UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Formation of cyclones and geoengineering (Week 74) | UPSC Current Affairs News

On Friday evening, messaging app WhatsApp experienced a major outage, leaving thousands of users unable to send or receive messages. Down Detector reported over 14,000 complaints around 9:17 pm, with users worldwide affected by the disruption. While the cause remains unclear, the outage impacted personal and professional communication, with London, Manchester, and Glasgow among the most affected areas. Full Article

India and the European Union (EU) are working on a security and defence partnership to address common threats like cross-border terrorism and attacks on critical infrastructure, amidst China's military activities in the Indo-Pacific region. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced plans for a Security and Defence Partnership with India, emphasizing the importance of security in the strategic partnership. The partnership aims to enhance collaboration on countering terrorism, maritime security threats, cyber-attacks, and protecting...

The DRDO and Indian Navy successfully tested the NASM-SR missile, with a human operator adjusting its course mid-flight using a two-way data link for live seeker images. Designed to replace foreign-origin missiles, the NASM-SR features advanced technology like an Imaging Infra-Red Seeker and Inertial Navigation System. Developed collaboratively by DRDO labs and supported by Indian industry, the missile marks a significant step towards indigenous naval weaponry. Full Article

A 37-year-old man, Dattatray Ramdas Gade, was arrested in Shirur tehsil after allegedly raping a woman at Swargate bus station in Pune. Police used drones and sniffer dogs to locate Gade, who attempted suicide and is a history-sheeter with previous criminal offenses. The police commissioner assured a thorough investigation, fast-track court proceedings, and enhanced security measures at the bus depot. Full Article

Jammu and Kashmir Police have seized immovable properties of five operatives of Hizbul Mujahideen in Ramban district, who have crossed over to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The terrorists were attempting to sell these assets to fund militant activities, but the seizure aims to dismantle terror funding networks and prevent the resurgence of militancy in the region. Security forces are committed to maintaining peace, stability, and development in Jammu and Kashmir while taking strong action against those trying...

Over 55 workers were trapped under the snow on the National Highway in Uttarakhand's Badrinath after an avalanche, with 16 workers successfully rescued and efforts ongoing to evacuate the remaining 41. The workers, employed by a private contractor for road construction, were affected by a glacier collapse onto a river following heavy snowfall in the area. An avalanche alert has also been issued for higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir, urging people to avoid travel...