Current Affairs

National Zoological Park marked World Wildlife Day 2026 via awareness/outreach. Observed annually on 3 March, it was established by UNGA (2013) and commemorates CITES signing (1973), recognising wild animals/plants’ contributions. Theme 2026: “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”; ~50,000–70,000 wild species harvested; 70–95% in developing countries rely on plant-based medicine; >20% medicinal plants threatened (habitat loss, overharvesting, climate change). UN Postal Administration issued Endangered Species Stamp Series 2026; UN held virtual talks (frankincense, jatamansi, chamomile); Jia Yoo (South Korea) won Youth Art Contest (4,200+ entries, 117 countries). India highlighted National Medicinal Plants Board work in Himalayas/Western Ghats, including Valley of Flowers and Periyar Tiger Reserve; Australia focused on Waddy wood tree and Davidson’s plum.

Union Home Minister greeted devotees on Attukal Pongala, a major Kerala Hindu festival at Attukal Bhagavathy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. Dedicated to Attukal Amma (incarnation of Goddess Bhadrakali), it is recognised as the world’s largest women’s religious congregation (over three million), popularly called “Sabarimala of Women”. The 10-day festival begins on Karthigai star in Makaram/Kumbham; Pongala Mahotsavam is on day nine and concludes with Kuruthitharpanam. It is linked to Kannaki of Silappathikaaram, believed to have passed through Attukal after burning Madurai en route to Kodungallur.

IIT Madras study found 24.6% of Indian breast cancer patients carry inherited (germline) risk variants; BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations were 8.35%, indicating major risk beyond BRCA. India records ~1.9 lakh new cases annually; >10% are linked to inherited mutations. Many variants involved homologous recombination repair; 31 HRR and 41 other variants were absent in global databases. RECQL variants occurred in 1.7% (higher in South Asians). Bharat Cancer Genome Atlas (IIT Madras) supports precision medicine.

Astronomers released the largest image of the Milky Way’s central region using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) via the ACES survey, mapping the Central Molecular Zone in unprecedented detail over >650 light years. ALMA, operational since 2013, is a 66-antenna interferometer in Chile’s Atacama Desert (Chajnantor Plateau, ~5,000 m), led by ESO, US NSF and Japan’s NINS with Chile. It observes 0.32–3.6 mm wavelengths (baseline up to 16 km) using the ALMA Correlator, detecting cold gas filaments, molecules (silicon monoxide, methanol, ethanol, acetone) and lower star formation despite high gas density.

Recent armed clashes and cross-border strikes between Pakistan and Afghanistan underscore the strategic salience of the disputed Durand Line, a ~2,600 km land border. It was established in 1893 via an agreement between Sir Henry Mortimer Durand (British India) and Emir Abdur Rahman Khan, demarcating spheres of influence. It runs from Iran to China across the Karakoram and Registan, cuts Pashtun regions, and includes key crossings: Torkham (Nangarhar–Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Ghulam Khan (Khost–North Waziristan) and Chaman–Spin Boldak (Balochistan–Kandahar; Quetta–Kandahar link).

Rural India studies detected pesticides, heavy metals, uranium and other pollutants in breast milk, indicating infant exposure; at least 101 contaminants, including carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, were reported. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months. Uranium‑238 contaminates groundwater; WHO guideline 30 µg/L. 151 districts across 18 states exceeded it; Katihar, Bihar recorded 5.25 µg/L; higher in Punjab, Haryana, Telangana, Delhi and Rajasthan.

PM paid tribute to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur on his 350th martyrdom anniversary at “Hind-di-Chadar”, recalling his sacrifice for religious freedom. The 9th Sikh Guru (1664–1675), born 1 April 1621 at Amritsar as Tyag Mal, youngest son of Guru Hargobind, contributed 115 hymns to Guru Granth Sahib and founded Anandpur (1672). Executed in Delhi on 11 November 1675 under Aurangzeb; Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib marks the site. Martyrdom is observed on 24 November via Shaheedi Samagam.

TU Wien researchers and startup Cerabyte created the world’s smallest QR code, earning a Guinness World Records title, demonstrating ultra-dense ceramic-based data storage. The ~2 square micrometre code (smaller than a bacterium) is a 29×29 pixel grid; each pixel ~49 nm. Made on ~15 nm chromium nitride ceramic via focused ion beam milling, verified by scanning electron microscope. Data is physically etched, power-free; A4 ceramic sheet >2 TB (~130 bits/µm²).

India–Canada ties, designated a Strategic Partnership (2018), were strengthened through agreements on trade, energy and institutional mechanisms. Terms of Reference were signed for the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Bilateral merchandise trade is ~US$8–9 billion annually, with a US$50 billion target by 2030. A long-term contract with Canada’s Cameco for uranium ore concentrates was finalised. An MoU on critical minerals supply chains and intent for a Joint Pulse Protein Centre were issued. Canada joined the Global Biofuels Alliance and International Solar Alliance, and launched a Parliamentary Friendship Group and Defence Dialogue.

Trade arrangements: zero-duty access to ~70% of global GDP. Exports Apr–Jan FY26: USD 720.76 bn (+6.15% YoY). Electronics 3rd export/2nd mobile-manufacturing base; refined petroleum 7th exporter; pharma 3rd by volume, 11th by value; textiles 6th share; auto jobs >30 mn. Defence exports ₹23,622 cr (FY25) to 100+ countries. Export Promotion Mission ₹25,060 cr (FY26–31): Niryat Protsahan, Niryat Disha, FLOW, LIFT, TRACE; plus PLI, India Semiconductor Mission 2.0, ECM ₹40,000 cr, PM E-DRIVE ₹10,900 cr.

India renewed its Bilateral Swap Arrangement (BSA) with Japan, effective 28 February 2026. The BSA enables a two-way swap where both authorities can exchange their local currencies for the US Dollar, with the size unchanged at USD 75 billion. A currency swap is an agreement between two central banks to exchange cash flows in different currencies under predetermined conditions. India also has SAARC CSA (2024-27), India-UAE CSA and India-Sri Lanka CSA.

A study warns over one-third of Africa is at risk from Cassava Brown Streak Disease (CBSD), a viral disease threatening cassava in East and Southern Africa, potentially causing 100% edible root yield loss via vascular necrosis. It is caused by cassava brown streak virus and Ugandan cassava brown streak virus, spread mainly by whitefly Bemisia tabaci (SSA1/SSA2), aided by climate change, agricultural intensification, and reuse of infected cuttings. Management includes clean resistant/tolerant planting material, roguing infected plants, and whitefly control; Ethiopia is among few East African countries without reported cases.

An adult male tiger (6–7 years) was found dead near the Mala forest range of Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh. The reserve lies along the India–Nepal border in the Himalayan foothills, part of the Terai Arc Landscape (upper Gangetic Plain). Gomti originates here; Sharda, Chuka and Mala Khannot are in its catchment. Sharda Sagar Dam runs ~22 km along its boundary. Forests include moist/dry deciduous, seasonal swamp and semi-evergreen; sal covers ~76%, supporting tiger, swamp deer, Bengal florican, hog deer and leopard.

Odisha’s Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary (Bargarh; near Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi) will host the 2nd, two-day Indian Bison Fest, highlighting gaur and biodiversity. Hirakud is India’s longest dam and the world’s longest earthen dam. Barapathara was a base of Veer Surendra Sai. Mixed/dry deciduous forests; flora: sal, asana, bija, aanla, dhaura. Fauna: leopard, sloth bear, chousingha, sambar, gaur, wild boar, wild dog. Wintering birds: crested serpent eagle, flower peckers, red-vented bulbul, tree pie, drongo, oriental white-eye.

IMD’s monthly seasonal outlook forecasts above-normal heatwave days across most of India during March–May. Established in 1875, IMD functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with headquarters in New Delhi, headed by the Director General of Meteorology. It runs observation stations in India and Antarctica, six regional centres (Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Calcutta, Nagpur, Guwahati), issues severe-weather warnings, and serves as a WMO RSMC, including for Northern Indian Ocean cyclones.

Researchers found stone fragments of a 12th-century temple-style pillar near the Vena River at Hinganghat, Maharashtra. The Yadava-era remains, carved in locally available black basalt, include a finely carved lotus motif, indicating advanced stone craftsmanship. The pillar may have belonged to the sabhamandap or stood before the garbhagriha; another piece appears to be a pedestal. Carvings match Hemadpanti style (interlocking stones without lime) amid Vidarbha’s Yadava-era cultural-commercial flourishing.

United States Food and Drug Administration approved zongertinib (Hernexeos) as first-line targeted therapy for adults with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) having HER2/ERBB2 tyrosine kinase domain mutations. A tyrosine kinase inhibitor, it blocks enzymes that transmit cell-growth signals, preventing cancer proliferation. Earlier used after progression on prior therapy, it showed ~76% tumour reduction in untreated patients versus 30–45% with standard treatment.

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.