Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: The Indian Coast Guard has launched ‘Achal’, the fifth vessel in the series of Adamya-class Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs), marking a step forward in coastal defence capabilities. About ‘Achal’ FPV: Class & Builder: Fifth in the Adamya-class of FPVs, constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context: In a significant advancement, IIT-Delhi and DRDO jointly demonstrated Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) in free-space communication across a distance exceeding 1 km. The system achieved a secure key rate of 240 bits per second with a Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) of less than …

Prelims Bits Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian PM in over two decades to visit Cyprus and received the Grand Cross of the Order of Makarios III, the country’s top civilian award. About Cyprus: Location: An island situated in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, south of Turkey and …

Prelims Bits Context International Albinism Awareness Day is commemorated on June 13 to raise awareness about the medical, societal, and legal issues faced by individuals living with albinism. Understanding Albinism: Albinism is a rare, inherited genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes responsible for melanin production. This results in little …

GS2 – International Relations Context: The Golden ‘Trump Card’ is a new immigration initiative proposed by  U.S. President Donald Trump, designed to offer residency and citizenship to affluent foreign nationals in exchange for a $5 million payment, effectively replacing the EB-5 visa program. Key Features of the Trump Gold Card: …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context Recently, the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in the USA used SPArc therapy to treat a patient suffering from Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC), a rare cancer affecting the salivary glands or head and neck regions. What is SPArc Therapy? SPArc (Step-and-Shoot Spot-Scanning Proton …

GS1 – Art & Culture Context: The ancient Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple located at Simhachalam is facing structural deterioration due to its age. Location & Deity Situated on the Simhachalam Hill Range in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Narasimha (boar-lion) incarnation. Architectural Style A …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context India is strategically positioned to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing biotechnology, guided by forward-looking initiatives such as the BioE3 Policy and the India AI Mission. BioE3 Policy – 2024 The BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) Policy, approved by the Union Cabinet …

GS3 – Science & Technology Context The Indian Army has successfully tested the Rudrastra, a domestically developed vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone designed for precision strike missions. About Rudrastra UAV Type: A hybrid VTOL Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) combining rotary-wing lift with fixed-wing flight, allowing both vertical take-off and …

Prelims Bits Context A newly identified species of jumping spider has been discovered in the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (Kerala) and parts of Karnataka, named Habrocestum swaminathani to honour Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, renowned as the architect of India’s Green Revolution. This is the first time the genus Habrocestum has been recorded …

Prelims Bits Context: Following the recent plane crash in Ahmedabad, concerns have been raised about the autonomy and efficiency of aviation accident investigations in India. About AAIB Established: 2012 Parent Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation Headquarters: New Delhi Background: Prior to AAIB’s creation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) …

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Context: The first half of 2025 has seen a series of weather anomalies across India, highlighting the deepening impacts of climate change on urban environments, marked by abnormal temperatures, erratic rainfall, elevated humidity, and increasing urban fragility. Rising Humidity: Key Drivers Warming Oceans: Elevated sea surface …

GS 3 – AGRICULTURE Context: Despite sustained efforts by the Punjab government to shift away from paddy, the state continues to witness high acreage under paddy cultivation during the kharif season. Current Scenario: Dominance of Paddy in Punjab In the ongoing kharif season, around 35–36 lakh hectares have been allocated …

GS 2 – International Relations Context: The ongoing hostilities between Iran and Israel are intensifying, though the immediate economic impact on India remains moderate. However, short-term fluctuations in oil prices and trade dynamics are possible. Military Operations Involved: Israel – Operation Rising Lion: Conducted aerial and drone-based strikes targeting Iranian …

GS3 – Environment  Context: India faces a dual challenge: balancing energy security and climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. This necessitates a gradual but firm shift from coal to renewables, ensuring a just transition for affected communities and sectors. India’s Coal Consumption & Energy Mix Coal Dependency: Contributes ~55% of …

Prelims Bits Context The Kerala government is evaluating a proposal to declare the Indian Rat Snake—locally called Chera—as the state’s official reptile. General Information Common Names: Also referred to as the Oriental Rat Snake, this species is non-venomous. Geographic Range: Found across a broad region including India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, …

Prelims Bits Context The ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel have raised concerns about rising oil prices and further disruptions to global trade. A key point of vulnerability is the Suez Canal. Overview of the Suez Canal The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway, stretching 193 km, linking the Red …

GS2 – International Relations Context Recent maritime incidents, such as the fire on MV Wan Hai 503 and the sinking of MSC ELSA 3 near Kerala, have spotlighted safety issues and environmental concerns linked to international shipping. International Governance of Maritime Transport Role of IMO: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) …

Prelims Bytes Context A new study reveals that Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a naturally occurring molecule, can revive the regenerative abilities of aged muscle stem cells (MuSCs) in mice. About Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) A biochemical compound involved in inflammatory responses. Clinically used to induce labour. Produced in the body after injury, …

GS3 – Environment Context The government has proposed new guidelines to regulate the operational temperature range of air conditioners (ACs) across the country, aiming to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity consumption. Key Proposal Newly manufactured ACs will be required to operate within a preset temperature range of 20°C to …