UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

GAGAN: GPS Aided Geo-Augmented Navigation System in India

Overview

• GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo-Augmented Navigation) is India's indigenous satellite-based augmentation system developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
• Enhances GPS accuracy, providing integrity information crucial for safe aviation navigation.
• Operates

India-Japan Cooperation Highlights

Visit of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi

• Date: Scheduled for July 1-3, 2026
• Significance: First official visit to New Delhi as Prime Minister, marking the 20th annual summit between India and Japan.

Key Focus Areas

1. Indo-Pacific Cooperation:
   • Emphasis on maintaining a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, reflective of Japan's

Judicial Independence and Rule of Law in India: Key Highlights

1. Chief Justice's Address: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant emphasized the judiciary's role as a "vigilant guardian" of constitutional supremacy during an event in Sweden, underlining that courts cannot be mere spectators in the exercise of public power.

2. Significance of Rule of Law:

   • CJI Kant described the

Summary of Key Points on Artificial Intelligence (AI)

1. Technological Impact and Employment

• AI represents a significant technological revolution with both potential benefits (enhanced productivity) and risks (e.g., mass unemployment).
• Historical context: Technology has generally automated tasks, creating new employment rather than destroying jobs (e.g., the steam engine).
• Pred

Summary of Key Points on India's AI Development and Economic Growth

Historical Context

• Post-independence, India experienced an average GDP growth of 3% termed the "Hindu rate of growth."
• The 1991 liberalization following a balance-of-payments crisis led to significant economic reforms, fostering higher GDP growth rates.

Current Economic Landscape

• Under PM *Narendra Modi

Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) and APAAR Overview

1. Introduction

• ABC is a digital platform initiated by the Ministry of Education and regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
• It facilitates the management, transfer, and utilization of academic credits earned by students from recognized institutions.
• APAAR ID: A unique 12-digit student identification number link

Key Highlights on FCRA 2.0 Portal and e-OCI Card Launch

1. FCRA 2.0 Portal

• Purpose: Developed to simplify compliance under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) and strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.
• Features:
  • All major processes (applications, renewals, annual returns) are now fully digital (end-to-end).
  • Integration with majo

Summary of Key Points

Missile Warfare and Strategic Implications

• Missiles are changing the nature of warfare, making conflicts quicker and more politically driven.
• China has over 200 conventional missile launchers deployed opposite India, significantly enhancing its missile capability.
• Conventional missiles are perceived as deterrents by India, while China uses them as tools fo

GST: Nine Years of Reform and Economic Impact

Overview of GST Implementation

• Date of Implementation: GST (Goods and Services Tax) was launched on July 1, 2017.
• Objective: To simplify the tax structure by replacing multiple central and state taxes with a unified tax framework.
• Key Principle: "One Nation, One Tax" aimed at creating a common national market.

Structur

Renewable Energy in Tamil Nadu - June 2026 Summary

1. Wind Energy Capacity:

   • Tamil Nadu achieved a wind generation capacity of 9,500 MW.
   • Wind power generation crossed the 5,000-MW mark in June 2026.
   • Consistent wind energy production noted with 4,500 MW in May, rising to 5,500 MW during mid-June.

2. Power Generation Data:

   • Daytime wind power generatio

Exam-Focused Notes on Adolescent Malnutrition in India:

1. Health Statistics and Trends:
   • NFHS-6 Findings (2023-24):
     • Obesity among women (aged 15-49): Increased from 24% to 30.7%.
     • Obesity among men: Increased from 22.9% to 27.3%.
     • High blood sugar levels among men (aged 15+): Increased from 15.6% to 20.9%.
     • High blood sugar levels among women: Increased

Ernakulam District Canal Management Update

1. Desilting Progress:

   • The Ernakulam District Collector reported that 85% of desilting works for city canals have been completed.
   • Priority desilting work is ongoing for the Thevara-Perandoor Canal.

2. Judicial Oversight:

   • A report was submitted to the Kerala High Court as part of a petition concerning a permanent management mec

Health Ministry Notification on Schedule H2 Drugs

1. Expansion of Schedule H2:

   • Schedule H2, introduced in 2022-23, has been expanded to include entire therapeutic classes instead of a curated list of brands.
   • This shift represents a move from revenue-based regulation to risk-based regulation.

2. Regulatory Framework:

   • The framework aims to address active pharmaceutical i

Key Points from the UK-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

Overview of the Agreement:

• Officially named Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
• Aims to enhance bilateral trade and drive shared economic growth between the UK and India.
• India projected to become the world’s third-largest economy within five years, leading among G-20 nations.
• UK identified as a major

Exam-Focused Notes on Kisan Sarathi Platform

Overview:

• Kisan Sarathi: Launched in July 2021, this is India's largest integrated digital agriculture consultancy platform aimed at uniting and empowering the agricultural ecosystem through technology and expertise.

Key Features:

• Multilingual Advisory: Provides timely, authentic, and multilingual agricultural advice.
• **Gov

Key Highlights from Landslide and Flood Incident in Arunachal Pradesh, June 2026

1. Geographical Impact:

   • A significant landslide occurred in Lower Siang district, Arunachal Pradesh, caused by torrential rainfall, resulting in the Siji river being blocked.
   • The landslide created an artificial lake above Likabali town, raising concerns about a potential flash flood downstream.

Summary of Drug Registry Launch by Health Minister

Key Highlights:

• Launch of Drug Registry: Initiated by Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda to standardize drug-related information across India's healthcare system.
• Objective: Ensures transparency, trust, and seamless access to drug information, addressing discrepancies and data entry errors in various health systems.

• Temples serve as replicas of Vaikunta, offering devotees a chance to experience the divine presence of God (Perumal) in a mortal environment.

• The rajagopuram (tower) represents the gateway to Vaikunta, symbolizing connection to the celestial abode.

• References to sacred structures are found in ancient texts:

  • Tiruvaimozhi by Nammazhwar mentions the gopuram in Vaikunta, highlighting

Summary of the Industrial Accident at Seafood Factory, Tamil Nadu

Incident Overview:

• Date: June 21, 2026
• Location: St. Peter & Paul Sea Food Export Private Limited, Tiruvallur district, Tamil Nadu.
• Event: An ammonia gas leak occurred due to a ruptured pipeline, impacting approximately 140 workers—80 men on the ground floor and around 60 women asleep on the first floor.

**Casualties

Corruption in India: Overview and Key Points

1. Political Context and Issues:
   • Corruption has emerged as a significant issue in Indian politics, particularly in the states governed by the BJP, referred to as 'double-engine' governments.
   • Notable incidents reported include alleged financial irregularities at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with calls for accountability from temple trust

Summary of Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown in Madhya Pradesh

Context:

• Madhya Pradesh authorities are addressing organized wildlife trafficking, particularly involving freshwater turtles being smuggled from northern India to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

Key Data:

• Seizures (2020-2026): 654 protected animals captured via state railway networks, including 647 turtles and 7

Key Highlights: Jammu and Kashmir Interfaith Dialogue and Amarnath Yatra

1. Interfaith Dialogue Significance:
   • Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Manoj Sinha emphasized the historical influence of Islamic Sufis and scholars, introduced in India during the 12th and 13th centuries, who adopted principles of coexistence inspired by Indian scriptures, including Vedas, Upanishads, Buddhism, and Jai

Summary of 'Samagra Shishu Bal Swasthya Yojana' (Comprehensive Child Health Program)

1. Program Launch:

   • The program was launched by the Union Health Minister JP Nadda at the 16th Central Health and Family Welfare Council meeting.

2. Vision and Objectives:

   • The initiative aims to provide comprehensive care for children from birth to 36 months, emphasizing the importance of th

Summary of Key Points

Environmental Initiatives:

• A significant tree-planting drive took place, marking Kempegowda Jayanti, where 1.5 million native saplings were planted across multiple Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) layouts.
• Participation involved over 50,000 citizens, highlighting community engagement in environmental sustainability efforts.
• Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar