Testbook Current Affairs

Testbook Current Affairs

6/12/2025, 11:04:31 AM

*_UNFPA 2025 Report Highlights Reproductive Challenges in India_* *Why in News:* The UNFPA's 2025 State of World Population Report sheds light on reproductive challenges in India, emphasizing unintended pregnancies and unmet family planning goals. *Key Points:* * 36% of adult Indians face unintended pregnancies, with financial barriers being the top reason for not achieving desired family size. * Job insecurity, housing issues, and societal pressures also hinder reproductive autonomy. * India’s total fertility rate (TFR) is at 2.0, but regional disparities persist, with states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh showing higher fertility rates. * The adolescent fertility rate remains high at 14.1 per 1,000 women aged 15-19. * The report recommends a rights-based approach to reproductive health, focusing on access to contraception, safe abortion, and maternal care. * Improving data collection on reproductive rights is essential for addressing unmet needs.

Testbook Current Affairs

6/11/2025, 1:44:02 PM

*Katrina Kaif Appointed Global Tourism Ambassador for Maldives* *Why in News:* Bollywood actress Katrina Kaif has been named the Global Tourism Ambassador for the Maldives, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming visit to strengthen tourism and diplomatic ties. *Key Points:* * The announcement was made by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) on June 10, 2025. * The move aims to promote the Maldives as a luxury travel destination, particularly among Indian and global tourists. * Kaif’s appointment comes after strained India-Maldives relations in early 2024. * The initiative is designed to boost the Visit Maldives Summer Sale Campaign and strengthen bilateral soft power through celebrity branding. * Katrina Kaif, a prominent figure with global appeal, is also an entrepreneur known for her clean image and brand recognition.

Testbook Current Affairs

6/12/2025, 10:45:15 AM

*_Air India Flight AI-171 Crashes Shortly After Takeoff from Ahmedabad_* *Why in News:* On June 11, 2025, an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner crashed into a residential area moments after departing Ahmedabad, leading to potential casualties. *Key Points:* * Air India Flight AI-171, bound for London Gatwick, crashed minutes after takeoff at 1:38 p.m. * The aircraft carried 242 people, including 230 passengers and 12 crew members. * The crash occurred outside the airport perimeter, with heavy black smoke reported. * Passengers included 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 1 Canadian, and 7 Portuguese. * A MAYDAY call was made by the crew, but no further communication was received.

Testbook Current Affairs

6/11/2025, 11:28:35 AM

_*Indian Railways Cancels Mathura-Vrindavan Conversion Project*_ *Why in News:* The Indian Railway Ministry has permanently closed the Mathura-Vrindavan railway line conversion project due to being deemed “uneconomical” and facing strong local opposition. *Key Points:* * The project aimed to convert the metre gauge to broad gauge at a cost of Rs 402 crore. * Initiated in 2017-18, the project faced significant local opposition regarding track design and accessibility. * The metre gauge line was over 100 years old and operated until early 2023. * Rs 191 crore was already invested in the project before its cancellation. * Local residents preferred a road on railway land instead of the new railway line. * The cancellation raises concerns over financial losses and balancing local needs with infrastructure planning.

Testbook Current Affairs

6/11/2025, 11:25:23 AM

_*Kerala's ‘Vithoot’ Programme to Combat Human-Wildlife Conflicts*_ *Why in News:* The Kerala Forest Department launched the 'Vithoot' afforestation project to restore ecological balance and address human-wildlife conflicts, aligning with World Environment Day. *Key Points:* * 'Vithoot' (meaning ‘seed shower’) focuses on ecological restoration in Kerala. * Aims to reduce human-wildlife conflicts and involve local communities in forest management. * Utilizes modern technology such as drones and helicopters for efficient seed distribution. * Indigenous plants will be prioritized, with plans for endangered species. * The programme addresses forest health, water security, and climate change. * Experts caution against the risk of non-native species disrupting ecosystems. * Future plans may extend to agricultural lands, promoting sustainable human-nature relations.

Testbook Current Affairs

6/11/2025, 11:19:59 AM

_*Concerns Over Bat-Borne Merbecoviruses*_ *Why in News:* Recent research highlights the potential risks of merbecoviruses, particularly the HKU5 subgroup, which may pose a threat to human health. *Key Points:* * Merbecoviruses, related to MERS-CoV, were largely overlooked until MERS in 2012. * HKU5 subgroup shows signs of potential human transmission, with mutations possibly allowing cross-species infection. * The virus uses spike proteins to bind to ACE2 receptors, similar to SARS-CoV-2. * HKU5 viruses have been detected across Asia, Europe, and Africa, with potential transmission to minks. * Wet, humid environments may aid virus maturation and spillover events.

Testbook Current Affairs

5/16/2025, 7:28:14 AM

_*6 Terrorists Killed in Jammu & Kashmir During Operations Keller & Nader*_ *Why in News* Indian security forces eliminated six terrorists in two separate operations—Kellar and Nader—in Jammu & Kashmir within the last 48 hours. *Key Points* * Operations conducted jointly by Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, and CRPF in Keran and Tral areas. * Cordon and search launched in Nader Tral, Awantipora, following intelligence on terrorist presence. * IGP Kashmir VK Birdi confirmed the neutralisation of six terrorists in both operations. * Major General Dhananjay Joshi stated operations intensified post-April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. * On May 12, terrorists detected in Kelar; security forces engaged after terrorists fired on them, resulting in neutralisation. * Second operation in Tral involved terrorists firing from multiple houses; forces rescued civilians while neutralising three terrorists.

Testbook Current Affairs

5/18/2025, 1:28:02 PM

_*Exercise Teesta Prahar 2025*_ *Why in News* The Indian Army conducted Exercise Teesta Prahar in May 2025 at the Teesta Field Firing Range, West Bengal, to assess combat preparedness in riverine terrain. *Key Points:* * *Operational Drill* : Tested multi-domain readiness of Infantry, Artillery, Armoured, Aviation, Para SF, Engineers, and Signals. * *Joint Coordination* : Emphasised seamless integration among combat and support arms. * *Advanced Systems* : Deployed high-tech weapons, surveillance tools, and communication systems. * *Terrain Adaptability* : Focused on rapid, all-weather mobility and battlefield versatility. * *Strategic Value* : Reinforced Army-Air Force synergy and highlighted readiness for hybrid warfare. * *Modernisation Drive* : Reflected commitment to evolving technologies and battlefield innovations.

Testbook Current Affairs

5/16/2025, 7:10:13 AM

*_Harvansh Chawla Appointed Chairman of BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry_* *Why in News* Harvansh Chawla, an expert in international trade law, has been named the new chairman of the BRICS Chamber of Commerce and Industry. *Key Points* * Chawla brings over 30 years of experience in international law, trade policy, infrastructure, and corporate advisory. * The BRICS Chamber is a non-profit body aimed at boosting trade, investment, and economic cooperation among BRICS countries. *Static Takeaways* *BRICS* * Term ‘BRIC’ coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O’Neill; South Africa joined in 2010 making it BRICS. * Represents about 25% of global GDP and 40% of the world population. * Formally began with meetings from 2006; first summit in 2009 (without South Africa). * New Development Bank (NDB) formed in 2014.

Testbook Current Affairs

5/18/2025, 1:31:39 PM

*_NASA GRAIL Mission Unveils Key Lunar Hemispheric Differences_* *Why in News* NASA’s GRAIL mission has uncovered major structural and thermal differences between the Moon’s near and far sides, providing new insights into lunar evolution. *Key Points* * *GRAIL Overview* : Launched in 2011, twin probes Ebb and Flow mapped the Moon’s gravity, offering deep data on its interior. * *Near vs. Far Side* : The nearside has volcanic plains and higher heat due to radioactive elements; the farside is rugged and cooler. * *Internal Composition* : The Moon's mantle, 80% of its mass, is hotter on the nearside by 100–200°C, likely due to past volcanism. * *Tidal Impact* : Earth’s gravity deforms the Moon, influencing its shape and surface behavior. * *Mascon Discovery* : GRAIL identified dense regions from ancient asteroid impacts, critical to lunar geological mapping.