UPSC Current Affairs
India Advances Space Capabilities, Disaster Resilience, and Economic Growth
8 stories · about 4 min read · quiz and Mains question at the end
ISRO Successfully Launches Earth Observation Satellite EOS-05
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched EOS-05, India's first imaging satellite designed to monitor the country from a geosynchronous orbit about 36,000 km above Earth. Placed in a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit, the satellite will provide continuous real-time observation capabilities over the Indian subcontinent. This milestone significantly enhances India's capabilities in disaster monitoring, weather forecasting, and national security surveillance.
Home Ministry Reviews Himalayan Preparedness for Glacial Lake Outburst Floods
The Union Home Secretary chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness of Himalayan States against Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs). The Home Ministry urged States to transition from a purely response-oriented strategy to preventive risk mitigation, community-level readiness, and early warning systems. The initiative comes amidst rising temperatures and accelerating glacial retreat in the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
India's Q1 GDP Growth Reaches 7.8% Exceeding RBI Estimates
India recorded a robust Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 7.8% for the first quarter of FY 2026-27, surpassing the Reserve Bank of India's projection of 7%. The expansion reflects strong domestic demand and resilience in service sectors despite global macroeconomic headwinds and geopolitical uncertainties. However, economic experts and former officials have raised questions regarding methodology and rebasing exercises used in calculating GDP figures.
India Reaffirms Support for Peace and Global South Security during EAM Visit to Kyiv
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Ukrainian leadership in Kyiv, extending India's willingness to assist in peaceful conflict resolution between Russia and Ukraine. Highlighting the global repercussions, India emphasized that attacks on commercial shipping in the Black Sea directly threaten energy security and agricultural supply chains in the Global South. The visit underlines India's committed stance on diplomacy, dialogue, and safeguarding global supply chains.
UN Warns of Severe El Nino Threatening Global Weather Extremes
The United Nations has issued a warning that an impending El Nino event could rank among the strongest in recent decades, amplifying global climate shock events. While El Nino is a naturally occurring ocean-atmosphere phenomenon characterized by ocean warming in the central and eastern tropical Pacific, scientists caution that human-induced climate change is worsening its heat impacts. South Asia faces heightened risks of erratic monsoons, agricultural disruptions, and extreme heatwaves.
Japan Credit Rating Agency Upgrades India Sovereign Rating to A-
Japanese credit rating agency JCR upgraded India's sovereign credit rating to A- with a stable outlook, acknowledging the country's robust economic fundamentals. The Finance Ministry welcomed the rating upgrade, noting that higher credit ratings reduce foreign borrowing costs for Indian firms and lower interest obligations for the exchequer. The move strengthens international investor confidence in India's fiscal discipline and economic trajectory.
CAQM and ISRO Collaborate to Refine Stubble Burning Monitoring Protocols
The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) is working alongside ISRO to upgrade stubble burning estimation protocols in Punjab and Haryana. Recognizing that current satellite pass schedules do not capture all farm fires, CAQM is implementing improved ground-truthing and high-resolution imaging protocols. This initiative aims to provide precise data to curb seasonal air pollution in the National Capital Region.
Health Ministry Strengthens Live Tracking System for Healthcare Workers
The Union Health Ministry is strengthening the Nurses Registration and Tracking System (NRTS) to create a live, real-time registry of nursing professionals across India. An updated portal will facilitate better manpower planning, identify regional shortages, and ensure standard quality control in nursing education and healthcare delivery. The initiative aims to modernize health infrastructure and improve nurse-to-patient ratios across rural and urban areas.
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