Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

GS III-Economy Benefits of UPI Promotes Financial Inclusion: The number of banks integrated with UPI has expanded significantly from 21 to 399 (State of Digital Economy Report). Enhanced Transaction Efficiency: UPI enables seamless, round-the-clock transactions, eliminating time constraints. Support for Entrepreneurs: The platform facilitates business growth by reducing dependency on …

GS II-Governance Understanding Euthanasia Euthanasia, commonly referred to as mercy killing, involves intentionally ending a person’s life to relieve suffering, particularly in cases of irreversible and terminal illnesses. Legal Framework of Euthanasia in India Supreme Court’s 2018 Judgment The Supreme Court legalized passive euthanasia in 2018, allowing the withdrawal of …

Prelims Why is Sikkim Exempt from Income Tax? Sikkim remains exempt under the Income Tax Act of 1961, owing to its merger with India in 1975, a provision safeguarded under Article 371F of the Constitution. This special status ensures that Sikkimese residents do not pay income tax, a privilege exclusive …

Prelims The Panama Canal, a critical global trade route, is under threat due to declining water levels in Lake Gatun, an artificial reservoir essential for its functioning. About Lake Gatun Formation: Created by damming the Chagres River and its tributaries at Gatun. Function: Stores water for the Gaillard Cut, enabling …

GS III-Agriculture Optimal Climate for Coffee Cultivation Coffee thrives in a temperature range of 15°C to 28°C. The ideal annual rainfall requirement is between 150 cm and 250 cm. Given recent climatic irregularities, the Coffee Board has urged coffee-growing regions to establish interdisciplinary teams to assess plantation losses comprehensively. Coffee …

GS II-International Relations Strategic Importance of the Red Sea Route The Red Sea corridor serves as the shortest maritime route for trade between India and Europe. This passage facilitates approximately 12% of global trade and accounts for nearly 30% of worldwide container traffic. While the Cape of Good Hope route …

GS I Art and Culture Origins and Historical Background Gotipua originated in Odisha during the 16th century, under the reign of Bhoi king Rama Chandra Dev. The term ‘Gotipua’ is derived from the Oriya language, where ‘Goti’ means single and ‘Pua’ means boy. This dance form developed as a male …

GS I-History About Hampi Located in Karnataka’s Bellary District, Hampi lies along the banks of the Tungabhadra River. It served as the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, one of South India’s most prominent Hindu empires, thriving between the 14th and 16th centuries. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in …

GS III-Agriculture About Araku Valley Coffee Cultivated in the hilly regions of Visakhapatnam district (Andhra Pradesh) and parts of Odisha. Grown at an altitude of 900m–1100m above mean sea level. Produced by tribal farmers practicing organic farming, which includes the use of organic manure, green manuring, and eco-friendly pest management …

GS II-Initiatives About the Program KIRTI is a significant component of the Khelo India initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports. Objective: To foster a strong sports culture among students aged 9 to 18 years, ultimately enhancing India’s potential to secure medals in international competitions. The program …

GS II-Schemes The Government of India has released operational guidelines for implementing the ‘Incentives to DISCOMs’ component under the PM-Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme introduced by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE). Objectives of the Scheme The initiative seeks to expand solar rooftop capacity and enable …

Prelims Bytes Who are the Mashco Piro? The Mashco Piro, estimated to number over 750 individuals, are believed to be the largest isolated indigenous group globally. They are nomadic hunter-gatherers residing in the dense Amazonian forests of the Madre de Dios region, near Peru’s borders with Brazil and Bolivia. The …

GS2 (Polity & Judiciary) Understanding Bail and Bail Conditions Bail refers to the legal process by which an accused person is released from custody, typically upon payment of a sum of money, ensuring their return for court proceedings. Bail conditions are specific requirements imposed by the court that an accused …

GS2 (Polity & Citizenship) The Supreme Court overturned a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) decision that had declared Md Rahim Ali, an Assam resident, as a foreigner. The tribunal’s ruling was based on minor inconsistencies in the spelling and dates on his documents. Significance of the Judgment This ruling provides relief to …

GS2 (Governance & Laws) Overview of the Enemy Property Act, 1968 Enactment: The Act was introduced following the Indo-China conflict of 1962 and the Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971. Definition of Enemy Property: It refers to any assets owned, held, or managed on behalf of an individual, entity, or …

GS1 (Medieval Indian History) Causes of the Uprising Colonial Revenue System: Following the Battle of Plassey (1757), the East India Company (EIC) enforced taxation and administrative policies to strengthen its control over India. Permanent Settlement Act (1793): Introduced by Lord Cornwallis in Bengal, Bihar, and Orissa, this system granted landlords …

GS I-Culture The Panchamasali Lingayats, a subgroup within Karnataka’s Lingayat community, are advocating for inclusion under the OBC reservation category. Who Are the Lingayats? Lingayats are followers of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher and saint. They oppose the caste hierarchy and Vedic traditions, adhering to monotheistic worship centered on Linga (Shiva). …

GS III-Agriculture On its 43rd foundation day, NABARD introduced the AgriSURE fund (Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises), aimed at fostering innovation in agriculture and rural enterprises. Key Features of AgriSURE Aims to establish a Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) with a total corpus of ₹750 crore. Funding Sources: …

GS I-History Karsandas Mulji has recently gained attention due to the release of the biopic Maharaj. Early Life and Education Born in 1832 in Bombay, into a Gujarati Vaishnav family. A prominent member of the Gujarati Gnan-prasarak Mandali (Gujarati Society for the Spread of Knowledge), established by students of Elphinstone …

GS I-Geography A research study conducted in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone has identified that the metallic nodules present on the ocean floor generate what is termed as “dark oxygen.” This refers to oxygen production occurring in the deep-sea abyssal region, where photosynthesis is not possible. The process takes place as polymetallic …