UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Summary Notes on India-Pakistan Sir Creek Border Dispute

Geographic and Historical Context

• Sir Creek: A 96-km tidal estuary between Gujarat (India) and Sindh (Pakistan), important for maritime boundary delimitation due to its natural resources and strategic location.
• Colonial Origin: Named 'Ban Ganga'; the dispute has roots in the Government of Bombay's 1914 resolution which

Summary of Jane Goodall's Contributions and Impact

Personal Background:

• Born: 1934, London, England.
• Contribution: Renowned primatologist and ethologist known for her research on chimpanzees.
• Motivation: Inspired by childhood interests in nature and animals, and supported by her mother.

Research Overview:

• Location: Gombe National Park, Tanzania.
• **Initiation

Key Facts and Insights on RBI's Inflation Targeting and Economic Stability

1. RBI's Inflation Targeting Framework:

• Established: August 2016.
• Current Target: 4% inflation with a tolerance band of 2-6% for the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
• Validity Period: The target is set for five years, with the current cycle ending in March 2026.
• Recent Forecast: RBI pr

GST Council Meeting 2025 - Key Highlights

Structural Changes to GST:

• New GST Structure: Introduction of a two-slab GST system comprised of:
  • 5% on common goods
  • 18% on standard goods
  • A 40% demerit rate for super luxury and sin goods.

Effective Date:

• Changes to take effect from September 22, coinciding with the start of Navratri.

Rationale

• Chief Justice Insights: Chief Justice of India, Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai, delivered the inaugural Sir Maurice Rault Memorial Lecture in 2025, emphasizing the need for fairness and justice in legal frameworks rather than solely focusing on legality.

• Historical Comparisons: Gavai drew comparisons between India's sedition laws, U.S. slavery practices, and colonial legislation like the Cr

Summary of Hydrogen as an Energy Source

Hydrogen as Fuel

• Hydrogen (H₂) can serve as a clean fuel, producing only water vapor when used in fuel cells.
• It is an energy-dense fuel, releasing ~120 MJ/kg compared to petrol’s ~44 MJ/kg, making it advantageous for transportation.
• Hydrogen can power various sectors, including transport, homes, and industry, facilitating a carbon-free socie

Key Facts and Notes

Incident Overview

• Date: September 27, 2025
• Event: Political rally of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) led by actor Vijay in Karur, Tamil Nadu.
• Casualties: 41 deaths, including 10 infants; over 100 injuries.
• Context: Rally aimed to attract voters ahead of 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Contributory Factors to the Tragedy

• Poor planning and logistics:

Summary of Key Facts and Figures on Wildfire Smoke and Climate Change Impact

Climate Change and Health Impact

• Projected Deaths: By 2050, exposure to wildfire smoke could cause approximately 70,000 deaths annually in the U.S., with a total of 2 million deaths over 30 years.
• Study Publication: Findings published in the journal Nature reflect the critical danger of i

Summary of Key Points Related to Journalism and Media Accountability

1. Nature of Sources:
   • Whistleblowers often referred to as “sources”, may act to challenge official narratives for reasons like public interest, business rivalries, or personal grievances.
   • Current journalistic practice includes citing sources that reinforce official state narratives, raising questions about the

Early Cancer Detection in India: Key Insights

Constitutional & Policy Framework

• Government Responsibility: The Constitution of India mandates (DPSPs) the State to direct policy towards raising the level of nutrition and the standard of living of its people (Article 47).

Cancer Screening Guidelines

• Breast Cancer:
  • Women at average risk should begin annual mammograms

GST Council Meeting Highlights

Date & Duration: The 56th GST Council meeting held on September 20, 2025, lasted over 10 hours.

Key Outcomes:

1. Tax Structure Change: Adoption of a simplified two-slab structure—5% and 18%—with a demerit rate of 40% for super luxury, sin, and demerit goods (e.g., pan masala, tobacco).
   • Implementation Date: September 22, 2025 (first day of Navra

Judicial Ruling: J&K and Ladakh High Court Analysis

1. Court Judgment:

   • The J&K and Ladakh High Court quashed the detention of former police constable Jaffer Hussain Butt under the Public Safety Act (PSA).
   • Judge: Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul.

2. Reasoning:

   • The court determined that the detaining authority failed to "apply its mind" while issuing the detention ord

• Current Statistics on E-Waste in India:
  • India generated 2.2 million metric tonnes (MT) of e-waste in 2025, ranking as the 3rd largest global generator behind China and USA. This indicates a 150% increase from 0.71 million MT in 2017-18.
  • Expected e-waste levels are projected to double by 2030.
  • Over 60% of e-waste is produced from **65 cities

Summary of Direct Flight Resumption between India and China

1. Announcement of Flights:

   • The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that direct flights between India and mainland China will resume in late October 2025.
   • IndiGo will launch daily flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025, with plans for further flights from Delhi.

2. Historical Context:

Jane Goodall: Key Contributions and Legacy

1. Biography and Background:

   • Jane Goodall (died October 1, 2023) was an English primatologist, ethologist, and anthropologist known for her groundbreaking work on chimpanzee behavior.
   • Born in England, Goodall developed a fascination with animals from a young age.

2. Groundbreaking Research:

   • In the 1960s, she ventured to Gombe

Maharashtra Cancer Care Policy Summary

Policy Overview:

• Objective: Establish quality cancer treatment across Maharashtra.
• Foundation Formation: The Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation (MAHACARE Foundation) will oversee cancer-related specialty treatment in 18 hospitals.

Background Data:

• The 2025 ICMR Report indicates an 11% increase in cancer

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Summary

Key Policy Rates:

• Repo Rate: Remains unchanged at 5.5%.
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Unanimous decision to maintain a pause for the second consecutive meeting.
• Stance: Neutral, allowing policy flexibility depending on growth and inflation dynamics.

Economic Projections:

• Inflation Forecast: Projected

Summary of the UN Commission Report on Gaza

Key Findings

• Genocide Determination: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, as stated in the report released on September 16.
• Casualty Figures: Over 60,000 Palestinian deaths documented, including 18,000 children.
• Civilian Impact: More than 50% of fat

Summary of Events in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (September - October 2025)

Incident Background

• Date of Incident: September 26, 2025.
• Origin: Violence erupted after a controversy involving an illuminated board bearing the message “I love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur on September 4.
• Initial Conflict: The procession was met with objections from certain lo

• National Song: 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, is recognized as a national song of India by the Constituent Assembly.

• Constitutional Reference: 'Vande Mataram' holds equal status to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', reflecting its importance in India's identity and heritage.

• Ministerial Statement: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decisio

• Diplomatic Expulsion: Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from Colombia in response to Israel's interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

• Incidents with Activists: The expulsion follows the reported detention of two Colombian activists, Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, by Israeli forces in international waters while they were part of the Globa

Summary of Key Facts on Jane Goodall

Biographical Information:

• Jane Goodall was born in 1934 in London and grew up in Bournemouth.
• She passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91 due to natural causes.

Career Milestones:

• Ethologist and Primatologist: Her extensive research on chimpanzees began in 1957 in Tanzania, with the establishment of the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee R

• Appointment Details: Shirish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term, effective from October 9. He takes over from M Rajeshwar Rao whose tenure concludes on October 8.

• Organizational Approval: His appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

• Professional Background:

Monsoon and Rainfall Summary (2025)

1. Monsoon Season Overview:
   • The southwest monsoon season officially ended, but the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain to continue into October over northeast, central, and peninsular India due to delayed withdrawal.
   • All-India rainfall from June to September 2025 recorded at 937.2 mm, representing an 8% surplus.