Importance of Current Affairs in UPSC Preliminary Examination

Current affairs or “NEWS” is a vital part of UPSC preparation. If we examine the question papers of the previous years we could readily see this pattern. Be it a question from economics or from polity, it seems UPSC is taking more cautious efforts to link the subject to a current topic. So it is very important for us to know what the term current affairs really mean from UPSC’s point of view and also a thorough analysis of the previous year question papers.

The importance and meaning of the term current affairs can be examined under two heads

a) How important is current affairs for Civil Service Preliminary Examination?

If we examine the question papers from 2014 and 2015 preliminary exam, roughly there were about 25-30 questions asked from topics that are of current relevance. In the year 2016, the proportion had gone up to a whopping 55-60 questions. This shows the varying trend in the examination.

What could be the logic behind such a dramatic shift in the pattern of question papers? Broadly speaking this shift in the patterns explains the intent of UPSC, which is in the quest to find the finest minds to govern the country. However, for the quest to be fruitful it would be appropriate from the part of UPSC to examine the candidate’s awareness about the society in which he is living. Static knowledge would prove inefficient for such an analysis. Society is dynamic and are subjected to changes. A Civil Servant should have the skills of a barrister and also that of a diplomat in order to cope with the changing society and also show the cognitive skills to coordinate, mobilize arguments and achieve consensus in regard to the execution of his duty. This analytical nature of the duty demands the aspirants to have an analytical mind and awareness of the society. This awareness can be imparted only through a broad reading which is beyond the textbook knowledge.

Let’s try to understand this new pattern by examining the question papers.

The Current Affairs segment can be divided into various sub-groups.

– Government Schemes and Policies

An analysis of 2016 UPSC Prelims Question Paper shows that 13 questions were asked from this area alone.

For example [1. With reference to ‘stand up india scheme’, which of the following statement is/are correct?

1. Its purpose is to promote entrepreneurship among SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.

2. It provides for refinance through SIDBI.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2]

There were questions on Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Mission Indradhanush, Digi Locker, ‘SWAYAM’, Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme, Gold Monetisation Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, UDAY Scheme, Rastriya Garima Abhiyan, Green India Mission in 2016 UPSC Prelims Question Paper. Hence, it is high recommended that the candidate be very thorough with various schemes and policies of the government including its details.

–India’s Space Missions and Defence Systems

This is yet another favorite area of UPSC from where an average of 3 to 4 questions is asked every year.

[Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently?

(a) Amphibious warfare ship

(b) Nuclear-powered submarine

(c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel

(d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

With reference to `Astrosat’ the astronomical observatory launched by India, which of the following statements

is/are correct?

1. Other than USA and Russia, India is the only country to have launched a similar observatory into space.

2. Astrosat is a 2000 kg satellite placed in an orbit at 1650 km above the surface of the Earth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2]

A question on Mangalyaan/ Mars Orbiter Mission also appeared in 2016 Prelims Question Paper. For 2017 Prelims a question can be expected on Scramjet Engine, SCATSAT etc. that were recently tested by ISRO.

– Science & Technology

The questions from this area are mostly direct in nature. Roughly speaking, the number of questions will be around 4 to 5. In 2016, the following questions were asked.

With reference to ‘Bitcoins’, sometimes seen in the news, which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. Bitcoins are tracked by the Central Banks of the countries.

2. Anyone with a Bitcoin address can send and receive Bitcoins from anyone else with a Bitcoin address.

3. Online payments can be sent without either side knowing the identity of the other.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

[Bitcoins is a threat to the global financial market]

In the context of the developments in Bioinformatics, the term transcriptome;sometimes seen in the news, refers to

(a) a range of enzymes used in genome editing

(b) the full range of mRNA molecules expressed by an organism

(c) the description of the mechanism of gene expression

(d) a mechanism of genetic mutations taking place in cells

Project Loon, sometimes seen in the news, is related to

(a) waste management technology

(b) wireless communication technology

(c) solar power production technology

(d) water conservation technology

What is Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10), recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

– International Institutions like WTO, World Bank, IMF etc. & the various Reports issued by them.

An analysis of last three years UPSC Prelims Questions Paper shows that, current affairs on international affairs are gaining more importance. Since we are living in a globalized world, international trade and finance is an area that is indisputably relevant for the nation’s growth prospects. Being a civil service candidate, one must know his country’s international rankings , potential sources on international finance and must be in a position to analyze the growth prospects.

In 2016 alone, 5 to 6 questions were asked on the topic to check a candidate’s awareness in the area.

For example,

India’s ranking in the Ease of Doing Business Index is sometimes seen in the news. Which of the following has declared that ranking?

(a) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)

(b) World Economic Forum

(c) World Bank

(d) World Trade Organization (WTO)

Consider the following statements:

1. New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.

2. The headquarters of New Development Bank is in Shanghai.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Global Financial Stability Report is prepared by the

(a) European Central Bank

(b) International Monetary Fund

(c) International Bank for Reconstruction and Development

(d) Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

In the context of which of the following do you sometimes find the terms `amber box, blue box and green box in

the news?

(a) WTO affairs

(b) SAARC affairs

(c) UNFCCC affairs

(d) India-EU negotiations on FTA

Recently, which one of the following currencies has been proposed to be added to the basket of IMF’s SDR?

(a) Rouble

(b) Rand

(c) Indian Rupee

(d) Renminbi

– International Environmental and Social Initiatives

Usually the questions will be relating to environmental, humanitarian or trade related initiatives that are relevant to every country. At least three to four questions are asked from this area in 2016.

For example [The FAO accords the status of ‘Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS)’ to traditional agricultural systems. What is the overall goal of this initiative?

1. To provide modern technology, training in modern farming methods and financial support to local communities of identified GIAHS so as to greatly enhance their agricultural productivity

2. To identify and safeguard eco-friendly traditional farm practices and their associated landscapers, agricultural biodiversity and knowledge systems of the local communities

3. To provide Geographical Indication status to all the varieties of agricultural produce in such identified GIAHS

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3]

The other questions were on topics like International Solar Alliance, Trans- Pacific Partnership, India- Africa Summit, ‘The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB)’, Base Erosion and Profit Sharing, ‘ Belt and Road Initiative’, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, Paris Climate Change Agreement, Intended Nationally determined contributions. The varied areas that are concentrated by UPSC to ask questions on makes it quite evident that a candidate must be reading the daily newspaper and other magazines with utmost care, so that he may not miss anything.

– Other International Issues

In this segment, UPSC tests your basic awareness on issues of international importance. The issues identified as questions in this topic are often those that are important for our country.

Let us look at some questions that were asked in 2016 to be clearer.

European Stability Mechanism sometimes seen in the news, is an

(a) agency created by EU to deal with the impact of millions of refugees arriving from Middle East

(b) agency of EU that provides financial assistance to eurozone countries

(c) agency of EU to deal with all the bilateral and multilateral agreements on trade

(d) agency of EU to deal with the conflicts arising among the member countries

-International NGOs

In a recent trend, one question is asked for UPSC Preliminary Examination about an international NGO. There was a question on the same in 2014,2015 and in 2016. So it is highly recommended to take note on those NGOs especially that are working in environmental and humanitarian areas.

In 2016 , the question was

Doctors Without Borders (Medecins Sans Frontieres) often in the news, is

(a) a division of World Health Organization

(b) a non-governmental international organization

(c) an inter-governmental agency sponsored by European Union

(d) a specialized agency of the United Nations

In 2014,

Amnesty International is

(a) an agency of the United Nations to help refugees of civil wars

(b) a global Human Rights Movement

(c) a non-governmental organization to help people voluntary very poor people

(d) an inter-governmental agency to cater to medical emergencies in war-ravaged regions

–Current National Issues in News

This segment contains those questions that were recurrent in national news. For example , a question was asked in 2016 on Gadgil and Kasturirangan Committee Report, FSSAI Packaging Rules [Maggi Noodles Issue] District Mineral Foundation [Coal Block Allocation issues and the subsequent Acts] etc.

To be well-versed in the above identified areas, every aspiring candidate is advised to read The Hindu and The Indian Express daily and prepare notes. Since the relevant news items are huge in number, one may tend to forget what he/she read in a few days, preparing notes on current affairs will help us revise them better.

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