UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Economic and Monetary Insights on Currency Depreciation

1. Concept of Currency Depreciation:

   • Currency depreciation is perceived by some as a tool to enhance export competitiveness by making local goods cheaper for foreign buyers. However, this can lead to adverse consequences, such as inflation and loss of investor confidence.

2. Economic Models and Theories:

   • Rudi Dornbusch

Summary of Extreme Heat in India: Key Facts and Insights

1. Geographic and Demographic Shift:

   • Heatwaves in India are no longer confined to arid northwest and central plains but now also affect humid coastal areas and traditionally temperate regions.

2. Statistical Data:

   • Over 57% of Indian districts are classified as heat-prone.
   • Approximately 400-490 million informal wo

Economic Indicators: Inflation and Wholesale Prices

1. Headline Inflation:

   • March 2026: Headline inflation rate at 3.4% (Consumer Price Index - CPI), up from 3.21% in February 2026.
   • Food inflation rose to 3.87%, compared to 3.47% in February 2026.
   • Increase in 'electricity, gas, and other fuels' inflation: 1.65% (up from 0.14% in February 2026).

2. **

International Day of Zero Waste - March 30

Theme and Context

• Theme: Focuses on food waste, highlighting the contradiction of food scarcity amidst abundant waste.
• Significance: Calls for global attention to food wastage while millions face hunger and malnutrition.

Key Statistics

• Global Food Waste: According to the UNEP Food Waste Index Report 2024, approxim

Legislative Developments and Constitutional Amendments

1. Introduction of Three Bills (2026):
   • The government introduced three significant bills:
     • Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty-First Amendment) Bill, 2026.
     • Delimitation Bill, 2026.
     • Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
   • Aimed at facilitating:
     • Fresh delimitation based on the 2011 Census.

Key Facts and Legal Framework on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Case

Judicial Context:

• A nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court of India (SC) is deliberating the constitutionality of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
• FGM is defined as procedures involving partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons and is considered a form of torture.

**Current Legal

Water Security and Groundwater Crisis in Bengaluru, Karnataka

Groundwater Withdrawal

• Current Status: Karnataka is improving overall water security, but Bengaluru faces severe groundwater issues.
• Withdrawal Levels:
  • Statewide groundwater withdrawal at 66% of sustainable levels.
  • Bengaluru East Taluka reports alarming 378% extraction, indicating a critical state

Summary Notes on India's Nuclear Energy Development

Milestone Achievement:

• Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has attained criticality, marking a significant advancement in India's nuclear energy program.
• Represents a generational shift and a step toward realizing the vision of India’s atomic energy program established over 70 years ago.

Signific

• Monsoon Forecast: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts a 'below normal' southwest monsoon for 2026, predicting rainfall at 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA) of 87 cm between June and September.

• Historical Context: The last instance of reduced monsoon rainfall occurred in 2023 with the IMD predicting 'near normal' rainfall at 96% of LPA. Previous underestimations incl

Summary of Key Points on India's Fertiliser Policy and Food Security

Context

• A recent two-week ceasefire highlights geopolitical uncertainties impacting global supply chains, particularly fertiliser supplies essential for India's food security.

Food Security and Fertiliser Dependence

• Fertiliser Import Dependence: India is 70% dependent on imports for chemical fertilisers, w

Summary of Monsoon Forecast and Implications

Meteorological Data

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) Forecast:
  • Expected monsoon rainfall for 2026 is 92% of the Long Period Average (LPA).
  • LPA (1971-2020) for the June-September monsoon season is 87 cm.
  • The forecast indicates a 'below normal' rainfall due to developing El Niño conditions.

Historica

Summary of Key Facts and Developments

Conflict and Economic Impact

• Recent conflict in West Asia prompted a ceasefire on April 9, 2026.
• Spillover effects include elevated crude oil prices causing supply issues within India, including black-market LPG sales.

Shift to Electric Cooking

• Increase in Electric Cooktops: Post-conflict, sales of induction cooktops surge

Exam-Focused Notes on Baisakhi

1. Historical Significance:

   • Date of Celebration: Baisakhi is celebrated on April 13 or 14, marking the beginning of the month of Vaikash.
   • Foundation of Khalsa Order: Commemorates the establishment of the Khalsa order by Guru Gobind Singh on April 13, 1699, during a period of religious persecution under Mughal rule by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Key Highlights on Women's Representation in India

Constitutional References and Legislation

• Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Sept 2023): This legislation mandates the reservation of one-third of seats for women in the Lok Sabha and all state legislative assemblies, marking a significant constitutional step toward gender parity in political representation.
• **73rd and 74th Constitutio

Workers' Protests in India - Summary of Key Points

1. Protest Background:

   • Ongoing worker protests across industrial hubs in India, primarily due to demands for better working conditions, higher wages, and social security provisions.
   • Recent protests started at Barauni (Bihar) on February 2, 2026, followed by protests in Surat, Manesar, Panipat, and Noida.

2. *Key Issues Raised

Summary of Key Points

International Context and Conflicts

• Iran and US-Israel Conflict: A ceasefire was announced amid threat to civilian lives.
• Potential Lessons for India: Increasing global uncertainty and the importance of food security highlighted.

Food Security and Fertilizer Supply in India

• Fertilizer Import Dependence: India relies on imports for about 70%

• Event: Military airstrikes by the Nigerian military in northeastern Nigeria.
• Casualties: Dozens of civilian deaths reported; ongoing tensions regarding the military's targeting of jihadist militants.
• Human Rights Concerns: Local residents, Amnesty International, and UN security reports highlight civilian casualties amid military operations.
• Military Claims: The Nigerian aut

• Objective: The Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) is developing a hydrogeological map of India.

• Event: The map will be showcased at the 25th International Geological Congress scheduled in Sydney.

• Significance:

  • The map aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of groundwater resources across India, which is critical for water management and sustainability.

• **Backgrou

• Location: Ghaggar river, Mallewala village, Sirsa district, Haryana (approximately 250 km from Delhi).

• Environmental Concerns: The Ghaggar river, once a vital resource for local communities, faces significant pollution and degradation, adversely affecting local health and ecology.

• Historical Context: The river was integral to village life, supporting activities such as fishing,

• Transformation of Jobs Due to AI: Rajiv Tandon from BITS Pilani Digital stated that AI will not displace jobs but will transform them, leading to the emergence of new roles such as AI explainers, sustainers, and designers.

• Job Automation: The shift in job roles is attributed to the automation of repetitive tasks in traditional positions. This points towards a significant redefinition

Summary of Key Points on Court Complexes and Judicial Infrastructure in India

Current Status of Judiciary

• Case Load:
  • Supreme Court: 86,000 cases with only 34 sanctioned judges (historically only 2,656 cases with 14 judges in 1960).
  • High Courts: 6.3 million pending cases.
  • Lower Courts: Over 46 million pending cases.

Challenges in Court Architecture

• **Historica

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs)

• Definition: FBRs are nuclear reactors that 'breed' more fissile material than they consume, using fast neutrons for nuclear fission.

• Case Study - Superphénix, France:

  • Initiation: Construction began in 1976, costing approximately $10 billion.
  • Operational Timeline:
    • Became critical in 1985.
    • Commercial operation began

Summary of Key Facts and Updates:

1. Wildlife Institute of India (WII) Recommendations:

   • WII has advised against establishing a greenfield international airport in Puri due to potential risks to migratory birds and aviation safety.
   • The proposed site is near Chilika Lake, designated as a Ramsar site, which is a wetland of global ecological significance.

2. **Proposed Airport Proj

• Judicial Ruling: The Bombay High Court, on April 10, 2026, questioned the Maharashtra State government's financial priorities regarding the payment of pensions to retired employees, suggesting the discontinuation of the Mukhyamantri Maajhi Ladki Bahin Yojana if pension funds are lacking.

• Pension Issue: A petition was filed by a retired teacher from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporati