Bulgaria has officially adopted the euro as its national currency , becoming the 21st member of the euro area on January 1, 2026 , nearly two decades after joining the European Union in 2007 . The move marks a historic economic and political milestone for the Balkan nation and completes what leaders have described as the final stage of Bulgaria’s integration into the European project. To ensure a smooth transition, the Bulgarian lev will remain in circulation alongside the e

The second edition of the India–UAE Joint Military Exercise Desert Cyclone II concluded on December 30, 2025 , at Al-Hamra Training City in Abu Dhabi , marking the successful culmination of nearly two weeks of intensive bilateral military training between the Indian Army and the UAE Land Forces . Conducted from December 18 to 30, 2025 , the exercise reaffirmed the deepening defence partnership between India and the United Arab Emirates and underscored their shared commitm

The Union Government has formally notified February 1, 2026 as the date from which a new taxation regime for tobacco products and pan masala will come into effect, marking a major restructuring of India’s indirect tax framework on so-called “sin goods”. Under the new system, additional excise duty will be levied on tobacco products , while a Health and National Security Cess will be imposed on pan masala , replacing the GST compensation cess , which will cease to exist from

Mali and Burkina Faso have announced reciprocal travel restrictions on United States citizens , responding directly to the expanded travel ban imposed by the Donald Trump administration on nationals from 39 countries , the majority of them in Africa and the Middle East. The decision marks a significant escalation in diplomatic tensions between the United States and parts of West Africa, and reflects a broader geopolitical realignment underway in the Sahel region. Reciprocal

Test your UPSC CSE 2026 preparation with today’s Environment & Geography Quiz — covering wildlife conservation in India, Arctic environmental changes, Indian physiographic features, planetary science, plate tectonics, bird migration, Jim Corbett National Park, aerosols, gas hydrates and more. If you missed Monthly Current Affairs Pointers (CAP) | Sept - Oct 2025, read it here. Previous UPSC Environment & Geography Quiz 25 Dec 2025 Click Here 18 Dec 2025 Click Here 11 Dec

The Union Government has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations of Nimesulide exceeding 100 mg , citing potential risks to human health and the availability of safer alternatives. The decision comes into force with immediate effect , according to a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare . Legal Basis and Regulatory Process The prohibition has been issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 ,