CURRENT AFFAIRS

India has recently commenced work on the Sawalkote Hydroelectric Project on the River Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the first major new hydropower project to receive government approval after changes in India’s approach to the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

The Director-General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that there is a possibility of El Niño developing after July this year, though clearer signals are expected to emerge by April. This has drawn attention to a climate phenomenon that significantly influences global weather patterns and India’s monsoon.

Recently, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) successfully completed a high-altitude rescue operation and road reconstruction work at Chattergala Pass under Project Sampark.

A new national-level report by the International Institute for Migration and Development (IIMAD) and the Population Foundation of India (PFI) provides a detailed analysis of population growth in the Indian island groups of Lakshadweep and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Meteorologists have issued warnings about a potential Sudden Stratospheric Warming (SSW) event that may trigger below-normal temperatures across several parts of the United States later this month.

Recently, a massive cloud of ash from the Hayli Gubbi volcano eruption in Ethiopia reached northwestern India due to strong winds. This ash cloud disrupted flights in Delhi-NCR, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Punjab for several hours.

At least 32 people died when a bridge collapsed at the Kalando Mine in southeastern Congo.

In September 2025, several parts of Asia were hit by an extremely dangerous and unprecedented storm, Super Typhoon Hagibis. This was the strongest tropical cyclone of 2025, with maximum sustained winds reaching 280 km/h. It severely impacted Hong Kong and southern China, disrupting the lives of millions.

The largest share of India's coffee production comes from Chikkamagaluru, Coorg and Hassan districts of Karnataka. Recently, heavy rains for more than three months in a row, extreme cold and lack of sunlight in these areas have caused severe damage to coffee plantations. It is estimated that coffee production may decline by 20 to 30% this time.

India’s dependence on the southwest monsoon remains a recurring theme in its socio-economic and environmental landscape.