UPSC Prelims 2026: Application-Oriented Current Affairs for 18 Months (From November 2024 to May 15, 2026: Static subjects linked with Current Affairs and Events.
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Monuments & Heritage | New UNESCO World Heritage Sites (WHS)/Tentative List (India and global) → Focus on Hoysala/Kakatiya Temple Art (if new sites are added/in news). | Identify Architectural features (Nagara/Dravida/Vesara), Patrons (Dynasties), and Geographical location. |
| Culture & Society | Major events related to Tribal History/Martyrs (e.g., Tribal Movements, Janajati Gaurav Diwas). | Tribal Revolts, Leaders, Geographical area of the revolt, and the associated static syllabus topic (e.g., forest laws, land reforms). |
| Art Forms | New GI Tags for traditional crafts/products. International Booker Prize/Nobel Prize linkage. | Focus on the State/Region and the specific craft technique, material, or dance form (e.g., Puppetry types: String, Rod, Shadow, Glove). |
| Ancient/Medieval | Any historical person/site in news due to major excavation/government memorial/new book. | Focus on Coinage (Mauryan, Gupta), Inscriptions (Ashokan Edicts/Gundaram inscriptions), and major Religious Sects (Jainism, Buddhism, Bhakti/Sufi movements). |
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Centre-State | Governor's Discretionary Powers (e.g., withholding assent, summoning assembly) → If recent conflicts arise. | Focus on Article 200, 356, and recommendations of Sarkaria/Punchhi Commissions. |
| Judiciary | Landmark SC Judgments (Electoral Reforms, Digital Rights, Basic Structure challenges). | Focus on Core Constitutional Articles (e.g., Article 14, 19, 21, 32), Triple Test (e.g., Puttaswamy case), and the power of Judicial Review. |
| Electoral Reforms | Updates on Election Commission powers, Model Code of Conduct disputes, State Election Commission roles. | Focus on Articles 324, 243K, 243ZA, and differences between the powers of the ECI and SEC. |
| Governance | Digital Personal Data Protection Act, New Criminal Codes (if implemented). Citizen-centric governance initiatives (CPGRAMS). | Focus on Definitions, Penalties, and Overriding Acts. Example: Right to be Forgotten. |
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Climate Change | Outcomes of COP (UNFCCC/CBD), India's NDCs, Green Hydrogen Mission progress. | Focus on Goals, Funding Mechanisms (GFC), Reports (IPCC), Techniques (Carbon Capture/Sequestration). |
| Biodiversity | New Ramsar Sites/Biosphere Reserves/Tiger Reserves in India. | Criteria, Location, and IUCN Conservation Status. |
| Geography | Major Cyclones/Earthquakes/GLOF events → Linkage to Disaster Management. | Naming conventions, Geographical locations, El Niño/La Niña impacts. |
| Pollution | Air Quality, Methane Emissions, E-Waste Rules, Single-Use Plastic Ban. | Sources, Pollutants, Relevant Acts. |
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Sector | RBI Monetary Policy Tools (Repo, CRR, OMOs) → If there are significant rate changes/liquidity issues. Banking Reforms (NPAs, Digital Lending). | Focus on Definitions, Impact on Inflation/Growth, and the Role of bodies (RBI, SEBI). |
| Fiscal Policy | Union Budget/Economic Survey 2026 Analysis (key deficits, revenue sources, FRBM Act updates). | Focus on Definitions of Fiscal Deficit/Revenue Deficit, and Direct vs. Indirect Taxes. |
| External Sector | Global Trade Trends, FTA updates (India-UK, India-EU), BoP (Current Account Deficit/CAD) trends. | Focus on Definitions (e.g., FDI vs. FPI), WTO disputes, and Currency exchange mechanisms. |
| Schemes | PLI Schemes, PM-Kisan, PM-Vishwakarma (any scheme announced/restructured in the Nov 2024 - Apr 2026 period). | Focus on Target Beneficiary, Ministry in charge, and Main Objective. |
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Space | ISRO Missions (Chandrayaan-4, Gaganyaan, Aditya-L1) follow-up. New Space India Limited (NSIL) commercialization. | Focus on Objective of the Mission, Launch Vehicle, Key Scientific Payload, and Indian private sector involvement. |
| Defense | Agni-5 (MIRV), MANPADS, Tejas Mk-1A, New Aircraft Carrier → If inducted/tested. | Focus on Type of Missile (Cruise/Ballistic), Range, Indigenous components, and DRDO's role. |
| IT/Digital | Quantum Computing, Blockchain in Governance, AI (Generative AI), Cybersecurity threats. | Focus on Core Technology Principle (e.g., Qubit vs. Bit), Applications in different sectors, and Government Initiatives (e.g., National Quantum Mission). |
| Health/Biotech | New Vaccines, CRISPR/Genetic Engineering ethical issues, One Health concept. | Focus on Definitions (e.g., Gene Editing), Disease Mechanism, and Key Institutions (e.g., ICMR, WHO). |
| Sub-Area | Expected Topic/Focus (Nov 2024 - May 15 2026) | Prelims Application Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Global Groupings | Outcomes/Structure of G20/BRICS/SCO/Quad summits hosted during this period. | Focus on Member Countries (new members), Secretariat Location, and Core Objective/Declaration Theme. |
| Geo-Politics | Developments in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea Security, West Asia conflicts. India's Neighbourhood First Policy updates. | Focus on Strategic choke points (Straits, Canals), Major Ports (e.g., Chabahar, Hambantota), and Bilateral Exercises (e.g., Exercise Ekatha). |
| India's Foreign Policy | UN Reforms, Global South Leadership (Voice of Global South Summit), and Cultural Diplomacy (Yoga, Diaspora Influence). | Focus on Key Organisations (UNSC, UNGA), India's permanent member aspiration arguments, and Developmental Aid/Lines of Credit (LOCs). |
To score nearly 100% marks in Current Affairs, you must ensure that every topic above is prepared by creating an integrated, one-page note that details the Definition (for Prelims), Constitutional/Legal Basis, and the Latest Fact/Report for quick revision.
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