UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Air Quality Management in Delhi: Key Highlights

Current Air Quality Status:

• Delhi's overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded a severe level of 428 as of 8 p.m.

Government Action:

• The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has implemented restrictions as part of Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan, aimed at mitigating air pollution:
  • A ban on the entry of

Digital Health and Artificial Intelligence in India: Key Highlights

1. Digital Initiatives:

   • The National Digital Health Mission (NDHM) and NITI Aayog are implementing AI-enabled digital health programs in India.
   • The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) aims to integrate healthcare data and enhance accessibility.

2. Healthcare Management Education:

   • Develop

Summary Notes on ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Incident

Mission Overview:

• Launch Date: January 12, 2026.
• Vehicle: PSLV-C62.
• Payloads: EOS-N1 satellite (India's Defence Research and Development Organisation) + 15 co-passenger satellites from Thailand, UK, Nepal, France, Spain, Brazil, and Indian enterprises.

Incident Details:

• An anomaly occurred during the PS3 stage (thi

Key Points on AI Transformation and National Strategy for India

AI as a Transformative Technology

• AI is expected to revolutionize economic and geopolitical landscapes similar to historical technologies like steam power and electricity.
• The potential exists for India to emerge as a global leader in AI alongside the U.S. and China, with implications for its civilizational status.

Republic Day Parade Overview - Key Highlights

• Military Showcase: First-time display of military assets in a phased battle array format as part of the Republic Day parade post Operation Sindoor.

• Bhairav Light Commando Battalion: This newly-raised battalion will make its debut during the parade.

• Parade Structure:

  • Display will simulate actual combat scenarios involving

Chips to Start-Up (C2S) Program Summary

Objective: To enhance India’s indigenous semiconductor design capabilities and promote start-ups in the semiconductor sector.

Key Facts:

• Training Participation: Over 1 lakh individuals enrolled in chip design training; approximately 67,000 have completed it.
• Collaboration: Conducted 6 shared wafer runs and over 265 training sessions

International Travel Regulation Update: Transit Visa Waiver for Indian Passport Holders in Germany

1. Policy Overview:

   • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced that Indian passport holders no longer require a transit visa when passing through German airports.
   • This policy became effective immediately as of the announcement date (January 12).

2. Transit Visa Details:

   • I

• Political Context: Iran is facing severe socio-economic crises exacerbated by Western sanctions, structural economic issues, and recent military conflicts, notably the June 2025 war with Israel and the U.S.

• Government: Masoud Pezeshkian, a surgeon-turned-politician, is the President of Iran, having won the 2024 elections on a reformist agenda. His administration acknowledges being “st

• International Relations: Israel has expressed discontent regarding the U.S. White House's announcement of a new committee overseeing governance in Gaza, highlighting a lack of coordination and perceived inconsistency with Israeli policy.

• Gaza Executive Committee:

  • The committee includes prominent figures such as:
    • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio
    • Trump's son-in-law J

Key Points from the Launch of Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project

Overview

• Project Cost: ₹6,950 crores for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor.
• Location: Kaliyabor, Assam.
• Scope: Construction of a four-lane section of NH-715, connecting Kaliyabor to Numaligarh, including a wildlife corridor.

Significance of Kaziranga National Park

• Recognition: A UNESCO World Her

Summary Notes on U.S. Withdrawal from International Bodies

Key Events and Developments:

• Date of Announcement: January 7 - U.S. to withdraw from 66 international organizations, including 31 from the UN.
• Historical Context: The trend began during Trump's presidency (2016-2020) and persists with planned exits under the current administration.
• Prior Withdrawals:
  • UNESCO

Summary of Key Facts and Developments in North India’s Weather Patterns

Meteorological Data

• Rainfall Deficits:
  • Uttarakhand: Received no rainfall in December and January.
  • Himachal Pradesh: Recorded its sixth-lowest rainfall in December since 1901.
  • Jammu & Kashmir: Experienced minimal rain and snow in January.
  • Overall Winter Precipitation in India: Le

Summary Notes on Kolkata's Historical Directories and Almanacks

Historical Context

• Colonial Era: Year-end publications like English directories and vernacular almanacks emerged during the 18th and 19th centuries, tracking the urban life of Kolkata amidst socio-political changes, migrations, and community dynamics.

Key Publications

• Thacker's Indian Directory:
  • First p

Exam-Focused Notes on AI Adoption in India's Social Sector

Overview:

• OpenAI is facilitating a four-city nonprofit workshop tour (Nonprofit Jam) to enhance AI use in rural-focused nonprofits.
• Launched in Bengaluru on January 15, aimed at accelerating AI adoption in the social sector, led by Pragya Misra (OpenAI India).

Key Facts and Figures:

• Involvement: Collaborating with

Summary of Key Points on Blue Economy Development in Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

Government Initiatives and Policies

• Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Earth Sciences, announced the development of Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a hub for India's Blue Economy.
• The initiative includes launching pilot projects to enhance Blue Economy and livelihoods in the region.
• Emp

Summary of Key Points from PM’s Address at Bagurumba Celebration in Guwahati

1. Cultural Celebration: Bagurumba Doho

   • Significant cultural event showcasing Bodo traditions and heritage.
   • Aimed at promoting Assam's identity on a national and global platform.

2. Recognition of Bodo Heritage

   • Bodo language declared the "Associate Official Language" in Assam.
   • Establishme

Expert Appraisal Committee Recommendations for International Dugong Conservation Centre, Tamil Nadu

1. Project Overview:
   • Location: Manora, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.
   • Purpose: Establishment of an International Dugong Conservation Centre for conservation, research, rescue, rehabilitation, and public awareness regarding dugongs, which are critically endangered marine m

Exam-Focused Notes on Dolphin Conservation Initiative in India

1. Project Overview:

   • Project Dolphin initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to advance the conservation of dolphins in river and estuarine areas.
   • The second nationwide survey for the assessment of dolphin population commenced from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.

2. Survey Details:

Key Facts and Insights:

1. Cinematograph Act of 1952: This Act empowers the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to classify films based on viewer suitability. However, terms like “public order,” “decency,” and “morality” are ambiguous, often leading to censorship.

2. Certification Process Issues:

   • The film "Jana Nayagan" faced certification delays, highlighting complicati

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