chiron is encircled Read More …
Scientists have discovered a new phase of matter called the Time Rondeau Crystal (TRC). Unlike ordinary matter — which shows order in space — the TRC exhibits order in time. Understanding the Concept Type of Matter Order Exists In Key Property Example Solid (Crystal) Space Atoms arranged in a repeating spatial pattern Ice, diamond Liquid None (disordered) No fixed arrangement Water Time Crystal Time Motion repeats perfectly at fixed intervals Read More …
A new report by GRAIN, an international non-profit organization focused on food sovereignty and peasant rights, has warned that Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) are increasingly being used by developed countries to enforce stringent intellectual property (IP) rules on seeds and biodiversity. The Role of UPOV 1991 Convention Impact on Global South India’s Stand and Legal Framework Broader Implications (Source: DTE)
Google, in collaboration with Yale University, has introduced an advanced Artificial Intelligence model named Cell2Sentence-Scale 27B (C2S-Scale). The model achieved a rare milestone in AI research — proposing a potential drug combination for cancer detection that was previously unknown to human experts, and which proved effective in laboratory conditions. About the C2S-Scale 27B Model Objective and Functioning Data and Methodology Key Discovery: Silmitasertib Significance and Future Implications (Source: TH)
Researchers at the Raman Research Institute (RRI) have devised a simple yet highly effective method to detect toxic molecules at extremely low concentrations by harnessing the coffee-stain effect—a common daily phenomenon.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences has awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 to: Citation: “For the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs).” About the Discovery: Metal–Organic Frameworks (MOFs) The Nobel laureates developed molecular constructions with large internal spaces through which gases and chemicals can flow.These structures, known as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are crystalline materials consisting of: The combination forms highly porous structures with enormous internal surface areas — often Read More …
The US federal government’s fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30 of the following year. For the government to function, a funding legislation (budget) outlining spending limits for all federal agencies must be: This legislation enables the government to meet its expenses for the fiscal year. Continuing Resolution (CR) If a full-year funding bill is not passed, Congress may approve a continuing resolution (CR), a short-term funding measure Read More …
Scientists have warned that the Amazon’s “flying rivers” — invisible streams of moisture that carry rain across South America — are weakening due to deforestation and climate change. The decline threatens to disrupt forests, agriculture, and hydropower, with far-reaching effects across the continent. What Are “Flying Rivers”? “Flying rivers” are vast airborne streams of moisture that transport rainfall from the Atlantic Ocean westward across the Amazon Basin. This continuous process Read More …
The fourth edition of ‘Children in India 2025’, first published in 2008, was released by the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation during the 29th Conference of Central and State Statistical Organisations (CoCSSO) on September 25, 2025, in Chandigarh. Rising Health Concerns The report highlights alarming health trends among children: Newborn Mortality Prematurity and low birth weight remain the leading causes of newborn deaths in the first 29 days, Read More …
Experts warn that global maize productivity could decline by up to 24% by the late 21st century under the SSP585 high-emissions scenario, which assumes continued heavy fossil fuel use. Such a drop poses serious risks to global food security, given maize’s central role in food, feed, and industry. Discovery of Plant Communication A recent study by researchers from Zhejiang University (China) in collaboration with partners from the Netherlands and Switzerland, Read More …
The ATA Carnet is an international uniform customs document that allows duty-free and tax-free temporary admission of goods into a member country. It is accepted in 79 countries, including India, all of which are parties to the Customs Convention on ATA Carnet.
The Karnataka High Court has dismissed a petition filed by X Corporation challenging the Union government’s ‘Sahyog’ portal, a platform used to issue content takedown orders to internet intermediaries. Court’s Observation The court held that social media content must be regulated and cannot be left in a “state of anarchic freedom.” It described the Sahyog portal as a valid “instrument of public good” and upheld the government’s mechanism. Legal Battle Read More …
The Delhi government has announced a time-bound feasibility study on the use of “smog-eating” photocatalytic coatings on roads, pavements, and public spaces to reduce air pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and harmful hydrocarbons. MoU for Field Trials The Environment Department has been directed to sign an MoU with a reputed scientific institution within 30 days to conduct field trials and evaluation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂)-based surfaces. TiO2 creates hydroxyl Read More …