Current Affairs

Science and Technology EOS-05 and GSLV-F17: India’s First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite ISRO launched EOS-05 on GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026, India's first imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, after a pause of nearly eight months. 4 Sep 202629 min read International Relations The 26th SCO Summit at Bishkek: India’s Security, Connectivity and Opportunity Pillars India attended the 26th SCO Summit at Bishkek on 1 September 2026, the grouping's 25th anniversary, pressing security, connectivity and opportunity. 1 Sep 202632 min read Economy The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025: India’s New Rural Employment Guarantee Replacing MGNREGA The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 took effect on 1 July 2026, repealing MGNREGA and raising the rural employment guarantee from 100 to 125 days per… 1 Jul 202623 min read Science & Technology India’s National Quantum Mission: Building Quantum Computing, Communication and Sensing National Quantum Mission for UPSC: India's quantum computing, communication and sensing mission, its outlay, four thematic hubs and qubit targets. 24 Jun 20266 min read Science & Technology NISAR: The NASA-ISRO Radar Satellite Watching Earth’s Changing Surfaces NISAR for UPSC: the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite, its dual-band radar, how it works, and its uses in disaster management and agriculture. 23 Jun 20269 min read Environment Project Cheetah: India’s Reintroduction of the Cheetah at Kuno National Park Project Cheetah for UPSC: the Kuno cheetah reintroduction, African and Asiatic cheetah, grassland-conservation rationale and how the translocation works. 22 Jun 202614 min read Science & Technology Genome India Project: Sequencing 10,000 Indian Genomes for Precision Medicine Genome India Project explained for UPSC: India has sequenced 10,000 Indian genomes, now open at the IBDC, powering precision medicine and rare-disease care. 21 Jun 202612 min read Science & Technology Mission Mausam: India’s Push to Become Weather-Ready and Climate-Smart Mission Mausam for UPSC: India's Rs 2,000 crore weather and climate forecasting mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, its network, AI and disaster role. 20 Jun 202612 min read Environment Ramsar Sites of India: The Ramsar Convention and India’s Wetland Conservation Ramsar sites of India for UPSC: the Ramsar Convention, the wise-use concept, the Montreux Record, India's flagship wetlands and the laws that conserve them. 19 Jun 202616 min read Polity & Governance DPDP Act 2023 and DPDP Rules 2025: India’s Data-Protection Law Explained DPDP Act 2023 and DPDP Rules 2025 for UPSC: India's data-protection law, the Data Protection Board, consent, data-principal rights and penalties. 18 Jun 202618 min read International Relations India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC): Route, Significance and Challenges India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) for UPSC: the G20 launch, two corridors, ship-to-rail and energy links, PGII and significance for India. 17 Jun 202616 min read Environment India State of Forest Report 2023: Forest Cover, Carbon Stock and the Counting Debate India State of Forest Report 2023 for UPSC: forest and tree cover figures, FSI methodology, state rankings, forest carbon stock and the counting debate. 16 Jun 202613 min read Polity & Governance Women’s Reservation Act 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam): The 106th Amendment Explained Women's Reservation Act 2023 (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) for UPSC: the 106th Amendment reserving one-third of legislative seats for women, with the debates. 15 Jun 202616 min read Economy India’s Digital Rupee (e-Rupee): The RBI’s Central Bank Digital Currency Explained Digital Rupee (e-Rupee, CBDC) for UPSC: the RBI's central bank digital currency, its retail and wholesale pilots, and how it differs from UPI and crypto. 14 Jun 202616 min read Science & Technology Gaganyaan: India’s First Human Spaceflight Mission by ISRO Gaganyaan for UPSC: India's first human spaceflight mission by ISRO, the human-rated LVM3, crew module, crew escape system, the test roadmap and significance. 13 Jun 202614 min read Economy National Green Hydrogen Mission: India’s SIGHT Programme and 2030 Target Explained National Green Hydrogen Mission for UPSC: India's Rs 19,744 crore Mission, the SIGHT programme, green vs grey hydrogen, the 2030 targets and challenges. 12 Jun 202615 min read Environment International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA): India’s Treaty-Based Alliance for the World’s Seven Big Cats International Big Cat Alliance for UPSC: the India-led, treaty-based alliance for the world's seven big cats, its structure, objectives and significance. 11 Jun 202614 min read Art & Culture Classical Languages of India: The 2024 Expansion to Eleven, Criteria and Significance Classical languages of India for UPSC: the 2024 expansion to eleven, the five new languages, the revised criteria, benefits, and the Eighth Schedule. 10 Jun 202614 min read Polity & Governance National TB Elimination Programme and TB Mukt Bharat: India’s Drive to End Tuberculosis NTEP and TB Mukt Bharat for UPSC: India's National TB Elimination Programme, the 2025 target, NSP 2017-2025 pillars, Ni-kshay schemes, progress and challenges. 9 Jun 202613 min read Agriculture National Mission on Natural Farming: India’s Chemical-Free Farming Mission Explained National Mission on Natural Farming for UPSC: India's Rs 2,481 crore chemical-free Mission, natural vs organic farming, the cluster model and challenges. 8 Jun 202613 min read Science & Technology India’s Semiconductor Mission (ISM): Fabs, the Approved Units and ISM 2.0 Explained India's Semiconductor Mission for UPSC: the Rs 76,000 crore Semicon India outlay, up to 50% fiscal support, the approved chip units, ISM 2.0 and the challenges. 7 Jun 202618 min read Internal Security Left Wing Extremism in India: The Decline of Naxalism and the SAMADHAN Strategy Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism) in India for UPSC: the Red Corridor, the decline in districts and violence, the SAMADHAN strategy and the development debate. 6 Jun 202618 min read Environment & Ecology India’s 100th Ramsar Site: Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary and the Wetland Story India's 100th Ramsar site for UPSC: the Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary (Surha Tal), Uttar Pradesh, gives India the most Ramsar sites in Asia. 5 Jun 20269 min read Economy India’s GDP Grows 7.7 Per Cent in 2025-26: The Provisional Estimates Explained India's GDP for UPSC: provisional estimates show 7.7 per cent real growth in 2025-26, released by the National Statistics Office on a 2022-23 base-year series. 5 Jun 20268 min read Environment & Ecology India Launches E85 Fuel and Its First Flex-Fuel Car: The Ethanol Push Explained India's ethanol push for UPSC: E85 fuel and the first flex-fuel car launched in June 2026, as ethanol blending in petrol reaches 20 per cent to… 5 Jun 20267 min read Indian Society Caste Enumeration in the Census 2027: The Decision, History and Debate Explained Caste enumeration in India's Census 2027 for UPSC: the Cabinet decision, the history since 1931, how the Census works, and a balanced look at the debate. 5 Jun 202616 min read International Relations India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA): Market Access, Significance and Debates India-UK CETA for UPSC: the free trade agreement concluded on 6 May 2025, its goods market access, the Double Contribution Convention and India's FTA strategy. 4 Jun 202617 min read Geography Southwest Monsoon Reaches Kerala: India’s 2026 Monsoon Onset Explained India's 2026 monsoon for UPSC: the southwest monsoon set in over Kerala on 4 June, a few days late, beginning the rains that India's farming depends… 4 Jun 20268 min read Science & Technology IndiaAI Mission: India’s AI Compute, Foundation Models and Seven Pillars Explained IndiaAI Mission for UPSC: India's Rs 10,372 crore AI Mission, its seven pillars, the AI compute push, indigenous foundation models, significance and challenges. 3 Jun 202615 min read Economy APEDA Ships India’s First Sea Consignment of Value-Added Millet Foods Millet exports for UPSC: APEDA shipped India's first sea consignment of value-added millet foods from Karnataka to New Zealand in 2026 under Shree Anna. 3 Jun 20267 min read Economy Next-Generation GST Reform: India’s Two-Slab Rate Rationalisation Explained Next-Generation GST reform for UPSC: the 56th GST Council two-slab rationalisation of 5 and 18 per cent, the 40 per cent sin-luxury rate and fiscal federalism. 2 Jun 202616 min read Science & Technology DRDO Flight-Tests RudraM-II: India’s Indigenous Anti-Radiation Missile RudraM-II for UPSC: the DRDO and the Air Force flight-tested India's indigenous air-to-surface missile from a Su-30 fighter off the Odisha coast in June 2026. 2 Jun 20267 min read Geography Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF): The 2023 Sikkim Disaster and India’s Mitigation Response Glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) for UPSC: what a GLOF is, the 2023 South Lhonak Sikkim disaster and India's GLOF Risk Mitigation Project. 1 Jun 202614 min read International Relations India-Oman CEPA Comes Into Force: A New Gulf Trade Gateway India-Oman CEPA for UPSC: the trade pact in force from 1 June 2026 gives almost all of India's exports duty-free access to Oman, covering goods and… 1 Jun 20267 min read International Relations The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue): Members, Evolution and India’s Indo-Pacific Stakes The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) for UPSC: four members, the free and open Indo-Pacific aim, the 2017 revival, Wilmington 2024 and India's stakes. 31 May 202616 min read Polity & Governance Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY): India’s Drive for Universal Health Coverage Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) for UPSC: the two pillars, the Rs 5 lakh health cover, eligibility, the 2024 senior-citizen extension, ABDM, benefits and challenges. 30 May 202615 min read Polity National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) 2023-24: Findings and Significance NFHS-6 explained for UPSC: India's 2023-24 health survey findings on fertility, institutional delivery, child nutrition, contraception and women's status. 29 May 20268 min read Economy RBI Annual Report 2025-26: Balance Sheet, Surplus and the Economy RBI Annual Report 2025-26 for UPSC: balance sheet up 20.6% to Rs 91.97 lakh crore and a record Rs 2.87 lakh crore surplus transfer to the… 29 May 20267 min read Science & Technology NITI Aayog’s Semiconductor Roadmap: India’s Push to 2035 NITI Aayog semiconductor roadmap for UPSC: India's first 10-year chip roadmap targets a USD 120-150 billion value chain by 2035 via a More-than-Moore strategy. 29 May 20267 min read Science & Technology Chandrayaan-2 Finds Evidence of Subsurface Ice on the Moon Chandrayaan-2 for UPSC: its DFSAR radar found evidence of subsurface ice near the Moon's south pole, strengthening the case for lunar water as a resource. 29 May 20267 min read Polity and Governance One Nation One Election: Simultaneous Polls to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies One Nation One Election for UPSC: simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, the Kovind committee, the 129th Amendment Bill and the federalism debate. 29 May 202617 min read Economy PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan for Multimodal Connectivity PM Gati Shakti for UPSC: the GIS-based National Master Plan, the seven engines, the six pillars, the EGoS-NPG-TSU structure and the National Logistics Policy. 28 May 202615 min read Society National Health Accounts Estimates 2022-23: India’s Health Spending National Health Accounts 2022-23 for UPSC: out-of-pocket spending fell to 43.4% of total health spending and government health expenditure rose to 1.43% of GDP. 28 May 20267 min read Environment Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas: The Gadgil and Kasturirangan Reports and the ESA Notifications Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Areas for UPSC: the Gadgil (WGEEP, 2011) and Kasturirangan (HLWG, 2013) reports, the draft ESA notifications, the six States and the conservation-development… 27 May 202616 min read Polity Supreme Court Upholds the ECI’s Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls SC SIR verdict for UPSC: the Supreme Court upheld the ECI Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls under Article 324 and the RP Act, 1950, on… 27 May 20268 min read Environment Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2017: Supreme Court Issues Notice on Constitutional Validity Why the Supreme Court is examining the 2017 Wetlands Rules, how Rule 2(g) drops human-made wetlands, the Ramsar clash, and 2010 vs 2017 changes for UPSC. 26 May 20266 min read Polity Sixteenth Finance Commission: The 2026-31 Award and 41% Devolution 16th Finance Commission for UPSC: the 2026-31 award, 41 per cent vertical devolution retained, Rs 1.4 lakh crore grants, and Centre-State fiscal federalism. 26 May 20268 min read Society High-Level Committee on Demographic Change in India 2026 High-Level Committee on Demographic Change (UPSC): the government set up a panel under Justice Navlekar to study population shifts and recommend measures. 26 May 20266 min read Polity and Governance The Anti-Defection Law: The Tenth Schedule, the Speaker’s Role and the Reform Debate The anti-defection law for UPSC: the Tenth Schedule, the 52nd and 91st Amendments, the grounds, the merger exception, the Speaker's role and Kihoto Hollohan. 26 May 202620 min read Environment Great Indian Bustard: Power-Line Threat and Conservation (UPSC) Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps) for UPSC: critically endangered, the power-line threat, the Supreme Court order and conservation breeding. 25 May 202618 min read Economy India’s Critical-Minerals Strategy: Cutting Dependence on China Critical minerals for UPSC: India's National Critical Mineral Mission, mining reform and global pacts to secure rare earths and cut dependence on China. 25 May 20268 min read Polity The Uniform Civil Code, Assam, 2026 Bill: Polygamy Ban, Live-in Registration, and Codified Succession Assam tabled its Uniform Civil Code Bill: a polygamy ban, live-in registration and equal inheritance. What it means for Article 44 and UPSC prep. 25 May 20267 min read International Relations The India-EU Free Trade Agreement: Tracks, History, Hard Issues and India’s Stakes India-EU Free Trade Agreement for UPSC: the three tracks, the 2007-2013-2022 history, the CBAM and agriculture issues, and what the deal means for India. 24 May 202620 min read Polity Supreme Court Section 124A Clarification: Sedition Proceedings Revived for Consenting Accused Section 124A sedition law is back as the Supreme Court lets pending cases proceed for consenting accused. Covers the 2022 freeze, Vombatkere and BNS 152. 24 May 20267 min read Environment Karnataka State Insect and State Amphibian: Apis cerana and Malabar Tree Toad Designations Karnataka named Apis cerana state insect and Malabar Tree Toad state amphibian, plus four new Biodiversity Heritage Sites. UPSC environment notes. 23 May 20268 min read Society Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2026-2036 Global Action Plan on AMR 2026-2036 for UPSC: the World Health Assembly adopted WHO's updated antimicrobial-resistance plan to cut AMR deaths 10% by 2030. 23 May 20267 min read Internal Security CERT-In and India’s Cyber Security Architecture Explained CERT-In for UPSC: India's national cyber-incident agency under Section 70B of the IT Act 2000, the 2022 Directions, NCIIPC, I4C and the way forward. 23 May 202617 min read Economy Indian Rupee Depreciation and RBI Intervention (May 2026) Rupee depreciation hit a record low near 96.96 per dollar on 20 May 2026, down 7.04 per cent in 2026. See why the rupee is falling… 22 May 202611 min read Economy ASUSE 2025 Release on the Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (May 2026) ASUSE 2025 shows India unincorporated sector at 7.92 crore establishments and 12.81 crore workers, with 7.97 per cent growth and 10.87 per cent GVA rise. 22 May 202611 min read Polity Exercise PRAGATI 2026: India Hosts 12-Nation Military Drill at Umroi (May 2026) Exercise PRAGATI 2026 began at Umroi, Meghalaya on 20 May 2026 with 12 nations. Learn the participants, objectives, Indian Ocean Region relevance, and UPSC mapping. 22 May 202611 min read Polity INS Sanghmitra: First Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessel Launched at GRSE Kolkata (May 2026) INS Sanghmitra, the first NGOPV built by GRSE for the Indian Navy, launched 20 May 2026. UPSC notes on ship specs, DPSU shipbuilding, maritime security. 22 May 202611 min read Science & Technology ECLSS for Gaganyaan: India’s First Crewed-Mission Life Support System (May 2026) ECLSS is ISRO life support system for Gaganyaan. See how it supplies oxygen, removes carbon dioxide and handles water and waste for the 2027 crewed flight. 22 May 202611 min read History Raja Rammohan Roy 254th Birth Anniversary: Architect of Indian Renaissance (22 May 2026) Raja Ram Mohan Roy reforms explained: founder of Brahmo Samaj, sati abolition campaigner and father of the Indian Renaissance. A clear UPSC guide. 22 May 202611 min read Polity India-Cyprus Strategic Partnership (New Delhi, 22 May 2026) India and Cyprus elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership on 22 May 2026, with a 2026-2031 defence roadmap, six pacts, a cyber dialogue and IMEC links. 22 May 202612 min read Environment Saudi Arabia Joins the India-Led International Big Cat Alliance IBCA for UPSC: Saudi Arabia joined the India-led International Big Cat Alliance as its 26th member in May 2026, ahead of the IBCA summit in New… 22 May 20266 min read Society SRS Statistical Report 2024: India’s Birth Rate, Fertility and Mortality SRS Statistical Report 2024 for UPSC: India's total fertility rate falls to 1.9, below replacement, with a birth rate of 18.3 and infant mortality rate of… 22 May 20269 min read Environment Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment): Origin, the Seven Themes and India’s Climate Commitments Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) for UPSC: the COP26 origin, the 2022 launch, pro-planet people, the seven themes and 75 actions, and India's NDC link. 22 May 202617 min read Polity India-Italy Special Strategic Partnership (Rome, May 2026) India and Italy elevated ties to a Special Strategic Partnership in Rome on 20 May 2026, with a 20 billion euro trade target by 2029. 21 May 202613 min read Society Dowry Death Cases in India and the NCRB Crime-in-India 2024 Report India recorded 5,737 dowry deaths in 2024 per NCRB. Understand Section 80 BNS, the Dowry Prohibition Act and why dowry-death convictions remain low. 21 May 202612 min read Polity FAO Agricola Medal Conferred on Prime Minister Modi (Rome, May 2026) FAO conferred the Agricola Medal on PM Modi in Rome on 20 May 2026. Know the award, FAO structure, India's food-security schemes, and the UPSC relevance. 21 May 202611 min read Polity Asian Productivity Organization 68th Governing Body Meeting in New Delhi (May 2026) India hosted the APO 68th Governing Body Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, May 2026. Know the Asian Productivity Organization and its UPSC relevance. 21 May 202610 min read Economy Arunachal Kiwi Mission Launched as One-State-One-USP Anchor (May 2026) Arunachal Kiwi Mission, launched May 2026 with Rs 167 crore for an organic kiwi value chain under One State One USP. MOVCD-NER, NPOP and UPSC relevance. 21 May 202611 min read Science & Technology Sweden Joins ISRO Shukrayaan Venus Mission with Venusian Neutrals Analyser (May 2026) ISRO and Sweden signed a space MoU in May 2026 for the Shukrayaan Venus mission. Sweden's IRF builds the Venusian Neutrals Analyser; launch in 2028. 21 May 202611 min read Economy The Sagarmala Programme: Port-Led Development, the Four Pillars and India’s Blue Economy The Sagarmala Programme for UPSC: its four pillars, port-led development, Coastal Economic Zones, the blue economy and India's 7,500 km coastline. 21 May 202616 min read Polity India-Nordic Summit 2026: Strategic Partnership Upgraded to a Green-Technology Pillar at Oslo The 3rd India-Nordic Summit at Oslo on 19 May 2026 elevated India and the five Nordic states to a green-technology and innovation strategic partnership. 20 May 202618 min read Economy India’s EV Ambition and the Grid Strategy It Needs (May 2026) How India's EV growth strains the power grid, the extra electricity demand it adds, and how PM E-DRIVE and the National Electricity Plan respond. 20 May 202614 min read Polity DRDO ULPGM-V3: India’s Drone-Launched Precision Missile (May 2026) DRDO completed ULPGM-V3 final trials on 19 May 2026 at Kurnool. Know the 12.5 kg drone-launched missile's 10 km range, warheads and UPSC relevance. 20 May 202613 min read History Shaheed Veer Gundadhur: The Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 (May 2026) Bhumkal Rebellion of 1910 in Bastar: how Gunda Dhur led a tribal uprising against British forest policy, covering its leaders, causes, and suppression. 20 May 202613 min read Economy India’s Peak Power Demand Crosses 260 GW (May 2026) India hit 265.4 GW on 20 May 2026 and an all-time high of 270.8 GW on 21 May amid a heatwave, exposing the evening-peak gap as… 20 May 202613 min read Polity Ayush Anudan Portal: Digital Grant Management at the Ministry of Ayush (May 2026) The Ayush Anudan Portal, launched on 20 May 2026, digitises Ministry of Ayush grant management through NGO Darpan and MAISP single-window integration. 20 May 202612 min read Economy Ammonium Sulphate as Urea Alternative for Paddy: ICAR Advisory (May 2026) ICAR advised states to promote ammonium sulphate (21 per cent nitrogen, 24 per cent sulphur) as a urea alternative for kharif paddy amid supply concerns. 20 May 202612 min read Economy Urtan and Dhirauli Coal Mines: First Underground Commercial Mine in India (May 2026) Urtan North in Madhya Pradesh became India's first underground commercial coal mine on 15 May 2026, alongside the Dhirauli mine in Singrauli district. 20 May 202612 min read Science and Technology Small Modular Reactors and India’s Bharat Small Reactor Push Small Modular Reactors for UPSC: the up-to-300-MWe definition, India's Bharat Small Reactor, the Union Budget 2024-25, DAE and NPCIL, and the nuclear law. 20 May 202617 min read Current Affairs The Vibrant Villages Programme: Border-Village Development and Security The Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) for UPSC - CSE: VVP-I and VVP-II, the border states, the interventions and the border-security rationale explained. 19 May 202619 min read Society World Cities Report 2026: The Global Housing Crisis World Cities Report 2026 for UPSC: UN-Habitat's report on the global housing crisis finds about 3.4 billion people lack secure, adequate housing. 19 May 20266 min read Science and Technology The Deep Ocean Mission: Samudrayaan, Deep-Sea Resources and India’s Blue Economy Deep Ocean Mission for UPSC: the 2021 approval, Rs 4,077 crore, six components, Samudrayaan and Matsya-6000, polymetallic nodules and the blue economy. 18 May 202618 min read Polity India and Norway Forge a Green Maritime Partnership (2026) India-Norway for UPSC: the 18 May 2026 Joint Statement deepened a green maritime partnership on clean shipping, hydrogen vessels and science cooperation. 18 May 20266 min read Governance The Smart Cities Mission: Objectives, Components, the SPV Model and the Urban-Governance Debates Smart Cities Mission (SCM) for UPSC: launched in 2015 for 100 cities, its objectives, the Area-Based and Pan-City components, the SPV model and the debates. 17 May 202620 min read International Relations WHO Declares the 2026 Ebola Outbreak a Global Health Emergency Ebola for UPSC: the WHO declared the 2026 Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, its highest level of… 17 May 20267 min read Polity India Rejects the Court of Arbitration Award on the Indus Waters Treaty Indus Waters Treaty for UPSC: India rejected the Court of Arbitration's pondage award on 17 May 2026 as null and void, with the 1960 treaty in… 17 May 20267 min read History Return of the Chola Copper Plates from the Netherlands Chola copper plates for UPSC: the Netherlands returned the 11th-century Anaimangalam plates to India during PM Modi's May 2026 visit, in Sanskrit and Tamil. 16 May 20267 min read Environment Namami Gange: Architecture, Components and the Clean-Ganga Debate Namami Gange (the National Mission for Clean Ganga) for UPSC: the National Ganga Council, the components, the Arth Ganga model and the pollution debate. 16 May 202615 min read Economy UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme): Model, Rounds and Regional Air Connectivity in India UDAN (Regional Connectivity Scheme) for UPSC: the 2016 launch, the airfare cap, viability gap funding, the connectivity fund, the rounds and Krishi UDAN. 15 May 202616 min read Society World Health Statistics 2026: Global Health Off Track World Health Statistics 2026 for UPSC: WHO finds the world off track on every health SDG by 2030, with NCD deaths rising even as HIV and… 15 May 20267 min read Polity BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026: India’s Chairship in New Delhi BRICS FM Meeting 2026 for UPSC: India hosted the Foreign Ministers' Meeting in New Delhi on 14-15 May 2026 under its BRICS chairship, with a Chair's… 15 May 20267 min read Polity India and the UAE: A New Strategic Defence Partnership India-UAE defence partnership for UPSC: a Strategic Defence Partnership framework signed on 15 May 2026 during PM Modi Abu Dhabi visit, with I2U2 links. 15 May 20267 min read Governance Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal): Rural Tap Water and the Functionality Debate Jal Jeevan Mission (Har Ghar Jal) for UPSC: the 55 lpcd tap-water goal, the community-managed Pani Samiti model, water-quality testing, women and public health. 14 May 202616 min read Economy India and IFAD Launch the COSOP 2026-2033 for Rural Prosperity India-IFAD COSOP for UPSC: India and IFAD launched an eight-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (2026-2033) to strengthen the rural economy. 13 May 20267 min read Environment Global Forest Goals Report 2026: Forests Off Track for 2030 Global Forest Goals Report 2026 for UPSC: the UN finds world forest area down to 4.14 billion hectares and forest finance short of the 2030 goals. 13 May 20266 min read Science and Technology IN-SPACe and India’s Space-Sector Reform: Opening Space to Private Players IN-SPACe and India's space-sector reform for UPSC: the 2020 opening, the single-window IN-SPACe, NSIL, the Indian Space Policy 2023 and the 2024 FDI rules. 13 May 202617 min read Economy The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes: Design, the 14 Sectors, Achievements and Debates Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for UPSC: the 14 key sectors, the incremental-output incentive design, the rationale, achievements and debates. 12 May 202615 min read Economy PM-KUSUM: Solarising Agriculture for Farmer Energy and Income Security PM-KUSUM for UPSC: the solar-for-agriculture scheme, its three components A, B and C, the de-dieselisation and farmer-income aims and the subsidy debates. 11 May 202617 min read Polity Four Labour Codes: Implementation and the New Central Rules Four Labour Codes for UPSC: 29 central laws merged into four codes, in force 21 November 2025, the 50% wage rule, and new gig-worker social security. 11 May 20268 min read Governance The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM): ABHA, the Registries and Consent-Based Health Records Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) for UPSC: the ABHA health ID, the registries, the consent-based architecture, the benefits and the privacy debate. 10 May 202618 min read Governance Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB): The Rules-to-Roles Reform of Civil-Services Capacity Building Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB) for UPSC: the 2020 rules-to-roles reform of the civil service, FRAC, the iGOT Karmayogi platform and its institutions. 9 May 202617 min read Governance The Swachh Bharat Mission: Sanitation and the Move to ODF Plus Swachh Bharat Mission for UPSC: the two wings, Phase I and the 2019 ODF declaration, Phase II and SBM 2.0, ODF Plus, financing, public health and… 8 May 202616 min read Polity Operation Sindoor: What Happened, the Targets, and Defence Reset Operation Sindoor explained: why India struck nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK after the Pahalgam attack, the weapons used, and what changed since. 7 May 202612 min read Governance The Aspirational Districts Programme: NITI Aayog’s Model for Backward Districts Aspirational Districts Programme for UPSC: NITI Aayog's 2018 governance model, 112 districts, the three Cs, 49 KPIs across five themes and delta ranking. 7 May 202619 min read Polity Vietnam President Lam Visits India: Enhanced Strategic Partnership in Indo-Pacific (May 2026) On 6 May 2026 India and Vietnam elevated ties to Enhanced Strategic Partnership; new USD 25 billion 2030 trade target; Vietnam joined IPOI framework. 6 May 202612 min read Society Hantavirus Cruise-Ship Outbreak: WHO Response and India Health-Readiness Frame (May 2026) What is hantavirus, how it spreads, and why the MV Hondius cruise ship outbreak matters for the WHO, the IHR and India. Clear UPSC notes with… 5 May 202612 min read Economy West Asia War and India’s Economic Slowdown (May 2026) How the 2026 West Asia war hit India's economy: core sector at minus 0.4 percent, fertilizer subsidy at 2.17 trillion rupees, a weak rupee, and LNG… 5 May 202618 min read Governance AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0: India’s Urban Water and Sewerage Mission AMRUT and AMRUT 2.0 for UPSC: the 2015 urban water mission, 500 cities, thrust areas, the 2021 push for universal tap water and the circular economy… 4 May 202617 min read Governance Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana: Housing for All Across Rural and Urban India Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana for UPSC: both wings, PMAY-Urban and its four verticals, PMAY-U 2.0, PMAY-Gramin from Indira Awaas Yojana and the debates. 3 May 202617 min read Governance BharatNet: India’s Rural Broadband and Optical-Fibre Programme BharatNet for UPSC: the 2011 National Optical Fibre Network, rural optical fibre to Gram Panchayats, the 2023 Amended Programme and Digital Bharat Nidhi. 2 May 202617 min read Governance Skill India Mission and PMKVY: India’s Vocational Training Architecture Skill India Mission and PMKVY for UPSC: the 2015 skilling push under MSDE, PMKVY 1.0 to 4.0, NSDC, NSQF, NCVET, ITIs and the demographic dividend. 1 May 202618 min read Environment Project Tiger and Tiger Conservation in India: the NTCA Project Tiger for UPSC: the 1973 programme, the statutory NTCA, the core-buffer tiger-reserve model, the All India Tiger Estimation, M-STrIPES and CA|TS. 30 Apr 202620 min read Polity UAE Exits OPEC: Oil Cartel Reshaped and India Energy-Policy Implications (May 2026) UAE exits OPEC after 59 years, weakening the oil cartel. See what the exit means for India energy security, oil prices and Gulf remittances. 29 Apr 20268 min read Governance MGNREGA, 2005 to 2026: India’s Former Legal Right to Rural Wage Employment MGNREGA for UPSC: the 2005 Act that guaranteed 100 days of rural wage work, repealed on 1 July 2026 and replaced by the VB-G RAM G… 28 Apr 202623 min read Polity India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (signed 27 April 2026) India-New Zealand FTA explained for UPSC: the April 2026 trade deal, duty-free access for Indian exports, AYUSH recognition and why it matters. 27 Apr 202610 min read Governance PM-KISAN: India’s Direct Income Support for Farmers PM-KISAN for UPSC: central-sector scheme paying landholding farmers Rs 6,000 a year in three installments by Direct Benefit Transfer, with eKYC and exclusions. 27 Apr 202620 min read Economy Startup India: Building India’s Startup and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Startup India for UPSC: the 2016 DPIIT initiative, startup recognition, the 80-IAC tax holiday, the angel-tax fix and the Fund of Funds and Seed Fund. 26 Apr 202621 min read Governance POSHAN Abhiyaan: India’s National Nutrition Mission and Mission Poshan 2.0 POSHAN Abhiyaan for UPSC: the National Nutrition Mission, its stunting, anaemia and low birth weight targets, convergence, the Poshan Tracker and Mission Poshan 2.0. 25 Apr 202622 min read Governance Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: India’s Financial-Inclusion Mission PMJDY for UPSC: the 2014 financial-inclusion mission, the zero-balance Jan Dhan account, the RuPay card, the overdraft, Bank Mitras and the JAM trinity. 24 Apr 202619 min read Economy RBI Cancels Paytm Payments Bank’s Banking Licence 2026 RBI cancels Paytm Payments Bank licence for UPSC: on 24 April 2026 the RBI cancelled its licence under the Banking Regulation Act and moved to wind… 24 Apr 20266 min read Society Haemophilia in India: The Diagnosis Gap, Burden, and Rare-Disease Push Haemophilia in India explained: why over 80% of an estimated 1.4 lakh cases stay undiagnosed, the treatment-access gap, and the WHO 2026 equity push. 23 Apr 202611 min read Polity Iran Closes the Strait of Hormuz: India’s Energy-Security Test (April 2026) Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz on 18 April 2026 and fired on India-flagged ships. The chokepoint carries about a fifth of world oil, central to… 22 Apr 202612 min read Governance Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: India’s Clean-Cooking-Fuel Mission Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana for UPSC: the 2016 clean-cooking mission, deposit-free LPG for poor women, Ujjwala 2.0, the refill subsidy and SDG-7. 21 Apr 202623 min read Science & Technology The Genome India Project: India Maps the Genetic Variation of Its People Genome India Project for UPSC: India sequenced 10,000 genomes from 99 communities and opened the data on the IBDC, building a base for precision medicine. 20 Apr 20267 min read Polity India and South Korea Adopt a Joint Strategic Vision for 2026 to 2030 India-South Korea Special Strategic Partnership for UPSC: the two sides adopted a Joint Strategic Vision for 2026-2030 covering trade, minerals and defence. 20 Apr 20267 min read Polity Iran-US Nuclear Diplomacy: Islamabad Talks, JCPOA Echo and India’s Strategic Read (April 2026) Iran US nuclear talks stalled over enriched uranium and a 20-year vs 5-year moratorium. See the JCPOA echo, Strait of Hormuz stakes and India read. 20 Apr 202612 min read Governance National Education Policy 2020: India’s Education Reform Explained NEP 2020 for UPSC: the 5-3-3-4 school structure, Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, mother-tongue medium, the four-year degree, the Academic Bank of Credits and HECI. 19 Apr 202620 min read Environment & Ecology India’s Biological Diversity Act: Conserving Biodiversity and Sharing Its Benefits Biological Diversity Act for UPSC: India's biodiversity law, its 2023 amendment, and the three-tier NBA, State Boards and local committees for benefit-sharing. 18 Apr 20267 min read Governance SAUBHAGYA: India’s Universal Household-Electrification Mission SAUBHAGYA for UPSC: the 2017 Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana, free last-mile electricity connections for the poor, REC as nodal agency, DDUGJY and SDG-7. 17 Apr 202622 min read Polity Constitution 131st Amendment Bill Negatived in Lok Sabha Constitution 131st Amendment Bill for UPSC: the Lok Sabha negatived the Bill on 17 April 2026 as it fell short of the special majority Article 368… 17 Apr 20266 min read Science & Technology India Notifies the SEZ for Its First Semiconductor Fabrication Plant at Dholera India's first semiconductor fabrication plant for UPSC: the government notifies a Special Economic Zone for the Tata-Powerchip chip fab at Dholera, Gujarat. 16 Apr 20268 min read Economy CII Policy Ask, World Bank Outlook, and Ports Relief: India’s Industry Response to the West Asia War (April 2026) The World Bank lifts India's FY27 growth forecast to 6.6 percent as the West Asia war bites, while CII seeks a 20-point relief plan for MSMEs. 15 Apr 202618 min read Economy Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana: Collateral-Free Credit for Micro Enterprises PMMY for UPSC: the 2015 micro-finance scheme, collateral-free loans, the Shishu, Kishore, Tarun and Tarun Plus categories, MUDRA the SIDBI refinance body, and the CGFMU. 14 Apr 202620 min read Economy Stand-Up India: Greenfield Credit for SC, ST and Women Entrepreneurs Stand-Up India for UPSC: the 2016 scheme giving Rs 10 lakh to Rs 1 crore loans to SC, ST and women per branch for a greenfield… 13 Apr 202619 min read Governance Digital India Programme: E-Governance and the Citizen Platforms Digital India for UPSC: the 2015 MeitY programme, its three vision areas, nine pillars and the platforms DigiLocker, UMANG and the Common Service Centres. 12 Apr 202625 min read Polity Strait of Hormuz Reopens: Jag Vikram, the Toll Dispute, and India LPG (April 2026) After the 7 April 2026 US-Iran ceasefire, the LPG tanker Jag Vikram became the first India-flagged vessel to cross the reopened Strait of Hormuz. 11 Apr 202615 min read Economy PM SVANidhi: Collateral-Free Micro-Credit for Urban Street Vendors PM SVANidhi for UPSC: the 2020 MoHUA micro-credit scheme for urban street vendors, collateral-free loans, a 7 percent interest subsidy and a digital cashback. 10 Apr 202621 min read Polity 9th Indian Ocean Conference in Mauritius and India’s Vision from SAGAR to MAHASAGAR 9th Indian Ocean Conference for UPSC: held in Mauritius in April 2026, where India set out its Indian Ocean vision from SAGAR to the wider MAHASAGAR. 10 Apr 20266 min read Economy LPG Diversion and the Pharma Supply-Chain Near-Crisis (April 2026) How a 2026 LPG-feedstock diversion choked isopropyl alcohol output at DFPCL and threatened essential medicines, and how the Centre responded. 9 Apr 202614 min read Science & Technology National Quantum Mission Crosses a 1,000-km Secure Link National Quantum Mission for UPSC: India demonstrated a 1,000-km quantum-secure communication link on 8 April 2026, advancing the mission's 2,000 km target. 8 Apr 20266 min read Economy RBI Widens Forex Lens to Corporate Treasuries and Holds Repo Rate (April 2026) RBI held the repo rate at 5.25 percent on 8 April 2026, capped bank net open positions at 100 million dollars, and widened forex scrutiny to… 8 Apr 202611 min read Economy Atmanirbhar Bharat: The Self-Reliant India Vision and the 2020 Economic Package Atmanirbhar Bharat for UPSC: the 2020 Self-Reliant India vision and package under the Finance Ministry, its five pillars, five tranches and the new MSME definition. 7 Apr 202622 min read Science & Technology Artemis II: NASA’s First Crewed Lunar Flyby in 50 Years and India’s Space Ties Artemis II for UPSC: NASA flew a crew around the Moon in April 2026, the first crewed lunar flyby in about 50 years, with India an… 6 Apr 20267 min read Science & Technology Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor Attains First Criticality PFBR Kalpakkam for UPSC: India's 500 MWe fast breeder reactor attained first criticality on 6 April 2026, entering the nuclear programme's second stage. 6 Apr 20266 min read Polity Gujarat’s Uniform Civil Code: India’s Second UCC State Gujarat Uniform Civil Code for UPSC: Gujarat became India's second state after Uttarakhand to pass a UCC Bill, reviving the debate around Article 44. 4 Apr 20267 min read Science & Technology INS Aridhaman: India’s Third Nuclear Missile Submarine INS Aridhaman for UPSC: India's third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine, commissioned on 3 April 2026, strengthening the sea leg of the nuclear triad. 3 Apr 20266 min read Economy India’s Defence Exports Hit a Record 38,424 Crore in 2025-26 India defence exports record for UPSC: the Ministry of Defence reported a record 38,424 crore rupees in 2025-26, an all-time high up 62.66 per cent. 2 Apr 20267 min read Environment Solid Waste Management Rules 2026: Four-Stream Segregation in Force from 1 April Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 for UPSC: in force from 1 April 2026, they make four-stream segregation of waste mandatory and curb landfilling. 1 Apr 20267 min read Economy Income-Tax Act 2025: India’s New Direct Tax Framework Income-Tax Act 2025 for UPSC: India's new direct tax law took effect 1 April 2026, replacing the 1961 Act, halving the text and adding a single… 1 Apr 20267 min read Economy Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: India’s Blue Revolution in Fisheries PMMSY for UPSC - CSE: the 2020 Atmanirbhar Bharat launch, the Rs 20,050 crore outlay, the two components, the Blue Revolution and pisciculture in India. 30 Mar 202615 min read Society Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY-NRLM): Mobilising Women into Self-Help Groups DAY-NRLM for UPSC - CSE: the 2011 Aajeevika launch, women's self-help groups, the three-tier federation, SHG-Bank Linkage, interest subvention and Lakhpati Didi. 28 Mar 202618 min read Economy Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Building India’s Rural Road Connectivity PMGSY for UPSC - CSE: the 25 December 2000 launch, all-weather roads to unconnected habitations, population thresholds, phases I to IV, NRIDA and fund-sharing. 25 Mar 202619 min read Economy One District One Product: Turning Local Specialities into Export Hubs ODOP for UPSC - CSE: the 2018 Uttar Pradesh origin, the DPIIT national initiative, Districts as Export Hubs, the PM FME pathway and the jobless-growth answer. 22 Mar 202620 min read Economy PM-JANMAN: The PVTG Mission and Tribal Welfare for India’s Most Vulnerable Tribes PM-JANMAN for UPSC: how the Ministry of Tribal Affairs mission brings housing, water and basic facilities to the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. 19 Mar 202619 min read Society Integrated Child Development Services: India’s Anganwadi System for Early Childhood ICDS for UPSC - CSE: the 2 October 1975 launch, the six Anganwadi services, beneficiaries, the PUCL right to food case, the Food Security Act and… 18 Mar 202616 min read Economy e-Shram: the National Database of Unorganised Workers and Social Security in India e-Shram for UPSC: how the National Database of Unorganised Workers gives informal workers a UAN, an e-Shram card and portable social-security access. 16 Mar 202621 min read Society Mission Indradhanush: India’s Drive for Full Child Immunization Mission Indradhanush for UPSC: the 2014 catch-up immunization drive, the UIP base, the IMI phases, U-WIN, eVIN and the Health for All goal. 15 Mar 202619 min read Economy e-NAM (National Agriculture Market): India’s Unified Electronic Market for Farm Produce e-NAM for UPSC - CSE: the 2016 launch under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the unified licence, single point levy, transparent e-auction and the… 13 Mar 202616 min read Economy PM Vishwakarma: Skill Training and Collateral-Free Credit for Traditional Artisans PM Vishwakarma for UPSC: how the Ministry of MSME supports traditional artisans with recognition, skill training, a toolkit and collateral-free credit. 12 Mar 202618 min read Economy Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana: India’s Umbrella Mission for Irrigation and Water Use PMKSY for UPSC - CSE: the 1 July 2015 launch, Har Khet Ko Pani, Per Drop More Crop micro-irrigation, AIBP, watershed development, the Micro Irrigation Fund… 11 Mar 202616 min read Economy PM-AASHA and the Minimum Support Price (MSP): India’s Price-Support System for Farmer Income Minimum Support Price and PM-AASHA for UPSC: how the CACP fixes MSP for 22 crops, the A2 plus FL cost formula, and the PSS, PDPS and… 9 Mar 202620 min read Society Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Tackling the Declining Child Sex Ratio in India Beti Bachao Beti Padhao for UPSC: the 2015 campaign against the declining child sex ratio, the PC and PNDT Act, advocacy and girls' education. 8 Mar 202622 min read Economy PM-FME (Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises): Formalising India’s Micro Food Processing Sector PM-FME for UPSC - CSE: the 2020 launch under the Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the 35 per cent credit-linked subsidy up to… 6 Mar 202620 min read Economy Atal Pension Yojana (APY): India’s Guaranteed-Pension Scheme for the Unorganised Sector Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for UPSC: a PFRDA-run guaranteed pension of Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 a month from age 60 for unorganised workers aged 18… 5 Mar 202618 min read Economy Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana: India’s Flagship Crop Insurance Scheme PMFBY for UPSC - CSE: the 2016 crop insurance launch, the 2 per cent Kharif and 1.5 per cent Rabi farmer premium, the cover across the… 4 Mar 202616 min read Science & Technology India’s First Made-in-India Semiconductor Chips: The Micron Sanand Facility India's first Made-in-India semiconductor chips for UPSC: the Micron facility at Sanand begins commercial production of DRAM and NAND memory chips. 28 Feb 20269 min read