UPSC Current Affairs
Gauhati High Court Validates Talaq-e-Hassan Under Assam Registration Act
8 stories · about 3 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
Gauhati High Court Validates Talaq-e-Hassan Under Assam Registration Act
The Gauhati High Court ruled that Talaq-e-Hassan is a legally valid form of divorce under Islamic law. The court directed the petitioner to register the divorce in accordance with the Assam Compulsory Registration of Muslim Marriages and Divorce Act, 2024. This judgment reinforces the procedural compliance required for legal recognition of personal law divorces in the state.
Bab al-Mandeb Strait Conflict Threatens Global Energy Security
Houthi fighters in Yemen captured a strategic island near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, leading Saudi Arabia to shut down a major oil pipeline. The conflict has escalated significantly near vital Red Sea shipping lanes, threatening global crude oil movement and maritime trade. The situation underscores the vulnerability of critical maritime chokepoints during regional geopolitical destabilization.
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Reach Historic Record High
India's foreign exchange reserves expanded by a record $44.9 billion in a single week, taking the total reserves beyond $740 billion. The sharp surge boosts the Reserve Bank of India's capacity to absorb external economic shocks and manage currency volatility. Economists view this cushion as vital amid ongoing fluctuations in global crude prices and international trade disruptions.
BRICS Summit Calls for Local Currency Trade and Linked Payment Systems
At the 18th BRICS Business Forum, member nations discussed connecting national payment systems and expanding cross-border trade in local currencies. Leaders highlighted the need to mitigate vulnerabilities associated with single-currency reliance and international trade barriers. The initiative aims to enhance trade resilience among emerging economies representing nearly 40 percent of global GDP.
Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Becomes Fully Operational
The 2,843-kilometer Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) is now fully operational, establishing a high-speed freight backbone across India. By separating freight movement from passenger rail traffic, the corridor significantly reduces transit times and logistics costs. This infrastructure benchmark is expected to boost industrial competitiveness and serve as a model for future logistics projects.
ISRO Develops Life Support Systems for Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) detailed the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) designed for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The system manages oxygen supply, carbon dioxide removal, cabin pressure, temperature, waste, and fire safety inside the Crew Module. Ensuring a stable internal environment is critical for crew safety in orbit where natural atmospheric controls are absent.
Tech Report Highlights Risks of AI Misuse in Maritime Conflicts
AI firm Anthropic reported that regional armed groups in West Asia attempted to utilize artificial intelligence models to assist with guided weapons development. The report highlighted emerging threats where dual-use AI technologies can be exploited by non-state actors in conflict zones. The development has triggered calls for stricter global oversight and governance frameworks for artificial intelligence.
Mitochondrial Study of Malabari Goat Traces Ancient Spice Routes
Researchers at Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University decoded the complete mitochondrial genome of the indigenous Malabari goat. The genomic findings provide molecular evidence suggesting that livestock moved along the historical Indian Ocean Spice Route connecting Kerala with West Asia. This interdisciplinary study links genetics with ancient maritime trade history and indigenous breed conservation.
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