UPSC Civil Services Current Affairs Articles

Summary of Key Facts and Developments in Darbhanga, Bihar

Historical Context

• Pond Count Decline: Darbhanga, once known as the ‘city of ponds’ with over 350 ponds until 1969, now has fewer than 100 remaining.
• Groundwater Crisis: The depleting groundwater levels have led to difficulties for residents in accessing water, particularly during summer months.

Current Situation

Exam-Focused Notes on the Historical Significance of 'Vande Mataram' at Osmania University

Historical Context:

• The incident revolves around the singing of "Vande Mataram" at Osmania University (OU) during the late 1930s, a period marked by significant nationalistic fervor against the Nizam's government in Hyderabad.
• The Nizam's government viewed the song as a threat to its authority,

Summary of Nepal-China Border Disaster (August 2026)

Natural Disaster Overview:

• Event: On August 26, 2026, a significant seismic event near the Nepal-China border initially registered as a 4.4-magnitude earthquake but was later determined to be a glacial collapse, leading to a landslide equivalent to a 5.2 magnitude.
• Impact:
  • Casualties: Approximately 579 people confi

• Literature and History: Su. Venkatesan, a Sahitya Akademi award-winning writer and MP, argues that literature, when intertwined with history, has a profound impact on society. He emphasizes that historical narratives can resonate more powerfully through literary forms than through straightforward history writing.

• Notable Works:

  • Kaval Kottam: Venkatesan’s debut novel, which won

Exam-Focused Notes on Per Drop More Crop (PDMC) Scheme

Overview

• Scheme Name: Per Drop More Crop (PDMC).
• Objective: Improve water use efficiency and agricultural productivity through drip and sprinkler irrigation.
• Target Area: Coverage of over 11.5 million hectares by July 2026, which is approximately 8.11% of India's net sown area.

Constitutional and Policy Framew

Summary of Recent Flash Flood Disaster in Nepal

Incident Overview:

• Date of Incident: August 28, 2026.
• Flash floods in Nepal resulted from an ice-rock avalanche in Tibet, leading to significant casualties.
• Casualties: At least 389 fatalities recorded, with over 300 Indians missing.
• Extensive damage noted along the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli corridors, impacting settlements and infras

Summary Notes on the Nepal-Tibet Border Flash Floods

Incident Overview:

• Date of Incident: August 26, 2026
• Location: Nepal-Tibet border, affecting a pilgrimage route to Manasa Sarovara near Mount Kailash.

Key Facts:

• Pilgrims from Karnataka, India, including a 50-year-old man named Mallinath Kolkundi and his son-in-law Sangamesh, were involved in the incident while traveling with

Himalayan Disaster – Key Highlights:

• Geographic Context: The disaster was primarily driven by two factors:

  • Mountainous Terrain: The steep slopes of the Himalayas facilitated rapid water movement downstream during flooding events.
  • Weather Phenomenon: Intense cloudbursts and glacier melt in the higher Himalayan ranges contributed to sudden and severe flooding.

• **Impact

• Incident Overview: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the reported deaths of at least 60 newborns at Malda Medical College and Hospital in West Bengal during the first three weeks of August 2026.

• Details of Deaths: Reports indicate that on a single day, ten newborns died in the hospital. Among the deceased, 44 were referred to the hospital due to dete

Summary of Human-Elephant Conflict Study Findings

Study Overview:

• Title: "Estimating the occurrence and detection of human-elephant conflict in India through a Bayesian occupancy modeling framework."
• Conducted by: Columbia University, North Carolina State University, Centre for Wildlife Studies.
• Publication: Biological Conservation.
• Data Analyzed: 20,888 verified

Summary of Nepal Floods and Indian Response

Situation Overview:

• A flash flood in Nepal has resulted in at least 359 fatalities.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India reported that as of August 27, 2026, approximately 290 Indian nationals are uncontactable, including groups from Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Kerala.

Humanitarian Assistance:

• India has dispatched a second

Exam-Focused Notes on India's Nuclear Energy Program

Overview

• Nuclear Energy Strategy: India's nuclear program aims for technological self-reliance and sustainable energy, transitioning from uranium-based to thorium-based fuel cycles.
• Target: Achieve 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 as part of sustainable development goals.

Constitutional References

• **Article

Nuclear Energy in India: Applications, Safety, and Preparedness

Overview of India's Nuclear Energy Program

• Foundation: Established in 1969 with the Tarapur Nuclear Power Station. Focused on safety, regulatory oversight, and emergency preparedness.
• Objective: To provide low-carbon electricity while ensuring safety for people and the environment.

Key Policies and Acts

Key Points on India's Malaria Elimination Progress

1. Objective and Target:

   • India aims to achieve malaria elimination by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
   • A high-level review meeting was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to assess progress towards this goal.

2. Progress and Statistics:

   • Between 2015 and 2025, malaria cases and

Renewable Energy Capacity in India: Key Highlights

1. Installed Capacity:

   • India has surpassed 300 GW of installed non-fossil fuel power capacity as of July 31, 2026.
   • Non-fossil fuel sources now represent over 54% of India’s total electricity generation capacity.
   • The largest contributor to renewable energy is solar power, accounting for 164.59 GW.

2. Future Targets:

Exam-Focused Summary

Demographics and Education

• Youth Population: Approximately 28.3% of India’s population (around 40.1 crore individuals) falls within the 15-30 age demographic.
• Education Levels:
  • Average education for youth aged 15-30: 10.8 years.
  • 43.6% have completed Class 12; of these, 46.3% pursue higher education.

Critical Issues

• **Vocationa

Industrial Production Index (IPI) - July 2026 Summary

Key Statistics:

• Year-over-Year Growth: The Industrial Production Index (IPI) saw a growth of 6.7% in July 2026.
• Manufacturing Sector Growth: Increased by 7.3%.
• Electricity and Gas Supply Growth: Increased by 8.7%.
• Mining and Extraction: Decreased by (-0.9%).

IPI Details:

• Base Year:

Summary of Prajwala vs. Union of India - Supreme Court Judgment (May 2026)

1. Judicial Context:

   • The ruling was delivered by Justices J.B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan of the Supreme Court, marking a historic shift in recognizing the rights of sex-trafficked persons within the criminal justice framework.

2. Background:

   • Originated from a 22-year-long public interest litigatio

Summary of Recent Tribal Student Protests in Maharashtra

Background

• A hunger strike by tribal students commenced on August 12-13, 2026, at the Manjari Scheduled Tribes’ Hostel, near Pune, following various grievances. The protesters include around 70-80 students organized by gender, depicting significant youth mobilization.

Key Issues Raised

• Government Job Vacancies: Protes

• Tributes to Social Reformers:

  • Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah paid homage to Sree Narayana Guru and Mahatma Ayyankali on their respective Jayantis (birth anniversaries).

• Sree Narayana Guru:

  • Promoted the establishment of a harmonious, just, and benevolent society through spirituality.
  • His principles emphasize knowledge, compassion, equality, and spiritual f

Summary of Childhood Cancer Issues in India

Key Findings:

• India accounts for 68.6% of new childhood cancer cases in the SAARC region, with 25,939 new cases and 17,698 deaths reported annually (2022).
• Leukaemia is the most prevalent childhood cancer (35-50% of cases), followed by central nervous system (CNS) tumors (~12%).
• The national cancer registry in India covers only **

Exam-Focused Notes on India's Renewable Energy Summit 2026

Event Overview:

• Event Name: India Renewable Energy Summit and Expo 2026 (BRESE 2026)
• Dates: November 2-5, 2026
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
• Purpose: To promote clean energy investment and collaboration among stakeholders.

Key Participants:

• Central Minister: Prahlad Joshi (Ministry of Ne

Summary of India-China Boundary Discussions

Background & Context:

• Recent talks between Special Representatives (SRs) on the boundary question resulted in substantial outcomes for managing the disputed borders between India and China.

Key Points from the Eight-Point Consensus:

1. Boundary Delimitation: Both countries have agreed to further discussions on “an early and substant

Exam-Focused Notes on the Moscow Roundtable Conference on Snow Leopard Conservation

Overview

• Event: Moscow Roundtable Conference on Snow Leopard Conservation
• Date: August 26, 2026
• Location: A.N. Severtsov Institute of Ecology and Evolution, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
• Objective: Strengthening international cooperation in snow leopard research and c