Current Affairs 15 April 2026

Greece Assesses Climate Risks to Ancient Heritage Sites

Greece has undertaken a nationwide assessment of climate risks to its ancient archaeological sites due to increasing threats from wildfires, heatwaves, flooding, and landslides. This marks the first large-scale evaluation of its kind by the Greek Culture Ministry.

A three-year scientific study identified 19 major heritage sites that require urgent protection. These sites are not only culturally significant but also generate substantial tourism revenue for the country.

Some key sites under threat include:

• Acropolis (Athens) – affected by extreme heatwaves
• Olympia – vulnerable to forest fires
• Delphi – prone to rockslides
• Dion – at risk of flooding

Rising ‘Vulnerable Middle Class’ in India: World Bank Insight

A recent analysis based on a World Bank policy approach has highlighted a growing concern in India’s economy the rise of a “vulnerable middle class”, where people have moved above the poverty line but still lack economic security and upward mobility.

Over the past decade, India has made significant progress in reducing poverty, with the proportion of people below the poverty line falling from over 50% to around 30%. However, this improvement hides a deeper structural issue: many people who have crossed the poverty threshold remain economically fragile and unable to achieve a stable middle-class life.

Traditionally, poverty is measured using a fixed threshold. But the World Bank suggests shifting the focus to “distance from a reasonable standard of living”, treating well-being as a spectrum rather than a binary classification. This approach reveals that many households are just above the poverty line but still vulnerable to economic shocks.

The issue is closely linked to structural challenges in the Indian economy:

• Employment concerns: Less than 10% of workers are in formal jobs, while the majority work in the informal sector with unstable incomes.
• Low earnings: Around 94% of informal workers earn below ₹10,000 per month, limiting their ability to improve living standards.
• Jobless growth: Even with economic growth, sectors like manufacturing have not generated enough jobs; in fact, millions of jobs were lost between 2016–2021.
• Wage stagnation: Real wages have remained largely stagnant despite rising productivity.
• Rising inequality: A small group of wealthy individuals holds a significant share of national income.

IMD Forecasts ‘Below-Normal’ Southwest Monsoon in 2026

The India Meteorological Department has predicted a “below-normal” southwest monsoon for 2026, marking the first such forecast in 11 years. According to the April forecast, India is expected to receive 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA) rainfall during the monsoon season (June–September), where the LPA is approximately 87 cm.

Reason behind “Below-Normal” rainfall

• The development of El Niño, which involves warming of sea surface temperatures in the central Pacific Ocean.
• El Niño conditions are historically associated with reduced monsoon rainfall in India, having affected rainfall in many past years.

However, The IMD has also indicated some possible balancing factors.

• A positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) which refers to temperature differences between the western and eastern Indian Ocean, can enhance rainfall in India.
• Additionally, slightly lower snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere may also support better monsoon conditions, partially offsetting El Niño’s negative effects.

Nation Pays Tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on His Birth Anniversary

India paid rich tributes to B. R. Ambedkar on the occasion of his birth anniversary (April 14, 1891) at the Parliament House Complex.

The Vice-President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla offered floral tributes at his statue at Prerna Sthal and later at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

Key Contributions of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

• He was the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Indian Constitution
• He played a key role in incorporating Right to Equality and Universal Adult Franchise (Right to Vote).
• Major Books Written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar:
  • Annihilation of Caste (1936)
  • The Problem of the Rupee (1923)
  • Who Were the Shudras? (1946)
  • The Untouchables (1948)
  • States and Minorities (1947)
  • Buddha and His Dhamma (1957)
• Major Historic Events He Participated:
  • Poona Pact (1932): This is the agreement between Dr. B. R. Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi related to representation of depressed classes.
  • Round Table Conferences (1930–32): Represented depressed classes in London. This played a key role in constitutional discussions.
  • Drafting of Indian Constitution (1947–50): He was the chairman of the Drafting Committee.
  • Temple Entry Movements: He led movements like Kalaram Temple Entry (1930) for social equality.
  • Conversion to Buddhism (1956): He initiated a mass movement against caste discrimination.