Keeping abreast of the latest news is essential to an aspirant of the UPSC because it is the foundation of both the Preliminary and the Mains exams. UPSC syllabus focuses on the national and international trends and policies, socio-economic and environmental issues, and the development in science. To start with, it is possible to concentrate on some important issues. The following are the 10 best current affairs questions in 2024 -2025.

1. South Asian Geopolitics

Geopolitical problems, in particular those related to the neighbourhood of India, have continued to be core to the preparation of the UPSC. More recent events are the India-Pakistan relations after Operation Sindoor, China-India border politics in Ladakh and Bhutan-China disputes in Doklam. Knowledge of these occurrences assists the aspirants in examining the strategic affairs, border disputes and the foreign policy of India as enforced by the Ministry of External Affairs in its Look East and Act East policies.

2. Economic Performance and Reforms of India

In both prelims and mains, economic affairs are important. With 2024-25, the issues of GST collections, trends in Fiscal Deficit, and management of inflation in India are pressing. Other reforms, such as the National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) and PLI schemes in areas such as electronics, textiles and automobiles, are also significant because they demonstrate government attempts to increase manufacturing and foreign investment. India is committed to green growth as an example by the PLI scheme on renewable energy.

3. Policies and environmental issues related to climate change

Climate change has been on the global and national agenda. Among the important themes are the net-zero commitments of India by 2070, the National Electric Mobility Mission Plan, and the India Cooling Action Plan. Also, the knowledge of international treaties such as the COP28 treaties, Paris treaty, and India's efforts in renewable energy, such as solar parks, will be essential in answering questions in GS Paper III.

4. Social Welfare and Justice Schemes

The new changes in social welfare are also important in social justice and governance inquiries. These can be the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi expansion, the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, and changes to the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Relevant are also the Dalit Empowerment Policies and the policies of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Science and technology have s

5. Science and Technology Developments 

ignificantly contributed to the growth of the business sector. Technological improvement in UPSC is also growing significantly. The subjects such as the progress of AI and quantum computing in India, missions of ISRO, such as Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 follow-ups, and defence technology such as hypersonic weapons and BrahMos missiles upgrades are necessary. As an example, the successful lunar landing of Chandrayaan-3 indicates the increasing space capacities of India and the global cooperation in the space exploration.

6. Preparedness to Health and Pandemic

Health is one of the critical topics, post-COVID. News about the National Health Mission, Ayushman Bharat reforms and collaboration with the world on WHO pandemic preparedness plans are essential. Topical problems such as antimicrobial resistance, increasing non-communicable diseases, and vaccination initiatives, such as COVID-19 booster will have to be mentioned.

7. Summits and Diplomacy

It is necessary to monitor the Indian involvement in G20, BRICS, QUAD, and ASEAN summits. In 2024, the G20 Summit in New Delhi was dedicated to digital economy, climate action and sustainable development. With this knowledge of these developments, questions in connection with foreign policy goals, multilateral relations, and leadership of India in the world become easier.

8. Amendments to the Constitution and Reforms of Government

Lots of questions about constitutional changes are frequently asked at UPSC. Recent ones are amendments concerning anti-defection legislation, local government (73rd and 74th amendments), and citizenship. There is a need to know the Constitutional provisions of the emergency powers, Fundamental Duties, and Directive Principles of the State Policy as well.

9. Agriculture and Rural Development

Among them are the digital farming programs, crop insurance programs, soil health cards, and the government programs focused on water conservation under the program Jal Shakti Abhiyan. The policies under PM-KUSUM and sustainable agriculture programs exemplify the idea of how India will be able to balance food security, farmer wellbeing and climate adaptation.

10. International trade and geoeconomics

As India is emerging as a major participant in the world economy, the Indian-EU trade negotiations, the RCEP negotiations, and the Indian-Australia economic collaboration are topical. Knowledge of such concepts as tariffs, trade deficit, and WTO regulations, as well as the export-import performance of India are critical to the questions of economic and international relations.

Conclusion

To the beginners, these 10 topics offer a guideline on which to focus on current affairs. Although this is not a comprehensive list, it is a balanced mix of domestic policies, international developments, economic trends, science and technology as well as social welfare. Reading of government reports, releases in PIB and reading of national newspapers regularly and analysis of these matters will enable aspirants to attain a well-rounded knowledge base in both prelims and mains.