15 published UPSC current-affairs articles
Scientific Innovations & Discoveries A study published in Nature Genetics found that certain epigenetic changes, particularly DNA methylation patterns, can be inherited across generations in mice without altering the underlying DNA sequence. The findings challenge the conventional understanding of Mendelian inheritance and suggest that heritable information may extend beyond the DNA sequence.
Context: On International Clouded Leopard Day, India ’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP). About The Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP): The Clouded Leopard CAP is a comprehensive, multi state strategic framework formulated to secure habitats, restore ecological corridors, standardize population assessments, and empower local communities for the long term survival of the species in India .
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, to introduce Vehicle to Vehicle (V2V) technology standards. This development establishes a structured regulatory pathway for deploying wireless communication systems across Indian motor vehicles to enhance road safety, prevent accidents beyond line of sight limitations, and lay the foundation for Intelligent Transportation Systems.
The Department of Fisheries has approved the national rollout of the Vessel Communication and Support System (VCSS) under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY). The ₹364 crore project aims to equip one lakh marine fishing vessels with indigenous satellite based transponders. Covers mechanised and motorised fishing vessels across all 13 coastal States/UTs.
Hyderabad based space tech startup TakeMe2Space’s PowerBank 50 has become the first indigenously developed, commercially available satellite battery in India to achieve “flight heritage” after successfully operating aboard Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram 1 mission. The mission was launched on 18 July 2026. A space grade battery pack designed to provide electrical power to satellite payloads.
Context: The Strategic Forces Command (SFC) successfully conducted a routine training launch of the Agni IV intermediate range ballistic missile off the coast of Odisha. About The Agni IV Ballistic Missile: Agni IV is an indigenous, nuclear capable, two stage solid fueled Intermediate Range Ballistic Missile (IRBM).
In August 2026, private space technology startup Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled 'EVEREST' in Bengaluru, Karnataka. EVEREST is India's first privately built 800 kN Full Flow Staged Combustion (FFSC) LOX Methane rocket engine. Designed to power reusable launch vehicles, this landmark development establishes India as only the fourth nation globally to possess this advanced propulsion technology, highlighting the rapid technological maturation of India's private aerospace sector.
An analysis published in August 2026 highlights the mechanics of Beijing's technology and innovation ecosystem. Beijing has constructed a unique market state hybrid model that systematically integrates top research universities, early stage start ups, state backed capital, and market mechanisms. The initiative focuses specifically on accelerating technology commercialization, expanding physical infrastructure, and building specialized industrial clusters, with an intense strategic priority on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics as central drivers of future economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
An investigation has revealed that 15 out of 22 private firms receiving loans from India's Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) Fund possess ties to selection committee members. Operating under the Ministry of Science and Technology, the fund provides low interest, collateral free loans specifically intended to support deep tech sectors. This recent disclosure has brought public and administrative scrutiny onto the transparency, conflict of interest, and governance structures governing the distribution of major public backed technological investments in India.
Indigenous African Swine Fever Vaccine Developed by ICAR Achievements of Indians in Science & Technology Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (ICAR NIHSAD), Bhopal, have developed India ’s first indigenous live attenuated vaccine against African Swine Fever (ASF).
Syllabus: GS3/Science and Technology An analysis of the ISRO headcount from data in annual reports over the last three decades shows that ISRO’s current sanctioned strength vis a vis available employees is at 72% which is the lowest in recent times. The developments have revolved around unprecedented failures, slowdown of projects with top billing, fears of attrition and the emergence of nascent competition in the form of homegrown startups.
According to the latest data disclosed by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), India ’s spending on research and development (R&D) surged to 0.83% of GDP in 2021 22, , marking the first time since 2009 10 that the country crossed the 0.8% threshold. What is Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD)? It is the sum of all resources dedicated to research and development during a given period.
India 's First Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) to be Established in Gwalior The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, and the Government of Madhya Pradesh will sign an MoU for the establishment of India 's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ) at Gwalior. Location: India 's first Telecom Manufacturing Zone (TMZ), Phase I, will be established at Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
The proposed Google AI Data Centre in Visakhapatnam has brought the concept of agrivoltaics into focus as a sustainable solution to meet the rising energy demand of AI infrastructure. Google has announced a US$15 billion investment to establish a 1 GW Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. AI data centres require enormous amounts of electricity to power servers, cooling systems and digital infrastructure.
The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) has launched the e Pratyaropan Portal alongside the NOTTO mobile application. This initiative establishes a unified digital ecosystem designed to seamlessly connect hospitals, state authorities, and national bodies for organ donation and transplantation across India. By replacing fragmented hospital databases with a common platform, the portal aims to streamline real time organ matching, allocation, and tracking.