Academy Blogs

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs UPI Goes Live in Greece: India Expands Digital Payments Footprint in Europe Source: PIB Delhi What's in News India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) services were formally launched in Greece through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank, witnessed by Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal during his visit to Greece - marking another milestone in the internationalisation of India's digital public infrastructure. Key Facts UPI services were launched through a partnership between NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) and Eurobank, Greece, at an event attended by Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce and Industry. The launch reflects India's growing leadership in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), with discussions covering trade, investment, innovation, and business cooperation. The Minister [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs Prime Minister Pays Tribute to Brave Warriors on Hul Divas Source: PIB Delhi What's in News The Prime Minister paid tribute to the brave warriors of the Santhal Hul (1855-56) on the occasion of Hul Divas, remembering the sacrifices of Sidhu Murmu, Kanhu Murmu, Chand Murmu, Bhairav Murmu, Phulo Murmu, and Jhano Murmu - one of the earliest and largest tribal uprisings against British colonial rule in India. Key Facts The Santhal Rebellion (Hul) took place in 1855-56, led by Sidhu, Kanhu, Chand, Bhairav, Phulo and Jhano Murmu. It started from Bhognadih village in present-day Sahibganj district, Jharkhand. The revolt was directed against the British administration, zamindars, and moneylenders (mahajans). Nearly 50,000 Santhals participated in the uprising. RevoltRegionPeriodSanthal RebellionJharkhand-Bengal1855-56Kol [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Platform Source: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) What's in News Recently, the National Medical Commission directed all medical colleges and institutions to utilize the Medical Innovations Patent Mitra Platform developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research to promote innovation, patent protection, and commercialization of healthcare technologies. Key Facts Medical Innovations Patent Mitra (I2I Connect) supports patent filing and technology transfer for innovative biomedical research, with fully government-funded support for strategic and high-quality patent applications. It seeks to strengthen India's healthcare innovation ecosystem by facilitating the transition of research into market-ready products, and enables researchers to protect their Intellectual Property Rights (IPR). Launched by ICMR, developed under the guidance of NITI Aayog, and implemented [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Source: IRENA What's in News Recently, a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency highlighted that renewable energy projects commissioned in 2025 helped avoid an estimated $840 billion in fossil fuel costs globally, underlining the growing economic benefits of clean energy. Key Facts IRENA is an intergovernmental organization established in 2009 to support countries in their transition towards a sustainable energy future, serving as the principal global platform for international cooperation on renewable energy. It acts as a centre of excellence, a repository of policy, technology and financial knowledge, and a facilitator of international collaboration in clean energy. Objectives: Promote widespread adoption of renewable energy technologies, support energy security and sustainable development, facilitate international [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs International Maritime Organization (IMO) Source: United Nations What's in News Recently, the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization announced plans to facilitate the evacuation of ships and thousands of stranded seafarers in the Persian Gulf amid tensions arising from the conflict in West Asia. Key Facts IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for the safety, security, and environmental performance of international shipping, and the global standard-setting authority for maritime transport. History: Established in 1948 as the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO); became a UN specialized agency in 1959; renamed IMO in 1982. Objectives: Enhance maritime safety and security, prevent marine pollution from ships, promote efficient and sustainable shipping, and develop globally accepted maritime regulations. Governance: [...]

UPSC & GPSC · Current Affairs India & Malaysia Review Bilateral Military Cooperation during 12th SCMC Meeting Source: PIB Delhi What's in News India and Malaysia held the 12th Sub Committee Meeting on Military Cooperation (SCMC) in New Delhi, reviewing the entire spectrum of bilateral defence cooperation and reaffirming their shared commitment to peace, security and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific. Key Facts The meeting was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Defence (India) and the Assistant Chief of Staff (Force Development & Training), Malaysian Armed Forces (Malaysia). Conducted under the framework of the India-Malaysia Enhanced Strategic Partnership. Both sides agreed to expand military-to-military exchanges, increase participation in professional military courses, and enhance cooperation in maritime security. Discussions covered regional security developments, Indo-Pacific [...]