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15 September 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exam.

Jute: India’s Golden Fibre

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has fixed the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute at ₹5,925 per quintal for 2026–27.
The MSP provides farmers with a 61.8% return over the weighted average cost of production.

About Jute

Jute is an important Kharif fibre crop that thrives under Temperature: 25°C–35°C and Rainfall: 120–150 cm.
Soil: It grows well in fertile, well-drained alluvial soils, particularly sandy or clay loam soils enriched by riverine silt.
Geographical Distribution:
- Around 99% of India’s jute production is concentrated in eastern India, particularly the Ganga-Brahmaputra Delta.
- West Bengal is the leading producer, accounting for over 80% of India’s production.
- Other major producers include Bihar, Assam, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Landscape of India’s Jute Sector

1. Historical Background

The Partition of India created a major disruption in the jute industry:
- Nearly 80% of jute-growing areas went to East Pakistan.
- Most jute mills, however, remained in India.
This situation led to the Grow More Jute Campaign in 1949 to strengthen domestic jute cultivation.

2. Global Position

India is the world’s largest producer of raw jute and a leading manufacturer of jute goods.
The country accounts for approximately 75% of global jute-goods production.

3. Production and Exports

India produced around 12.80 lakh MT of jute goods in FY 2025–26.
During the period, exports included Raw jute: ₹225.11 crore and Jute goods: ₹3,155.27 crore.

Major Challenges

1. Declining Cultivation

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour has highlighted a decline of around 20% in jute cultivation acreage over the past decade.
Farmers are increasingly shifting towards cash crops and non-agricultural land uses.

2. Obsolete Industrial Infrastructure

Several private jute mills continue to operate with old and energy-inefficient machinery.
Limited capital reinvestment affects productivity, fibre quality and overall competitiveness.

3. Competition from Synthetic Packaging

Traditional jute packaging faces strong competition from relatively cheaper High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) bags.
Mass-produced synthetic alternatives exert price pressure on jute products.

4. Traditional Retting Practices

Stagnant-water retting remains a common post-harvest practice.
It is water-intensive and may adversely affect the strength and lustre of jute fibre.

Government Initiatives for the Jute Sector

1. Jute Packaging Materials Act, 1987

Provides a guaranteed domestic market by mandating 100% of food grains to be packed in jute bags.
20% of sugar to be packed exclusively in jute bags.

2. JUTE-ICARE Programme

Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise (JUTE-ICARE) aims to improve productivity and fibre quality.
Key interventions include Distribution of certified seeds, Promotion of improved retting techniques., Use of microbial retting consortia such as SONA.

3. Sustainable Jute Apparel

The National Jute Board (NJB), in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), has promoted biodegradable jute-viscose blended apparel for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

4. MSP Procurement

The Jute Corporation of India (JCI) procures raw jute directly from farmers when market prices fall below the MSP.
This provides a price-support mechanism and protects farmers from sharp market-price declines.

5. National Jute Development Programme

Promotes the development and diversification of the jute industry through Capital subsidies for machinery, Export incentives and Other measures implemented through the National Jute Board.

6. Jute Geotextiles

The National Jute Board promotes the use of jute geotextiles as biodegradable alternatives in Slope protection, Soil stabilisation, Road construction, Railway infrastructure.

Fluorosis

Why in News?

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised a workshop on fluorosis on National Fluorosis Day, 9 September 2026.
The initiative highlights the need for greater awareness, surveillance and prevention of fluoride-related health complications.

What is Fluorosis?

Fluorosis is a form of chronic fluoride toxicity caused by prolonged exposure to excess fluoride through Drinking water, Food, Industrial exposure.

1. Major Forms of Fluorosis

a. Dental Fluorosis

Primarily affects children during tooth development, particularly below eight years of age.
Characterised by mottling and pitting of tooth enamel.

b. Skeletal Fluorosis

Develops after prolonged exposure to high fluoride levels.
May cause joint pain, osteosclerosis and knock-knee deformity.

c. Non-Skeletal Fluorosis

May initially manifest through gastrointestinal symptoms and other systemic effects.

2. How Does Excess Fluoride Affect the Body?

Hydroxyapatite, the principal calcium-phosphate mineral present in bones and tooth enamel, contains hydroxyl groups.
Excess fluoride can replace the hydroxyl group in hydroxyapatite, resulting in the formation of fluorapatite.
Prolonged exposure can therefore:
- Affect tooth development, causing dental fluorosis.
- Lead to structural changes in bones and joints, resulting in skeletal fluorosis.

Fluoride Safety Limits

Standard	Fluoride Limit
WHO	1.5 mg/L
BIS – Acceptable limit	1.0 mg/L
BIS – Permissible limit	1.5 mg/L, where no alternative water source is available

Status of Fluoride Contamination in India

According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) Annual Ground Water Quality Report 2024, fluoride concentration exceeded 1.5 mg/L at 9.04% of sampled locations.
Rajasthan recorded the highest proportion of such samples, followed by Haryana and Karnataka.

Mitigation Measures

1. Nalgonda Technique

The Nalgonda Technique is a method of defluoridating drinking water.
It uses Alum, Lime, Bleaching powder
These chemicals facilitate flocculation and sedimentation, helping remove excess fluoride from water.

2. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Fluorosis

The programme focuses on reducing the health burden of fluorosis through:

Disease surveillance and monitoring.
Establishment of district ionometer laboratories for testing fluoride levels in water and urine.
Nutritional supplementation.
Reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation for affected individuals.

Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections

Why in News?

The Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic PNG Connections was launched on 18 August 2026 and became operational from 1 September 2026.
The scheme aims to accelerate the expansion of active domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connections across India.

About Piped Natural Gas (PNG)

PNG refers to natural gas supplied directly to consumers through underground pipelines.
It primarily consists of methane and is transported through mild steel (MS) and polyethylene (PE) pipelines.

Key Properties of PNG

Clear, colourless and odourless fuel.
High energy density.
Non-toxic, non-corrosive and non-carcinogenic.
Contains high-purity methane, as impurities are largely removed during the gas processing/liquefaction process.

City Gas Distribution (CGD) Network

The CGD network is an interconnected system of underground natural-gas pipelines used to supply:
- PNG to households and other consumers.
- CNG for transportation.
CGD networks are developed by entities authorised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
PNGRB is a statutory body established under the PNGRB Act, 2006, with its headquarters in New Delhi.
PNGRB has authorised CGD entities across 309 Geographical Areas (GAs).
As of 18 August 2026, India had approximately 1.74 crore domestic PNG connections.

Incentive Scheme: Key Features

1. Objective

To increase the number of active and billed domestic PNG connections by encouraging CGD entities to activate existing connections.

2. Duration

The scheme will be implemented in two tranches over a period of six months.

3. Incentive Mechanism

CGD entities will receive incentives for converting unbilled connections into active, billed connections.
A minimum target number of connections has been prescribed for each Geographical Area.

4. Additional Gas Allocation

For every eligible incremental connection, the CGD entity will receive an additional allocation of 200 Standard Cubic Metres (SCM) of domestically produced Administered Price Mechanism (APM) gas.
APM gas is available at a relatively lower price.

5. Substitution of Costlier LNG

The additional APM gas allocation is intended to replace relatively expensive Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) currently procured by CGD entities for their CNG (Transport) segment.
Greater use of lower-priced APM gas is expected to reduce overall gas procurement costs for CGD entities.

6. Impact on Investment Recovery

The scheme is expected to reduce the payback period for capital invested in domestic PNG connections from around 10 years to nearly 3 years.

Benefits of PNG for Households

1. Safety and Security

PNG is supplied through underground pipelines at low pressure, eliminating the need to store or handle LPG cylinders.
Being lighter than air, leaked gas tends to rise and disperse quickly.

2. Convenience

Consumers do not need to Book cylinders, Store cylinders, Replace cylinders.
Pipeline supply remains available round the clock, with charges based on metered consumption.

3. Cost Advantage

On a per-unit energy basis, PNG generally costs less than LPG.

4. Environmental Benefits

PNG burns more cleanly than conventional cooking fuels and produces fewer pollutants.
It can contribute to better indoor air quality and lower carbon emissions.

5. Continuous Supply

Pipeline distribution provides a continuous fuel supply without dependence on cylinder-delivery logistics.

Other Initiatives for PNG Expansion

1. Accelerated Approval Framework

An Accelerated Approval Framework has been introduced under the Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026.
It seeks to simplify and speed up regulatory approvals for PNG infrastructure.
The Order also provides for uniform Right-of-Way (RoW) charges for laying pipelines on land or public areas.
Applications are to be processed on a priority basis within defined timelines.

2. Reduction in VAT

States are being encouraged to reduce VAT on natural gas to 5% to support wider adoption of PNG.

3. National PNG Drive 2.0

National PNG Drive 2.0 was conducted from 1 January to 30 June 2026.
It focused on accelerating the expansion of domestic PNG connections across Geographical Areas.

4. Unified PNG Registration Portal

A single-window digital platform has been introduced to simplify the process of Applying for new PNG connections, Tracking connection applications, Improving the speed and convenience of registration.

Weaponisation of Technology and Critical Minerals

Why in News?

At the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned that weaponisation of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared economic and technological progress.
Increasing concentration of critical technologies, minerals and processing capabilities has made supply chains an important component of geopolitical and national-security strategies.

Channels of Weaponisation

Channel	Mechanism	Strategic Leverage	Example
Chokepoint Leverage	Control over concentrated upply-chain nodes exploits limited substitutes and high switching costs.	Dependence on a critical node gives the supplier significant bargaining power.	Dutch restrictions on exports of high-end semiconductor lithography equipment.
Processing Dominance	Concentrated refining and separation create dependence even when mineral extraction is geographically diversified.	Dominant processors can disrupt downstream industries by restricting supplies of usable materials.	China processes more than 90% of rare earths used in permanent magnets.
Selective Licensing	Licences, quotas and dual-use classifications regulate access according to the product, buyer or end use.	Targeted controls can exert pressure without imposing a complete trade embargo.	China’s export licensing requirements for medium and heavy rare earths.
Technology Denial	Restrictions on advanced equipment, software and technical expertise constrain technological upgrading.	Denial of upstream capabilities can delay advanced manufacturing and strategic industrial development.	US restrictions on advanced chips, semiconductor manufacturing equipment and design software.
Extraterritorial Controls	Domestic regulations are extended to foreign-made products incorporating controlled technology or software.	Enables national authorities to influence third-country firms and global supply chains.	US Foreign Direct Product Rule for specified foreign- produced items.

Drivers of Weaponisation

Geopolitical Rivalry: Competition for technological leadership and resource security encourages states to use critical technologies and minerals as strategic instruments.
Economic Securitisation: Pandemics, armed conflicts and supply disruptions have transformed supply-chain resilience from an economic concern into a national-security priority.
Dual-use Criticality: The common dependence of civilian and military sectors on the same technologies and minerals encourages governments to impose tighter controls on their availability.
Resource Nationalism: Producer countries increasingly seek domestic value addition, encouraging them to retain strategic resources for local processing and downstream manufacturing.
Coercive Utility: Economic restrictions can pressure rivals while carrying a lower risk of direct military escalation, making them an attractive geopolitical tool.

Strategic Consequences

Strategic Autonomy: India’s significant import dependence on lithium, cobalt and nickel creates vulnerabilities for its clean-energy transition and advanced manufacturing capabilities.
Industrial Disruption: Full implementation of China’s rare-earth export restrictions could potentially threaten around $6.5 trillion in annual downstream output outside China.
Impact on Energy Transition: Fragmentation of critical-mineral supply chains could reduce global investment in renewable energy and electric vehicles by up to 30% by 2030, according to the IMF (2023).
Inflationary Pressure: A severe disruption in mineral supplies could raise global battery-pack prices by around 20%, increasing costs across downstream industries, according to the IEA (2025).
Global Economic Fragmentation: Geopolitical fragmentation of the global trading system could potentially reduce global GDP by 5.1% and exports by 18.6%, according to the WTO (2026).

India’s Strategic Responses

1. National Critical Mineral Mission

Seeks to reduce import dependence and supply vulnerabilities through Domestic mineral production, Acquisition of overseas mineral assets, Domestic processing and refining, Recycling, Strategic stockpiling.

2. Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

A US-led initiative aimed at diversifying critical-mineral supply chains through investment in Mining, Processing, Recycling.
India became the 14th member in June 2023.

3. U.S.-India TRUST

Promotes verified technology vendors and resilient supply chains in critical sectors while protecting sensitive technologies.

4. IPEF Supply Chain Agreement

Provides a framework for coordinated action on critical supply chains, including Supply-chain action plans and Crisis response mechanisms.
India served as Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council for 2024–26.

5. Pax Silica

A US-led initiative focused on reducing excessive concentration and economic coercion across supply chains involving Critical minerals, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence infrastructure.
India joined the initiative in February 2026.

BRICS New Delhi Declaration 2026

Why in News?

The 18th BRICS Summit concluded in New Delhi with the unanimous adoption of the New Delhi Declaration 2026, despite geopolitical differences among member countries.
The outcome reflected BRICS’ efforts to build consensus on global governance, security, trade, technology and sustainable development.
India subsequently handed over the BRICS Chairmanship to China for 2027.

Key Pillars of the New Delhi Declaration 2026

1. Global Governance and Multilateral Reforms

a. UNSC Expansion

The declaration called for greater representation of the Global South in global decision-making institutions.
China and Russia reiterated support for India and Brazil to play a greater role in the UN Security Council (UNSC).

b. Reform of Bretton Woods Institutions

Called for reforms in the IMF and World Bank to enhance Quotas, Voting rights, Leadership representation of emerging and developing economies.

c. WTO Dispute Settlement

Supported restoration of a two-tier, binding WTO dispute-settlement mechanism.
Called for the prompt appointment of members to the WTO Appellate Body.

2. Geopolitical and Security Consensus

a. West Asia

Despite differences among members, BRICS called for maximum restraint and de-escalation through dialogue to promote lasting regional peace.

b. Counter-Terrorism

Reaffirmed zero tolerance towards terrorism in all its forms.
The declaration referred to the 2025 Pahalgam attack and called for the early adoption of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism.

c. Regional Conflicts

Called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and adherence to ceasefire arrangements in Lebanon.
Opposed the displacement of Palestinians.
Supported UNRWA.
Condemned the US economic blockade of Cuba.

d. Nuclear Safety

Expressed concern over attacks affecting civilian infrastructure and peaceful nuclear facilities operating under IAEA safeguards.

3. Trade and Technology Cooperation

a. Unilateral Sanctions

Condemned unilateral coercive economic measures and secondary sanctions, describing them as inconsistent with international law and the UN Charter.

b. Opposition to Carbon-Linked Trade Barriers

Rejected trade restrictions presented as environmental measures when they function as trade barriers.
The declaration opposed measures such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).

c. De-dollarisation

Recognised ongoing BRICS efforts concerning Cross-border payments, Trade settlements, Investment transactions using BRICS local currencies.

d. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Technologies

Encouraged the development and use of ethical, safe and human-centric AI.
Supported India’s proposal for a voluntary digital repository of best practices.

4. Sustainable Development and Cultural Cooperation

a. Protection of Cultural Heritage

Called for protection of cultural heritage from Conflict-related destruction and Illicit trafficking.
Supported the restitution of cultural property to countries of origin.

b. Sectoral Cooperation

Welcomed the proposal for a BRICS Sports Goods Manufacturing Conclave.
Supported the use of digital tools for sustainable ecotourism to strengthen people-to-people connections.

c. Energy Transition

Supported diversified energy mixes incorporating Renewable energy, Nuclear energy, Bioenergy, Low-emission hydrogen, Fossil fuels.
Reaffirmed the importance of these approaches alongside commitments under the Paris Agreement.

d. Women-Led Development

Recognised women as important contributors to economic growth and development.
Emphasised Financial inclusion, Capacity building and Women's leadership in climate action and food security.

Strategic Significance for India

Diplomatic Achievement: The unanimous adoption of the declaration demonstrated India’s ability to build consensus despite divergent geopolitical positions within the expanded BRICS grouping.
Greater UNSC Leverage: China and Russia’s support for a greater role for India in the UNSC strengthens India’s diplomatic case for reform of the Security Council.
Global South Leadership: India’s emphasis on development, resilience and inclusion reinforces its position as a consensus-building voice of the Global South.
Globalisation of Digital Public Infrastructure: bThe declaration’s emphasis on a digital repository and cross-border pilots provides greater scope for India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) approach to gain wider international acceptance.
Continued Influence through BRICS Troika: Although India’s 2026 presidency concluded with the transfer of the chairmanship to China for 2027, the proposed BRICS Troika provides a mechanism for India to retain influence over the grouping’s agenda.
Trade Protection: BRICS’ opposition to carbon-linked trade barriers is significant for India’s energy-intensive manufacturing sector, particularly in the context of emerging carbon-related trade measures.

Badri Cattle

Why in News?

A female Badri calf was born using Ovum Pick-Up and In Vitro Fertilisation (OPU-IVF) technology.
The calf was produced after a Badri embryo was transferred into a Sahiwal recipient cow, demonstrating the application of assisted reproductive technologies for the propagation of indigenous cattle breeds.

About Badri Cattle

Badri is an indigenous hill cattle breed of Uttarakhand.
It is primarily reared in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.

1. Key Features

Small-sized cattle with relatively long legs.
Highly sure-footed, enabling them to move efficiently across steep and uneven mountainous terrain.
Display varied coat colours.
Possess relatively high resistance to diseases.

2. Milk Characteristics

Badri cattle generally have low milk productivity.
However, their milk is comparatively rich in Fat and Protein
Their milk predominantly contains A2 beta-casein, which is considered relatively easier to digest.

3. Sahiwal Cattle

Sahiwal is an indigenous high-yielding dairy cattle breed associated with Punjab and Rajasthan.
It is particularly known for Heat tolerance and Low maintenance requirements.

OPU-IVF Technology

1. Ovum Pick-Up (OPU)

OPU is an assisted reproductive technique in which ultrasound guidance is used to collect oocytes (immature egg cells) from a selected donor female.
The collected oocytes are subsequently fertilised with selected semen in a laboratory.

2. In Vitro Fertilisation

The collected oocytes are fertilised with sperm outside the animal’s body under laboratory conditions.
The resulting embryos are cultured until they reach the appropriate stage for transfer.

3. Embryo Transfer

The developed embryos are transferred into synchronised recipient females.
The recipient cow carries the pregnancy and gives birth to the calf.

4. Genetic Parentage

The recipient cow does not contribute genetic material to the calf.
The offspring inherits its genetic material from the egg donor and sperm donor.
Thus, a Sahiwal cow can serve as the recipient/surrogate while the resulting calf remains genetically derived from the selected Badri egg and sperm donors.

Mokha Port

Why in News?

Houthi forces have seized Mokha (Mocha) Port along with Perim (Mayun) Island from Yemen’s internationally recognised government.
The development assumes strategic importance because both locations are positioned close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

About Mokha Port

Location: Mokha is a historic port city in Taiz Governorate on Yemen’s Red Sea coast.
It is situated approximately 75–80 km north of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

1. Historical Significance

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Mokha emerged as an important international trading centre.
It was the principal export outlet for Yemeni coffee, which contributed to the origin of the term “Mocha” for coffee.

2. Modern Significance

The modern port was established in 1955.
It functions as an important logistics and military hub along Yemen’s western coastline, positioned between Aden and Hodeidah.

3. Houthi Movement

The Houthis, also known as Ansar Allah, are a Shia Islamist political-military movement originating in northern Yemen.
The movement is aligned with Iran’s “Axis of Resistance.”

4. Perim (Mayun) Island

Perim, also known as Mayun Island, is located in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The island divides the strait into a wider western channel, used primarily for international shipping and a shallower eastern channel, mainly used for local navigation.

Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb

1. Red Sea

The Red Sea provides a maritime connection between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.
It is bordered by:
- Africa: Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea and Djibouti.
- Arabian Peninsula: Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
Israel and Jordan have access to the Red Sea through the Gulf of Aqaba.

2. Bab el-Mandeb

Bab el-Mandeb, meaning “Gate of Tears,” is a narrow maritime chokepoint linking the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
It is situated between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, separating Yemen from Djibouti and Eritrea.
It serves as the southern maritime gateway to the Suez Canal.
Around 12% of global seaborne oil and petroleum-product trade passes through this strategic corridor.

Strategic Significance

Control over Mokha Port and Perim Island can provide strategic leverage over maritime movement around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Any disruption in this corridor can have wider implications for international shipping, energy transportation and trade through the Red Sea–Suez Canal route.

Colombo Security Conclave (CSC)

Why in News?

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Table Top Exercise concluded at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam.
The exercise aims to strengthen coordination and preparedness among member countries for addressing shared regional security challenges.

About Colombo Security Conclave

The Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) is a regional security platform focused on addressing non-traditional security threats, strengthening maritime security and promoting operational cooperation among littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

1. Origin and Evolution

The CSC originated in 2011 as a trilateral National Security Adviser (NSA)-level dialogue involving India, Sri Lanka, Maldives
Following a period of limited activity between 2014 and 2019, the grouping was revived and rebranded as the Colombo Security Conclave in 2020.

2. Member States

India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Mauritius, Bangladesh, Seychelles

3. Permanent Secretariat

The Permanent Secretariat of the CSC is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Five Core Pillars of Cooperation

Maritime Safety and Security: Enhancing cooperation to address maritime security challenges in the Indian Ocean.
Counter-Terrorism and Radicalisation: Strengthening collective efforts against terrorism and radicalisation.
Disaster Management: Improving regional preparedness and coordination in responding to disasters.
Cybersecurity and Technology: Promoting cooperation against cyber threats and strengthening technological resilience.
Humanitarian Assistance and Emergency Response: Enhancing coordinated responses during humanitarian crises and emergencies.

Sun’s Surface Plasma Vortices

Why in News?

The Daniel K. Inouye Solar Telescope (DKIST) in Maui, Hawaii, has captured exceptionally detailed images revealing tiny plasma vortices at the boundaries of solar granules.
These observations provide insights into the interaction between solar plasma flows and magnetic fields on the Sun’s visible surface.

Solar Granules

Solar granules are convection cells generated by the movement of hot plasma from the Sun’s interior.
Hot plasma rises upward and subsequently sinks at the edges of these cells.
This convective activity produces the granular pattern visible in the photosphere, the Sun’s visible surface layer.

1. Formation of Plasma Vortices

The vortices develop along the magnetised boundaries of neighbouring solar granules.
Adjacent plasma streams can move at different velocities, creating velocity shear at their interface.
This can trigger the Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability (KHI).

2. Kelvin–Helmholtz Instability

KHI is a fluid instability that occurs when two adjacent fluid or plasma layers move at different velocities.
The velocity difference causes the boundary between them to curl and form characteristic whirlpool-like structures.
Similar phenomena can be observed in curling ocean waves on Earth & Atmospheric structures and storms on Jupiter and Saturn.

Link with Solar Magnetic Activity

As the plasma vortices rotate, they twist and braid the Sun’s magnetic field lines.
This process can accumulate magnetic tension and energy within the solar atmosphere.
The stored magnetic energy can subsequently be released through magnetic reconnection.
Such energy releases are associated with major solar phenomena, including Solar flares and Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

Dryland Agriculture

Why in News?

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) organised the three-day Dryland Congress 2026 under the theme “Transforming Dryland Agriculture with South–South Cooperation.”
The Congress concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Drylands.
ICRISAT was established in 1972 and is headquartered in India.
Under its Headquarters Agreement, the Government of India has accorded ICRISAT the status of a specified “International Organisation.”

What is Dryland Agriculture?

Dryland agriculture refers to the cultivation of crops entirely under rainfed conditions, without dependence on assured irrigation.

Category	Annual Rainfall	Description
Dry Farming	Less than 750 mm	Crop cultivation in areas with very low rainfall.
Dryland Farming	More than 750 mm	Crop cultivation in areas receiving comparatively higher rainfall but remaining dependent on rainfall.
Rainfed Farming	More than 1,150 mm	Crop cultivation in relatively high-rainfall regions without assured irrigation.

Soil Moisture Dynamics in Dryland Agriculture

Rainfall received in dryland areas is broadly divided into:
- Runoff: A portion of rainwater flows over the land surface.
- Infiltration: The remaining water enters the soil.
The infiltrated water generally percolates into deeper soil layers.
Some of this moisture may move beyond the crop root zone, making it unavailable for plant uptake.
After rainfall, surface soil moisture gradually declines due to Evaporation from the soil surface, Transpiration through plants and A combination of evaporation and transpiration (evapotranspiration).

UNEP Assessment on Climate and Clean Air Action

Why in News?

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) have released an assessment titled “Hidden Assets: The Economic and Health Case for Climate and Clean Air Action.”
The assessment highlights the economic, health and climate benefits of addressing air pollution and climate change through integrated action.
It cites the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) as an example of a clean-cooking initiative that has expanded LPG access among low-income households.

Key Highlights

1. Economic Burden of Air Pollution

South Asia currently faces the highest economic burden from air pollution among global regions.
The economic cost is estimated at around 10% of the region’s GDP.
For South Asia in 2035, the assessment identifies the following as major priority solutions Clean cooking and heating, Transformation of energy generation, Stronger industrial emission standards.

2. Economic Returns from Integrated Action

Globally, every US$1 invested in integrated climate and clean-air measures could generate approximately US$15 in economic benefits.
These gains can arise through improved health outcomes, reduced pollution-related losses and broader economic benefits.

3. Health Burden

In 2025, outdoor air pollution was associated with an estimated 6.4 million premature deaths globally.
Household air pollution contributed an additional 2 million deaths.

4. Climate Benefits

Immediate implementation of the identified 25 measures could Halve global CO₂ emissions by 2050 and Reduce methane emissions by 60%.

5. Cost of Delayed Action

Delaying climate and clean-air action by a year could result in the loss of more than US$1.5 trillion in annual economic benefits.

Mayun Island

Why in News?

Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have reportedly captured the strategically located Mayun Island in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, at the entrance to the Red Sea.

About Mayun Island

Mayun, also known as Perim, is a small, rocky island located off the southwestern coast of Yemen.
It lies in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, between Yemen and the African coast of Djibouti and Eritrea.
In ancient times, the island was known as the “Island of Diodorus.”
Mayun Island effectively divides the Bab el-Mandeb Strait into two channels Large Strait and Small Strait

Strategic Significance

Mayun is located near the narrowest section of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The Bab el-Mandeb is a crucial maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the wider Indian Ocean.
It is strategically important for international shipping because vessels using the Red Sea–Suez Canal route pass through this corridor.
Control over the island therefore has implications for maritime security, commercial shipping and energy transportation in the region.

Luxembourg

Why in News?

Deputy Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, arrived in New Delhi for an official visit to India.

About Luxembourg

Luxembourg is a small, landlocked country in Western Europe.
It is among the smallest countries in Europe and is the world’s only sovereign Grand Duchy.
Capital: Luxembourg City.
Luxembourg is a member of several major European and transatlantic institutions: European Union, Eurozone, Schengen Area, North Atlantic Treaty Organization\

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