Tag Archives: UPSC Current Affairs

Dibang River

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently carried out a successful rescue operation, airlifting 14 people—including 13 from Assam—who were stranded on a riverine island in Arunachal Pradesh due to flooding in the Dibang River. Overview of the Dibang River The Dibang River is a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra, flowing …

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UN Peacekeeping Force

UN Peacekeeping: The United Nations Peacekeeping (UNPKO) is a crucial instrument deployed by the UN to assist countries ravaged by conflict in transitioning towards lasting peace. Established in 1948, UN Peacekeeping has evolved significantly, with over 70 missions undertaken and over two million personnel deployed Role of Peacekeeping Operations Peacekeeping …

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Kaveri Engine

GS3 – S&T Context: The “Fund Kaveri Engine” campaign has gained attention post-Operation Sindoor, spotlighting this indigenous turbojet project. What is Kaveri Engine? An indigenous turbofan engine developed by DRDO’s Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. Designed originally in the 1980s to power the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and …

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Arhgap36 Gene and Orange Coat in Cats

GS3 – S&T Context: A recent study has found that an ancient mutation on the X chromosome activates the Arhgap36 gene, causing the orange coat color in domestic cats. Key Details: Location: Arhgap36 gene is on the X chromosome in mammals (cats and humans). Function: Regulates cellular processes related to …

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India-Africa Digital Compact

GS2 – IR Context: India and African nations are strengthening digital collaboration using open-source Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) aligned with Africa’s 2020–2030 digital roadmap. Africa Day, celebrated on May 25, commemorates the creation of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, symbolizing a unified vision for African progress. The African …

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Bow Echo

GS1 – Geography Context : A rare crescent-shaped weather formation observed over Delhi was identified by IMD radar as a “bow echo”. Understanding Bow Echo: Definition: A bow echo is a curved band of thunderstorms, also known as a squall line, which appears on radar in the form of an …

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Minuteman III

GS3 – S&T Context The U.S. Air Force successfully test-launched its LGM-30G Minuteman III ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile), designed for long-range nuclear strike capabilities. Minuteman III ICBM Overview: Originally deployed in the 1970s, the Minuteman III is set to be phased out and replaced by the LGM-35A Sentinel system. It …

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Kiru Hydropower Project

GS3 – Infrastructure Context: The CBI filed a chargesheet against a former J&K Governor over alleged procedural violations in the Kiru Hydroelectric Project. The project is situated at the confluence of the Chenab River with the Singad and Bela streams, close to Kiru and Patharnakki villages in Kishtwar district, J&K. …

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Oil Spills in Seawater

GS3 – Environment Context: A Liberian cargo ship sank off Kerala carrying diesel and calcium carbide, posing a risk of oil spill and chemical reaction with seawater. Oil Spills: Unintended release of petroleum hydrocarbons into marine/coastal waters. Major causes: → Ship accidents → Offshore drilling mishaps → Pipeline ruptures → …

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Sugar Boards in Schools

GS2 – Social Sector Context: CBSE, with support from the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), is set to mandate ‘Sugar Boards’ in schools to raise awareness about sugar consumption and related health risks. About Sugar Boards Visual learning aids installed in schools to: Highlight sugar content in …

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Moringa

Context: Rising international interest in PKM-1 moringa due to its commercial value and nutritional advantages. Scientific Details: Moringa oleifera (Least Concern) – commonly called the drumstick tree – is a rapidly growing, drought-tolerant species native to India and extensively cultivated across tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Central America. This …

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WHO Agreement on Traditional Medicine

GS2 – Social Sector Context: India collaborates with the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote AYUSH globally through a significant agreement on traditional medicine practices. This agreement initiates the development of a dedicated Traditional Medicine section within the International Classification of Health Interventions (ICHI). The inclusion of this module will …

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Mozambique

Context: Facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to conflict, disasters, and political instability. Geographical Facts: Location: Southeastern Africa, along the Indian Ocean. Borders: North: Tanzania Northwest: Malawi, Zambia West: Zimbabwe Southwest: South Africa, Eswatini Capital: Maputo Largest City: Matola Major Rivers: Zambezi (largest), Limpopo, Licungo, Lúrio, Rovuma Lake: Lake Malawi …

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Caliphaea sinuofurcata

Context: A new species of damselfly, Caliphaea sinuofurcata, has been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh. About Caliphaea sinuofurcata Common Name: Bearded Bronzeback Damselfly Taxonomy: Belongs to the genus Caliphaea in the family Calopterygidae, known for broad-winged damselflies. This is only the second species of this genus reported in India, with the …

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PM Chairs Governing Council Meet of NITI Aayog

GS2 – Polity Context: The Prime Minister chaired the 10th meeting of the NITI Aayog’s Governing Council. Theme: Viksit Rajya for Viksit Bharat@2047 Key Takeaways: Investment Charter: PM directed NITI Aayog to draft an Investment-Friendly Charter to encourage investments and economic development. Tourism: States were urged to each develop at …

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Asiatic Elephant (Elephas maximus)

GS 3 – Environment & Ecology Geographic Range Native to South and Southeast Asia Found in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia (Sumatra) India hosts over 60% of the global population of Asian elephants. Conservation Status Agency Status IUCN Red List Endangered …

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Gee’s Golden Langur

PRELIMS BITS Gee’s Golden Langur (Trachypithecus geei) It is an endangered primate species endemic to a small region in western Assam, India, and the foothills of Bhutan’s Black Mountains. Known for its striking golden to cream-colored fur and black face, the golden langur is a flagship species for conservation in …

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Paris Agreement on Climate Change (2015)

GS 3 – ENVIRONMENT Background Adopted at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the UNFCCC in December 2015, held in Paris, France. Came into force on 4 November 2016. India ratified it on 2 October 2016 (Gandhi Jayanti). Objective Limit global average temperature rise to well below 2°C …

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Salt Satyagraha (Dandi March)

GS 1 – HISTORY Background: Date: 12 March – 6 April 1930 Leader: Mahatma Gandhi Part of: Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) Reason: Protest against the British monopoly over salt production and sale, and the Salt Tax, which affected every Indian, especially the poor. Causes: Unjust Salt Law: British prohibited Indians …

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