Current Context: The third UN conference for Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) was held in Awaza, Turkmenistan (2025) to discuss trade, infrastructure, and development challenges for nations without sea access. ABOUT LLDC3 Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are nations without access to the sea. They are economically disadvantaged due to higher trade costs, longer transport routes, and dependence on neighboring countries for trade access. Of the 32 LLDCs, most are also among the poorest globally, with limited export opportunities, weak infrastructure, and high vulnerability to climate shocks. Participants: 32 LLDCs, home to 600+ million people Global Share: 7% of population, but only....Read More

Current Context: Indian Railways conducted a trial run of Asia’s longest freight train, named ‘Rudrastra’, covering 209 km in 5 hours 10 minutes between Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. ABOUT RUDRASTRA Length:5 km (Longest in Asia) Wagons: 345 total Engines: 7 total (Two at front, others distributed after every 59 bogeys) Load Capacity: 72 tonnes per wagon Speed: Average 40.5 km/h during trial Route: Ganjkhwaja (UP) to Garhwa (Jharkhand) Purpose: Increase freight efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and save fuel.Read More

Current Context: India’s Annu Rani, the Asian Games champion, won the gold medal in the women’s javelin throw at the International Wiesław Maniak Memorial in Poland with a season-best throw of 62.59 metres. She defeated athletes from Turkey and Australia. ABOUT ANNU RANI’S ACHIEVEMENT Event: International Wiesław Maniak Memorial, Poland Category: Women’s Javelin Throw Gold: Annu Rani (India) – 62.59m (Season Best) Silver: Eda Tugsuz (Turkey) – 58.36m Bronze: Lianna Davidson (Australia) – 58.24m Significance: Boosts India’s track and field presence in global events.Read More

Current Context: Sikkim recently celebrated Tendong Lho Rum Faat, a nature-worship festival of the Lepcha tribe. ABOUT LEPCHA TRIBE Indigenous to eastern Nepal, western Bhutan, Sikkim, and Darjeeling (West Bengal). Recognised as a Scheduled Tribe in Sikkim. Self-name: Rongs or Rongkups. Habitat: Slopes of Mt. Kanchenjunga (world’s 3rd highest mountain). Population: Around 42,909 (Census 2011). Language: Lepcha – own script based on Sanskrit. Occupation: Traditionally hunters and gatherers; now also farmers and cattle breeders. Religion: Originally nature worshippers; later adopted Buddhism. Culture: Singing, dancing, archery contests. Belief: Kanchenjunga is their guardian deity.  Read More

Current Context: Turkey recently closed the Dardanelles Strait to ships because of nearby forest fires. About Dardanelles Strait: Narrow waterway in northwestern Turkey, linking the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Separates Europe from the tip of Asia Minor. Ancient name: Hellespont – named after a mythical princess, Helle. Length: 61 km, width: 1.2 to 6.5 km. Connects with the Bosporus Strait, which links to the Black Sea – together they form the only sea route from the Black Sea to the rest of the world. Gallipoli Peninsula lies on its west side. Important ports: Gallipoli, Eceabat, Çanakkale (all....Read More