1. Karnak Temple
A geoarchaeological study reveals how Egypt’s Karnak Temple complex, once surrounded by Nile floods, evolved into one of the ancient world’s most sacred centers. Located in Luxor on the east bank of the Nile, it was built between 2055 BC and 100 AD as a cult temple dedicated to Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. Known as the “most select of places,” the complex expanded under pharaohs like Hatshepsut, Tuthmose III, Seti I, and Ramesses II, with continued additions by the Ptolemies, Romans, and early Christians. Together with Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, Karnak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2. Black Sea
Russia recently reported destroying 251 Ukrainian drones, including 61 over the Black Sea. The Black Sea, a large inland sea in southeastern Europe, connects to the Mediterranean via the Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits. Bordered by Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania, Ukraine, Russia, and Georgia, it covers 436,000 sq km with lower salinity and major river inflows from the Danube and Dnieper. It is the world’s largest meromictic basin, with oxygen-free lower layers and crucial geopolitical and trade significance for grain and energy exports.

3. Tomahawk Missile
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that U.S. delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine could strain relations. The Tomahawk is an American long-range cruise missile launched from ships or submarines. It carries a 1,000-pound warhead, flies low to evade radar, and uses GPS, inertial, and terrain mapping guidance with 10 m accuracy. Deployed since 1991’s Operation Desert Storm, it has a range of ~2,400 km and speed up to 885 km/h.

4. Bhavani River
An injured tuskless elephant was recently spotted in the Bhavani River along the Tamil Nadu–Kerala border. The Bhavani, a major Cauvery tributary, originates in the Nilgiris, flows through Kerala’s Silent Valley National Park, and rejoins Tamil Nadu at Bhavani town. Spanning 217 km and a 6,200 sq km basin, it supports extensive agriculture. Major tributaries include East and West Varagar; key dams are Bhavani Sagar and Kodiveri. The Bhavani Sangameshwarar Temple marks its confluence with the Cauvery.

5. Male Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district, MM Hills Wildlife Sanctuary—declared in 2013—lies between the Western and Eastern Ghats and borders BRT, Sathyamangalam, and Cauvery sanctuaries. Known for the Male Mahadeshwara Temple, it hosts dry deciduous to evergreen forests and wildlife including tigers, elephants, leopards, and bisons. A recent tiger poaching case highlighted the sanctuary’s conservation challenges.

6. Viridans Streptococci
A Finnish study found Viridans streptococci—common oral bacteria—in 42% of sudden-death autopsies, suggesting a link to heart attacks. These bacteria form biofilms inside atherosclerotic plaques, evading immune detection. When disturbed, they trigger inflammation that weakens arterial walls, leading to plaque rupture and clot formation. They are also known agents of infective endocarditis, commonly inhabiting the mouth and respiratory tracts.

7. New START Treaty
The New START (Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty), signed in 2010 by Obama and Medvedev, is the last nuclear arms control pact between the U.S. and Russia. Effective since 2011 and extended till 2026, it limits deployed strategic nuclear warheads and delivery systems. It replaced the 1991 START I and the 2002 SORT agreements, with both nations achieving compliance by 2018.

8. Jal Jeevan Mission
Launched on August 15, 2019, the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide safe tap water to every rural household by 2024 through a community-based approach. Implemented by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, it promotes women’s participation, greywater reuse, groundwater recharge, and water quality assurance. Funded 50:50 by Centre and States (90:10 for NE and Himalayan States), all assets will be mapped on the PM Gati Shakti GIS platform.

9. Mig La Pass
The Border Roads Organisation’s Project Himank built the world’s highest motorable road at 19,400 ft at Mig La Pass in Ladakh. The road, connecting Likaru–Mig La–Fukche, strengthens connectivity near the Indo-China border. Project Himank, established in 1985, maintains vital routes like Leh–Manali and Zojila, ensuring year-round access to strategic areas despite extreme weather.

10. MY Bharat–National Service Scheme (NSS) Awards
The President of India recently presented the MY Bharat–NSS Awards 2022–23 to honor youth contributions to social service and nation-building. Instituted in 1993–94 by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, the NSS promotes Gandhian ideals through voluntary community service by students across schools and universities.