UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Maharashtra Cancer Care Policy Summary

Policy Overview:

• Objective: Establish quality cancer treatment across Maharashtra.
• Foundation Formation: The Maharashtra Cancer Care, Research and Education Foundation (MAHACARE Foundation) will oversee cancer-related specialty treatment in 18 hospitals.

Background Data:

• The 2025 ICMR Report indicates an 11% increase in cancer

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Monetary Policy Summary

Key Policy Rates:

• Repo Rate: Remains unchanged at 5.5%.
• Monetary Policy Committee (MPC): Unanimous decision to maintain a pause for the second consecutive meeting.
• Stance: Neutral, allowing policy flexibility depending on growth and inflation dynamics.

Economic Projections:

• Inflation Forecast: Projected

Summary of the UN Commission Report on Gaza

Key Findings

• Genocide Determination: The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, as stated in the report released on September 16.
• Casualty Figures: Over 60,000 Palestinian deaths documented, including 18,000 children.
• Civilian Impact: More than 50% of fat

Summary of Events in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh (September - October 2025)

Incident Background

• Date of Incident: September 26, 2025.
• Origin: Violence erupted after a controversy involving an illuminated board bearing the message “I love Muhammad” during a Barawafat procession in Kanpur on September 4.
• Initial Conflict: The procession was met with objections from certain lo

• National Song: 'Vande Mataram', composed by Bankimchandra Chatterji, is recognized as a national song of India by the Constituent Assembly.

• Constitutional Reference: 'Vande Mataram' holds equal status to the national anthem 'Jana Gana Mana', reflecting its importance in India's identity and heritage.

• Ministerial Statement: Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the decisio

• Diplomatic Expulsion: Colombian President Gustavo Petro expelled all remaining Israeli diplomats from Colombia in response to Israel's interception of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla.

• Incidents with Activists: The expulsion follows the reported detention of two Colombian activists, Manuela Bedoya and Luna Barreto, by Israeli forces in international waters while they were part of the Globa

Summary of Key Facts on Jane Goodall

Biographical Information:

• Jane Goodall was born in 1934 in London and grew up in Bournemouth.
• She passed away on October 1, 2025, at the age of 91 due to natural causes.

Career Milestones:

• Ethologist and Primatologist: Her extensive research on chimpanzees began in 1957 in Tanzania, with the establishment of the Gombe Stream Chimpanzee R

• Appointment Details: Shirish Chandra Murmu has been appointed as the new Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a three-year term, effective from October 9. He takes over from M Rajeshwar Rao whose tenure concludes on October 8.

• Organizational Approval: His appointment has been approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).

• Professional Background:

Monsoon and Rainfall Summary (2025)

1. Monsoon Season Overview:
   • The southwest monsoon season officially ended, but the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts rain to continue into October over northeast, central, and peninsular India due to delayed withdrawal.
   • All-India rainfall from June to September 2025 recorded at 937.2 mm, representing an 8% surplus.

Summary of Key Points

Detention Under National Security Act (NSA)

• Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk detained on September 26, 2025, under NSA following violent protests in Ladakh resulting in four fatalities due to police action.
• Wangchuk is currently held at Jodhpur central jail.

Legal and Procedural Concerns

• Gitanjali Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, reported inability to contact him an

Summary of India-Bhutan Cross-Border Railway Projects

Projects Overview:

• Total Projects: Two railway projects connecting Bhutan with India's Assam and West Bengal.
  • Kokrajhar (Assam) - Gelephu (Bhutan): 69 km, cost Rs 3,456 crore.
  • Banarhat (West Bengal) - Samtse (Bhutan): 20 km, cost Rs 577 crore.

Key Players:

• Indian Minister of Railways: Ashwini Vaishnaw
• Bhu

Summary of Key Points on Amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR)

International Health Regulations (IHR) Framework

• Continuous Evolution: The IHR have evolved since their inception in the 19th century, initially focusing on quarantines and public health during cholera outbreaks. The current version was significantly revised in 2005, enabling a broader coverage of pub

• International Flotilla and Humanitarian Aid: The Global Sumud Flotilla consists of over 40 civilian boats with more than 500 individuals, aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza. Participants include lawmakers and activists like Swedish climate campaigner Greta Thunberg.

• Italy's Involvement: Italy has indicated it will cease tracking the flotilla with a military vessel (an accomp

GST Council Meeting Summary (2025)

Key Reforms Approved:

• Transition to a two-slab GST structure:
  • 5% and 18%
  • Demerit rate of 40% for super luxury, sin, and demerit goods (e.g., tobacco).

Objectives of the Reforms:

• Lower tax burden on the common populace.
• Streamline working capital and enhance ease of doing business.
• Automate GST refund and regist

Cancer Burden in India: Key Facts and Insights

• Cancer Incidence & Mortality:
  • Cancer cases in India increased from 84.8 per 100,000 people in 1990 to 107.2 per 100,000 in 2023.
  • Approximately 1.5 million new cancer cases diagnosed annually.
  • Cancer mortality rose from 71.7 per 100,000 in 1990 to 86.9 per 100,000 in 2023, equating to about **1.21 million dea

Health Initiatives and Policies for Cancer Screening in Tamil Nadu

1. Pilot Cancer Screening Programs:

   • Launching in two districts: Coimbatore and Ariyalur.
   • Focus on early diagnosis to combat non-communicable diseases.

2. Sponsored Collaboration:

   • Jointly funded by the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
   • Part of the Projec

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) - Centenary Highlights

Constitutional and Historical Background

• Established: The UPSC was founded as the Public Service Commission in October 1926, under the recommendations of the Lee Commission (1924).
• Government of India Act, 1919: Provided for the establishment of a commission for recruiting higher civil servants.
• **Government of I

Summary of Legislative and Environmental Developments in Goa:

1. Wildlife Clearance Proposal:
   • The Goa State Board for Wildlife (SBWL) recommended submitting a proposal for wildlife clearance concerning the handling of iron ore at Kalem railway station, located within Bhagwan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary, to the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for consideration.
   • This recommend

Summary of Key Developments in Cancer Research at IIT Madras

1. Innovation in Cancer Treatment:
   • Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras are developing a cancer genome and tissue bank aimed at creating personalized treatment strategies.
   • The focus is on producing lab-grown tumor cells to test therapies before applying them to patients, minimizing trial and e

Demographic Trends and Intergenerational Dynamics in India

Key Facts and Figures

• Population Ageing:
  • Current data indicates at least 10% of India's population is above 60 years old.
  • Projections estimate this will rise to about 20% by 2050.

Study Insights

• Understanding Intergenerational Dynamics & Perceptions on Ageing:
  • Conducted by **HelpA

Summary Notes on UMEED Portal and Waqf Properties

Overview of UMEED Portal

• The UMEED portal is a centralized digital platform launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs for real-time uploading, verification, and monitoring of Waqf properties.
• Launched approximately four months ago, only around 4,000 out of 8.72 lakh Waqf establishments have registered, covering more than 38 lakh ac

Summary Notes on Integration of Armed Forces in India

1. Objective & Measures for Integration:

• Increase jointness and integration among the Army, Navy, and Air Force ahead of impending creation of theatre commands.
• Measures discussed at the Combined Commanders Conference in Kolkata include:
  • Standardization of equipment and platforms for interoperability.
  • Developmen

GST Council Meeting Highlights (56th Meeting)

Key Outcomes:

1. Reforms Approved:

   • Introduction of a two-slab GST structure:
     • 5% for common items
     • 18% for standard goods
     • 40% demerit rate for super luxury and sin goods (e.g., tobacco, pan masala).

2. Implementation Date:

   • New rates to take effect on September 22, 2025 (First day of Navrat

Key Notes on India's Proposed CAFE 3 Norms

Overview

• CAFE Norms: Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) norms regulate fuel consumption and emissions from passenger vehicles.
• Draft Issued by: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) for public consultation.

Proposed Changes in CAFE 3 Norms

Target Audience

• Applicable Vehicles: M1 category vehicles (passenger cars with