UPSC Prelims · Bite-size lessons
Current Events of National and International Importance
About 6 min · General Studies Paper I · English
Time worked out from the lesson's 449 words at 150 words a minute, plus a minute for each question.
Unlike static subjects, this domain tests your awareness of recent events across governance, diplomacy, economy, science, sports, and social issues.
Key ideas
- Government Schemes as Policy Tools: New schemes (PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, PM-JANMAN for PVTGs, Vibrant Villages Programme) reflect policy priorities. Understand the ministry, target beneficiaries, funding pattern, and constitutional/legal basis.
- India's Multi-Alignment Diplomacy: India balances relations with the West (Quad, iCET with USA), Russia (energy, defence), and the Global South (Voice of Global South Summit). No single bloc defines India's foreign policy.
- Multilateral Summits and Groupings: G20 (India's presidency 2023), BRICS expansion (new members: UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran), SCO, ASEAN, I2U2 (India-Israel-UAE-USA) — know the focus areas, declarations, and India's stance.
- Science Missions as National Pride: Chandrayaan-3's successful soft landing, Aditya-L1 (solar mission), Gaganyaan test flights, and NISAR satellite reflect ISRO's expanding capabilities.
- Reports and Indices: Global Hunger Index, Human Development Index, World Happiness Report, Climate Performance Index — know India's rank, the publishing body, methodology criticisms, and government responses.
Watch out for
- Confusing similar schemes: PM-KISAN (income support to farmers) vs PM-KUSUM (solar pumps) vs PM Fasal Bima Yojana (crop insurance). → Create a comparison table by ministry and beneficiary.
- Misattributing international indices: Students confuse which organisation publishes which report. → HDI is UNDP; Global Hunger Index is Welthungerhilfe + Concern Worldwide; Ease of Doing Business was World Bank (discontinued).
- Ignoring government counter-narratives: For indices where India ranks poorly, UPSC may test the government's methodological objections. → Know both the rank and the critique.
Quick reference
- G20 Delhi Declaration 2023: African Union permanent member; crypto asset regulation; global biofuels alliance launched.
- Chandrayaan-3: Soft landing (4th country); south pole (1st country); Shiv Shakti Point.
- Electoral Bonds: SC struck down; violated Article 19(1)(a); SBI ordered to disclose data.
- Article 370 Verdict: Abrogation upheld; statehood restoration directed; not a violation of basic structure.
- BRICS 2024: Expanded from 5 to 10 members; headquarters for New Development Bank remains Shanghai.
Check yourself: 3 questions
1. The Indian government launched the 'Mera Yuva Bharat' (MY Bharat) initiative in 2023. What is the primary objective of this initiative?
2. In 2023, India assumed the presidency of which international grouping for a one-year term, hosting several meetings including a major summit in New Delhi?
3. The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana, launched in September 2023, aims to support which category of workers?
This lesson is cut from the topic's note, not rewritten. Fact-checked on 21 Oct 2026: an AI-assisted check of this note against cited sources; the errors it found were corrected that day. Some errors may remain. The questions are from Shishya's validated question bank.
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