Current Affairs

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.

Gujarat proposed 2026 amendments to marriage registration rules under the Gujarat Marriage Registration Act 2006 and Special Marriage Act 1954. Couples must declare if parents were informed and upload parents’ Aadhaar, address and contact; Assistant Registrar must notify parents within 10 working days, with registration only after 30 days via an online portal. Stated aim: curb fraudulent marriages/deceptive certificates; concerns raised under Article 21. Precedents: Laxmibai Chandaragi (2021), Shafin Jahan (2018), Lata Singh (2006); Delhi HC (2009) and Allahabad HC (2021).

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy first tested the Sayyad-3G advanced naval surface-to-air missile, boosting maritime air defence in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. Developed by Iran, it has ~150 km range and Mach 4.5–5.1 speed, with vertical launch (360° coverage). It uses inertial mid-course guidance and radar terminal homing, works networked or via ship radar, launches from Shahid Sayyad Shirazi (Shahid Soleimani-class), and targets aircraft, UAVs and cruise missiles; the “G” variant suits humid, corrosive seas (vs 2016 land-based Sayyad 3).

The Union Cabinet cleared the Kerala Nativity Card Bill to legally back issuance of a permanent nativity card as authoritative identity proof for Keralites, with photograph, modelled on the nativity certificate. Eligible: persons born in Kerala; those with Kerala-born ancestors; and those born outside Kerala due to parents’ livelihood migration, if foreign citizenship not accepted. Card void on accepting foreign citizenship. Collector can review RDO orders. Penalty: up to 3 months jail or ₹5,000 fine. Requires Assembly passage and Governor’s assent.

Ferruginous Pochard/White-eyed Pochard (Aythya nyroca) is a diving duck and wetland specialist of shallow, heavily vegetated wetlands, historically widespread across Eurasia and North Africa. Adults show a dark chestnut head/breast, white undertail patch and broad white wing stripe; breeding males have white iris. Omnivorous; dives/upends for plants, seeds, molluscs, small fish. Nests concealed near water or floating in reed beds. IUCN: Near Threatened; threats include habitat loss, human disturbance and hybridisation.

Indian film Boong, a Manipuri-language movie directed by Lakshmipriya Devi, won the BAFTA award for Best Children’s & Family Film in London. The award is hosted annually by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), established in 1947 in the United Kingdom. BAFTA honours excellence in film, television, games and children’s media. Boong depicts a boy’s quest to reunite his broken family amid conflict in Manipur.

Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) is a rail-based semi high-speed commuter transit system improving connectivity within the National Capital Region with seamless travel to Delhi. It runs up to 180 kmph, serving longer-distance travel with fewer stops than metro, and high-frequency point-to-point services on dedicated pathways unlike conventional rail. Implemented by NCRTC (Centre, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi), the Delhi–Meerut corridor cuts travel from 3 hours to ~60 minutes. Electric traction reduces private car dependence; women form the majority of train operators and station control staff.

The Election Commission announced biennial elections for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states. Rajya Sabha is a permanent House not subject to dissolution; one-third of members retire every second year, and each member’s tenure is six years. Elections are indirect, using proportional representation by single transferable vote, under Article 80(4). Members are elected by elected State MLAs; for NCT of Delhi, Puducherry and Jammu & Kashmir, by elected UT Assembly members.

Union Cabinet approved ₹1 lakh crore Urban Challenge Fund (UCF), a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, to support market-driven urban infrastructure; total targeted investment ₹4 lakh crore. Centre funds 25%; cities raise minimum 50% via municipal bonds/bank loans/PPP; balance 25% by ULBs/states. Period 2025–26 to 2030–31, extendable to 2033–34. Pillars: growth hubs, creative redevelopment, water and sanitation. Projects via challenge-based selection; excludes AMRUT 2.0/SBM 2.0. Credit guarantee for NE/hilly and <1 lakh population cities under ₹5,000 crore scheme; Central guarantee up to ₹7 crore or 70% of loan.

South African cheetah Gamini delivered three cubs in Kuno National Park, raising India’s cheetah count to 38 under Project Cheetah. Kuno lies in Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh (Vindhyan Hills); notified a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 and upgraded to national park in December 2018; Kuno River (Chambal tributary) flows through it. Project Cheetah (17 September 2022) is run by NTCA, MoEFCC, with Cheetah Conservation Fund support. Asiatic cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus venaticus) is Critically Endangered and extinct in India since 1952; African cheetah is Vulnerable.