Current Affairs 19 October 2026

Andhra Pradesh Tourism

Four important tourist destinations in the Rayalaseema region of Andhra Pradesh — Horsley Hills, Adoni Fort, Orvakal Rock Garden and Ahobilam — highlight the region’s natural beauty, historical heritage, geological formations and religious significance. These destinations are particularly important for APPSC and Andhra Pradesh Police examinations from the perspectives of Andhra Pradesh geography, history, tourism and culture.

Horsley Hills, located at an elevation of approximately 4,232 feet above sea level, is described as Rayalaseema’s only hill station. Named after British Collector W. D. Horsley, it is known for its dense eucalyptus forests, mist-covered valleys and pleasant climate. Important attractions include tribal villages, a botanical garden and the Mallamma Temple.

Adoni Fort, situated in Kurnool district, is a historic military stronghold spread across five rocky hills. The fort is known for its 14 bastions, concealed water-management systems, ruined mosques, granaries and secret tunnels. Its historical associations include the Bahmani Sultanate, Tipu Sultan and the military conflicts that shaped South Indian history.

Orvakal Rock Garden, located near Kurnool, is a geological tourist attraction spread across approximately 1,000 acres. It features unusual igneous rock formations, natural arches, caves, and massive boulders. The landscape is notable for its naturally sculpted rock structures and ancient caves containing faint paintings.

Ahobilam, situated in the Nallamala Forest of the Eastern Ghats, is an important religious and ecological destination. It is famous for its nine shrines dedicated to Lord Narasimha, collectively associated with Nava Narasimha worship. The shrines are located across forested hills, gorges and streams. The region is also associated with the Chenchu tribal community, whose members have traditional cultural connections with the Nallamala forests.

Geologists Propose UNESCO Global Geopark Status for Rayalaseema’s Ancient Rocks

Geologists have proposed UNESCO Global Geopark status for Rayalaseema’s ancient geological formations in Andhra Pradesh to protect them from mining, road construction and unregulated tourism. The region contains rocks that are more than 2.5 billion years old, dating back to the Precambrian era.

Rayalaseema is part of the Cuddapah Basin and Dharwar Craton, among India’s oldest geological formations. The Eparchaean Unconformity, located along the Tirumala Ghat Road, is an important geological boundary separating 2.5-billion-year-old Archaean granite from 1.5-billion-year-old Nagari quartzite.

The Nagari Hills in the Chittoor–Tirupati region are known for flat-topped hills called mesas. The famous Nagari Nose, approximately 2,805 feet high, served as a lookout point during the British period. Other important geological sites include Nemaligundulu, Moghili Ghat, Moodu Ralla Banda and Bheemuni Palada Rock, some of which have been damaged or threatened by construction and quarrying.

These ancient rocky habitats also support rare species such as Red Sanders, Golden Gecko and the critically endangered Jerdon’s Courser. Geologists from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, believe UNESCO Global Geopark recognition could help conserve these sites while promoting scientific education and sustainable tourism.

Supreme Court Recognises Children’s Fundamental Right to Access the Internet

The Supreme Court of India has held that children, irrespective of their age, have a fundamental right to access and use the Internet under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution. A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice Vinod K. Chandran observed that children’s online safety and fundamental freedoms must be protected together.

The Court opposed blanket bans on children’s Internet access, stating that such restrictions are disproportionate and have not been proven effective in preventing online abuse. Instead of complete restrictions, the Court recommended parental consent and supervision, age-appropriate safeguards and a dedicated ‘child mode’ for social media accounts.

World Menopause Day – 18 October

World Menopause Day 2026 is observed on 18 October with the theme “Chronic Pain at Midlife”, focusing on better recognition, research, and treatment of chronic pain experienced by women during and after the menopausal transition. The annual observance is organised by the International Menopause Society (IMS) to raise awareness about menopause and promote evidence-based healthcare for women.

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding World Menopause Day 2026:
1. World Menopause Day is observed annually on 18 October.
2. The theme of World Menopause Day 2026 was “Chronic Pain at Midlife”.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding important tourist destinations in Andhra Pradesh:
1. Horsley Hills, located in Annamayya district, is named after British Collector W. D. Horsley.
2. Adoni Fort, situated in Kurnool district, is spread across five rocky hills.
3. Ahobilam, located in the Nallamala Hills, is famous for nine shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the geological heritage of Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region:
1. The Eparchaean Unconformity, exposed along the Tirumala Ghat Road, marks a geological boundary between ancient Archaean granite and younger Nagari quartzite.
2. The Rayalaseema region has already been designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark to protect its ancient geological formations.
3. The Dharwar Craton, which underlies parts of Rayalaseema, is among India’s oldest continental crustal blocks.

Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the Supreme Court’s ruling on children’s right to access the Internet:
1. The Supreme Court recognised children’s fundamental right to access and use the Internet under Article 21 read with Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
2. The Supreme Court recommended a complete ban on Internet access for children below 18 years to prevent online abuse.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2