1. Artemis II: First Crewed Moon Mission in Over 50 Years

NASA has successfully launched the Artemis II mission, marking the first time humans have returned to the vicinity of the Moon since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• The Mission: Artemis II is a crewed flyby mission; it does not land on the lunar surface but orbits the Moon before returning to Earth.
• The Crew: The four-member crew includes Reid Wiseman (Commander), Victor Glover (Pilot), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist), and Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist from CSA).
• Historical Firsts: Victor Glover is the first person of color, Christina Koch is the first woman, and Jeremy Hansen is the first non-American to go to the Moon.
• Spacecraft & Launch: The mission utilized the Orion spacecraft launched atop the Space Launch System (SLS), the world's most powerful rocket.
• Objective: To test the life-support systems and heat shields required for the subsequent Artemis III mission, which aims to land the first woman and person of color on the lunar South Pole.

2. Access Now Report 2025: Internet Shutdowns

According to the latest global report by Access Now, India has been ranked 2nd globally for the number of government-mandated internet shutdowns in 2025.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• The Ranking: India moved to the second spot, having previously held the top position for several consecutive years. Myanmar was ranked 1st in the 2025 report.
• Regional Concentration: The majority of shutdowns in India were concentrated in Jammu & Kashmir, Manipur, and Punjab, often cited for maintaining public order or preventing cheating in exams.
• Economic Impact: The report highlights that frequent shutdowns significantly impact the digital economy, healthcare services, and education.
• Legal Framework: In India, internet shutdowns are primarily governed by the Temporary Suspension of Telecom Services (Public Emergency or Public Safety) Rules, 2017, under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.

3. Varkala: UN '20 Cities Towards Zero Waste'

The coastal town of Varkala in Kerala has achieved international recognition by being included in the UN’s prestigious “20 Cities Towards Zero Waste” initiative.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• The Initiative: Launched by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this project identifies and supports 20 global cities that demonstrate exceptional models in sustainable waste management.
• Varkala’s Model: The town was selected for its successful implementation of source-level segregation, decentralized composting, and the active involvement of the "Haritha Karma Sena" (Green Action Force).
• Sustainability Focus: Varkala is the only Indian city in this specific 2026 cohort, highlighting its role in reducing plastic pollution in coastal ecosystems.
• Tourism Impact: As a major global tourism destination (famous for its Papanasam Beach and cliffs), this designation helps Varkala promote "Green Tourism."

4. India’s First Quantum Computer: Amravati

India has reached a major technological milestone with the announcement that the country’s first indigenous Quantum Computer will be established and launched in Amravati, Andhra Pradesh.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Development: The project is part of the National Quantum Mission (NQM), which was approved by the Union Cabinet to accelerate research in quantum technology.
• Collaborative Hub: The facility is a collaboration between the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and premier research institutes like TIFR and IISc.
• Capability: The computer is designed to operate on Superconducting Qubits, aiming to solve complex problems in cryptography, drug discovery, and climate modeling that are beyond the reach of classical supercomputers.
• Strategic Vision: This puts India in an elite group of nations (like the US, China, and France) possessing homegrown quantum computing hardware.

5. Qdenga: India's First Approved Dengue Vaccine

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has officially granted market authorization for Qdenga, the first vaccine available in India for the prevention of dengue fever.

• Exam-Centric Facts:
• Manufacturer: Developed by the Japanese pharmaceutical giant Takeda.
• Type of Vaccine: It is a live-attenuated tetravalent vaccine, meaning it provides protection against all four serotypes of the dengue virus (DENV-1, 2, 3, and 4).
• Usage: The vaccine is approved for individuals aged 4 to 60 years. Unlike previous vaccines, Qdenga can be administered to individuals regardless of whether they have had a prior dengue infection.
• Dosage: It is administered in a two-dose schedule, with a three-month interval between the first and second shots.
• Health Impact: This is a critical development for India, which sees hundreds of thousands of dengue cases annually, particularly during the monsoon season.