Category: Current Affairs
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Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs)
How charge-coupled devices revolutionised digital imaging Context: The charge-coupled device (CCD) was a groundbreaking technology that converted light into electrical signals through an array of capacitors, which sequentially transferred electric charges for image capture. What is a charge-coupled device (CCD)? A Charge-Coupled Device (CCD) is a type of image sensor used to convert light into…
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Marine Protected Areas
Protected seas help kelp forests bounce back from heatwaves Context: New research published in the Journal of Applied Ecology shows that Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can help kelp forests recover after marine heatwaves. Using 40 years of satellite imagery, UCLA scientists studied California’s coastline and found that MPAs play a crucial role in boosting the…
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Hydropower Generation in India
Hydropower output may rise 10% on bountiful rain Context: Heavy monsoon rains may be disrupting roads, but they have filled reservoirs, boosting prospects for hydropower. According to ICRA Ltd., India’s hydropower generation is expected to rise about 10% in FY26, marking the second straight year of higher output. What is the significance of hydropower generation?…
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The Online Gaming Bill, 2025: A Turning Point for India’s Digital Gaming Industry
Online Gaming Bill 2025: A Controversial Crackdown Reshaping India’s Digital Playfield Context: The Online Gaming Bill, 2025, passed by Parliament, marks a decisive shift in India’s digital policy—moving from industry-friendly self-regulation to a blanket ban on real-money games amid rising concerns of addiction, money laundering, and national security risks. What are the major provisions of…
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Minimum Age to Contest Assembly Polls
Context: On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy declared that the Congress party would amend the law to reduce the minimum age for contesting Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years. How can the minimum age be changed for all elections in India? Changing the minimum…
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Economic History of Indian : From Mauryas to Mughals
Explore the Economic history of India from Mauryan central planning to Mughal monetisation—vital for UPSC History and Economy preparation. Introduction The Economic History of India traces the evolution of India’s economic structures across major empires in ancient India. It highlights shifts from the Mauryan state’s centralised planning to the Mughal Empire’s monetised and revenue-centric economy.…
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Must-Read Chapters in the Ancient History Syllabus
Explore the most important ancient history chapters for UPSC. Understand key topics, prioritise your reading, and align with the latest exam trends. Understanding ancient Indian history is essential for any UPSC aspirant aiming to score well in both Prelims and Mains. Whether you’re preparing for General Studies (GS) Paper I or History Optional, a strong…
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यूपीएससी सिविल सेवा मुख्य परीक्षा 2025 निबंध प्रश्न पत्र
यूपीएससी सिविल सेवा मुख्य परीक्षा 2025 निबंध प्रश्न पत्र- संपूर्ण विश्लेषण और दृष्टिकोण यूपीएससी निबंध 2025 यूपीएससी सिविल सेवा परीक्षा (CSE) भारत की सबसे प्रतिष्ठित और चुनौतीपूर्ण परीक्षाओं में से एक है। आईएएस, आईपीएस, आईएफएस या आईआरएस अधिकारी बनने की यात्रा में तीन कठिन चरण पार करने होते हैं – प्रारंभिक परीक्षा, मुख्य परीक्षा…
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UPSC Mains Essay Paper 2025
UPSC Civil Services Mains 2025 Essay Paper – Complete Analysis and Approach UPSC Essay 2025 The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and challenging examinations in India. The journey to becoming an IAS, IPS, IFS, or IRS officer involves clearing three tough stages – Prelims, Mains, and the Personality Test…
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Species in News: Saltwater Crocodile
Saltwater crocodile population in Bengal’s Sundarban Biosphere Reserve shows substantial increase: survey Context: The West Bengal government has long conserved saltwater crocodiles through the Bhagabatpur Crocodile Project (1976–2022), India’s only breeding and conservation facility for the species, which released 577 individuals into the Sundarbans. About Saltwater Crocodile Species: Crocodylus porosus (Saltwater Crocodile) Conservation Status: IUCN Red…
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India’s Rocket Systems and the Case for Heavy Payload Launch Vehicles
ISRO moots heavy-lift rocket that can carry payload of 75,000 kg Context: India’s space ambitions are reaching for the stars—literally—with ISRO’s proposal for a super-heavy lift rocket capable of carrying a staggering 75,000 kg payload into low Earth orbit. This marks a bold leap in capability and global positioning. What are the different types of…
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Rubella: Understanding the Disease, Symptoms, and Treatment
Nepal declared free of rubella as a public health problem: WHO Context: On August 18, 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared that Nepal has eliminated rubella as a public health problem, a major milestone for maternal and child health in South Asia. What is rubella? Rubella, also known as German measles, is a contagious…
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Data Sovereignty and National Security: A Critical Positive Shift for India
Data Sovereignty in India: A Powerful Driver of Strategic Autonomy Data Sovereignty: With India implementing the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 and facing rising cyber threats from hostile neighbours, ensuring data sovereignty has become a strategic imperative to safeguard democracy, privacy, and economic autonomy. What is Data Sovereignty? Data sovereignty refers to the principle…
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Stunting in India
The complex web of factors behind India’s persistent stunting crisis Context: Stunting—low height-for-age from chronic malnutrition—remains high in India at 37% (2025), only slightly improved from 38.4% (2016), showing limited progress despite POSHAN Abhiyaan’s Mission 25 (2018) and reflecting deep socio-economic and systemic challenges. What are the major causes of rising instances of stunting in…
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Regional Disparity in Industrial Development in India
Regional Disparity in Industrial Development: A Critical Challenge for India’s Growth Context: The issue of regional disparity in industrial growth has resurfaced after the Standing Committee on Finance (2025) recommended an action plan for the even distribution of industries across states. This comes amidst opposition allegations of bias in investment approvals and at a time…
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Urban Challenge Fund: Driving Resilient and Sustainable Indian Cities
Urban Challenge Fund: A Bold Path to Stronger Indian Cities Context: The Urban Challenge Fund reflects India’s urgent push to address rapid urbanisation, outdated infrastructure, and funding gaps in city governance. At a time when cities contribute over 60% to GDP yet face rising climate risks, housing shortages, and service deficits, this performance-linked initiative aims…
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Simultaneous Elections and Powers of EC
Context: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is currently reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, popularly known as the “One Nation, One Election” (ONOE) Bill. What is One Nation, One Election (ONOE)? One Nation, One Election (ONOE) is a proposal to synchronise the election cycles for the Lok Sabha (the lower house…
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Weaponisation of Space
Weaponisation of Space: Recent events, such as Russian hackers hijacking a satellite to broadcast propaganda in Ukraine, highlight how modern warfare extends beyond land, sea, and air into cyberspace and outer space. What is the Weaponisation of Space? The weaponisation of space refers to the deployment of weapons systems in outer space or the use…
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Earthquakes and Seismic Hazard
Myanmar’s massive quake hints at bigger earthquakes to come Earthquake: A new study by Caltech researchers reveals that the Sagaing Fault’s rupture extended over 500 kilometres, far more than expected, and released a net slip of 3 meters. The findings challenge existing seismic models and hold critical lessons for both Myanmar and earthquake-prone regions such…