UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Summary of Findings on Cetacean Morbillivirus in Arctic Humpback Whales

Background

• Research Context: Conducted by scientists in northern Norway, utilizing drone technology for whale study.
• Significance: First identification of the cetacean morbillivirus in Arctic waters, suggesting potential new disease risks for marine mammals.

Key Findings

• Virus Identification:

Summary of India-China Border Dispute: Key Facts and Insights

Historical Context

• McMahon Line: Established during the 1913-14 Simla Conference, forming the basis for the boundary in the Eastern Sector (Arunachal Pradesh). The line was delineated through agreements involving British India and Tibetan representatives.
• Chinese Non-Recognition: China has never accepted the McMah

Key Highlights from the Commissioning of ICGS Samudra Pratap

1. Event Overview:

   • The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, praised the commissioning of the Indian Coast Guard Ship (ICGS) named 'Samudra Pratap'.
   • This commissioning is viewed as a significant milestone in enhancing India's maritime capabilities.

2. Significance:

   • The induction of ICGS Samudra Pratap undersc

Summary of Findings on Cetacean Morbillivirus in Humpback Whales

Key Facts:

• Virus Identified: Cetacean morbillivirus detected in Arctic waters (northern Norway) for the first time.
• Research Publication: Results were published in BMC Veterinary Research.
• Infection Pathway: Highly infectious among marine mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises), affecting respiratory and neu

Economic Data Summary for FY 2025-26

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Estimates:

• Real GDP Growth Rate: Estimated at 7.4% for FY 2025-26, up from 6.5% in FY 2024-25.
• Nominal GDP Growth Rate: Projected at 8.0% for FY 2025-26.

Key Sectoral Growth Estimates (at Constant Prices):

• Services Sector: Anticipated growth rate of 7.3%.
  • **Financial, Real Estate

Exam-Focused Notes on Grasslands and Climate Change:

• International Recognition:

  • The United Nations designated 2026 as the International Year for Rangelands and Pastoralists to raise awareness about the significance of these ecosystems.

• Scientific Advocacy:

  • In 2022, scientists from Tanzania, Zambia, the U.K., U.S., Germany, and Canada urged the UNF

Summary of Key Points on Sustainable Campuses from SIMATS

Institutional Responsibility

• Educational Institutions' Role: Emphasis on the necessity for educational institutions to lead in advancing sustainability by fostering responsible behavior among students and faculty.
• Vice-Chancellor's Statement: Ashwani Kumar, Vice-Chancellor of Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical

Summary of U.S. Actions Against Venezuela: Legal and International Implications

Constitutional and International Law References:

• United Nations Charter, Article 2(4): Prohibits the use of force in international relations with exceptions only for self-defense or authorization by the UN Security Council.
• International Court of Justice Rulings: In the Arrest Warrant Case, it was

Summary of Research on Hydrogen Molecule H2

1. Molecular Overview:

   • Hydrogen (H2) is the simplest stable molecule, consisting of two protons and two electrons. Its study is vital for understanding quantum physics.

2. Study Methodology:

   • Spectroscopy: Used to measure the energy levels of H2 by analyzing the light frequencies absorbed or emitted.
   • Modern techniques achi

Summary of All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 (AITE-26)

Overview:

• The All-India Tiger Estimation-2026 (AITE-26) field exercise commenced in Karnataka as part of a national tiger census.
• This is the sixth cycle of tiger estimation in India; previous cycles were conducted in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022.

Objectives:

• Assess the status of India’s tiger population, which is crucia

Asian Waterbird Census (AWC) 2026 Highlights:

• Date of Census: Conducted on January 6, 2026, coinciding with National Bird Day.

• Location: National Zoological Park, Delhi.

• Total Birds Recorded: 1,310 individuals across 18 species.

• Dominant Species:

  • Painted Storks: 930 (significant majority of the count).

• Other Species Observed:

  • Little Grebe

Summary of Urban Green Spaces and Butterfly Diversity in Thiruvananthapuram

Study Overview:

• Published in: Urban Ecosystems journal.
• Research Team: Freerk Molleman (Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland) and Berke Can Aydin (Afyon Kocatepe University, Turkey).

Key Findings:

• Diversity: Urban green spaces in Thiruvananthapuram host a rich diversity of butterflies, inclu

Summary of Key Points Related to Maoism and Rehabilitation Efforts in Dandakarnaya Region

Current Status of Maoism

1. Decline of the Movement: Maoism has seen a significant decline since 2011-12, with increased surrenders of Maoists starting from October 2025.
2. Organizational Changes: The Communist Party of India (Maoist) (CPI[Maoist]) transitioned to smaller formations as

• Event and Participants: Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi (Minister of New and Renewable Energy) and Nitin Gadkari (Minister of Road Transport and Highways) took a joint ride in a hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle (FCEV), specifically the Toyota Mirai, as part of initiatives to promote clean mobility.

• Government Commitment: The initiative highlights the Indian government’s commitment to advancin

Summary of Key Points

International Law and UN Security Council

• The UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting concerning a U.S. military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, aimed at capturing President Nicolás Maduro.
• UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern over potential violations of international law, suggesting that the U.S. action could have lastin

Summary of Research Findings on Cetacean Morbillivirus

Key Findings:

• Virus Identification: Cetacean morbillivirus, previously undetected in Arctic waters, was found in humpback whales in northern Norway.
• Research Duration: Between 2016 and 2025, over 50 blow samples were collected from various whale species.
• Study Publication: Findings published in *BMC Veterinary Resea

Summary of Findings on Sahelanthropus tchadensis and Human Evolution:

1. Species Overview:

   • Name: Sahelanthropus tchadensis
   • Age: Approximately 7 million years old
   • Significance: Considered the oldest known member of the human lineage after the divergence from chimpanzees.

2. Key Findings:

   • Recent analysis suggests adaptations in Sahelanthropus show clear

Key Insights from the Board of Trade Meeting on Export Issues

1. Export Challenges:

   • Exporters face hurdles due to high US tariffs (50%) and additional issues such as increased raw material costs, lack of testing facilities, and shipping container shortages.
   • Critical sectors affected: gems and jewellery, pharma, seafood, textiles.

2. US Tariffs Impact:

   • US tariffs, effec

Exam-Focused Notes on Ganga River Restoration Initiatives

Key Meeting:

• The 17th Empowered Task Force (ETF) meeting was chaired by Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C.R. Patil, focusing on technology-driven initiatives for the restoration of the Ganga River under the Namami Ganga Programme.

Main Objectives:

• Integration and comprehensive monitoring of drainage through a data-driven da

Summary Notes on Thorium Nuclear Energy Development in India

1. Key Players & Partnerships:
   • Clean Core Thorium Energy (CCTE), a Chicago-based company, has secured an export license from the U.S. Department of Energy to supply nuclear technology to India.
   • CCTE partners with NTPC Ltd, India’s largest power utility, on developing thorium as a nuclear fuel alternative to uranium.

2

Summary of Key Facts and Updates on 'Samudra Pratap'

Inauguration and Design

• Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated 'Samudra Pratap', India's first indigenously designed pollution control vessel on January 5, 2026.
• The vessel is built by Goa Shipyard Limited and represents a significant advancement in India's self-reliance in shipbuilding and maritime capabilities.

Summary of Whale Research and Conservation Innovations

Research Methodology:

• A team of scientists developed an innovative method to study whales using drones.
• Researchers collected breath samples from wild whales in Arctic waters between 2022 and 2025, marking the first detection of the cetacean morbillivirus in this region.
• Previous methods involved close proximity sampling from bo

Summary of Conservation Efforts for Olive Ridley Turtles in Chennai

1. Nesting and Relocation
   • Two Olive Ridley turtle nests discovered near Besant Nagar and Thiruvanmiyur.
   • Nests transported to a hatchery established by the Forest Department, marking the first of the current nesting season (between January and April).
   • Nighttime nesting is typical for Olive Ridley turtles dur

Summary of PRAGATI Framework and Infrastructure Projects in India

Overview of PRAGATI Framework:

• What is PRAGATI?
  • Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) is a technology-based platform established to monitor and expedite infrastructure projects in India costing over Rs 500 crore.
  • Launched approximately a decade ago to address chronic issues of delays and p