Current events of national and international importance

Is current affairs what troubles you the most? Are you looking for a way to understand the crux of current events of national and international importance? Do you want to know how to score more marks in the civil service exam? Read further to know more.

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and challenging exams in India, requiring aspirants to possess a comprehensive understanding of a wide range of subjects.

Among these, the segment on “Current Events of National and International Importance” holds significant weightage.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of staying updated with current affairs and how it aligns with the UPSC CSE syllabus.

Understanding the relevance of Current events of national and international importance

Current events play a pivotal role in the UPSC CSE syllabus as they serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

This segment gauges an aspirant’s awareness of global and national issues.

It also checks aspirants’ analytical skills, and their ability to connect various events to broader socio-political, economic, and environmental contexts.

What Falls Under Current Events

As far as UPSC CSE is concerned, candidates should conceive the “Current Events of National and International Importance” as events that have taken place in recent times and have significant relevance to India’s socio-economic, political, and cultural landscape.

This includes both national and international events, policy changes, scientific advancements, diplomatic relations, environmental issues, and more.

Current Affairs is an extension of Static Topics

Current affairs is not something that is separate from static topics.

Ideally, candidates should see current affairs as an extension of static topics like Geography, Economy, Polity, Technology etc.

Current affairs events can be connected to subjects like polity and governance, economy, international relations, environment, science and technology, social issues, and security.

Aspirants should aim to form a holistic understanding of how these events impact these diverse subjects.

Some major events of recent national importance:

The current affairs events mentioned below represent a cross-section of the diverse issues that have captured national attention in recent times, reflecting the multifaceted nature of India’s socio-political landscape.

• Katchatheevu Island: What is the dispute about?
• Electoral Bonds: The Supreme Court held that anonymous electoral bonds are violative of the right to information under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
• ISRO’s X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat): Launched to study black holes and galaxies, marking a significant step in space research.
• Aditya-L1 Mission: India’s first solar mission successfully reached its final orbit, enhancing India’s capabilities in space research.
• Mumbai Trans Harbour Link: India’s longest bridge, connecting Mumbai with Navi Mumbai.
• Women Reservation Bill: This legislation aims to reserve 33 per cent of seats in both the directly elected Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies exclusively for women.
• Chandrayaan 3: Chandrayaan-3 is India’s third voyage to the moon and its second attempt at a soft landing. Through this mission, India joined China, the United States, and Russia as the fourth nation in the world to accomplish this accomplishment.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: The global pandemic had a profound impact on India, leading to lockdowns, healthcare challenges, and socio-economic disruptions.
• Farmers’ Protests: The ongoing farmers’ protests against agricultural reforms sparked nationwide discussions on agrarian policies and farmer welfare.
• Vaccination Drive: India’s vaccination campaign against COVID-19, one of the largest in the world, aimed to inoculate millions and curb the spread of the virus.
• Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization: The abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into union territories sparked debates on regional autonomy and security.
• Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Protests: Nationwide protests erupted against the CAA, with concerns raised about its implications on citizenship and secularism.
• Ayodhya Verdict: The Supreme Court’s verdict on the Ayodhya land dispute paved the way for the construction of a Ram temple and the allocation of an alternative site for a mosque.
• Digital India Initiatives: The push for digitalization, especially during the pandemic, emphasized the importance of digital connectivity, governance, and services.
• Economic Slowdown and Recovery: The economic impact of the pandemic led to challenges, followed by efforts for recovery through stimulus packages and policy changes.
• Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan: The self-reliance initiative aimed to boost domestic manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports, and promote entrepreneurship.
• Ladakh Standoff: The military standoff with China in Ladakh’s Galwan Valley highlighted border security concerns and India’s foreign policy challenges.
• Cyclone Amphan: The powerful cyclone wreaked havoc in West Bengal and Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for disaster preparedness and climate resilience.
• Black Lives Matter Solidarity: The global movement sparked discussions in India about racism, discrimination, and social justice.
• Rising Environmental Concerns: Environmental issues gained prominence, with discussions on air quality, water scarcity, deforestation, and sustainable development.
• New Education Policy (NEP) 2020: The policy aimed at revamping the education system, emphasizing holistic learning, skill development, and flexibility.
• Rise of Digital Payments: The surge in digital payments, accelerated by the pandemic, showcased the potential of a cashless economy.
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Policies: RBI’s interventions to stabilize the economy, manage inflation, and promote financial inclusion were closely monitored.
• New Labour Codes: The introduction of new labour codes aimed to modernize and simplify labour laws, impacting the rights and working conditions of employees.
• National Education Technology Forum (NETF): The forum was launched to promote the integration of technology in education, facilitating e-learning and innovation.
• One Nation One Ration Card Scheme: The initiative aimed to provide food security to beneficiaries across states by enabling ration card portability.
• Pegasus Spyware Controversy: Allegations of surveillance using Pegasus spyware raised concerns about privacy, cybersecurity, and freedom of expression.

Note: Do you wish to cover a lot more current affairs topics in a short span of time? If yes, join the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course.

Some recent issues or events of international importance

The international events and issues mentioned below reflect the intricate web of interconnectedness that shapes our world, highlighting the importance of diplomacy, cooperation, and informed global citizenship.

• Russia-Ukraine Tensions: The ongoing tensions and conflicts between Russia and Ukraine heightened concerns about territorial integrity, European security, and international law.
• Israel-Palestine Conflict: Escalations in the Israel-Palestine conflict led to renewed violence, international mediation, and discussions on a two-state solution.
• Global COVID-19 Response: The global effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic included vaccine distribution, travel restrictions, and collaborative research on treatments.
• Climate Change and COP26: The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) highlighted the urgency of addressing climate change through global cooperation.
• Afghanistan Withdrawal: The withdrawal of US and NATO forces from Afghanistan led to a power vacuum, impacting regional security and stability.
• Myanmar Coup: The military coup in Myanmar sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about human rights and democracy.
• Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan: The rapid takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban raised questions about governance, women’s rights, and global security.
• China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI): China’s expansive infrastructure project continued to impact global trade, geopolitics, and economic dynamics.
• Russia-Ukraine Tensions: Ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine raised concerns about territorial integrity and European security.
• Brexit Implementation: The finalization of the UK’s exit from the European Union marked a significant shift in Europe’s political and economic landscape.
• Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, impacting trade, manufacturing, and logistics.
• Vaccine Diplomacy: Countries engaged in vaccine diplomacy by providing COVID-19 vaccines to other nations, influencing international relations.
• Hong Kong National Security Law: China’s imposition of a national security law in Hong Kong raised concerns about autonomy and civil liberties.
• Iran Nuclear Deal: Negotiations surrounding the Iran nuclear deal highlighted global efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and regional stability.
• Rise of Cyberattacks: High-profile cyberattacks targeted critical infrastructure, raising questions about cybersecurity, espionage, and digital warfare.
• Migration Crisis: Ongoing migration challenges, including refugee movements and immigration policies, remained a global concern.
• Emerging Technologies: Discussions around artificial intelligence, 5G technology, and biotechnology raised questions about ethics, regulation, and national security.
• Ebola Outbreak: Ebola outbreaks in Africa prompted international efforts to contain the virus and support healthcare systems.
• Humanitarian Crises: Humanitarian crises in Yemen, Syria, and Venezuela underscored the importance of international aid and conflict resolution.
• Space Exploration: Advancements in space exploration, including Mars missions and private space travel, redefined possibilities beyond Earth.
• Trade Disputes: Trade tensions between major economies, such as the US-China trade dispute, continued to impact global trade flows and economic relations.

Note: Do you wish to cover a lot more current affairs topics in a short span of time? If yes, join the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course.

How to learn about current affairs?

Aspirants often wonder about the best way to stay updated with the multitude of current affairs events occurring around the world.

Readers may note that this article on current events of national and international importance is just an overview of the topic. There is a lot more to learn about the current affairs.

We recommend the below sources to learn the current affairs.

1. Join ClearIAS Current Affairs Course.
2. If you wish to cover all subjects in the UPSC CSE syllabus including current affairs, join the ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains course.
3. Go through ClearIAS Current Affairs articles.
4. Download ClearIAS Current Affairs Capsules (monthly MCQ PDF sets).
5. Reading reputable newspapers like The Hindu, The Indian Express, and The Business Line and magazines like Yojana, Kurukshetra, and Frontline can provide a deep insight into current affairs. If you wish to subscribe to The Hindu Epaper or The Hindu website, you can apply the discount code CLEARIAS to get extra OFF.

Online Sources to learn events of national and international importance

There are many websites and apps like ClearIAS that will help in your current affairs preparation.

ClearIAS Website: If you join ClearIAS Prelims cum Mains course, you will get information about all major events of national and international importance. If you are looking for a current affairs-specific course, also explore the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course. Also, don’t miss ClearIAS current affairs articles which we create for free.

Government Websites: Websites like PIB (Press Information Bureau), RSTV (Rajya Sabha TV), and IDSA (Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses) offer valuable information.

News Apps and Podcasts: Utilize news apps and podcasts that offer daily or weekly summaries of current events, making it convenient to stay updated even on the go.

Television and Radio: News channels and radio broadcasts can provide a broader perspective on events and discussions.

Government Reports and International Organizations: Reports from government bodies like NITI Aayog and international organizations like the United Nations can provide data-driven insights into current issues.

What is the best strategy to learn current affairs for competitive exams like UPSC CSE?

Current Affairs is not separate from traditional subjects  – it is an extension of static topics like History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Environment, Science and Technology etc.

Hence the best strategy to learn about Current Affairs is to link it with respective static topics. That is the reason why when we started the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course – we provided subject-wise and topic-wise current affairs.

Click here to join the ClearIAS Current Affairs Course.

Conclusion:

In the grand scheme of the UPSC CSE preparation journey, staying updated with current affairs is not just a box to be checked, but a continuous process of learning and adapting. It’s about nurturing the ability to critically analyze, comprehend, and discuss the complex world we live in.

By integrating current events into the broader syllabus, aspirants can showcase their readiness to take on the challenges of governance in an ever-evolving world.

The Civil Services Exam aims to identify individuals who have the potential to become effective administrators and policymakers. In the modern era, administrators are required to make decisions that impact not only the nation but also the international community.

Therefore, being well-versed in current events is not just a syllabus requirement; it’s a necessity for responsible governance.