Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

GS III – Security What is INS Tamal? INS Tamal is a Talwar-class (Krivak‑III-type) guided-missile stealth frigate acquired from Russia. Built at Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, it is the eighth Talwar-class vessel and the last warship India has procured from abroad  Project Background & Acquisition Under a 2016 Indo-Russian agreement, India agreed to …

GS III – Science & Technology What is Quantum Computing? Quantum computing is a new computing paradigm based on the principles of quantum mechanics, such as: Superposition: A quantum bit (qubit) can exist in multiple states simultaneously. Entanglement: Two qubits can be connected in such a way that the state …

GS I – Society What is the SC/ST Act? The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a social justice legislation enacted to prevent discrimination and atrocities against the Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). Enacted on: 11 September 1989 Came into force: 30 January …

GS Paper I – Society What is the Censor Board? The Censor Board refers to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), a statutory body under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India. Established under: Cinematograph Act, 1952 Headquarters: Mumbai Function: Regulates the public exhibition of films under …

GS III – Health What Is e‑Rakt Kosh? e‑Rakt Kosh is India’s centralized blood-bank management system, launched on 7 April 2016 by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare It operates under the Drug & Cosmetic Act and the National Blood Policy, aiming to ensure safe, timely, and adequate blood supply nationwide …

GS II – Governance What is a PHH Card? PHH stands for Priority Households. A PHH card is a type of ration card issued under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013. It is given to economically vulnerable households to ensure access to subsidized foodgrains and related welfare schemes. Legal …

GS II – Governance What is DGCA? The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is India’s civil aviation regulator. Established: 1927 (as a government directorate), restructured over time. Headquarters: New Delhi Parent Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation It is an executive body functioning under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft …

GS II – International Relations   Israel’s Bordering Countries: Lebanon (North) Syria (Northeast) Jordan (East) Egypt (Southwest) Palestinian territories: West Bank (landlocked, disputed with Jordan/Palestinians) Gaza Strip (on southwestern coast, controlled by Hamas) 🧭 Geostrategic Relevance: Israel lies at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, with access to the …

GS Paper I – Geography & GS Paper II – International Relations Context: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume from June 30, 2025, after a five-year suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Indo-China border tensions. The resumption is being seen as a cultural revival and diplomatic milestone …

GS Paper II – Health Context: India has officially launched its national HPV vaccination drive for adolescent girls aged 9–14 years as part of its Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The move aims to eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem by 2040, aligning with WHO’s global strategy. What is …

GS Paper II – Polity Context: Recently, the Madras High Court raised concerns over the frequent and arbitrary use of the Goondas Act in Tamil Nadu, highlighting its misuse against individuals involved in minor or non-heinous offences. This has reignited the debate on preventive detention laws and their alignment with …

GS Paper II – Governance Context  The Ministry of Jal Shakti has accelerated the implementation of GIS-based mapping of water supply systems under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). This initiative aims to ensure real-time monitoring, transparency, and efficiency in the delivery of functional household tap connections (FHTCs) across rural India. …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The 2025 G7 Summit, held in Canada to commemorate its 50th year, revealed significant internal fractures rather than the intended message of unity. The outcomes have triggered debates over the relevance of India’s continued participation in such platforms. Major Outcomes and Key Challenges Failure to …

GS2 – Polity Context: The upcoming 16th Finance Commission, whose recommendations will apply from April 2026, is facing increasing pressure from States to enhance their share in centrally collected taxes from the current 41% to 50%. What Is the Divisible Pool of Taxes? This refers to the shareable portion of …

GS3 – Environment Context India’s growing emphasis on biofuels is raising alarm over the diversion of food grains and subsidies for energy production, potentially undermining food security and equity in the green transition. Understanding Biofuels Biofuels are renewable energy sources derived from organic material such as crops, algae, and agricultural …

Prelims Bits Context: Scientists have uncovered fossilized leaves, dating back approximately 24 million years, in Assam’s Makum Coalfield, which resemble modern-day Nothopegia plants currently found in the Western Ghats. Details of the Discovery: Geological Age: The fossils belong to the Late Oligocene epoch (around 24–23 million years ago), a period …

Prelims Bits Context: Iran deployed the Fattah missile in a recent attack on Israel, marking a significant step in its missile development program. About the Fattah Missile: Name Meaning: “Fattah” translates to “Conqueror” in Persian. Type: Iran’s first indigenously developed hypersonic ballistic missile. Propulsion System: Employs a two-stage mechanism that …

GS2 – Social Sector Context India has achieved a milestone with a record-breaking 54 institutions making it to the QS World University Rankings 2026. About the Rankings: The QS World University Rankings are released annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a UK-based organization that focuses on global higher education and international …

GS2 – International Relations Context: Amid evolving U.S. policies and geopolitical priorities, India–U.S. relations have encountered fresh challenges. A strategic reassessment is essential to safeguard mutual trust and ensure sustained alignment in the long term. Reasons for Tensions in Bilateral Relations Transactional vs. Strategic Mindsets: The U.S. often engages in …

GS1 – Geography Context: The Indian government plans to officially enforce Indian Standard Time (IST) as the sole time standard for legal, commercial, digital, and administrative matters across the country. This marks the first instance where IST will be legally recognized as India’s official time. To bring this into effect, …