UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Summary of PM Surya Ghar Scheme and Solar Energy Progress in India

1. PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

• This flagship scheme aims to facilitate the installation of rooftop solar panels to provide free electricity to households.
• The scheme's deadline is set for March 31, 2027.
• Over 5 million (50 lakh) beneficiaries, with 100,000 new beneficiaries added every six days.
• Approximately

• Bilateral Relations: U.S. Vice-President J.D. Vance held a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 8, 2026, aiming to deepen the India-U.S. comprehensive global strategic partnership, particularly in trade, defence, energy security, emerging technologies, and critical minerals.

• Regional Context: The discussion occurred amid new regional alignments following a mutual de

Jharkhand Competitive Exam Irregularities Case Summary

1. Investigation Overview:
   • The Jharkhand State Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating irregularities in government recruitment exams conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).
   • Notices have been served to current JPSC members: Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jamal Ahmed, requiring them t

Summary of Jharkhand Government Recruitment Exam Investigation

Investigation Overview:

• The Jharkhand State Crime Investigation Department (CID) is investigating alleged irregularities in competitive exams for government jobs, with a focus on the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC).
• Notices have been issued to three serving JPSC members: Ajita Bhattacharya, Anima Hansda, and Jam

Weather Alerts and Meteorological Data: Kerala Heavy Rainfall

• Meteorological Alerts: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert in seven districts of Kerala – Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur, and Kasaragod – indicating very heavy rainfall. Remaining districts were placed on a yellow alert.

• Weather Patterns: An upper air cycl

Mission Clouded Leopard: Key Highlights

Launch of Program

• Name: Mission Clouded Leopard
• Launched by: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on August 4, 2026.
• Objective: Dedicated program for the conservation of Meghalaya's state animal, the mainland clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa).

Geographical Context

• The mainland clouded leopard is primarily found in the community

• Migratory Patterns: Flocks of migratory birds from the Arctic, northern Eurasia, and Central Asia travel thousands of kilometers to Kerala’s coasts, wetlands, and forests annually, particularly between August and March.

• Species Identified:

  • Greater Sand Plover (Anarhynchus leschenaultii)
  • Tibetan Sand Plover (Anarhynchus atrifrons)
  • Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
  • Garganey

• Karnataka Government Proposal: Congress MLC B.S. Shivanna has proposed that this year's Mysuru Dasara festival be inaugurated by a pourakarmika (municipal sanitation worker) to honor their critical role in urban sanitation and public health.

• Role of Pourakarmikas:

  • Described as 'pourasenanis' (civic warriors), pourakarmikas are vital for urban functionality and public health.

• Conflict Overview: The U.S. and Israel initiated military action against Iran following the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with multiple objectives:
  1. Destroy Iran's nuclear program.
  2. Dismantle its missile capabilities and military industrial base.
  3. End support for non-state actors such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.
  4. Achieve regime change in Ir

Exam-Focused Notes on Yakshagana's Academic Integration

Subject: Yakshagana

1. Event Overview:

   • The Yakshagana Textualisation Workshop took place at S.V.P. Kannada Studies Institute, organized by the Dr. P. Dayananda Pai and P. Satish Pai Yakshagana Study Centre of Mangalore University.

2. Importance of Yakshagana:

   • Yakshagana is recognized as a significant traditional a

Summary of CSIR-CRRI's Indigenous MSS+ Road Technology Presentation in Rajasthan

Key Facts and Figures:

• Event Date: August 7, 2026
• Location: Rajasthan Secretariat, Jaipur
• Technology Demonstrated: Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus (MSS+)
• Live Demonstration: Conducted on a road in Jaipur using the MSS+ Smart Mix Pro Automatic Plant.

Participants:

• Chief Secretar

Summary of Key Points

Censorship on Social Media

• Posts from various political leaders, including members of the Indian Youth Congress, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and several other social groups have been reportedly removed from Instagram.
• The disappearances follow meetings between Meta (Instagram's parent company) and the Indian Union government concerning content moderation practices.

Exam-Focused Notes on Tobacco Farmers' Protests in Andhra Pradesh

Key Facts:

• Hundreds of farmers blocked National Highway 16 at Tangutur toll plaza, Ongole, demanding higher prices for Virginia tobacco.
• The protest led to significant traffic disruptions, with vehicles stranded for kilometers.

Constitutional References:

• The right to protest is protected under Article 19(1)(b) of

Summary of the Eco-Educational Hub Inauguration by Dr. Jitendra Singh

Key Highlights:

• Inauguration: Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Science and Technology, inaugurated India's first Eco-Educational Hub named "Prakriti Gyaan Dham" at the CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (CSIR-NBRI) in Lucknow.
• Objective: The hub aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and

Summary of Key Points: India Identifies Locations in Arunachal Pradesh in Response to Chinese Renaming Attempts

1. Context: India has reacted to China's frequent attempts to rename places in Arunachal Pradesh by officially identifying 27 locations on the Indian map. This is a part of India’s exercise to assert its territorial integrity.

2. Official Announcement: The Union Home Minist

Summary of Key Facts and Information:

1. Legislative Context:

   • The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment (FCRA) Bill, 2026 is under scrutiny and expected to be discussed in Parliament soon.
   • The Bill has faced criticism and concerns from international stakeholders, particularly from U.S. Congressman Riley M. Moore.

2. Government Response:

   • The Ministry of External A

Summary of Key Points

Trade and Economic Relations

• Tariffs and Trade Policy: The Trump administration's tariffs on several countries, including India, signify a broader shift in U.S. trade policy towards aligning actions with national interests rather than strategic convergence.

U.S. Foreign Policy Framework

• Flexible Realism: This approach signifies a pivot from past

Supreme Court Directives on Manipur Ethnic Violence Case

1. Judicial Proceedings:
   • The Supreme Court directed the Union government to share the latest report from the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) with the petitioner, the Kuki Organisation for Human Rights.
   • The case involves allegations against former Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh regarding his involvement

Summary of Key Points on UPI Transaction Charges and Related Policies

Legal Framework:

• Payment and Settlements Systems Act: Recently amended to enable the government to notify which UPI transactions can incur charges. This was part of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which passed in the Lok Sabha without debate.
• Previous Exemption: Prior to this amendment, U

Exam-Focused Notes on the 84th Anniversary of the Quit India Movement

Historical Significance:

• Date of Commemoration: August 9, 2026, marks the 84th anniversary of the Quit India Movement.
• Initiation: Launched on August 9, 1942, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
• Key Phrase: "Do or Die" (करो या मरो) which motivated millions to unite for India's freedom against colon

Summary Notes on Assam and Nagaland Flood Situation

Flood Impact and Statistics

• Deaths and Displacement:

  • The floods in Assam's Sivasagar, Charaideo, and Jorhat districts since April have resulted in:
    • 95 fatalities.
    • Affected more than 7.5 lakh (750,000) people.

• Kasus in Mon, Nagaland:

  • At least 11 lives lost due to landslides triggered by h

Exam-Focused Notes on Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission - Scan and Register Service

Key Achievements:

• The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has successfully facilitated 25 crore (250 million) OPD registrations through its Scan and Register service.
• Approximately 4 lakh (400,000) patients benefit from this service daily across 30,800 health centers in **36 states and

Exam-Focused Notes on 12th National Handloom Day

Event Overview:

• Date: August 7, 2026
• Venue: RISA flagship store, State Emporia Complex, Baba Khadak Singh Marg, New Delhi.
• Organizers: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India, in collaboration with Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED).
• Theme: "Tribal Weaves of India" showcased

Exam-Focused Notes on National Handloom Day

Date of Observance: National Handloom Day celebrated on August 7.

Key Figures:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of the handloom industry as a significant civilizational strength of India.

Constitutional References:

• The promotion of traditional crafts like handloom aligns with the Directive Principles of State