The Current Affairs segment of the UPSC Exams is an integral part of the recruitment process as it tests the dynamic knowledge of the candidates involved. But since current affairs in itself is a vast topic, it is difficult to focus on a wide array of topics.
Hence this article will give details about the focus topics for current affairs as well as a brief details about the trends of current affairs in the UPSC Exam.
Current Affairs trends in UPSC Exam
Going by the trends of the last few years, the current affairs segment in the Prelims exams show that at least 20-30 questions have been featured. This shows that current affairs are an indispensable part of Prelims exam and thus also a deciding factor that will ensure a success in the prelims exam
It’s not just prelims exams, the current affairs is also a part and parcel of the mains exam. But the approach of solving the mains paper with regards to current affairs is a different ball game. With regards to UPSC Mains, it also helps to develop analytical and logical thinking on different topics like international relations, politics, economy etc.
Current affairs not only helps in tackling these questions but also manages to score good marks when they are included in the answers. Certain static portions such as history and geography will become wholesome if the answers are combined with current affairs.
In the interview stage, a UPSC candidate’s knowledge is tested with regards to his/her capability in dealing with many different real life scenarios. Apart from theoretical knowledge of various topics, and optional subjects, candidates are expected to be aware of events inside or outside the country, as well as that of other scientific knowledge such as new discoveries, historical events etc. Hence current affairs are an important part of an interview stage.
Since the current affairs is dynamic in nature, it has made it an essential part of the civil services exam. An ideal candidate is expected to cover the current affairs section in his/her preparation phase. In addition, current affairs also increases knowledge and even the overall personality of the candidate.
Main topics to focus on Current affairs
- Polity: Topics related to the politics of India such as the constitution, Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, Bills and Acts , governance, fundamental rights, social issues, center-state relations etc
- Economics: Topics having to do with the Indian economy, International reports on wold economy, indices, banking, finance, Unemployment , poverty, economic policies, banking reforms, banking policies, future economic policies and reforms, inequality in income, sectors of Indian economy etc.
- Environment: Topics of interest related to biodiversity, wildlife, environment condition at global and local level, facts about wildlife protection organizations such as IUCN, conservation efforts, climate change etc.
- Art & Culture: Art and Culture will involve national heritage sites and monuments, conservation, national festivals, regional festivals, dance forms, heritage conservation , paintings etc.
- Science and Technology: Scientific developments in recent years, Indian Space Program, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, communication technology, contribution of Indians in the same field etc.
- Government Schemes of different sectors, Government policies, and Initiatives, amendments in existing laws.
- International: Indian visits- bilateral and multilateral forums such as WTO, UN, other international organizations, major political events, etc.
Primary sources of Current Affairs
The sources of Current Affairs can be Magazines like Manorama Yearbook, Pratyoggita Darpan and Newspapers like The Hindu and as well as the internet. But as mentioned above, current affairs is a vast topic, the sources must also be limited as it can take a long time to cover them all, time that is limited to candidates preparing for the exam.
For more details about the UPSC Exams in general, candidates can refer to the UPSC Notification for more information
