Contents Discuss the salient features of the Harappan architecture. (10 M) Examine the main aspects of Akbar’s religious syncretism. (10 M) ‘The sculptors filled the Chandella artform with resilient vigor and breadth of life.’ Elucidate. (10 M) How are climate change and the sea level rise affecting the very existence of many island nations? Discuss …
Context: A recent study (IIT Indore, ICIMOD, US universities) reconstructed the hydrological discharge of the Gangotri Glacier System (GGS), showing shifts in meltwater trends due to climate change. About Gangotri Glacier Decline: What it is? The Gangotri Glacier System (GGS) is a major source of the Bhagirathi River, a key tributary of the Ganga. Comprises …
Syllabus: Environment Source: DTE Context The WHO–WMO report Climate Change and Workplace Heat Stress (2025) highlights how rising global temperatures are creating a severe occupational health and productivity crisis. With 2024 the warmest year on record (1.45°C above pre-industrial levels), both outdoor and indoor workers face growing risks. Key Findings of the WHO–WMO Report Productivity …
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Q6. What are the main causes behind the recent mass coral loss in the Great Barrier Reef? How do climate-induced and biological stressors interact to intensify reef degradation? Suggest long-term strategies for coral reef conservation. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: The …
Syllabus: Disaster Management Source: TH Context: Nepal recently witnessed multiple catastrophic GLOF events, including one on July 8, 2025, that washed away a key China-built friendship bridge and crippled hydropower projects. This has raised alarm across the Himalayan region, including India, where warming temperatures are increasing the risk of similar events in glacial lake belts …
Topic: Changes in critical geographical features (including water-bodies and ice-caps) and in flora and fauna and the effects of such changes. Q2. What were once anomalies are now the new normal in the Arctic. Critically analyse the environmental indicators pointing towards a seasonal transformation. How do these trends affect Arctic fauna? (10 M) Difficulty Level: …
Syllabus: Environment Source: UNCCD Context: The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Centre released a Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025 report highlighting intensifying drought hotspots between 2023–2025. Key Summary of Report Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025: Global Escalation: Droughts have intensified across Africa, the Mediterranean, Latin America, …
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Syllabus: Geography Source: IE Context: Cloudbursts in Kangra and Kullu districts of Himachal Pradesh triggered devastating flash floods, killing two people and leaving over a dozen missing. About Cloudburst: What is a Cloudburst? A cloudburst is a sudden, highly intense rainfall event, releasing ≥100 mm of rain in under one hour over a localized area …
Syllabus: Environment Source: WMO Context: India’s eastern and western coastal regions are witnessing faster sea level rise than the global average, according to WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 report, posing an increasing threat to livelihoods and infrastructure. Summary WMO’s State of the Climate in Asia 2024 Report: Key Trends in India: Sea …
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Topic: Indigenization of technology and developing new technology. Q6. Evaluate the role of new technologies like molten salt reactors (MSR) and subcritical systems with proton accelerators in India’s future nuclear roadmap. Discuss their feasibility and potential contributions. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: IE Why the question: India’s net zero roadmap and recent debates on …
Source: UN Context: In 2025, the International Year of Glacier Preservation is being marked through a UN-backed global conference, International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025 in Tajikistan. About International Conference on Glaciers’ Preservation – 2025: What is it? A high-level global summit focusing on urgent action to combat glacier retreat and ensure sustainable freshwater …
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Syllabus: Climate Change Source: WMO Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released a new decadal climate forecast, warning that global temperatures between 2025 and 2029 are expected to remain at or above record levels, significantly increasing climate-related risks and development challenges. About WMO Global Climate Forecast 2025–2029: Temperature Range: Annual global mean surface temperature …
Source: IE Context: The European Space Agency (ESA) will launch the Biomass satellite mission in end of April, 2025, aboard the Vega C rocket. About Biomass Satellite Mission: What is the Biomass Mission? Biomass is ESA’s seventh Earth Explorer satellite mission under its climate and Earth systems programme. It will map global forests and measure …
Syllabus: Ecology Source: DTE Context: The Supreme Court issued a stay on deforestation in Hyderabad’s Kancha Gachibowli forest amid massive protests against state-led land auction for IT development. What is Kancha Gachibowli and Why is it in Conflict? Kancha Gachibowli is a biodiverse urban forest patch near the University of Hyderabad, with over 730 plant …
Topic: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment Q6. Deoxygenation in global lakes reflects the accelerating consequences of both long-term climate change and short-term climatic extremes. Analyse the ecological implications. Suggest long-term mitigation frameworks. (15 M) Difficulty Level: Medium Reference: DTE Why the question: 83% of lakes globally experiencing decrease in surface water oxygen …
Syllabus: Governance Source: UN Context: The Global Environmental Data Strategy (GEDS) is in the spotlight as the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) works to finalize it by December 2025. This strategy aims to address the triple planetary crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss by leveraging high-quality, accessible environmental data for informed decision-making and …
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Syllabus: Ecology Source: DTE Context: A UNDP report highlights a significant funding imbalance, revealing that for every $1 invested in forest conservation, $6 is funnelled into industries that contribute to deforestation. Key Insights from UNDP Report on Forest Conservation Funding: Funding Gap: $460 billion per year is required to stop deforestation, but current funding falls …
Source: IDR Context: Ethiopia’s Mount Fentale volcano has emitted massive methane plumes, an unprecedented natural event with potential climate change implications. About Mount Fentale: What Happened? Mount Fentale, located in northern Ethiopia, released large amounts of methane into the atmosphere starting January 31, 2025. The event was described as a “burp”, with huge plumes of …
Context: Global glaciers have lost over 7 trillion tons of ice since 2000, with 2023 marking a record 604 billion tons lost. Glacier melting is now a bigger contributor to sea level rise than ice loss in Greenland or Climate Change and Glacier Meltdown: Data & Facts: Glaciers lost ice at a rate of 255 …
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 3 December 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …
