UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Exam-Focused Notes: Madhav Gadgil and the Western Ghats Ecology Panel

Key Facts:

• Eminent Ecologist: Madhav Gadgil (83), passed away after a brief illness. Notable for his work on ecological preservation, especially in the Western Ghats.
• Western Ghats: Recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, spanning from Gujarat to Kerala and Tamil Nadu, acting as the water source for major riv

Summary of NGT Ruling on Tent City in Varanasi

National Green Tribunal (NGT) Findings:

• The NGT declared the 'Tent City' in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, was set up in violation of environmental laws, specifically contravening the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016.
• The NGT ordered the recovery of imposed environmental compensation which ha

Key Notes on Smooth-Coated Otter Sighting in Adyar River

1. Natural Observation:

• A smooth-coated otter was sighted in the Adyar River, recorded by birdwatcher Indou Theagarajan on December 28 at Tholkappia Poonga.
• This sighting is significant in an urban landscape where wildlife is often less visible.

2. Ecological Significance:

• The presence of otters indicates a healt

Prafulla Chandra Ray and Indian Scientific Legacy

1. Identity and Contributions

   • Father of Indian Chemistry.
   • Founder of Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals.
   • Pioneered experimental research in chemistry since 1885, particularly in mercury compounds.
   • Published works in leading European journals, showcasing India’s scientific capability.

2. **Historical Context and Natio

Summary Notes on Winter Fog Research in Indo-Gangetic Plain

Research Overview:

• Conducted by IIT-Madras using 15 years of CALIPSO satellite data.
• Focused on understanding the vertical structure of fog in the Indo-Gangetic Plain which impacts visibility and air quality.

Key Findings:

• Aerosol Loading Impact: The presence of aerosols (dust, smoke) above fog layers influence

Incident Overview

• Location: West Singhbhum district, Jharkhand, India.
• Affected Area: Tilkouti village under Majhgaon police station, near Odisha border.
• Casualties: 17 people killed by a rogue elephant in nine days, including two on January 9, 2026 - a 40-year-old Prakash Das and a minor boy.

Elephant Details

• Identification: The rogue elephant has one tusk; concer

Summary of Research on Prehistoric Hunting Practices and Poison-Tipped Arrows

Key Findings

• Use of Poison-Tipped Arrows: Research indicates that prehistoric communities in Africa may have begun using poison-tipped arrows for hunting as early as 60,000 years ago.
• Chemical Analysis: Arrowheads excavated from the Umhlatuzana rock shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, show t

Summary of Air Pollution Concerns in Angul-Talcher Region

• Current Situation: The Angul-Talcher industrial belt is experiencing severe air pollution, primarily due to transportation of ores and fly ash. The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Angul remains in the ‘severe’ category, posing significant public health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations (children, the elderly, individuals w

Summary of Central Government Tax Revenue Sharing with States

Constitutional Framework and Financial Commissions

• The Central Government shares gross tax revenues with States based on recommendations from the Finance Commissions (FCs), which determine the overall share and devolution formula.
• Implementation of recommendations from 15 Finance Commissions is completed; howev

Economic Overview and Forecast (2025-2027)

1. GDP Growth Projections:

   • 2025-26: GDP growth anticipated at 7.4%.
   • 2026-27: GDP growth forecasted at 6.9%.
   • First Half of 2025-26: Average real growth recorded at 8%.

2. Inflation Data:

   • Headline retail inflation (CPI) expected at 3.8% in 2026-27, below the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) medium-t

• Port Capacity & Efficiency:

  • India's port capacity has doubled in the last decade.
  • Vessel turnaround time has been reduced by 50%.
  • Cruise tourism has experienced a growth rate of 400%.

• Global Ranking & Performance:

  • Nine Indian major ports rank in the top 100 ports worldwide.
  • Kamarajar Port ranked as the 3rd best small container port in

Exam-Focused Notes on India-China Relations and the Line of Actual Control (LAC)

Historical Context

1. McMahon Line:
   • Established during the Simla Conference of 1913–14; delineated boundaries between British India, Tibet, and China.
   • India views it as the boundary with Tibet's recognition, while China has never accepted it.
   • Tibetan representatives were deemed compete

Exam-Focused Notes on Jharkhand's Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act Rules

1. Background:

   • The Panchayat Extension Scheduled Areas (PESA) Act was enacted by the Congress-led central government in 1996 to bolster the traditional practices of over 700 tribal groups across India.

2. Recent Developments:

   • The Jharkhand government notified rules related

Exam-Focused Notes on Prafulla Chandra Ray and Indian Scientific Legacy

Historic Contributions:

• Prafulla Chandra Ray (Father of Indian Chemistry): Founder of Bengal Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals; instrumental in experimental chemistry in India since 1885.
• Experimental Research: Notable for work on mercury compounds (synthesis of mercury nitrite) published in European journals.

Key Points Summary

Case Background and Judicial Developments

• Incident Date: April 4, 1990 – Australian citizen Andrew Salvatore Cervelli was arrested at Thiruvananthapuram International Airport with 61.5 grams of hashish.
• Legal Proceedings: Convicted in trial court under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act; later acquitted by High Court due to evidence t

Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Scam in Rajasthan

1. Overview:

   • ACB Rajasthan has uncovered a scam worth ₹2,000 crore related to the Midday Meal Scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic.
   • Investigation initiated following complaints led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against 21 individuals and entities.

2. Key Players:

   • Alleged corruption involves officia

Supreme Court of India and Environmental Regulation

Judicial Trends and Directions

• The Supreme Court has shifted from merely reviewing administrative legality to issuing proactive directions in environmental cases.
• This change reflects a managerial approach where the Court fills gaps left by regulatory bodies.

Key Cases and Directions

• Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZ):
  • June

Summary of Key Points on US Withdrawal from International Organizations

Constitutional and Legal Framework:

• Withdrawal Memorandum: Signed by President Donald Trump, titled ‘Withdrawing the United States from International Organisations, Conventions, and Treaties that Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States’.
• Impacts on International Agreements: The decision affects

Summary of Key Points from the Article:

International Treaties and Climate Agreements:

• The U.S. announced withdrawal from the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and over 60 other international treaties that it claims do not serve American interests.
• Included in the withdrawal are major climate bodies like the *Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

• Background: Fiji Islands faced ecological imbalance due to historical pest control methods. Initially, rats were controlled by the introduction of mongooses, which resulted in the decline of native bird species.

• Current Issue: The extinction of birds led to a resurgence of pests, particularly moths and insects, causing damage to coconut plantations and threatening economic revenue.

Key Reforms in Indian Railways (52 Reforms in 52 Weeks Initiative)

1. Objective: To implement comprehensive reforms in the operation, efficiency, and service delivery of Indian Railways through a systematic approach.

2. Primary Focus Areas:

   • Safety: Aiming for a significant reduction in serious rail accidents, targeting to lower incidents from 135 (2014-15) to single digits b

Summary of Key Points

Constitutional and Legal Framework

• Constitutional Concerns: The establishment of NATGRID raises questions regarding authoritarian surveillance without statutory oversight, invoking the need for constitutional checks, especially post the notable Justice K.S. Puttaswamy vs. Union of India (2017) case, which emphasized the right to privacy.
• **Executive Orde

Exam-Focused Summary: Economic Affairs and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Constitutional References:

• Union Budget 2025-26 initiatives align with the fiscal management principles of Article 112 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates the presentation of the annual financial statement.

Policies and Government Schemes:

1. Public Private Partnership (PPP) Framework: The Depa

Summary of Key Points on the Stray Dog Issue in India:

1. Constitutional References:

   • Article 21: Right to life and a safe environment for citizens, emphasized by the Supreme Court (SC) in its rulings on stray dogs.
   • Judgment from 2023 on Jallikattu affirmed that the Constitution does not grant fundamental rights to animals but does provide rights to humans.

2. **Judicial