Current Affairs [Top Questions]

Notes:
Senior journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty was elected the first woman president of the Press Club of India on December 14, 2025. Her team won all office-bearer and managing committee positions with a 21-0 sweep in the elections held on December 13. Afzal Imam was elected Secretary General. Jatin Gandhi became Vice-President. Aditi Rajput (Treasurer) and P R Sunil (Joint Secretary) were elected unopposed.

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The Government informed Parliament that India is the largest producer of makhana globally, contributing nearly 80 percent of world production. Bihar accounts for around 85 percent of the country’s total makhana output, making it the backbone of the sector. Darbhanga district in Bihar has been identified as a key hub for makhana cultivation and processing due to its high potential. Darbhanga hosts the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Research Centre on Makhana and is covered under the One District One Product initiative. To promote the sector, the Government has established the National Makhana Board through a gazette notification dated 14 September 2025.

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The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced India’s first wildlife-safe road on National Highway 45 (NH-45) in Madhya Pradesh. The initiative aims to reduce animal-vehicle collisions and balance road development with wildlife conservation in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve and Nauradehi Wildlife Sanctuary. The wildlife-safe section covers a 2 km ghat portion of an 11.96 km highway project passing through the tiger reserve.

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Archaeologists discovered India’s largest circular stone labyrinth in the Boramani grasslands of Solapur, Maharashtra. It is made of small stone blocks arranged in multiple circular rings. The rings guide movement inward to a tightly coiled central spiral, showing high precision and symbolic meaning. The structure is linked to Indo-Roman trade during the Satavahana dynasty period. Soil accumulated between the stone rings indicates it remained untouched for several centuries. Its design resembles Mediterranean labyrinths seen on Roman-era coins. The central spiral reflects the Indian concept of Chakravyūha, a complex military formation described in the Mahabharata.

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A Sikh Nagar Kirtan in South Auckland, New Zealand, was recently protested using the traditional Māori haka dance. Haka is a traditional dance of the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand. It features powerful energy, fierce facial expressions (pukana), stamping, hand gestures, and chanting. Haka varies by tribal region and often tells stories of significant tribal events. Traditionally, it was performed for war, achievements, or welcoming guests. Today, it is performed at sporting events, weddings, funerals, and other important occasions. It symbolizes tribal pride, strength, and unity. Haka gained global recognition through New Zealand’s rugby team, the All Blacks, and was used in parliamentary protests in November 2024.

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A new study suggests ulcerative colitis may be triggered when a normally hidden protective layer of immune cells beneath the gut lining becomes thinner. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affecting the colon and rectum. It causes long-term inflammation and ulcers in the inner lining of the large intestine. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an immune-mediated condition with cycles of flare-ups and remission.

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A magnitude 5.5 earthquake recently struck the North Island region of New Zealand. The North Island is one of the two main islands of New Zealand in the South Pacific Ocean. It is separated from the South Island by the Cook Strait. The island covers about 113,729 square kilometres, making it the 14th largest island in the world. It is smaller than the South Island but has a much larger population.

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The M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), in collaboration with the Keyi Panyor district administration, is developing India’s first “Bio-Happy District” in Arunachal Pradesh. It will focus on resident livelihoods, agro-biodiversity, and other ecological aspects within the district. Biohappiness, a concept coined by late agricultural scientist Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, refers to well-being arising from biodiversity conservation and its use to improve human health, nutrition, and livelihoods. The concept emphasizes creating harmony between people and nature.

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The United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) released the World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 report. India’s GDP growth for 2025-26 is projected at 7.2%, slightly below the 7.4% forecast by the Indian government. India is now the fourth largest economy in the world. Growth is expected to be supported by resilient consumption, strong public investment, recent tax reforms, and monetary easing, which largely offset the impact of higher U.S. tariffs. On a fiscal year basis, India’s GDP is projected to grow 6.6% in 2026-27 and 6.8% in 2027-28.

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Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the Samikshya portal for real-time monitoring of development projects. It tracks works funded under the State Finance Commission (SFC) and Central Finance Commission (CFC) grants. Citizens, officials, and elected representatives can monitor projects like roads, drinking water, sanitation, street lights, parks, and public utilities. It emphasizes equity, regional balance, and the needs of rural and urban bodies. The portal aims to improve transparency, accountability, and timely execution of grassroots projects.