Best Current Affairs Questions

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India and the U.S. agreed to co-produce sonobuoys for the Indian Navy’s Undersea Domain Awareness (UDA). Sonobuoys are electro-mechanical acoustic sensors used to detect submarines and ships underwater. They are dropped by naval helicopters or aircraft, deploy automatically upon hitting water, and use inflatable systems for surface communication. Sensors descend to a specific depth to relay underwater acoustic data. Sonobuoys can be used in active or passive modes for tracking. Deploying multiple sonobuoys in a pattern allows precise location tracking of submarines, enhancing naval capabilities.

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Researchers at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, China, developed Electrokinetic Mining (EKM) for eco-friendly extraction of rare earth elements (REEs). EKM uses an electric field to concentrate REEs, simplifying their separation. REEs are 17 metallic elements with critical properties for modern technologies, including magnetic, electronic, and chemical applications. EKM relies on electrokinetics, which involves the movement of particles or fluids under an electric field to extract REEs from ore.

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A rare Umamaheshwara metal sculpture was found in Taggunje, Ajri village, Udupi district, Karnataka. Likely made in the 17th century using a 12th-century style, the idol is crafted from five metals. The sculpture uniquely combines Shaiva-Shaktha and Naga cult traditions. Lord Shiva is depicted seated with Parvati on his lap, Ganesha on the right, Shanmukha on the left, and Nandi below. Shiva’s features include Jatamukuta, a third eye, a parashu, a deer, and a five-headed serpent umbrella. The platform inscription in 17th-century Kannada mentions the use of 3 gadhyanas of gold (14% gold content).

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Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated India’s first CSIR Mega Innovation Complex in Mumbai on January 17 through virtual mode. The facility supports startups, MSMEs, industries, CSIR labs, and public research institutions. It provides high-end scientific infrastructure, regulatory support, and expertise for SOP-driven studies and compliance. Focus areas include healthcare, chemicals, energy, and materials, fostering collaboration and innovation. This milestone strengthens India’s position as a global leader in science, technology, and startups, contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.

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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) restrained the Andhra Pradesh Government from proceeding with six infrastructure projects in Kolleru wetland. Kolleru Lake is a large, shallow freshwater lake in northeastern Andhra Pradesh. It lies between the Krishna and Godavari deltas near Eluru. It is Asia’s largest shallow freshwater lake, covering 308 sq. km. It acts as a flood-balancing reservoir and drains into the Bay of Bengal via the Upputeru River. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1999 and a Ramsar Site in 2002. It is an Important Bird Area (IBA) on the Central Asian Flyway, hosting species like Siberian cranes, pelicans, and painted storks.

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A magnitude-7.6 earthquake struck the Caribbean Sea southwest of the Cayman Islands. The Cayman Islands is a British overseas territory in the Caribbean, located south of Cuba and northwest of Jamaica. It consists of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. The islands are peaks of the Cayman Ridge, an underwater mountain range. Known for coral reefs, clear waters, and white sand beaches, Grand Cayman is the largest and most populous island. The territory covers 264 sq. km, with George Town as its capital.

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Global Tourism Resilience Day is observed every year on February 17 to highlight the tourism sector’s resilience and adaptability. The day stresses the importance of a strong tourism industry that can recover from setbacks and support economic growth, cultural exchange, and sustainability. Tourism remains vulnerable to global challenges like pandemics, economic crises, and climate change. Established by the UN General Assembly, the day promotes strategies for recovery and collaboration. In 2025, the UN is hosting a global discussion on climate action to advance climate-resilient tourism.

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India and the US plan to procure and co-produce Javelin anti-tank guided missiles for India’s defense needs. Javelin is a man-portable, fire-and-forget missile designed to destroy heavily armored vehicles. It was developed by US defense companies Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. The missile is effective against main battle tanks, lighter military vehicles, bunkers, fortifications, and helicopters.

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Indonesia won its first gold at the Asia Mixed Team Badminton Championship, defeating China 3-1 in the final. The match took place at Conson Sports Centre, Qingdao, China. Japan and Thailand won bronze medals.

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Scientists discovered that two nocturnal bull ant species—Myrmecia pyriformis and Myrmecia midas—navigate at night using polarised moonlight. This makes them only the second known species to use this mechanism after the dung beetle. Polarised light consists of light waves oscillating in a single plane. While many animals use the sun’s polarised light, using moonlight for navigation is extremely rare. These bull ant species are native to Australia and rely on this ability for orientation in the dark.