UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Summary of Key Points on India-US Relations and Geopolitical Context:

India-US Relations:

• Historical Trend: India-US relations have experienced a steady upward trajectory for 25 years, but signs indicate a stall.
• Ambassador-designate: Sergio Gor's entry into the US embassy has raised hopes, but potential trade agreements remain dependent on Prime Minister Modi's actions and c

Exam-Focused Notes on Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

Project Overview

• Name: Kaziranga Elevated Corridor
• Length: 34.5 kilometers
• Location: Kaziranga National Park, Assam
• Cost: ₹6,950 crore
• Purpose: Facilitate safer passage for wildlife; reduce animal-vehicle collisions on NH-715 (earlier NH-37).

Kaziranga National Park

• Significance: Home to t

Summary of Research on Antarctica's Subglacial Terrain

Key Findings:

• Detailed Mapping: Researchers created the most comprehensive map of Antarctica's subglacial terrain, identifying over 30,000 previously uncharted hills (≥165 ft or 50 m).
• Terrain Features: The map revealed mountains, canyons, valleys, and plains below the ice, showcasing a diverse topographical landscape.

Exam-Focused Notes on PM-Setu Industry Workshop

Event Overview

• Date: January 19, 2026
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra
• Organizer: Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of Maharashtra
• Focus: Consultation workshop to discuss and implement PM-Setu initiative.

PM-Setu Initiative

• Full Name: PM-Setu (Prime Minister Skill De

Geopolitical Context and U.S. Policies:

1. U.S. Tariffs Legislation: The U.S. Congress is set to discuss a new law imposing tariffs of up to 500% on countries importing oil or uranium from Russia.
2. Iran Relations: The U.S. has threatened to impose a 25% tariff on trade with nations engaging in business with Iran amidst escalating tensions and sanctions related to Iran's inter

Summary Notes on Climate Change and Renewable Energy Expansion

• Global Context: India and China are often criticized for their roles in climate change, particularly regarding fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, both countries have made significant advancements in renewable energy (RE) technologies.

• Renewable Energy Statistics:

  • **Global Renewable Ener

Summary of Key Points: Iran’s Protests and Historical Context of Women and Smoking

1. Context of Protests:
   • Protests in Iran have intensified following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in 2022 due to her arrest for "improper" hijab, sparking the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement.
   • Recent symbolic acts include young Iranian women lighting cigarettes from burning photographs of Supreme

NASA Artemis II Mission Preparation

1. Mission Overview:

   • Artemis II is NASA's first lunar crewed flight in over 50 years.
   • Target Launch Date: As soon as February 6, 2024.
   • Mission Duration: Approximately 10 days, involving a trip around the Moon, without a landing.

2. Objectives:

   • Test key systems for future lunar missions, specifically aimed at establishing a long-

Summary of Key Facts and Developments

Constitutional and Legal Context

• 1963 China-Pakistan Boundary Agreement: India does not recognize this agreement, asserting it is illegal and invalid as it involved ceding parts of Indian territory (specifically, 5,180 sq. km of Shaksgam Valley) by Pakistan to China without India's consent.
• Article 6 of the Agreement: Stipulates that aft

Summary of Key Facts and Data:

Incident Background:

• Location: Benisagar village, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, India
• Date of Attack: January 5–9, 2025
• Casualties: At least 20 people, including four children, killed by a rogue elephant believed to be separated from its herd.

Victim Accounts:

• Sanju Devi, widow of Prakash Das (killed on January 9), describes the afterma

Summary of Forest Fire near Valley of Flowers, Uttarakhand

• Location and Context: A fire is ongoing near the Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district. The affected area includes parts of the Nanda Devi National Park, at elevations between 3,500 to 4,200 meters, between the Lakshman Ganga and Alaknanda rivers.

• Government and Response

Summary of India's Clean Energy and Critical Minerals Strategy

1. Need for Critical Minerals:

   • India faces an urgent requirement for imported critical minerals and rare earths essential for clean energy transitions.
   • China’s tightening export controls on these minerals have exacerbated the situation.

2. Strategic Policy Approach:

   • India aims to diversify mineral trade lin

Summary of Key Facts and Developments in Iran's Socio-Political Landscape

1. Historical Context:

   • The Iranian Revolution of 1979 aimed for three ideals: independence, freedom, and social justice.
   • The regime's promises included ending foreign domination and ensuring political and civil freedoms.

2. Current Situation:

   • Many Iranians perceive a failure of the revolution wi

• Political Context: The social unrest in Iran began on December 28, 2025, stemming from protests in Tehran’s Grand Bazaar over the collapsing rial and inflation rates. This has evolved into the most significant challenge against the Islamic Republic since its inception in 1979.

• Economic Situation: Iran's economy is severely affected by long-standing Western sanctions. Following Israel'

Key Notes on Environmental Activism: The Legacy of G. Rajkumar

Subject: G. Rajkumar's Contributions to Environmental Conservation

Background:

• G. Rajkumar, also known as "Kurinji Rajkumar," was a prominent environmentalist and the pivotal figure behind the Save Kurinji Campaign aimed at protecting the Neelakurinji flower (Strobilanthes kunthiana). He passed away at age 70 in Thiruva

Summary of Key Points from the Article on Indian Peacekeeping Mission Recognition

1. Event Context:
   • Marking nearly four decades after the Indian Peacekeeping Force (IPKF) operation in Sri Lanka (Operation Pawan), Defence Minister Rajnath Singh acknowledged the contributions and sacrifices of the soldiers during the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day.
   • The tributes were given at the

Summary Notes on Viking Discoveries and Historical Context

Viking Civilization

• Timeline: A.D. 750 to A.D. 1100.
• Regions: Inhabitants from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
• Notable Figures: Eric Thorvaldsson (Eric the Red) and Leif Erikson.
• Societal Dynamics: Expansion prompted by population growth, leading to exploration and settlement overseas.

**Key Historica

• Event: Activation of counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) by the Indian Army.

• Location: Line of Control (LoC), specifically in Rajouri district, Pir Panjal Valley, Jammu and Kashmir.

• Date of Incident: January 13, 2026.

• Context:

  • Strategic response to multiple drone sightings reported at various intervals in Rajouri’s Chingus and Manjakote regions.
  • Drones si

Exam-Focused Summary of Key Points

Territorial Claims and Agreements

• Shaksgam Valley: A disputed region in the Hunza-Gilgit area, roughly 5,000 sq km in size, claimed by India but controlled by Pakistan, which ceded it to China under the 1963 China-Pakistan boundary agreement.
• India's Position: India maintains that the Shaksgam Valley is Indian territory and has never recogni

Summary of Current Civic Unrest in Iran

Economic Indicators:

• Currency Devaluation: The Iranian rial has faced a drastic fall from an official exchange rate of 42,000 to a market rate of approximately 1.45 million per dollar, with its value dropping 20,000 times since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The 45% decline in 2025 significantly impacted essential commodity imports, mak

Summary of Key Points on the Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Environmental Impact and Concerns

• OECD Findings: The development of AI applications is associated with climate change concerns due to their carbon footprint. The global Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry contributes approximately 1.8% - 2.8% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emi

Exam-Focused Notes on Blue Symbolism in Indian History

Historical Context:

• Blue and Marginalization: The color blue relates to the struggles of marginalized communities in India.
• Indigo Peasant Movement (1859): Peasants in Bengal protested against exploitative practices of white planters. They refused to cultivate indigo, leading to violent and non-violent protests.

**Signif

Summary Notes on India's Gaganyaan Mission and Related Developments

Gaganyaan Mission

• Purpose: To send Indian astronauts to space for the first time through an indigenous mission.
• Timeline: Scheduled for 2027.
• Significance: If successful, India will join the ranks of Russia, the US, and China as the fourth country to send humans to space.
• Quotes: Prasanth Balakris

Key Highlights on Mahasweta Devi and Societal Issues:

1. Biography and Contributions:
   • Mahasweta Devi was born in Dhaka in 1926 and schooled at Shantiniketan under Rabindranath Tagore. Her early education empowered her with skills traditionally associated with boys, promoting gender equality.
   • She remained a key literary figure until her death in 2016, producing significant works