Best Current Affairs Questions

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The Maasai tribe in Tanzania is resisting international carbon credit projects, fearing land loss and threats to their traditional way of life. The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists and a prominent indigenous community in East Africa, primarily in Tanzania and Kenya. They speak Maa, a Nilo-Saharan language, and are known for their distinct dress, beadwork, and warrior traditions. Their society follows a patrilineal structure with age-set systems, transitioning from junior warriors to senior elders. They rely on livestock for meat, milk, and blood, practice transhumance, and live in kraals with mud-dung houses and thorn fences.

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The Saudagari block print from Jamalpur, Ahmedabad, has received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its unique craftsmanship. This traditional art is done by hand on fabric, showcasing intricate designs. Saudagari block prints are widely used in kurtis, chunris, kurtas, dhotis, turbans, and shawls. The Chhipa community, known for its expertise in printing, plays a key role in this craft. The GI tag recognizes Saudagari block printing as an important part of Gujarat’s cultural heritage, preserving its legacy and promoting artisans.

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The European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Biomass satellite mission by the end of April 2025 using the Vega C rocket from French Guiana. Biomass is the seventh Earth Explorer satellite under ESA’s climate and Earth systems programme. It will study global forests, measuring carbon levels and forest health to understand their role in the carbon cycle. The satellite uses radar to quantify forest biomass and carbon content from space. It will also create detailed 3D models of forest structures and monitor changes over time, helping climate research and forest conservation efforts.

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India, along with 62 countries, supported the world’s first global carbon tax on the shipping sector, approved by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is the global body that adopted the first global carbon tax on the shipping industry. A Carbon Tax is a type of environmental tax charged on the carbon content in fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas. It aims to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by making pollution more expensive and promoting clean energy alternatives. The tax is calculated based on the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or other GHGs released. It encourages a market-based climate solution, making industries shift to greener practices.

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Bihar will host the 7th edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 from 4th to 15th May in cities like Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. The mascot “Gajsimha” represents the strength of an elephant and the courage of a lion, inspired by the Pala dynasty’s heritage seen in Nalanda and Bodhgaya. The KIYG 2025 logo reflects Bihar’s rich culture with vibrant orange colours symbolizing enthusiasm and nature. More than 10,000 delegates will attend and 27 sports disciplines will be featured, including volleyball, football, basketball, boxing, kabaddi, athletics, Sepak Takraw, and indigenous games like Malkhamb

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The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), Kozhikode, has developed a new turmeric variety called IISR Surya for the masala industry. IISR Surya has a light-coloured rhizome suited for modern turmeric powder production. It was developed after ten years of focused research by IISR scientists through clonal selection from their turmeric germplasm conservatory. The variety offers a 20% to 30% higher yield than existing light-coloured types and can yield up to 41 tonnes per hectare. It contains 2% to 3% curcumin, matching other light-coloured varieties. IISR Surya is recommended for cultivation in Kerala, Telangana, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Arunachal Pradesh. It aims to help farmers, reduce market shortages, and support both domestic and export demand.

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NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint satellite mission by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It is set to be launched in June 2025 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II). This is the first radar-based Earth observation mission jointly developed by India and the United States. NISAR will map the entire Earth’s surface every 12 days to provide frequent and accurate data. It will track ecosystem changes, ice movements, vegetation shifts, sea level rise, groundwater levels, and natural disasters like earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and landslides.

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South Eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) has become the first coal Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) in India to adopt Paste Fill Technology in underground mining. Paste Fill Technology is a modern method used in underground mining to fill the empty spaces left after coal extraction. The paste used is made by mixing crushed overburden from opencast mines, fly ash, cement, water, and binding chemicals. This technique eliminates the need for acquiring additional surface land. It also helps prevent land subsidence, making mining operations more environmentally friendly and safe.

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The Jwaneng Diamond Mine in Botswana is currently the richest diamond mine in the world, with an estimated value of 1 billion euros. It is famously known as the ‘Prince of Mines’ and is located near the edge of the Kalahari Desert. The mine lies in an ancient volcanic crater about 170 kilometers southwest of Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. It is operated by Debswana, a joint venture between De Beers, a leading global diamond company, and the Government of Botswana. Jwaneng means “a place of gems” in the Setswana language. The mine sits on a kimberlite pipe, a volcanic formation that brings diamonds from deep inside the Earth to the surface. The site was discovered by De Beers in the 1970s and has been in operation since 1982. The recent highlight of its value and global importance makes it a key player in the international diamond industry.

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World Day for Animals in Laboratories is observed annually on April 24. It raises awareness about the suffering of animals used in scientific testing and research. It was introduced in 1979 by the National Anti-Vivisection Society, it is recognized by many countries and animal rights groups as a symbol of compassion and a call for change in scientific experimentation. The date was chosen in honor of Lord Hugh Dowding, a prominent advocate for animal rights.