Current Affairs [Top Questions]

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Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) was found non-compliant in stopping untreated sewage from entering Powai Lake. National Green Tribunal (NGT) committee recommended a fine of Rs 5 lakh per month per inlet if the action plan is violated. Powai Lake is an artificial lake in northern Mumbai, Maharashtra. It lies near Western Ghats and has a catchment area of 6.6 square kilometres.

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Fresh lava fountains erupted from Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano, almost a year after its ongoing eruptive phase began. Kilauea is one of the world’s most active volcanoes, located in the southeastern part of Hawaii Island, United States. It is a shield-type volcano, formed due to the Hawaiian hot spot. The summit caldera contains the lava lake Halema‘uma‘u, considered the home of the Hawaiian volcano goddess, Pele.

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India’s resolution on “Strengthening the Global Management of Wildfires” was adopted at the 7th Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) in Nairobi, Kenya. The resolution received wide support from UN Member States, emphasizing global recognition of wildfire threats. India highlighted that wildfires are a pressing global environmental challenge, increasing in number, scale, and intensity beyond seasonal patterns. The resolution aims to enhance international cooperation and coordinated action for wildfire management. India referenced UNEP’s report “Spreading Like Wildfire”, warning wildfires could rise by 14% by 2030, 30% by 2050, and 50% by 2100 if trends continue.

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Indian Army received the last 3 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, completing a fleet of 6, based at 451 Army Aviation Squadron, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). AH-64E Apache, also called Apache Guardian, is the most advanced multi-role combat helicopter in the world. It performs advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions. It was developed by the United States. AH-64E is the latest and most upgraded version used by the United States Army.

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National Farmers Day, also called Kisan Diwas, is observed on 23 December 2025. The day honours Indian farmers and commemorates the birth anniversary of Chaudhary Charan Singh, a champion of agrarian reforms. It highlights farmers’ role in food security, rural development, and economic growth, recognising them as nation builders. Agriculture continues to provide food, raw materials, and employment to millions of people.

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Puri city in Odisha has been officially upgraded from a municipality to a Municipal Corporation, becoming the 6th city in the state with this status. The upgrade was notified by the Housing and Urban Development Department. Other municipal corporations in Odisha are Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. The move aims to improve civic amenities, infrastructure, and services for residents, pilgrims, and visitors. It will also allow access to central schemes for pilgrim centres and major urban areas. Four towns—Loisingha, Chandikhol, Jashipur, and Basta—were declared Notified Area Councils (NACs), and Berhampur Municipal Corporation jurisdiction was expanded.

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Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin announced an annual literary award named “Semmozhi Illakiya Virudhu (Classical Language Literary Award)”. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh for each language. In the first phase, awards will be given for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Odiya, Bengali, and Marathi. The initiative was announced following cancellation of the Sahitya Akademi awards due to alleged political intervention by the Union Culture Ministry. The state government will act as patron, while independent experts will handle the selection process.

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The All India Football Federation appointed Amelia Valverde as head coach of the senior Indian women’s football team. Amelia Valverde is 39 years old and hails from Costa Rica. She has joined the Indian team camp in Antalya, Türkiye. The team is preparing for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026. The tournament is scheduled to be held in March 2026. Her appointment aims to strengthen the performance of the Indian women’s team, also known as the Blue Tigresses.

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The red-eared slider turtle, spread through the pet trade, is threatening freshwater bodies in Coimbatore. It is among the world’s most widely introduced freshwater turtles, found on all continents except Antarctica. This predominantly aquatic species is identified by red stripes behind each ear. It is highly adaptable, survives harsh conditions, and thrives in non-native habitats. It lives 20–50 years in the wild and is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

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The Gandak River, flowing along the India–Nepal border through West Champaran in Bihar, has become the second-largest habitat of gharials after the Chambal River. Sustained conservation efforts by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) and the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have driven this recovery. Adult gharial numbers in the Gandak increased from 54 in 2015 to over 400 in 2025, while the total population including juveniles crossed 1,000. The Chambal River remains the largest habitat with over 2,400 gharials.